JP2009254527A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of greatly improving an operation rate. <P>SOLUTION: This pinball game machine detects the passing of a game ball in the vicinity of a part where the game ball shot at an operation-start hole starts to fall a game board face. This pinball game machine estimates a player's game continuation will based on an time interval of detecting the passing of game balls at this location, and the number of retained balls. When determining that the player's game continuation will is deteriorated, this machine changes over a performance mode. When the player almost loses the continuation will of the game, the method can change over the performance mode in a timely manner. The player notices that the game state is differed from the past ones and continues the game expecting that the game state may be changed into an advantageous game state. As a result, a time when the player plays a game on the pinball game machine is elongated so as to greatly improve the operation rate of the pinball game machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  A game where a game ball is launched from below the game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances to the top of the game board surface, and entered into any of the entrances when the game ball falls on the board surface. The ball game machine to perform is widely known. In addition, this ball game machine is installed in a game hall today, and a player pays a certain fee to the game hall to receive a certain number of game balls, and uses the game balls to play games. Is usually done.

  Here, the management of the game hall is based on a fee received when lending a game ball to a player. Therefore, from the viewpoint of management of the game hall, it is desirable to lend as many game balls as possible and collect a lot of fees. In order to do so, a player plays a game as long as possible with as many of the ball ball machines as possible installed in the game hall, and each player can play many games in a short time. A state where a ball is fired is desirable. Such a state is called a “high availability” state.

  In order to increase the operating rate of the ball game machine, the player may play the game for as long as possible, or the game balls may be fired one after another during the game. Therefore, paying attention to this point, various techniques for improving the operation rate of the ball game machine have been proposed. For example, a technique has been proposed that detects that a game ball is being fired and performs various effects associated with the game only when the game ball is being fired (Patent Document 1). Alternatively, there has been proposed a technique for making various effects difficult for a player to see when a game ball is not fired (Patent Document 2). According to these techniques, the player will launch game balls one after another in order to see various effects, and as a result, the operating rate of the ball game machine can be improved.

