JP2009240715A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of exhibiting an enhanced presentation effect without impairing a player's reliability on the related presentation. <P>SOLUTION: A presentation execution command includes a related presentation command to execute the presentation over a plurality of times of variable display of special symbols based on the result of determination by prior determination means 330. Game data include common jackpot data to be determined as jackpots regardless of the game state, and limited jackpot data to be determined as jackpots in a probability variable game state only. Presentation execution command determining means 331 selects different tables when the limited jackpot data are extracted and when the common jackpot data are extracted. The probability of appearance of the related presentation command is set lower in the table selected when the limited jackpot data are extracted than in the table selected when the common jackpot data are extracted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that draws a jackpot when a game ball wins a starting opening.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine in which a lottery is drawn by entering a game ball at a start opening, and when a big win is won, an attacker is opened to obtain more prize balls. In such a gaming machine, in order to give the player a sense of expectation for jackpots and to improve gameplay, the lottery lottery results are displayed on the symbol display unit made up of a liquid crystal screen, etc., with various elaborate effects. Like to do.

As described above, for example, a gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1 is known as a gaming machine that has improved game playability through a sophisticated presentation.
Normally, when a gaming ball enters the start opening during the special symbol variation display, the gaming machine reserves the right of variation display (hereinafter referred to as “holding ball”) up to a predetermined number (four), The reserved balls are processed in the order in which they are reserved. The gaming machine shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has enhanced the effect by focusing on the point where the processing of the holding ball is sequentially performed. This gaming machine has the following characteristics.

  That is, in general gaming machines, various decorative symbols (design symbols for production) are displayed on the symbol display unit during the special symbol variation display, but for one special symbol variation display, The decorative design is displayed once. When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved, the special symbol variation display is continuously performed. In such a case, the decorative symbol display is also continuously performed in the symbol display unit. .

  Therefore, the conventional gaming machine performs a related effect (display of a related decorative pattern) that completes a story over a plurality of decorative symbols in the symbol display unit, thereby displaying the decorative pattern only once. Compared to the effect that can be obtained, a higher effect is achieved. For example, when there are three reserved balls, the design display unit performs the effect with the decorative symbols three times in succession. At this time, an effect related to the first stage of the story is performed in the first decorative design, and subsequently, an effect related to the middle of the story, which is a continuation of the first effect, is performed in the second decorative design. Then, in the third decorative design, after performing the effect that the story is completed, the player is informed that the jackpot is finally confirmed. Thus, if a story is continued over a plurality of decorative symbols, the player's sense of expectation can be gradually increased. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a very high production effect as compared with the production in which the contents are completed by one decoration design.

  Note that conventional gaming machines are generally provided with a probabilistic gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is higher than in the normal gaming state. For example, when a game ball enters the start opening, a big win lottery is performed. In this jackpot lottery, one random number (game data) is drawn by random number generation means from among 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. At this time, in the normal gaming state, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), whether or not the jackpot is won based on the normal jackpot determination table in which the two values "7" and "317" are set as the jackpot Is determined. Therefore, when a winning random number (game data) of “7” or “317” is extracted by a lottery performed when a game ball enters the starting port, a big hit is determined.

  On the other hand, in the probability variation gaming state, in addition to the above “7” and “317”, the jackpot is based on the probability variation jackpot determination table in which all 20 values such as “67” and “97” are set as jackpots. A determination is made as to whether or not he has won. Accordingly, in the probability variation gaming state, the jackpot winning probability is 10 times higher than in the normal gaming state.

When the winning random number (game data) is drawn as described above, the design random number (game data) is then drawn. The design random number is for determining the type of jackpot, and there are mainly a normal jackpot and a probabilistic jackpot. A normal jackpot means that the attacker can gain the right to play a jackpot game that can be unlocked and win a large number of prize balls. The promising jackpot is a higher probability of winning the jackpot after the jackpot game ends. The right to proceed with the game in the probable gaming state can also be acquired.
When the random numbers of the design random numbers are drawn, the random numbers of the reach random numbers (game data) are then drawn. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform a related effect and whether or not to perform a reach effect when notifying the player of the jackpot lottery result. As the reach random number, one random number value is extracted from the 251 random number values from 0 to 250 by the random number generation means. The extracted reach random number is determined based on the big hit determination table if the hit random number determination result is a big hit, and is determined based on the lost determination table if it is a loss. Is done.

  Specifically, it is assumed that “7” or “317” is extracted as a result of lottery of random numbers in the normal gaming state. In this case, since the jackpot is fixed, the reach random number is determined based on the jackpot determination table after the reach random number is drawn. In the jackpot time determination table, as shown in FIG. 16B, the winning probability of the related effect command is set to 121/251, and the winning probability of the reach effect command is set to 129/251. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the related effect or the reach effect is performed with a probability of 99% or more.

On the other hand, assume that random numbers other than “7” and “317” are extracted as a result of lottery of random numbers in the normal gaming state. In this case, since the losing has been confirmed, the reach random number is determined based on the losing determination table after the reach random number is drawn. In the lose time determination table, the winning probability of the related effect command is set to 10/251, and the winning probability of the reach effect command is set to 25/251. Therefore, in the case of a loss, the probability that a related effect or reach effect will appear is extremely low, but there is a possibility that so-called gas leaching will be performed.
In addition, in the probability variation gaming state, not only “7” and “317” but also a random hit value determined such as “37” and “67” is extracted based on the jackpot determination table. Is determined.

In a conventional gaming machine, in order to perform a related effect, the determination result of the reach random number, that is, whether or not to perform a related effect (determination of a related effect command) Also done.
For example, it is assumed that a game ball enters the starting port in a state where three reserved balls are reserved, that is, in a state where reserved balls are reserved from a to c. At this time, it is assumed that a winning random number and a reach random number are lottery, the winning random number is a jackpot winning random number value, and the reach random number is a random value for executing a related effect.

This random number value is determined by the prior determination means, and “4” is stored in a counter that counts the number of times related effects are performed. As described above, when the reserved balls a to d are digested in a state where predetermined numerical values are stored in the counter, related effects are continuously performed. On the other hand, every time the reserved balls a to d are digested, “1” is subtracted from the counter, and when the reserved balls d are digested, the counter becomes “0”, and thereafter the normal performance is performed. It becomes like this.
Note that when the reserved ball is digested, apart from the determination by the prior determination means, the determination of each random number is performed again, and the effect is controlled based on the determination result. In other words, the determination by the prior determination unit is merely performed to grasp in advance whether or not there is a related effect and whether or not there is a reach effect.

JP 2004-283544 A JP 2007-275404 A

When the related effects shown in Patent Document 1 are executed, a so-called “gasse-related effect” may appear after the end of the jackpot game (a game in which an attacker can open a predetermined time and acquire a large amount of prize balls). There is a risk that the reliability of the related performance will decrease. The reason is as follows.
That is, in the probability variation gaming state, as described above, the jackpot winning probability is very high. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), there are many cases where the jackpots are won in the holding balls b to d while the jackpot is won in the holding ball a.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), it is assumed that a normal jackpot is determined for the holding ball a when the game is in the probability variation gaming state. Thereafter, it is assumed that the reserved balls b and c are retained until the reserved ball a is digested (FIG. 17B). During the digestion (fluctuation) of the holding ball a, the holding ball d is reserved, and in the holding ball d, a winning random number other than “7” and “317”, which is a big hit only in the probable gaming state For example, assume that a random number of “67” is extracted (FIG. 17C).
At this time, it is assumed that the related effect command is extracted as a result of predetermining the reach random number of the holding ball d, and “3” is stored in the counter for related effect as shown in FIG.

However, since the reserved ball a is normally a big hit, when the reserved ball a is digested, the big hit game is started and the normal game state is returned after the big hit game ends. As a result, when the reserved ball d is digested, it is determined to be lost based on the normal jackpot determination table.
At this time, since the numerical value “3” for executing the related effect remains stored in the related effect counter, the reserved balls b to d are stored even though the reserved ball d is lost. In the process of digesting, so-called Gase related effects will be performed.

In this way, in the probability variation gaming state, the winning probability of the jackpot is very high, and therefore, after the normal jackpot is confirmed in the holding ball, the jackpot is often won even in the holding ball digested thereafter. Moreover, the number of hit random numbers determined to be a big hit only in the probability variation gaming state is much larger than the number of hits determined to be a big hit in both the normal gaming state and the probability variation gaming state, so the above cases are likely to occur. turn into.
As described above, in conventional gaming machines, after the jackpot game is over, the related effects of the gasse are often performed, the reliability for the related effects is lowered, and the effect effects specific to the related effects cannot be exhibited. There was a problem.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of exhibiting a high performance effect without lowering a player's reliability with respect to a related performance.