JP 2003-310896 A JP 2003-325878 A

  However, with these proposed technologies, although the operation rate of the ball game machine is temporarily improved, it is difficult to maintain a stable operation rate for a long time, and thus the operation rate is greatly improved. There was a problem that it could not be made. This is because if the player interrupts the launch of the game ball for some reason, the production accompanying the game will not be performed, or the production will be difficult to see, so that will cause the game to lose interest, This is because the player may end the game. When the game is finished, the game ball is not fired until a new player starts playing, so it is difficult to improve the operation rate greatly as a whole.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a ball game machine capable of greatly improving the operation rate.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
Any one of the above-mentioned entrance holes by causing the game balls to flow down on the game board surface by firing the game balls from above the game board surface provided with a plurality of entrance holes. In a ball game machine that performs a game to enter into,
Effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the progress of the game;
A start opening which is a specific entry among the plurality of entry openings;
A symbol display means for displaying a variation of symbols when a game ball enters the start opening;
When a game ball enters the starting port during the variation display of the symbol, in order to resume the variation display after stopping the symbol during the variation display, a predetermined upper limit number of balls entering the starting port , The number of holds stored as the number of holds,
A game ball passing detection that detects that a game ball has passed by providing a game ball launched toward the upper side of the game board surface toward the start opening in the initial flow area where the game ball starts to flow down on the game board surface. Means,
A game continuation intention estimation for estimating a player's game continuation intention based on a time interval at which the game ball passage detection unit detects passage of a game ball and the number of reservations stored in the reservation number storage unit Means,
When it is estimated by the game continuation will estimation means that the player's game continuation intention is reduced, there is provided an effect mode change means for changing the mode of the effect performed by the effect execution means. To do.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, a starting port is provided on the surface of the game board, and when the game ball enters the starting port, a change display of symbols is performed. If a game ball enters the start port during the symbol variation display, the ball is stored as the number of holds, and the symbol variation display is started again after the symbol during variation display is stopped. The In addition, a game ball passage detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided in the initial flow area where the game ball launched from the lower side to the upper side of the game board surface aiming at the starting port starts to flow on the game board surface. Is provided. Here, the “initial flow area” is a flow path when a game ball launched aiming at the starting port flows down on the game board surface, and is a little from the position immediately after starting the flow down on the game board surface. It means the range to the position where it has flowed down, that is, the upstream part of the path through which the game ball launched aiming at the starting port flows down. Normally, a player launches a game ball aiming at the start opening in order to display the symbols in a variable manner, but since the position of the start opening on the game board surface is unchanged, the game ball launched aiming at the start opening is a game. The position where the flow starts on the board surface and the initial flow path (initial flow path) where the flow starts are kept substantially constant. In this way, the initial flow path is kept substantially constant because the course of the initial game ball that started the flow (the game ball located upstream of the flow path) is changed by the obstacle nail on the game board surface. This is because the lower the frequency of the game balls, the more the game balls flow down (the more the game balls move in the middle and downstream of the flow path), the more the path of the game balls is changed by the obstacle nail. For this reason, if a game ball passing detection means is provided in the initial flow area where the game ball launched aiming at the start opening starts flowing down on the game board surface, most of the game balls launched aiming at the start opening will be The spear detected by the game ball passage detecting means. And since there is an upper limit for the number of holds, it is normal for a player to launch a game ball aiming at the starting port unless the number of holds has reached the upper limit or is close to the upper limit. From this, if the player has a willingness to continue the game, the game ball passage detecting means successively turns on the game balls unless the number of holds reaches the upper limit value or is close to the upper limit value. Passage is detected. That is, it is possible to estimate the game continuation intention of the player based on the time interval at which the passing of the game ball is detected by the game ball passage detecting means and the number of holds stored in the hold number storage means. . Therefore, in the ball game machine of the present invention, the game continuation intention is estimated by estimating the player's game continuation intention based on the time interval at which the game ball passage detection unit detects the passage of the game sphere and the number of holds. When it is determined that the game is in a reduced state, the aspect of the effect performed in accordance with the progress of the game is switched.

  In this way, when the player is losing the will to continue the game, the mode of effect can be switched at a good timing. For this reason, the player continues the game in the hope that the gaming state is different from the previous state, or that the gaming state is switched to an advantageous gaming state. As a result, in the ball game machine, the time for the player to play is increased, so that the operation rate of the ball game machine can be greatly improved.

  In the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the time interval at which the passage of the game ball is detected by the game ball passage detection means is a predetermined time or more, and the number of holds stored in the hold number storage means However, when the predetermined number is not the upper limit number or zero, the player's willingness to continue playing may be in a reduced state.

  In this way, it is possible to estimate the state in which the player's willingness to continue the game is declining very easily and switch the aspect of the effect at an appropriate timing. As a result, it is possible to improve the operation rate of the ball game machine.

  In addition, in the above-described ball ball game machine of the present invention, when it is estimated that the player's willingness to continue playing is reduced, it is confirmed that the passing of the game ball is detected by the game ball passage detecting means. It is good also as changing the aspect of production.

  In a state where the willingness to continue the game has declined, the player may end the game at any time, and it does not make sense to change the mode of the presentation after the game has ended. In this regard, the passage of the game ball detected by the game ball passage detection means that the player has not finished the game, so if the mode of the production is changed after confirming the passage of the game ball, It is possible to reliably improve the operation rate without wasting the mode.

  In addition, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, as a mode of performance performed in accordance with the game, a standard performance mode set as a standard and a special performance mode performed only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, When it is estimated that the player's willingness to continue playing is reduced, the effect mode may be changed from the standard effect mode to the special effect mode.

  As for the direction of the effect that switches when the player is losing willingness to continue the game, it is better to switch to an effect that is not normally seen than to the effect of the familiar aspect It is interesting. From this, when it is estimated that the player's willingness to continue the game is in a reduced state, if the aspect of the effect is changed from the standard effect mode to the special effect mode, the game can be surely continued, As a result, it is possible to improve the operation rate of the ball game machine.