  According to the present invention, a normal game state in which a jackpot is won with a predetermined probability by a lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the start port, where the game ball can be entered, The jackpot gaming state is started by jackpot winning in the probability variation gaming state, the normal gaming state or the probability variation gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot is higher than the gaming state, and can win more prize balls than the both gaming states. The control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the special symbol is variably displayed when the game ball enters the start opening, and the subsequent game state is displayed by stopping the variability display after a predetermined time has elapsed. A special symbol variation display means, wherein the control means is a game data lottery means for acquiring game data by lottery when a game ball enters the start opening, When the special symbol is variably displayed by the effect execution command determining means for selecting a table corresponding to the game data and determining the effect execution command based on the table, and the special symbol variation display means, the game ball The number of balls entered at the start opening is stored, and the variable display holding means for retaining the right of variable display of a special symbol triggered by the pitch, and the game ball incoming is stored in the variable display holding means. And a pre-determination means for determining the game data with the entry as a trigger before the start of the change display of the special symbol with the entry as an opportunity. Based on the determination result of the means, a related effect command for executing an effect over a plurality of special symbol variation displays is included, while the game data includes a jackpot regardless of the game state. The determined jackpot data and the limited jackpot data determined to be a jackpot only in the probability variation gaming state are included, and the effect execution command determination means is configured such that when the limited jackpot data is extracted, the common jackpot data The table selected when the limited jackpot data is extracted, and the table selected when the limited jackpot data is extracted is more than the table selected when the common jackpot data is extracted. The appearance probability is set low.

The start opening is provided in the game board, and the game ball launched on the game board is configured to enter or pass. The start ports are not particularly limited in structure as long as it can detect that a game ball has entered or passed.
When a game ball enters or passes through the start opening, a random number is acquired by a random number generation means or the like. The random number is checked against a predetermined table to determine whether it is a hit or a loss. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, that is, whether it is a win or a loss.
Fluctuation display means notifying the player of the special symbol, and it takes a predetermined time from the start of the lottery until the special symbol is finally notified to the player. As for the special symbol, it is only necessary that the lottery result is finally notified to the player. Therefore, when the special symbol is finally notified to the player after the lottery is started, that is, notification to the player during the change is not essential, and no notification is given to the player during the change. Is also included in the variable display referred to in the present invention.

The special symbol variation display is started by a lottery of winning or losing. Therefore, the start port generates a right to make a lottery of winning or losing.
The game data includes a random number value acquired by a random number generating means and a command based on the random value.
When a game ball enters or passes through the starting port, a lottery of winning or losing is performed. This lottery result must be notified to the player every time. The notification of the lottery result is a special symbol variation display, but some effect is provided for each special symbol variation display. That is, one presentation is performed for one special symbol variation display. The related effect is made over a variation display of a special symbol multiple times, which means that the multiple effects are performed in association with each other in some form.
Therefore, the same effect may be performed at the time of displaying the special symbol multiple times, or a series of continuous stories may be developed. In any case, the related effects of the present invention include a wide variety of effects that are associated with a plurality of effects.
The effect command determined by the effect command determining means is sufficient if it is possible to determine at least whether the related effect is performed or whether there is a possibility that the related effect appears.

The jackpot means obtaining a right to advance the game in a state controlled so that a large number of prize balls can be obtained. The progress of the game in the big hit state is performed within the scope of the right of one change display.
The normal gaming state means that a game ball enters the starting port with a predetermined probability set in advance, and that a big win is won with a predetermined probability in a jackpot lottery triggered by the game ball entering. State. On the other hand, the probability variation gaming state refers to a state in which the winning probability of jackpot is higher than that in the normal gaming state.

  According to the present invention, after the jackpot game is over, there is no need to perform more related effects of gasse. In other words, the probability that the related effect of the gaze will be performed does not change from the normal gaming state at all even after the end of the jackpot game. Therefore, it is possible to exhibit a production effect peculiar to the related production without lowering the reliability of the related production.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the gaming machine. The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 101. At a lower position of the game board 101, an operation handle 113 including a launching unit (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 3) is arranged. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown). The game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a ball that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. A mouth is provided.

  A symbol display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used as the symbol display unit 104. Below the symbol display unit 104, a first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball driven toward the game area 103 is disposed. Below the first start port 105, a second start port 120 having a pair of movable pieces 120a is disposed. When the pair of movable pieces 120a are in the closed state, the second starter port 120 is unable or impossible to receive the game ball. When the pair of movable pieces 120a is in the open state, It becomes easier to accept a game ball than the one start port 105. The pair of movable pieces 120a are controlled to a first state in which a game ball is less likely to enter than the first start port 105 in the normal game state, and the first start in the special game state such as the probability change state or the short time state. It is controlled to the second state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the mouth 105. In this embodiment, the time-short state refers to a gaming state in which the second start port 120 is controlled to the second state, and the probability change state refers to the second start port 120 being controlled to the second state. In addition, it means a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal gaming state.

A winning gate 106 is arranged on the left side of the symbol display unit 104.
The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and to draw a normal symbol for opening the second start port 120 for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the symbol display unit 104 or below. When a game ball enters the normal winning opening 107, a predetermined number of winning balls (for example, 10) are paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, a collection port 108 is provided for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the entrances.

In the lower right of the symbol display unit 104, a first special symbol display 84 for displaying a lottery result by a first special symbol lottery means 300 described later, and a second special for displaying a lottery result by a second special symbol lottery means 320. A symbol display 86 is provided. In both of these indicators 84 and 86, after the special symbol is variably displayed, the lottery result is finally displayed. When a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right of the special symbol variation display obtained by the entry, the so-called reserved ball is reserved. . The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90. The first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86 constitute the special symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention.
Similarly to the above, when a game ball enters the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery means 360 performs a lottery, and a normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is provided. The normal symbol change display right obtained by the game ball entering the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol change display, that is, the number of the reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold indicator 92.

  Each of these indicators 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 is composed of, for example, an LED, and the lottery result by the first special symbol lottery means 300, the second special symbol lottery means, depending on the lighting state of this LED. 320, lottery results by normal symbol lottery means 360, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering the first starting port 105, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering the second starting port 120, Also, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering the winning gate 106 is notified.

  When the game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120, the symbol display unit 104 described above starts displaying a plurality of decorative symbols and stops the variation of the decorative symbols after a predetermined time. Let When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the operation of opening the large winning opening opening / closing door 109a in the large winning opening opening / closing device 109 located below for a certain period is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and the number of awards corresponding to the game balls entered. Pay out the ball. In addition, when the game ball enters the first starting port 105, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the first starting port 105 in a variable manner, and the game ball is displayed at the second starting port 120. By entering the ball, the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the second start port 120 is variably displayed. In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol variation. If both the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 have a so-called hold ball for variable display, the hold ball obtained by entering the second start port 120 has priority. Digested.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

In the frame member 110, effect lights 111 (lamp units) are provided on two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. The effect lights 111 each include a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the irradiation direction of light can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.
Further, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. Each light 112 is driven by a motor provided in the effect light 111 so as to rotate the light irradiation direction. The motor that is driven to rotate the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 is a different motor from the motor that changes the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 up and down.

  The effect light 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light 111 in three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 while changing the vertical direction.

The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. .
Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of excitement due to attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.
In addition, the light irradiation direction or pattern may be made different when an abnormal situation different from that in a normal game occurs, for example, when an illegal act is performed on a gaming machine described in detail later. . As a result, it is possible to quickly find an abnormal situation such as an illegal act, and to strengthen the deterrence against the illegal act on the gaming machine after the next time.

In the frame member 110, a tray unit 119 to which game balls are supplied is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The tray unit 119 is supplied with game balls lent out from a rental ball device (not shown).
An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.
The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

On the upper side and the side of the symbol display unit 104 (on the right side in FIG. 1), there are provided effects (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115, 116. The directors 115 and 116 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment schematically represent a part of the Japanese sword (the vicinity of the samurai). The directors 115 and 116 are provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the directors 115 and 116 as if the blade is pulled out from the sheath and the pulled blade is returned to the sheath again.
The director 110 is driven by a solenoid, and the director 116 is driven by a motor. By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, it is possible to cause the directors 115 and 116 to perform their own movements, thereby increasing the stage effect.

In the frame member 110, a chance button 117 that accepts an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in a specific reach effect during the game.
In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 3) that outputs a production effect sound or a sound for informing fraud. This speaker 277 is of a type that can output high / mid / low sounds, and outputs high / mid / low sounds in a balanced manner during normal performance. Is controlled to output a high treble region high so that it can be heard well around.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. The control means 200 is composed of a plurality of control boards. In the illustrated example, the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the prize ball control board 203, and the lamp control board 206 are configured.
The main control board 201 controls the basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1, and based on the program stored in the ROM 201b, the CPU 201a that executes the basic processing accompanying the progress of the game content, and the data work during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a A RAM 201c functioning as an area is provided.
The main control board 201 performs a jackpot lottery relating to the game, and selects a command of effect recorded in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result. There are about 120 types of effect commands recorded in the ROM 201b, and the effect times are determined for each reach effect command described in detail later.

On the input side of the main control board 201, a first start port detection unit 221 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 105, and a second that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 120. A start opening detection unit 225, a gate detection unit 222 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106, a normal winning port detection unit 223 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning port 107, and a big winning port opening / closing device A special winning opening detection unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered 109 is connected.
In addition, a prize winning opening / closing unit 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201 to control the opening / closing of the prize winning opening / closing device 109. The special prize opening / closing unit 231 has a function of opening the special prize opening / closing device 109 for a certain period of time in a big hit, and is configured using a solenoid such as a special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b (not shown in detail). This jackpot is pre-programmed to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

Connected to the input side of the sub-control board 202 is a chance button detection unit 220 that detects that the chance button 117 has been operated.
The sub-control board 202 mainly controls the effects during the game. Based on the effect commands transmitted from the main control board 201, the CPU 202a for executing the effect lottery and effect processing, the program and the past effects. A ROM 202b for storing a pattern, a RAM 202c functioning as a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing of the CPU 202a, and the like are provided.

The sub control board 202 receives an effect command that constitutes a part of the game effect transmitted from the main control board 201, and draws a lottery in the CPU 202a based on the effect command to produce an effect background pattern, a reach effect pattern, and an appearance. An effect such as a character is confirmed, and this effect confirmation command is transmitted to perform sub-control in the game.
The CPU 202a has a function of performing control so that the same effect pattern is not continuously generated in the range of effect commands transmitted from the main control board 201, compared to the past effect patterns that have been changed a predetermined number of times. It may be.
The symbol display unit 104 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 also has a function of executing effect processing based on the above-described effect determination command. That is, the CPU 202a in the sub-control board 202 executes an effect process based on the effect confirmation command, the ROM 202b stores various image data such as a background image, a pattern image, and a character image, and the RAM 202c performs data work during the calculation process of the CPU 202a. Functions as an area. The sub-control board 202 is further provided with a VRAM 202d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  Normally, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display and variation processing, and character image display processing, reads necessary image data from the ROM 202b, and stores it in the VRAM 202d. Write. The background image, the design image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the design display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 202d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  A speaker 277 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 also has a function of controlling output of sound as an effect process based on the effect determination command described above. That is, in the sub control board 202, the CPU 202a executes audio processing based on the effect confirmation command, the ROM 202b stores various audio data, and the RAM 202c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 202a. When various effects are executed, based on the effect confirmation command, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various sound output processes such as effect sound effect processing, and outputs sound from the speaker 277.

On the output side of the sub-control board 202, a lamp control board 206 for controlling the lamp 262, the effect light 111, and the accessory part 254 is provided.
The lamp control board 206 functions as a CPU 206a that executes an effect process based on the effect confirmation command transmitted from the sub-control board 202, a ROM 206b that stores various effect pattern data, and a work area for data during the calculation process of the CPU 206a. A RAM 206c and the like are provided.

  The lamp control board 206 performs lighting control for various lamps 262 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, and the like based on the effect confirmation command transmitted from the sub-control board 202. The lighting control for the lights 112 is performed, and the drive control for the motors is performed to change the irradiation direction of the light from each light 112.

  In addition, the lamp control board 206 performs drive control for the solenoid that operates the effect accessory 115 on the accessory part 254 based on the effect confirmation command transmitted from the sub control board 202, and the effect accessory 116. The drive control for the motor that operates is performed.

  In addition, a prize ball control board 203 is connected to the main control board 201 so as to be able to transmit in both directions. The prize ball control board 203 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 203a. The prize ball control board 203 includes a CPU 203a that executes prize ball control processing, a RAM 203c that functions as a data work area when the CPU 203a performs arithmetic processing, and the like.

  The prize ball control board 203 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of entering the ball to the connected payout unit 291. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit.

  The prize ball control board 203 is a game ball that has entered the respective entrances (the first start opening 105, the second start opening 120, the normal winning opening 107, and the big winning opening opening / closing device 109) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to. The launching unit 292 launches a game ball for gaming, and includes a sensor (not shown) that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like (not shown). When the game operation is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 292, the prize ball control board 203 drives a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

(Functional configuration of main control board and sub control board)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the control means 200 for controlling the progress of the game.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 is a first special symbol lottery means 300, a first special symbol display control, as a means that functions mainly when a game ball enters the first starting port 105. Means 301, first special symbol variation control means 302, and first random number determination means 303 are provided.
The ROM 201b is a second special symbol lottery means 320, a second special symbol display control means 321 and a second special symbol variation control means as means for functioning mainly when a game ball enters the second start port 120. 322 and second random number determination means 323 are provided.
Further, the ROM 201b includes a jackpot game control means 340, a probability change game control means 341, a time-short game control means 342, a normal game control means 343, a prior determination means 330, and an effect execution command determination means 331 as means for controlling the progress of the game. I have.
Further, the ROM 201b includes a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, and a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 as means that function when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. I have.

The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes a first special symbol hold storage unit 401, a second special symbol hold storage unit 402, a normal symbol hold storage unit 403, and a game state storage unit 404.
On the other hand, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 includes effect lottery means 501 and effect control means 502.
Further, the RAM 202c of the sub control board 202 includes a first effect data hold storage unit 510 and a second effect data hold storage unit 511.
The first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 constitute the game data lottery means of the present invention.
Further, the first special symbol hold storage means 401 and the second special symbol hold storage means 402 constitute a variable display hold means of the present invention. The configuration and function of each means will be described below.

  The jackpot game control means 340, probability change game control means 341, time-short game control means 342, and normal game control means 343 are all programs that control the progress of the game in each game state.

  The jackpot game control means 340 proceeds with the jackpot game when a transition from the normal game state to the jackpot game state is made as a result of the jackpot lottery by the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 described later. Control. Specifically, the jackpot game control means 340 includes a long hit game in which the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for a total of 15 rounds, and a short hit game in which the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for two rounds. To control. In the present embodiment, “long win and short win” are collectively referred to as “big hit”, and “long win game and short win game” are collectively referred to as “big hit game”.

  As described above, when a long winning game is executed, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 is executed more than the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 during the short winning game. Yes. The opening / closing operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is performed by operating the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b by the special prize opening / closing part 231. Specifically, the jackpot game control means 340 operates the jackpot opening / closing solenoid 109b from the first round to the 15th round in the long hit gaming state and only two rounds in the short hit gaming state to thereby win the big prize opening / closing door 109a. Open and close. Then, when a game ball enters the big winning opening / closing device 109, the big winning opening detection unit 224 counts the number of balls entered. Further, when the game winning ball detecting unit 224 detects that the game ball has entered the game winning opening / closing device 109, the game ball is paid out by the payout unit 291.

  Here, “round” means that a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses and a predetermined number (for example, 9 balls) of game balls enter when a long game and a short game are being executed. This means a unit for opening / closing the special prize opening opening / closing device 109 by satisfying any of the following conditions. In the present embodiment, the opening time of the big prize opening / closing device 109 per round in the short win game is set to be extremely shorter than the opening time of the big winning opening / closing device 109 per round in the long hit game. ing.

  The probability variation game control means 341 is a probability of winning a big hit when the first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 perform a lottery in a game after a long win game or a short win game is executed. Control the probability change game that increases. As will be described in detail later, whether or not the first special symbol lottery means 300 determines whether or not it is successful is determined based on the first special symbol probability change time determination table, and whether or not the second special symbol lottery means 320 determines whether or not the second special symbol is probable. This is performed based on the determination table.

  In the present embodiment, “probability change game” means that the first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 determine whether or not the first special symbol probability change per-time determination table and second special symbol probability change, respectively. It means a game played based on the hourly determination table. A gaming state in which a probability variation game is being performed is referred to as a “probability variation gaming state”. Here, the special symbol probability variation time determination table (the first special symbol probability variation time determination table and the second special symbol probability variation time determination table) is longer and shorter than the special symbol normal variation time determination table. The winning probability for winning is set to be high (for example, the winning probability is set to be about 10 times higher than normal. Details will be described later).

  In the present embodiment, if the random number drawn by the first special symbol drawing means 300 is determined to be a long hit, the probability variation game is performed with a probability of, for example, 1/2 after the long hit game is executed. When it is determined that a short win is achieved, the probability change gaming state is entered with a probability of, for example, a half after the short win game is executed. If the second special symbol lottery means 320 is determined to be a long win, the probability change game state is assumed with a half probability after the long hit game is executed, and if it is determined to be a short win, After the short hit game is executed, the probability change game state is entered with a probability of 100%. On the other hand, when the random number drawn by the second special symbol lottery means 320 is determined to be a long hit, after the long hit game is executed, the probability change gaming state is established with a probability of 60%, for example. However, if it is determined that a short win is made, as described above, after the short win game is executed, the probability change gaming state is entered with a probability of almost 100%.

  In addition, although it is substantially the same mode as the above short win, any one of the normal short win, the probable gaming state and the short-time gaming state that are not changed to the probable gaming state after the winning game is executed, Needless to say, a small hit or the like in a normal gaming state may be combined as appropriate.

  The short time game control means 342 controls the short time game in which the lottery time is shortened in the lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360. In the probability variation game state, the time-short game is performed by the time-short game control unit 341 together with the probability variation game by the probability variation game control unit 341.

  In the present embodiment, the “short-time gaming state” means a gaming state in which a lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360 described later is performed based on a normal symbol short-time hitting determination table. In other words, the normal symbol lottery means 360 performs lottery based on the normal symbol normal hour determination table in the normal gaming state, but in the short time gaming state, the normal symbol lottery means 360 draws based on the normal symbol short time determination table. Done. The normal symbol time per hour determination table has a lottery time shorter than the normal symbol normal time per time determination table.