  Further, in the above-described bullet ball gaming machine of the present invention, the player's willingness to continue the game may be estimated when the number of game balls fired reaches a predetermined number after the game is started. Further, as the number of game balls fired, the count value of the game balls detected by the game ball passage detecting means can be used.

  Usually, the player has a will to continue the game for a while after starting the game. Therefore, it is useless to estimate the game continuation intention. Furthermore, there is a possibility of misjudging that the game continuation intention is about to be lost, and changing the production mode at an inappropriate timing. From this point of view, it is desirable to estimate the player's intention to continue the game after detecting that a predetermined number or more of the game balls have been launched after the start of the game. Further, if the game balls detected by the game ball passing means are counted and this count value is used as the number of game balls to be fired, a new part for counting the number of game balls to be fired is not required. Therefore, it is preferable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided below the central device 26. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17 are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) for operating the pair of wing pieces. A solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5) is provided. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state is formed in which the possibility of entering the game ball is increased.

  A fluctuation display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 26. The variable display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can display various symbols such as design symbols and background symbols in a variable display and a stop display. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the variable display device 27 will be described later.

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

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided on the left side of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. A lamp windmill 24 is provided above the normal symbol operating gate 36. Further, a game ball passing gate 37 is provided at a position called “bump” above the above. A game ball detection switch 37 s is provided inside the game ball passage gate 37 so that the passage of the game ball can be detected. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A big prize device 31 is provided below the central device 26. The big prize winning device 31 is a big prize opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing door 31e for opening / closing the big prize opening 31d, and a big prize opening solenoid 31m for operating the opening / closing door 31e (see FIG. 5). ) Etc. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied and the opening / closing door 31e is opened, the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability. A jackpot gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous for the player, is started. In addition, a big winning opening switch 31s is provided inside the big winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big winning opening 31d.

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

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular area. Of these 12 LEDs, 3 LEDs normally constitute the symbol display unit 29, and the remaining 9 LEDs constitute the special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 includes one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol). Called a hold display LED 29b). Further, the special symbol display unit 30 displays seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LED 30a) and the number of special symbols reserved (hereinafter referred to as special symbol reserved number). The two LEDs (hereinafter referred to as special figure hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment displays the normal symbol, the special symbol, and the number of special symbol reservations using these 12 LEDs will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the screen configuration of the variable display device 27 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the variable display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. ing. Among these, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to produce a game. Yes. That is, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start changing display every time a special symbol determination (big win lottery) described later is performed, and stop display when a predetermined variation time has passed. This is a symbol for notifying the player of the special symbol winning / failing determination result (big hit lottery result) by the display mode (stop display mode) when the stop display is performed.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. Specifics of the main display board 200 that controls whether or not it is involved, a sub-control board 220 that controls control of game effects using symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and the details of the variable display device 27 under the control of the sub-control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs general control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, a launch control board 260 that controls control related to the launch of game balls, and the like. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. 5, only the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220, the ROM 222, and the RAM 223 are illustrated.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the dispensing control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing a large winning opening 31d, and Is connected to a symbol display device 28 for displaying fluctuation stop display of normal symbols and special symbols, etc., and controls these operations by outputting signals to the various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Is also going.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that performs display control of the above-described variable display device 27, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, The game is rendered by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp. The game ball detection switch 37s provided in the game ball passage gate 37 is connected to the sub control board 220, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 detects the output from the game ball detection switch 37s. It is possible to detect that the game ball has passed through the game ball passage gate 37.

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

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

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

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is equipped with a normal symbol LED 29 a and a general symbol hold display LED 29 b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the normal symbol variation display. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, it becomes a normal symbol hit and the start port 17 is in an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open. If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is performed. Is done. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of normal symbols held is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided in the symbol display device 28. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), the two general map hold display LEDs 29b are both turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights up. When there are two holds, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right-side normal map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three holds, the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights. When the number of holdings further increases to the upper limit of four, the left and right map holding display LEDs 29b blink. As described above, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of hold from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two general-purpose hold display LEDs 29b.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30. When a game ball enters the start port 17, the special symbol change display is started. The display is stopped with any of the symbols described below.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a special symbol stop display mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs, and displays these special symbols by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, eight special symbol stop display modes are provided, and a unique lighting state is set for each stop display mode. Further, the stop display modes of these eight kinds of special symbols are roughly classified into three symbols. First, the stop display modes of the three special symbols shown in the upper part of the figure are classified as “normal hit symbols”, and the stop display modes of the three special symbols shown in the middle are classified as “probable hit symbols”. The stop display modes of the two special symbols shown in the lower row are classified as “outgoing symbols”. The special symbol display unit 30 performs a special symbol variation display by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed according to any stop display mode. When either the “normal winning symbol” or the “probable variation winning symbol” (so-called big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed, the big hit game in which the big winning opening 31d is opened is started. The big hit game of the present embodiment is configured such that a round game in which the big winning opening 31d is in an open state is repeated a plurality of times. When the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter, so the big hit game can be said to be a very advantageous game state for the player.

  In addition, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed at the probability variation hit symbol shown in the middle of FIG. 7, until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit game occurs or special For example, until the symbol change display is performed a predetermined number of times, the probability that the special symbol is a big hit symbol is displayed with a high probability (so-called probability change state or simply a probability change state).

  In addition, even if a game ball has entered the starting port 17, the special symbol variation display cannot be started (for example, when the special symbol is variation display or a big hit game) Even so, the fact that a game ball has entered the start port 17 is stored as the number of special symbols held (the number of special drawings held). For this reason, it is possible to perform variable display using the stored number of reserves when the special symbol variable display becomes possible. The number of reserved special figure reservations is displayed by a special figure hold display LED 30b. The mode of displaying the number of special symbols held using the special figure hold display LED 30b is the same as that of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG.

  In accordance with the above-described variation display and stop display of the special symbol, the variation display device 27 performs various effects using the design symbol. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the variable display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, three design symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen that constitutes the variable display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the symbol display device 28 described above, also in the variation display device 27, these three design symbols 27a, 27b and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a design pattern, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared. In addition, the design symbol may be a design in which characters, figures, symbols, and the like are designed in addition to numbers, and may be in a form that allows the player to identify the determination result of the special symbol.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left design symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right design symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The medium design symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination (stop display mode) of the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the variable display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. ing. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the big hit symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the variable display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol (one form of the hit display mode). In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-mentioned probability variation hit design, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the variation display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing odd numbers (probability variation hits). One form of display mode) When stopping at a normal winning symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the variable display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing an odd number (one aspect of the normal winning display mode) ). On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of place and stops at the off symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol (out of display mode).

  Thus, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the variable display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and each display symbol is The timing for confirmation (stop display) is also set to be the same. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the variable display device 27 is provided at a position that is more visible than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Accordingly, when the left design symbol 27a that is first stopped and displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 27 and the right design symbol 27c that is subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, the display is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the change in the design so that the medium design design 27b also stops at the same design and enters a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol in the state where two design symbols are stopped at the same symbol (the state where the symbol is stopped and displayed in the pattern constituting the hit display mode) is called a reach effect. It is possible to enhance the interest of the player by performing the performance.