As a result of the lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360, if the winning is won, the pair of movable pieces 120a are released for a certain period of time, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 120. In the normal symbol time / short time determination table, the winning probability is set as high as 90%, for example. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state, it is possible to acquire a lot of winning balls by entering the second starting port 120, and the game can proceed without reducing the gaming balls as much as possible.
In addition, a game that is performed in a state where a game value advantageous to the player is given, such as the probability variation game and the short-time game, is referred to as a special game.

  Then, the normal game control means 343 controls the progress of a game that does not fall into either the jackpot game or the special game, that is, a normal game. As described above, one of the jackpot game control means 340, the probability variation game control means 341, the short-time game control means 342, and the normal game control means 343 controls the progress of the game depending on the game state. The gaming state in which the control units 340 to 343 are in progress is written in the gaming state storage unit 404 of the RAM 201c.

Next, the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol display control means 361, the normal symbol variation control means 362, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, and the normal symbol hold, which start control when the game ball passes the winning gate 106. The storage unit 403 will be described.
When the game ball passes through the winning gate 106 and is detected by the gate detection unit 222, the normal symbol lottery means 360 extracts a random number from a random number value (for example, 0 to 250) prepared in advance. When the random value is extracted by the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 determines whether or not it is a hit based on the table stored in the ROM 201b. At this time, if the game is in the normal game state, the winning is determined based on the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table, and if it is in the time-short game state (including the probability variation game state), it is based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table. Winning is determined.

If the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is a win, the second starting port opening / closing solenoid 120b is operated to open the movable piece 120a, and if it is lost, the second starting port opening / closing solenoid is operated. The control is terminated without operating 120b. Therefore, when the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is lost, the second start port 120 is not opened and the closed state is maintained. The result of determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 by the normal symbol display control means 361.
It should be noted that a predetermined time is required until the determination result is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 after the game ball passes through the winning gate 106. During this time, if the game ball further passes the winning gate 106, the right to draw by the normal symbol lottery means 360 is reserved in the normal symbol hold storage means 403. The maximum number of reserved rights for the lottery is four, and is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 92 by the normal symbol display control means 361.

Next, control when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described.
When the first start port detector 221 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105, the detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201. If the said signal is received, the 1st special symbol lottery means 300 will extract one random number value from random numbers (for example, 0-600) prepared beforehand. The random value extracted here includes a hit random number, a design random number, and a reach random number. The winning random number is a random number for determining whether or not it is a big hit, and the design random number is a random number for determining the type of winning (long hit, short hit). The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect (including a related effect described later).

  The RAM 201c is provided with a game state storage unit 404. Whether the current game state is a normal game state or a special game state (probability game state, short-time game state). Is remembered. When the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts a random number value, the first random number determination means 303 determines the random number value based on the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage means 404.

  Specifically, if it is a normal gaming state, the extracted random number value is determined based on a special symbol normal time per hit determination table, and if it is a probability variable gaming state, it is determined based on a special symbol probable per hour determination table. In the special symbol normal time determination table, a first special symbol normal time determination table and a second special symbol normal time determination table are prepared, and the special symbol probability change time determination table includes the first special symbol normal time determination table. A special symbol probability changing time determination table and a second special symbol probability changing time determination table are prepared. Each of these determination tables is stored in the ROM 201b, and different tables are referred to based on the gaming state and the starting opening that has entered the ball.

  The random value extracted by the first special symbol lottery means 300 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is an example of a table showing the jackpot winning probability and the winning random number. FIG. 5B is a table (first special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game (number of rounds, probability variation, normal) when winning a symbol random number, that is, jackpot. FIG. 5C is an example of a table (first special symbol reach random number determination table) showing reach random numbers.

As shown in FIG. 5A, one winning random number is extracted from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. 7 and 317 are stored as jackpot random numbers in the special symbol normal hourly determination table referred to in the normal gaming state, and 7 and 317 are stored in the special symbol normal hourly determination table referred to in the probability varying gaming state. 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 317, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, 547, 577 are stored as random numbers.
That is, the two random numbers “7” and “317” are “common jackpot random numbers (data)” in which the jackpot is determined in both the normal gaming state and the probability variation gaming state, and 37, 67, 97, 127. , 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, 547, 577, the “limited limited random number ( Data) ”.

  When a game ball enters the first start port 105, the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the first random number determination means 303 determines the hit or loss of the hit random number based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. That is, if the winning random number drawn by entering the first starting port 105 is 7 or 337, it is determined to be winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. Further, in the probability variation gaming state, it is determined whether or not it is a win based on a special symbol probability change time determination table.

  As a result of the determination of the winning random number, if it is determined that the winning random number is a jackpot random number, the first special symbol lottery means 300 determines the jackpot type based on FIG. The types of jackpots determined here include “long hits” in which the jackpot game time is long and a large amount of game balls can be expected to be paid out, and “short hits” in which the jackpot game time is short. Furthermore, in the long win, only the "probable change time short length" occurs after the jackpot game ends, and only the short game state occurs after the jackpot game ends (the probability change game state is (It does not occur) There is "normal per length". Also, for short wins, only the short-time gaming state occurs after the end of the jackpot game (the probability-changing gaming state does not occur), and both the probability-changing gaming state and the short-time gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends. There is “Short-term per chance”.

Further, the first special symbol lottery means 300 acquires a reach random number together with the extraction of the winning random number. If the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the winning random number is lost, the effect execution command determination unit 331 determines the acquired reach random number based on FIG. 5 (c-1). decide. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning random number is a big hit, the effect execution command determining unit 331 determines the acquired reach random number based on FIG.
In the case of winning the jackpot, random numbers with related effects or reach are extracted with almost a probability. Therefore, when the jackpot is won, the related effect or the reach effect is executed with almost the probability. On the other hand, in the case of losing without winning the jackpot, random numbers corresponding to the presence of related effects, the presence of reach effects, and the absence of reach effects are extracted in the first special symbol reach random number determination table. As a result, at the time of losing, the reach effect is often not executed, but there is still a possibility that the related effect and the reach effect are executed (so-called gas effect, gas effect).

  When a game ball enters the second start port 120, the second special symbol lottery means 320 extracts the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the second random number determination means 323 determines the hit or loss of the hit random number based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. That is, if the winning random number drawn by entering the second starting port 120 is 7 or 317, it is determined to be a winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. Further, in the probability variation gaming state, it is determined whether or not it is a win based on a special symbol probability change time determination table.

  FIG. 6A is a table showing the winning probability and the winning random number when the game ball enters the second starting port 120. FIG. 6B is a table (second special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game when the symbol random number and the jackpot are won. FIG. 6C is a table showing a reach random number (second special symbol reach random number determination table).

As shown in FIG. 6A, one hit random number is extracted from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600, and this is the same as described above. Further, it is determined based on FIG. 6A whether or not the extracted random number value is won by the jackpot. This random number table is the same as described above.
If it is determined that the extracted random number is a jackpot random number, the type of jackpot is determined based on FIG. 6B. The lottery probability of this jackpot type is shown in FIG. 5B. It is different from the random number table shown.

  That is, the design random number determination table differs between when the game ball enters the first start port 105 and when the game ball enters the second start port 120. Specifically, when the ball enters the second starting port 120, the percentage of winning per winning length is higher than when the ball enters the first starting port 105. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the degree of expectation to win per length with a certain change time is increased. In this way, the gameability can be improved by changing the degree of expectation for the jackpot depending on the start opening into which the game ball has entered.

  Further, as is clear from FIG. 6C, when the jackpot is won, random numbers with related effects or with reach are extracted with almost probability. Therefore, when the jackpot is won, the related effect or the reach effect is executed with almost the probability. On the other hand, in the case of losing without winning the jackpot, random numbers corresponding to the related effect, reach effect, and reach effect are extracted in the second special symbol reach random number determination table. As a result, at the time of losing, the reach effect is often not executed, but there is still a possibility that the related effect and the reach effect are executed (so-called gas effect, gas effect).

Here, the table used when determining the effect execution command will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the same table is referred to without distinguishing between the first start port 105 and the second start port 120.
In the normal gaming state, it is assumed that as a result of the first special symbol lottery means 300 lottering a random number, any random value other than “7” and “317” (a random number other than the common jackpot random number) is extracted as a random number. . The winning random number is determined by the first random number determination means 303. In this case, the effect execution command determination means 331 executes the effect based on the first normal time reach random number determination table shown in FIG. Determine the command.
In the first normal time reach random number determination table, the appearance probability of the related effect is set to 10/251 and the appearance probability of the reach effect is set to 25/251, so that the effect for losing is extracted with a high probability. . However, even if the jackpot is not won, a related effect or reach effect will appear with a low probability.

On the other hand, in the normal gaming state, as a result of the first special symbol lottery means 300 lottering a random number, one of the random numbers “7” and “317” (common jackpot random number) is extracted as a winning random number, and the jackpot is confirmed. And The winning random number is determined by the first random number determination means 303. In this case, the effect execution command determination means 331 executes the effect based on the second normal time reach random number determination table shown in FIG. Determine the command.
In the second normal time reach random number determination table, the appearance probability of the related effect is set to 121/251 and the appearance probability of the reach effect is set to 129/251. In most cases, the related effect or reach is determined as the effect of the big hit. The production appears to appear.

Further, in the probability variation gaming state, as a result of the first special symbol lottery means 300 lottering random numbers, 7, 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 317, 337, 367, 397, When random values other than 427, 457, 487, 517, 547, and 577 (random numbers other than common jackpot random numbers and limited jackpot random numbers) are extracted, the presentation execution command determination unit 331 generates the first probability variable reach random numbers. An effect execution command is determined based on the determination table.
That is, even in the probability variation gaming state, when a random number value that is not a big hit (losing) is extracted, the appearance probability of the related effect is set to 10/251 and the appearance probability of the reach effect is set to be low as 25/251. .

On the other hand, in the probability variation gaming state, if any one of 7, 317 is extracted as a result of the first special symbol lottery means 300 lottering a random number, the production execution command determining means 331 performs the second probability variable reach random number. An effect execution command is determined based on the determination table.
In this second probability variation reach random number determination table, the appearance probability of the related effect is set to 121/251 and the appearance probability of the reach effect is set to 129/251. The production appears to appear.
Thus, when 7,317 common jackpot random numbers are extracted as the winning random numbers, the related effects appear with high probability regardless of the gaming state, and random numbers other than the common jackpot random numbers and the limited jackpot random numbers are extracted. In such a case, the appearance probability of the related effects is very low regardless of the gaming state.

And in the probability variation gaming state, any one of 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, 547, 577 as a winning random number When the big hit random number is extracted, an effect execution command is determined based on the third probability change reach random number determination table.
In the third probability variation reach random number determination table, the appearance probability of the related effect is set to 10/251, and the appearance probability of the reach effect is set to the probability of 240/251.
That is, in the probability variation gaming state, when a big win is won with a limited jackpot random number, the related effects are unlikely to appear, and in most cases, the reach effects are achieved. Moreover, in the probability variation game state, when the limited jackpot random number is extracted (when winning the jackpot), the appearance probability of the related performance is the relationship when the limited jackpot random number is extracted in the normal gaming state (in the case of loss) It does not change with the appearance probability.
In this way, in the probability variation gaming state, when the big win is won by the limited jackpot random number, the reason for the appearance of the related effects is set low, in order to reduce the probability that the related effects of Gasse will appear, Details will be described later.

As described above, when the first random number determination unit 303 determines the extracted random number value, the first special symbol variation control unit 302 varies the special symbol based on the random number value and the first special symbol. The display control means 301 variably displays the lottery result on the first special symbol display 84. Even when the second random number determination means 323 determines a random value, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol display control means 321 and the second special symbol fluctuation control means 322.
On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 and a variation display based on the previous game ball is in progress, the extracted random number value is the first random number in the RAM 201c. It is stored in the special symbol hold storage means 401. The first special symbol storage unit 401 is configured as shown in FIG.
That is, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the storage area related to the hold order. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol hold storage means 401 has a game ball in the first start port detecting unit 221. A random number value (hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number) acquired based on the detection is stored as a holding ball in association with the order in which game balls are detected. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

  Specifically, the first special symbol storage unit 401 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 401 a to the fourth storage area 401 d, each time a game ball enters the first start port 105. The reserved balls are retained in order from the first storage area 401a. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the reserve ball is retained in the second storage area 401b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in all of the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d, the above-mentioned variation display is performed as the reserve ball. Rights are not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the first special symbol storage unit 401, even if a game ball enters the first start port 105, the big hit lottery by the entered ball is Not done. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the first start port 105 are paid out.

  Further, the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is always digested (processed) from the first storage area 401 a by the first special symbol variation control unit 302. When the reserved sphere stored in the first storage area 401a is digested, the reserved sphere retained from the second storage area 401b to the fourth storage area 401d moves from the storage area to the previous area. That is, when the reserved sphere retained in the first storage area 401a is digested, the retained sphere retained in the second storage area 401b moves to the first storage area 401a. Similarly, the reserved ball retained in the third storage area 401c moves to the second storage area 401b, and the retained ball retained in the fourth storage area 401d shifts to the third storage area 401c. Therefore, the fourth storage area 401d can accept the reserved ball again, that is, can reserve it. Note that the shift process of the reserved balls retained in the storage areas 401 a to 401 d is controlled by the first special symbol variation control means 302.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second starting port 120, if the change display based on the previous game ball is being executed, the second special symbol hold storage means 402 stores the game ball. A random number value (hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number) acquired based on the detection of the ball by the second starting port detection unit 225 is stored as a reserved ball in association with the order in which the game balls are detected. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the right to display the special symbol, that is, the right to win the big prize is stored in the second special symbol storage unit 402 as a reserved ball. The right to display the variation of the special symbol reserved in the storage area 402 is digested and processed in the storage area 402 by the second special symbol variation control means 322 in the stored order.

  Specifically, the second special symbol storage unit 402 includes four storage areas from the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, and each time a game ball enters the second start port 120, The reserved balls are retained in order from the fifth storage area 402a. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 in a state where it is retained in the fifth storage area 402a, a reserved ball is retained in the sixth storage area 402b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in all of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, the above-mentioned variation display is performed as the reserve ball. Rights are not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the second special symbol storage means 402, even if a game ball enters the second start port 120, Not done. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the second start port 120 are paid out.

  In addition, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402, it is digested from the fifth storage area 402a, but the reserved balls stored in the fifth storage area 402a are digested. Then, the reserved ball retained from the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d moves from the storage area to the previous area. That is, when the reserved sphere retained in the fifth storage area 402a is digested, the retained sphere retained in the sixth storage area 402b moves to the fifth storage area 402a. Similarly, the reserved sphere retained in the seventh storage area 402c moves to the sixth storage area 402b, and the retained sphere retained in the eighth storage area 402d moves to the seventh storage area 402c. Therefore, the eighth storage area 402d can accept the reserved ball again, that is, can reserve it. Note that the shift process of the reserved balls retained in the storage areas 402a to 402d is controlled by the second special symbol variation control means 322.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the storage balls are reserved for each start opening into which the game balls have entered, the storage balls are reserved, so that the random numbers related to these hold balls and the start openings into which the game balls have entered Are stored in association with each other. However, as described above, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the holding balls are stored by another method without storing the holding balls separately in the two storage units 401 and 402. For example, the reserved balls are retained in one storage means in the order in which the game balls enter the start opening. At this time, even if the flag that associates which starting ball the game ball has entered is stored in association with the holding ball, and the holding ball with the predetermined flag is preferentially processed, An effect similar to that of the gaming machine can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d are all hit random number storage areas, symbol random number storage areas, and reach random number storage areas. have. The hit random number storage area is an area for storing a hit random number used for determining whether or not to start the big hit game. In addition, in the case of a jackpot, the symbol random number storage area determines whether or not the stop symbol form of the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86 is a probability variation symbol (the number of rounds is 15 rounds). This is an area for storing symbol random numbers used in the process. The reach random number storage area is an area for storing a reach random number used for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect.
Then, as described above, when the reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the first special symbol display control unit 301 displays the number of reserved balls held in the first special symbol hold display. Displayed on the device 88.

  Note that the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second special symbol display control means 321 also when a game ball enters the second start port 120 and the second start port detector 225 detects a game ball. The second special symbol variation control means 322 and the second random number determination means 323 perform the same processing as described above. However, the extracted random number value is stored in any one of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d. When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401 and 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order.

In the present embodiment, the reserved sphere reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 401 is preferentially digested.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the holding ball is reserved in the first storage area 401 a to the third storage area 401 c of the first special symbol holding storage means 401, and the fifth storage area 402 a of the second special symbol holding storage means 402. Further, it is assumed that the reserved ball is reserved in the sixth storage area 402b.
In addition, the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 is, as illustrated, the first start port 105 → the second start port 120 → the first start port 105 → the second. It is assumed that the start port 120 → the first start port 105.
In the present embodiment, since the second start port 120 is a priority start port, in this case, the hold balls in the fifth storage area 402a are preferentially processed, and hold in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. 9B. The ball is digested.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9D, it is assumed that three reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 that performs non-priority processing. In this case, the three reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 are digested successively in the order indicated by the dotted lines in the figure. However, when the first reserved ball is digested, in other words, when the first variation display is performed, the reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol hold storage means 402 to which priority processing is performed. Then (when the ball enters the second starting port 120), the reservation ball is interrupted, and the reservation ball is digested in the order indicated by the solid line in the figure.

  As is clear from this, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first storage area 401a where non-priority processing is performed in both storage means 401 and 402, the fifth storage area where priority processing is performed. There is a high possibility that an interruption process will be performed by holding the reserved ball at 402a. In other words, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 and a plurality of holding balls are retained, there is a possibility that an interruption process may be performed due to the game ball entering the second starting port 120. high. This means that when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol reservation storage means 401, it is unlikely that each of these reserved balls will be digested continuously. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, which is the priority start port, and a plurality of holding balls are reserved, no interruption processing is performed, and the plurality of holding balls are always continuous. To be digested.