  In addition, in order to stop the “normal winning symbol” or “probable variation winning symbol” on the symbol display device 28 and start the big hit game, it is necessary to display the special symbol variably on the symbol display device 28 before that. There is. For this purpose, a game ball must be inserted into the start port 17. Furthermore, when the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the hit occurs, the start port 17 is opened and it becomes easy to enter the game ball into the start port 17. The normal symbol must be displayed in a variable manner. For this reason, when a player starts a game, first, the player usually first launches a game ball toward the upper left area of the central device 26 (a so-called “bump” area) toward the game board 10. It is. A game ball that is launched aiming at the “bump” area flows down the left side of the central device 26 toward the game board 10, and passes along the vicinity of the normal symbol operation gate 36 on the way, You will be led to the vicinity. When the normal symbol is variably displayed and the normal symbol is hit, the start port 17 is in an open state, and a game ball can be inserted into the start port 17.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball passing gate 37 is provided in an area called “bump”. For this reason, most of the game balls launched aiming at the “bump” area pass through the game ball passage gate 37, but the game balls launched aiming at the area other than “bump” (for example, so-called A game ball that has been hit right or a game ball that has been hit right does not pass through the game ball passage gate 37. As described above, if the player is playing a game seriously, the game ball should be launched aiming at the “bulb” area, so the game ball detection provided in the game ball passing gate 37 is detected. While the game ball is detected by the switch 37s, it can be considered that the player concentrates on the game. In other words, if the game ball is no longer detected by the game ball detection switch 37s (or if it becomes difficult to detect), the interest in the game may be reduced. Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, by providing the game ball passage gate 37 in a so-called “bump” area, it becomes possible for the player to acquire information regarding the will to continue the game. Based on this information, the operating rate of the gaming machine 1 can be greatly improved. This point will be described in detail later.

  When a player aims at the starting port 17 and fires a game ball in a so-called “bump”, most of the game balls pass through the game ball passage gate 37 and the game provided inside the game ball passage gate 37. The passage of the game ball is detected by the ball detection switch 37s. Therefore, the game ball detection switch 37s of the present embodiment corresponds to the “game ball passage detection means” in the present invention. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start port 17, the special display variable display is performed on the symbol display device 28. Therefore, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “symbol display means” in the present invention.

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

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

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In such processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a game ball winning switch (such as the start opening switch 17s and the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. If a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, the process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed ( S100). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no). . When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the number of held ordinary symbols is present (whether it is “0”). If the number of retained symbols is present, whether or not the ordinary symbol is present is determined. Here, the reserved number of normal symbols is set by the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 36, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the reserved number is set to “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal / bad determination of the normal symbol, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a missing symbol (see FIG. 6A). Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the start port 17 is open (S190). If the opening is being opened (S190: yes), a process (starting port returning process) for returning the opened starting port 17 to the normal state is performed (S200). On the other hand, if the start port 17 is not open (S190: no), it is not necessary to perform the start port return process, and the process is skipped.

  In the starting port return process (S200), if any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the starting port 17 has elapsed, or whether a prescribed number of game balls have entered the starting port 17 When any of the above conditions is satisfied, a process of returning the start port 17 in the open state to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 5 seconds when the opening time extension function described later is activated (1 when the number of times of opening is 1). The opening time of one time is extended to about 5 seconds, or when the number of times of opening is a plurality of times, the total of the opening times of the plurality of times is extended to about 5 seconds). On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S200) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish.

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

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start the special symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S302). As described above, the start port 17 s that detects the entrance of a game ball is provided inside the start port 17, and can detect that a game ball has entered.

  If the game ball has passed the start opening switch 17s (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbols held (special figure holding number) has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). Judgment is made (S304). If the number of special symbol reservations has not reached the upper limit (S304: no), a special symbol success / failure determination random number and a symbol determination random number are acquired and stored (S306). Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful, and the symbol determination random number determines the type of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed according to the special symbol's success / failure determination result. Is a random number. Next, “1” is added to the special figure hold number (S308). The special figure hold number is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. In S308, the data at the address where the special figure hold number is stored is read out, and after adding "1", the process of storing it again at the predetermined address is performed. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the special figure holding number is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200, and therefore the RAM 203 of this embodiment corresponds to the “holding number storage means” in the present invention. It has become.

  Subsequently, a command for specifying the special figure hold number (special figure hold number specifying command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S310). In this way, every time “1” is added to the special figure hold number, a special figure hold number designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220. By receiving this command, The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can know the number of special figure reservations stored on the main control board 200 side.

  The case where it is determined that the number of special figure reservations has not reached the upper limit (here, “4”) has been described (S304: no). On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit value “4” (S304: no), the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined, the acquisition of the design determining random number, The process of adding 1 to is not performed.