As described above, the retained balls are sequentially digested. The CPU 201a controls the digestion of the retained balls, and the first special symbol variation display control means 302 and the second special symbol variation display in the ROM 201b. Control means 322. These variable display control means 302 and 322 monitor which holding ball is to be processed, and based on the random number of the holding ball to be processed stored in the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a. The above variable display has started.
When the variable display is started as described above, the first special symbol display control means 301 and the second special symbol display control means 321 apply the determination result to the first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86. Is displayed in a variable manner. However, this variable display is performed for a predetermined time based on the reach random number.

During the special symbol variation display, the decorative symbol effect by the symbol display unit 104, the lamp effect by the lamp 112 (the lamp 262), the sound effect by the speaker 277, or the effect character 115, 116 (the character object portion 254). An effect production is performed, and a lottery winning result is notified to the player together with various elaborate productions. In order to make this effect more effective, the main control board 201 is provided with a prior determination means 330. The control of the prior determination unit 330 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the first start port detector 221 or the second start port detector 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120.

(Step S101)
Then, a fluctuation detection unit (not shown) of the main control board 201 detects whether or not the special symbol fluctuation display is being performed.

(Step S102)
If it is determined in step S101 that the change is in progress, the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 stores random numbers in the fourth storage area 401d or the eighth storage area 402d. Detect whether or not Specifically, when a ball entry signal is received from the first start port detector 221, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is less than 4, and the second start When the incoming signal is received from the mouth detector 225, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is less than 4.

  If it is determined in step S102 that there are four reserved balls, the special symbol variation display, that is, the big win lottery is not performed depending on the game ball entering, so the control ends. .

(Step S103)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the number of reserved balls is less than 4, that is, it is determined that the reserved balls are reserved, the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d or the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area. A reserved ball (random value) is stored in 402d.

(Step S104)
As described above, when the random number value is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the prior determination unit 330 determines whether the jackpot is based on the random number value. ”“ Hits type (probability per change, normal win, etc.) ”“ reach presence / absence ”“ related production presence / absence ”are determined (preliminary determination). That is, the prior determination means 330 determines game data related to the effect from the extracted random number value.
Note that the determination of game data by the prior determination unit 330 may determine a random value with reference to the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, or store the random number value in the prior determination unit 330. A determination may be made by providing an area and directly writing the extracted random number value in the storage area. However, the prior determination is not to be performed immediately after the reach random number is extracted, but at least before the production based on the reach random number is controlled and at the timing at which the related production is possible. If so, it can be done anytime.

(Step S105)
As described above, when the prior determination unit 330 determines an effect command based on the extracted random number value, the effect determination command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

  In addition, in the said step S101, when the 1st starting port detection part 221 or the 2nd starting port detection part 225 detects the signal, when the fluctuation | variation regarding the entrance of the game ball before it was made, step is carried out. The process proceeds from step S101 to step S105. That is, when no change is made and a game ball enters one of the start ports, the special symbol related to the entry is changed immediately. Is never remembered. Therefore, when a game ball enters one of the starting ports when no change is made, an effect command is determined based on a random value related to the input ball, and this effect command is also sent to the sub-control board. The effect control means 502 of the sub-control board 202 controls various effects based on this effect command.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start port in a state where the reserved ball is not reserved, the prior determination by the prior determination unit 330 is not performed. In other words, the preliminary determination unit 330 performs the preliminary determination only when the reserved ball is reserved. This is because the purpose of the “preliminary determination” performed by the prior determination means 330 is to determine whether or not to perform a related effect over a variable display of a plurality of special symbols. The related effects in the present invention refer to the following effects.

(Explanation of related effects)
That is, when a game ball enters either the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, a jackpot lottery is performed as described above. This jackpot lottery is a lottery to determine whether or not the right to proceed with the game can be acquired in a special game state (probability change state, short-time state) that gives a player an advantageous game value over the normal game state. . The lottery result is displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. In these indicators 84 and 86, the LED is turned on or blinked, as if the lottery is currently being drawn. Such special symbol variation display is performed for a predetermined time.

  This special symbol variation display is performed once for each reserved ball. During this one special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the directors 115 and 116, Various productions are made. A normal effect, including a reach effect, is a content in which one effect is made with respect to one special symbol variation display, and a story or the like is completed within the range of this one effect.

  On the other hand, the related effect is that a single story is completed or a plurality of effect contents are associated with each other over a variable display of a plurality of special symbols. In other words, a plurality of performances are set to contents related in some way. FIG. 11 shows an example of a related effect using the effect actors 115 and 116 and the symbol display unit 104.

  For example, at the time of the first variation display (when the first reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. The blade is pulled out, and operation control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of the production actor 116. Further, at this time, an LED (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) incorporated in the blade portion is brought into a light-emitting state, so that the player looks as if the blade is shining. However, in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time, the symbol display unit 104 finally stops in a state where three identical symbols (symbols) are not aligned, The fact that the lottery result (variation) was lost is notified.

  At the time of the second variation display (when the second reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. Is removed, and the movement control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of the director 115. At this time, the LED (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) built in the blade portion is turned on to make the player feel as if the blade is shining. However, even in the second variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

  At the time of the third variation display (when the third reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. Is removed, and motion control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of each of the directors 115 and 116. Further, at this time, the above-described LED (details are not shown) is set in a light-emitting state to make the player appear as if both blades are shining. However, even in the third variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

  At the time of the fourth variation display (when the fourth reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. 11 (d), in addition to the operation control of the production actors 115 and 116, the upper right of the game board 101 is displayed. A plurality of LEDs (not shown) are set in a light emitting state from the side toward the lower left, and a plurality of LEDs (not shown) are set in a light emitting state from the upper left to the lower right of the game board 101. This gives the player the impression that the game board 101 has been cut from the left and right with a sword. At the time of the fourth variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally three identical numbers (symbols) are arranged. And the player is informed that the lottery result (variation) is a big hit.

Thus, in the related effects, a continuous effect (in this example, a continuous effect by the directors 115 and 116) is performed over a plurality of variations. Therefore, whenever the player sees the effect continuously performed, in other words, as the related effect progresses, the player has a great expectation that the winning will be won in the next variation display.
Here, the related effects using the effect actors 115 and 116 and the symbol display unit 104 have been described. However, the related effect may be performed by any one of the effect actor, the symbol display unit, the speaker, and the lamp. They may be used in appropriate combination.
As described above, in order to perform the related effects made over a plurality of variation displays, the pre-determining unit 330 determines a random value before the variation display starts and transmits it to the sub-control board 202. Then, the sub control board 202 controls the related effects based on the effect command transmitted from the prior determination means 330. The control procedure will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the RAM 202c of the sub-control board 202 is provided with first effect data hold storage means 510 and second effect data hold storage means 511. The first effect data hold storage means 510 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d, and the second effect data hold storage means 511 includes the fifth storage area 511a. 4 to 8th storage area 511d.

  Then, each time the prior determination means 330 determines an effect command, the prior determination means 330 transmits the confirmed effect command, that is, the game data for effect, to the sub-control board 202, and from the first storage area 510a. It is stored in any of up to eight storage areas 511d. Prior determination means 330 associates a signal corresponding to a storage area for storing the effect command when transmitting the effect command. Specifically, when the pre-determination means 330 finalizes the effect command, a storage area in which a random number value as a basis is stored (the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol hold storage means 401) is stored. Or the signal which identifies which is the 1st memory area 402a-the 4th memory area 402d) of the 2nd special symbol holding means 402 is attached to an effect command.

Thereby, for example, when the random number value is stored in the first storage area 401a of the first special symbol storage unit 401 in the main control board 201, the effect command transmitted to the sub control board 202 is the first effect. The data is stored in the first storage area 510a of the data storage means 510.
The first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol hold storage means 401 correspond to the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect data storage means 510. Further, the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d of the second special symbol holding storage means 402 correspond to the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect data storage means 511. Then, when the variable display is started and the reserved balls retained in the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a are digested, one random number value or effect command stored in each storage area is one. Shift to the previous storage area.

  A control procedure when an effect command is transmitted from the preliminary determination means 330 to the sub control board 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S201)
When the sub-control board 202 receives the effect command, the effect control means 502 refers to the identification signal attached to the effect command and confirms in which storage area the command is stored.

(Step S202)
Next, the effect control means 502 determines whether or not the effect command is a command for performing a related effect, that is, a related effect command.

(Step S203)
If it is determined in step S202 that the command is a related effect command, the effect control unit 502 adds a related effect flag to the effect command. At this time, any one of “1” to “4” is added to the related effect flag, and this is determined by the number of the area in the effect data holding storage means. Is done. For example, when an effect command is stored in the first storage area 510a and the fifth storage area 511a, the related effect flag “1” is attached. Similarly, when the effect command is stored in the second storage area 510b and the sixth storage area 511b, the flag “2” is stored, and when the effect command is stored in the third storage area 510c and the seventh storage area 511c. Is flag “3”, and flag “4” is added when the effect command is stored in the fourth storage area 510d and the eighth storage area 511d.