  When the process related to the special symbol hold is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S312). The special game process to be described later is a process for starting a big hit game, which is a special game advantageous to the player, when the special symbol is variably displayed and stopped with a predetermined hit symbol. If a big hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeatedly start a big hit game. Therefore, when the process related to the special symbol hold is completed, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S312). If there is no big hit game (S312: no), a special symbol game process to be described later is executed. It is determined to start (that is, S300: yes). On the other hand, if it is already a big hit game (S312: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S300: no).

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S320). On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped.

C-2. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol has passed (S324: no), the number of special symbols reserved (special symbol pending) It is determined whether or not (number) is “0” (S326). As described above, the special figure hold number can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the special figure holding number is “0” (S326: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the number of special symbol hold is not “0” (S326: no), a process for determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate (special symbol appropriateness determining process) is started (S330).

  The determination of whether or not a special symbol is appropriate is performed as follows. First, one of the oldest stored special symbol determination random numbers is read out from the special symbol determination random numbers. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired and stored when the game ball enters the start port 17 in the special symbol game start determination process described above. Next, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined by determining whether or not the read-out determination random number matches a plurality of preset hit values. Further, two hit values are provided, and one hit value set is set with a larger number of hit values than the other hit value set. Therefore, when determining whether or not the special symbol is correct, it is confirmed whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state (in the probability variation game), that is, whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON, and the probability variation flag is turned ON. When it is set, the determination is made using a set in which many hit values are set. For this reason, during probability variation (when the probability variation flag is set to ON), the special symbol's success / failure determination result is “hit” with a higher probability than during non-probability variation (when the probability variation flag is set to OFF). become. The probability change flag is a flag that is set when the gaming state becomes the probability change state, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the probability change flag. The probability variation state is sometimes called a state in which the probability variation function is activated.

  In this way, if the special symbol is determined to be successful, the special symbol stop symbol is determined according to the result. That is, as the special symbol stop symbols, as shown in FIG. 7, six types of winning symbols and two types of outliers are provided. Therefore, if the special symbol's success / failure determination result is a win, the stop symbol is determined from among the six types of winning symbols, and if the success / failure determination result is out of the two types, the stop symbol is stopped. Determine the design. In determining the stop symbol, a lottery is performed using a symbol random number. Here, the symbol determination random number is a random number that is acquired and stored together with the above-described special symbol success / failure determination random number when a game ball enters the start port 17. As described above, in the special symbol success / failure determination process (S330), the special symbol success / failure random number and the symbol determination random number acquired previously are read to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful and In response to this, a winning symbol or a missing symbol of the special symbol is determined.

  Then, the process which sets the variation pattern of a special symbol is started (S332). Here, the variation pattern of the special symbol is an aspect in which the special symbol is variably displayed. Note that even if the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the eight types of display modes shown in FIG. 7 are simply displayed while being switched one after another. It corresponds to the time to let. However, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device 28 and the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c variation display performed by the variation display device 27 are linked to each other. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time during which the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner is determined. Then, the specific content of the variable display is determined by the sub-control board 220 within the range of the time for the variable display. In determining the variation pattern, the above-described determination result of special symbol, the number of special figure hold, the probability variation flag, and the time reduction flag described later are referred to, and the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is set to “ON”. If the result of the determination is “out” and the number of special figure hold is “3” or more regardless of the state of the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag, the variation pattern with a shorter variation time is determined. It has become.

  When the special symbol variation pattern is set (S332), the special symbol variation display on the symbol display device 28 is started (S340). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the eight types of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. When the special symbol variation display is started, “1” is subtracted from the special figure hold number (S342), and a special figure hold number designation command for designating the subtracted special figure hold number is issued to the main control board 200. To the sub-control board 220 (S343). After that, a command (special symbol variation pattern designation command) for designating the previously determined special symbol variation pattern is output to the sub-control board 220 (S344), and then the special symbol stop symbol is designated. A command (stop symbol designation command) is output to the sub control board 220 in the same manner (S346).