  However, in the same effect data storage means 510 and 511, when a jackpot effect command is included in other effect commands processed before the effect command, the related effect is as follows. A flag is attached. For example, if the effect command stored in the eighth storage area 511d is a command related to the related effect, the flag “4” is originally attached to the effect command. At this time, if a jackpot effect command is stored in the fifth storage area 511a, the flag “3” is added to the eighth storage area 511d. Similarly, when the jackpot effect command is stored in the sixth storage area 511b, the flag “2” is added to the eighth storage area 511d, and the jackpot effect command is stored in the seventh storage area 511c. If it is, no flag is attached to the eighth storage area 511d.

(Step S204)
Next, the effect control means 502 determines whether or not the flag attached to the effect command is “1”. In other words, it is determined whether or not there is an effect command to be processed before the effect command in the same effect data storage means 510 and 511.

(Step S205)
In the above step S204, when the flag added to the effect command is other than “1”, that is, “2” to “4”, that is, in the same effect data storage means 510, 511, the effect command. If there is another effect command to be processed before, flags “1” to “3” are attached to the other effect command. For example, when an effect command is stored in the seventh storage area 511c, the flag “3” is attached to the effect command. In this case, the effect control means 502 newly adds a flag “1” to the effect command stored in the fifth storage area 511a that is processed before the effect command in the same effect data storage means 511. The flag “2” is newly added to the effect command stored in the sixth storage area 511b.

However, in the same effect data storage means 510, 511, if the jackpot effect command is included in other effect commands processed before the effect command, the jackpot effect command and The related effect flag is not attached to the effect command processed before the jackpot effect command. The related effect flag is attached to the effect command that is processed after the jackpot effect command. For example, when an effect command is stored in the eighth storage area 511d, the flag “4” is originally attached to the effect command. However, when the big hit effect command is stored in the fifth storage area 511a, the flag “1” is attached to the sixth storage area 511b, and the flag “2” is attached to the seventh storage area 511c. ing. This is to prevent the effect of the related effects stored later from being exerted on the effect that has already won the jackpot.
As a result, when a related effect command is transmitted, a series of related effect flags are continuously added from the effect command to be processed first to the related effect command in the storage means for storing the effect command. Will be.

(Step S206)
As described above, when a related effect flag is attached to each effect command, the effect command is stored in a predetermined storage area.
If it is determined in step S202 that “no related effects”, the processes in steps S203 to S205 are unnecessary, and the effect commands are stored as they are in a predetermined storage area.
Furthermore, even when the related effect flag attached to the effect command transmitted from the pre-determining means 330 is “1” in step S204, the process of step S205 is not necessary, and therefore only the effect command. Is stored in a predetermined storage area.

(Variation start processing)
Next, the variation start process will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, priority is given to a reserved ball obtained when a game ball enters the second start port 120.

(Step S301)
The special symbol variation display is started by digestion of the reserved ball. First, the CPU 201a determines whether the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404 is the normal gaming state or the probability-changing gaming state.

(Step S302)
If it is determined in the above step S301 that the game state is normal, a random number value (holding ball) is stored in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, the holding ball of the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 is stored. It is determined whether it is 1 or more.

(Step S303)
In step S302, if the reserved ball is stored in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, if the reserved ball is not 0 (YES in step S302), the random value stored in the fifth storage area 402a is not illustrated. While shifting to the processing area, the random number values stored in the fifth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d are shifted to the previous storage area. In addition, when the random number value is stored only in the fifth storage area 402a (when the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d are empty areas), the random number value stored in the fifth storage area 402a Only the process of storing in the processing area is performed.

(Step S304) (Step S305)
The case where the process reaches step S304 through the processes of step S301 and step S302 is a case where the game is in the normal gaming state and the reserved ball is reserved in the fifth storage area 402a. Therefore, in this case, the second special symbol variation control means 322 determines the random number shifted to the processing area with reference to the second special symbol normal time determination table (referred to as the second normal time determination table). Process.

In the determination process in step S305, a jackpot determination is performed. If the CPU 201a determines that it is a big hit in the big hit determination in step S305, the big hit flag is turned on, and then it is determined whether it is a long hit or not, whether it is a probable hit or a normal hit. Specifically, referring to the determination table (design random number table) selected in step S304 and the design random number, it is determined whether the result of the jackpot determination is a long hit, whether it is a probable change or a normal hit.
Further, the production execution command determining means 331 refers to the first normal reach random number determination table shown in FIG. 7B when it is a big hit, and when it is not a big hit, the production execution command determining means 331 uses FIG. 7B. The presence / absence of a related effect and the presence / absence of a reach effect are determined with reference to the second normal reach random number determination table shown in FIG. If it is determined as a result of the determination that there is a related effect or a reach effect, the effect random number is further drawn to determine the contents of the reach effect and the time required for the effect.

(Step S306)
In step S306, the effect random number selected in step S305 is transmitted to the sub control board 202 as an effect execution command.

(Step S307)
On the other hand, when it is determined in the above-described step S301 that the game state is the normal gaming state, and the reserved ball is not stored in the fifth storage area 402a in step S302, that is, the reserved ball in the second special symbol reserved storage unit 402 is 0. Is determined whether or not the reserved ball is reserved in the first storage area 401a. Here, if it is determined that no holding ball is stored in the first storage area 401a, that is, if it is determined that there is no holding ball in any of the storage areas, the process is terminated.

(Step S308)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that the reserved ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the same shift process as in step S303 is performed.

(Step S309)
Then, the case where the processing in the above-described step S301 → step S302 → step S307 → step S308 is the case where the game is in the normal gaming state and the reserved ball is reserved only in the first special symbol storage unit 401. . Therefore, in this case, the first special symbol normal time determination table (referred to as the first normal time determination table) is selected, and after the same processing as that in step S304 is performed, the determination processing and the effect execution are performed. A command is sent.

(Step S310)
Furthermore, when it is determined in the above step S301 that the game state is a probability variation gaming state, in step S310, it is determined whether or not a reserved ball is reserved in the fifth storage area 402a.

(Step S311)
If it is determined in step S310 that the reserved ball is reserved in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, the game is in the probability variation gaming state, and the reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol reserved storage unit 402. In such a case, a shift process is performed as in step S303.

(Step S312)
As described above, when the game is in the probability variation gaming state and the retained ball is retained in the second special symbol retention storage means 402, the second special symbol probability variation time determination table (second probability variation time table). Selection table) is selected. Further, the effect execution command determining means 331 determines reach random numbers based on the first to third probability change reach random number determination tables and determines an effect execution command. Thereafter, the determination process and the effect execution command are transmitted in the same manner as described above.

(Step S313)
On the other hand, when it is determined in the above step S301 that the game state is a probable change game state, and no retained ball is stored in the fifth storage area 402a in step S310, that is, the retained ball in the second special symbol reserved storage means 402 is 0. In this case, it is determined whether or not the reserved ball is reserved in the first storage area 401a. Here, if it is determined that no holding ball is stored in the first storage area 401a, that is, if it is determined that there is no holding ball in any of the storage areas, the process is terminated.

(Step S314)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S313 that the reserved ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the same shift process as in step S303 is performed.

(Step S315)
Then, the case where the processing in the above-described step S301 → step S310 → step S313 → step S314 is performed is a case where the game is in a probable variation gaming state and the reserved ball is reserved only in the first special symbol storage unit 401. . Accordingly, in this case, the first special symbol probability variation time determination table (referred to as the first probability variation determination table) is selected, and thereafter, the first normal time determination table is referred to and the same processing as in step S312 is performed. After the process is performed, determination processing and transmission of an effect execution command are performed.

When the transmitted effect execution command is received as described above, the sub control board 202 starts control of the effect as shown in FIG.
That is, when an effect execution command is received, the effect execution command is stored in the processing area of the RAM 202c. The effect execution command includes a command related to either the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a, a command related to jackpot or lose, presence / absence of reach, and type of reach effect The scale and scale are stored. Here, a command transmitted to the sub-control board 202 at the start of the variation process is referred to as an effect execution command, and the above-described effect command transmitted to the sub-control board 202 by the prior determination unit 330 before the start of the variation process. Distinguish.

(Step S401)
The effect control means 502 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is attached to the received effect execution command.

(Step S402)
When the effect control means 502 determines that the jackpot flag is not attached, that is, when it determines that the command is not won in the jackpot, it is stored in the second storage area 511a or the first storage area 510a corresponding to the command. Then, it is determined whether or not the related effect flag is stored. That is, as described above, the effect execution command stores whether the effect execution command relates to the reserved ball stored in the fifth storage area 402a or the reserved ball stored in the first storage area 401a. Has been. For example, when the effect execution command relates to the reserved ball stored in the fifth storage area 402a, the effect control means 502 refers to the fifth storage area 511a of the second effect data hold storage means 511, and It is determined whether or not a related effect flag is attached to the effect command stored in the five storage area 511a.

(Step S403) (Step S404)
In step S402, when it is determined that “there is no related effect flag”, the effect lottery means 502 performs an effect lottery with reference to the normal table. Here, a background pattern, a reach pattern, an appearance character, or the like is determined in accordance with the presence / absence and scale of reach in the effect execution command.

(Step S405)
When the effect pattern is determined as described above, the effect control unit 502 controls the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the accessory part 254 in accordance with these effect patterns.

(Step S406)
If it is determined in step S401 that the jackpot flag is attached, that is, if it is determined that the command is a winning jackpot, similarly to the above, the fifth storage area 511a or the first storage area 510a. It is determined whether or not a related effect flag is attached.

(Step S407)
If it is determined in step S406 that “there is no related effect flag”, the effect lottery means 502 performs an effect lottery with reference to the big hit time general table. When the effect pattern is determined as described above, the effect control unit 502 controls the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the accessory part 254 in accordance with these effect patterns.

  However, as described above, the data is stored in the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect data hold storage means 511 or the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect data hold storage means 510. When the pre-determining means 330 attaches the related effect flag to the effect command, the related effect flag is not attached to the other effect commands that have won the jackpot. In other words, the related effect flag is not attached to the effect command that is won in the jackpot by the holding ball that is processed later than that. Therefore, the effect execution command won in the jackpot does not execute a part of the related effects related to other effect execution commands.

(Step S408)
In step S402, if the effect control unit 501 determines that there is a related effect flag, the effect lottery unit 501 performs lottery of effects based on the normal related effect table.
At this time, in the fifth storage area 511a or the first storage area 510a, flags “1” to “4” are attached as related effect flags, and tables corresponding to the related effect flags are respectively provided in the ROM 202b. It has been. Specifically, the normal related effect table includes four tables from the first table to the fourth table, and the effect lottery means 501 is the first when the related effect flag “1” is attached. An effect lottery is performed based on one table, and if the related effect flag “4” is attached, an effect lottery is performed based on the fourth table.

  From the first table to the fourth table, the production of the content having one continuity or relevance is divided into four in each table. For example, when a related effect is performed by a lamp effect, a red lamp is lit in the range of 1 to 2 seconds on the first table, and a blue lamp is set in the range of 1 to 4 seconds on the second table. A command to turn on a white lamp for 1 to 5 seconds on the third table, and turn on any two or three of these red, blue and white lamps on the fourth table Is remembered.

When the related effect appears, the effect execution command related to the related effect flag “1” is first controlled, then the effect execution command related to the related effect flag “2” is controlled, and then the related effect flag “3”. The effect execution command according to the control is controlled, and finally the effect execution command according to the related effect flag “4” is controlled.
For example, the related effect flag “1” is attached to the first storage area 510a, the related effect flag “2” is attached to the second storage area 510b, and the related effect flag “3” is attached to the third storage area 510c. Suppose that In this case, the effect lottery means 501 performs the effect lottery based on the first table in step S408 upon reception of the effect execution command. When the effect ends, in other words, when the variation ends, the storage area is shifted, and the related effect flag “2” stored in the second storage area 510b is set in the first storage area 510a. The attached production command is shifted and stored. Therefore, in the next change, the effect lottery means 501 performs the effect lottery based on the second table in step S408.

  In this way, if the related effect flag is attached to the plurality of continuous storage areas of the second effect data hold storage unit 511 or the first effect data hold storage unit 510 by the prior determination unit 330, they are associated with each other. The production is performed over a plurality of variable displays, and a high expectation can be given to the player.

(Step S409)
If it is determined in step S406 that the command is a big hit production execution command and there is a related production flag, a lottery of production is performed based on the big hit time related production table in step S409. This jackpot related performance table is also provided with four tables from the first table to the fourth table, similarly to the normal time related performance table.
In any case, the related effect has an effect of gradually increasing the player's expectation by performing a related effect over a plurality of continuous variable displays.

According to the above embodiment, only two winning random numbers are determined to be big hits in the normal gaming state, and 20 winning random numbers are determined to be big hits in the probability variation gaming state. Therefore, in the probability variation gaming state, the winning probability of the jackpot is as high as about 1/30, and there is a high possibility that two jackpot variations will be waited among the total eight reserved balls.
For example, in the probability variation gaming state, the reserved ball retained in the fifth storage area 402a is normally won by the big hit, the hit random number of the reserved ball held in the eighth storage area 402d is a limited jackpot random number, and a reach random number It is assumed that the effect execution command determined by is a related effect command.

  In this case, since the gaming state is returned to the normal gaming state by digesting the reserved ball in the fifth storage area 402a, the second random number determination means 323 determines the second random number from the reserved ball in the sixth storage area 402b. The normal hourly hit determination table is selected. Accordingly, the lottery result of the reserved ball retained in the eighth storage area 402d is changed from the big hit to the loss. However, since the related effect flag remains in the sixth storage area 511b to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect data hold storage means 511, the reservation game in the fifth storage area 402a is digested and the big hit game is ended. Thereafter, the related effects are performed from the reserved balls in the sixth storage area 402b to the reserved balls in the eighth storage area 402d. However, as described above, because the hold ball retained in the eighth storage area 402d is finally determined to be lost, the related effect is a so-called related effect.

As described above, if the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 are provided and the upper limit reserve number of the reserved balls is increased, as a matter of course, the effect related to the gasses is likely to appear as described above. And if the related effect of the gaze appears more than necessary, the reliability of the player with respect to the related effect is lowered, and the effect specific to the related effect is lost.
Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, even if a limited jackpot random number is extracted in the probability variation gaming state, the related effects are not likely to appear. That is, even if a limited jackpot random number is extracted in the probability variation gaming state, the probability that the related effect appears by the limited jackpot random number is only 10/251, which is the same as the appearance probability at the time of losing. In this way, there is no bias in the production that the related effect of the gaze appears more than necessary after the end of the jackpot game, and the player's reliability with respect to the related effect is not lowered.

In the above embodiment, the main control board 201 and the sub-control board 202 share the role, but it is only necessary to appropriately determine which board each unit is provided on. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the prior determination unit 330 determines the presence or absence of the related effect and the presence or absence of the reach effect in the main control board 201 and transmits the determination result to the sub control board 202. The presence or absence of may be determined in the sub-control board 202 based on the extracted random number.
In addition, the appearance probability of the related effects and reach effects in the above embodiment is merely an example. In any case, the table selected when the limited jackpot random number (data) is extracted is more likely to appear in the related effect command than the table selected when the common jackpot random number (data) is extracted. If the ratio is lowered, the ratio and the like are not particularly limited.
Further, in the above embodiment, there are two start ports, and a priority start port and a non-priority start port are provided in these two start ports. Alternatively, there may be only one starting port. However, as described above, the effect of the present invention can be more exhibited when there are two start ports and the upper limit reserve number is larger.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. It is an example of the random number value at the time of entering a 1st starting port, and the determination table which determines this random number value. It is an example of the random number value at the time of entering a 2nd start opening, and the determination table which determines this random number value. It is a figure which shows each production | presentation table in a normal game state and a probability change game state. It is a conceptual diagram of the 1st fluctuation display reservation means and the 2nd fluctuation display reservation means of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the digestion order of holding | maintenance. It is a flowchart which shows control of prior judgment. It is a figure which shows an example of a related effect. It is a conceptual diagram of the memory | storage means which memorize | stores the production command obtained by prior determination. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of providing the related production flag for performing a related production. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process in a sub control board. It is a figure which shows an example of each conventional production table. It is a figure which shows an example of the digestion of holding | maintenance.

Explanation of symbols

105 First starting port 120 Second starting port 200 Control unit 300 First special symbol lottery unit 301 First special symbol display control unit 302 First special symbol variation control unit 303 First random number determination unit 320 Second special symbol lottery unit 321 Second special symbol display control means 322 Second special symbol fluctuation control means 323 Second random number determination means 330 Pre-determination means 331 Production execution command determination means 401 First special symbol hold storage means 402 Second special symbol hold storage means 502 Production control means

Claims (1)

A start opening provided for a game ball to enter,
A normal gaming state in which a jackpot is won with a predetermined probability by a lottery triggered by a game ball entering the starting port, a probability variation gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot is higher than the normal gaming state, and the normal gaming state Or a control means for controlling the progress of the game in the jackpot gaming state which is started by winning the jackpot in the probability variation gaming state and can obtain more prize balls than the both gaming states;
A game having special symbol variation display means for displaying the game state after the special symbol is variably displayed when the game ball enters the start opening and the variation display is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. Machine,
The control means includes
A game data lottery means for acquiring game data by lottery upon the entry of a game ball into the start opening,
Effect execution command determining means for selecting a table corresponding to the game data and determining an effect execution command based on the table;
Stores the number of the game balls that have entered the start opening when the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display means, and reserves the right to display the variation of the special symbol triggered by the entry. Floating display hold means,
Prior determination means for determining the game data using the incoming ball as a trigger before starting the variable display of the special symbol triggered by the incoming ball when the incoming ball is stored in the floating display holding unit When,
And an effect control means for controlling the effect based on the effect execution command and the determination result of the prior determination means. The effect execution command includes a plurality of special symbols based on the determination result of the prior determination means. While related production commands are included for performing productions across variable displays,
The game data includes common jackpot data that is determined to be a jackpot regardless of the gaming state, and limited jackpot data that is determined to be a jackpot only in the probability variation gaming state,
The production execution command determining means selects different tables when the limited jackpot data is extracted and when the common jackpot data is extracted, and the table selected when the limited jackpot data is extracted is: A gaming machine, wherein an appearance probability of the related effect command is set lower than a table selected when the common jackpot data is extracted.

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