  In this way, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command, thereby varying the special symbol variation time displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the special symbol. You can know the information about the stop symbol. Therefore, in accordance with these pieces of information, an effect mode (variable display mode of design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) performed by the variable display device 27 is determined, and a control command for instructing the determined effect mode is output to the effect control board 230. Output to. By doing so, various effect displays using the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also performed on the variation display device 27 in accordance with the variation display and stop display of the special symbols performed on the symbol display device 28. Each time “1” is added to the special figure hold number (see S308 in FIG. 10) or every time “1” is subtracted (S342 in FIG. 11), the special figure hold number from the main control board 200. Since the designated command is output, the sub-control board 220 can grasp the number of special figure reservations stored on the main control board 200 side based on this command.

  As described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol, and sends the special symbol hold number designation command, the variation pattern designation command, and the special symbol stop information designation command to the sub-control board 220. 11 is finished, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed.

  The detailed processing performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S322: no in FIG. 11) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S322 performed first (S322: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is output to the sub-control board 220 (S350). At the same time, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with a symbol set in advance (S352). Next, after setting a time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time) (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol stopped and displayed is any of the winning symbols shown in FIG. 7 (S358 in FIG. 12). ). If the symbol that has been stopped is a winning symbol (S358: yes), a big hit flag indicating that the big hit game is started is set to ON (S360). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the big hit flag is turned ON.

  Subsequently, after outputting a command indicating that the jackpot game is started (a jackpot start command) to the sub-control board 220 (S362), it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S364). When the probability change flag is set to ON (S364: yes), the current game state is the probability change state, and the probability change function, the time shortening function, and the open extension function (function to extend the opening time of the start port 17) are provided. It can be judged that it is operating. Therefore, the probability variation function is stopped by setting the probability variation flag to OFF (that is, the value of the probability variation flag is changed from “1” to “0”) (S366), and the time reduction flag is also set to OFF (ie time reduction flag). The time reduction function is also stopped by changing the value of “1” from “1” to “0” (S368), and the opening extension flag is also set to OFF (that is, the value of the opening extension flag is changed from “1” to “0”). The opening extension function is also stopped (S370). Here, the time reduction flag is a flag indicating whether or not to shorten the special symbol change time in the symbol display device 28, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the time reduction flag. Yes. When the time reduction flag is set to “ON”, the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, and the special symbol variation time is reduced, that is, the time reduction state is set. The time-short state is sometimes called a state in which the time-short function is activated. The opening extension flag is a flag indicating whether or not the opening time of the start port 17 is extended, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the opening extension flag. When the opening extension flag is “ON”, the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, and the opening time of the start port 17 is extended.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S364: no), it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S372). If the time reduction flag is set to ON (S372: (S372: yes), the time reduction flag is turned OFF to stop the time reduction function (S368). Further, when the time reduction function is activated, the opening extension function is also activated. Therefore, after the opening extension flag is turned OFF to stop the opening extension function (S370), the special functions shown in FIGS. Exiting the symbol game process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, if neither the probability variation flag nor the hourly flag is set to ON (S364: no, S372: no), the special symbol game process is left as it is, and the game control process is performed. Return to.

  The processing when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a winning symbol has been described above (S358: yes), but when it is not a winning symbol (S358: no), the following processing is performed. I do.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a short-time state (during a short-time game), that is, whether or not a short-time flag is ON (S374). If the time flag is ON (S374: yes), after counting the number of times the special symbol has changed during the time-short game (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of times the variation has reached a predetermined number (S378). ). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the special game according to “normal hit” is completed, the opening time of the start port 17 is extended, and the game state (time reduction) is shortened. The game is set to continue until the next jackpot gaming state occurs or the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times. Therefore, when it is determined that the current gaming state is in the short-time game (that is, the short-time flag is set to ON) (S374: yes), after counting the number of times of change of the special symbol (S376), the number of times of change It is determined whether or not the counted value has reached a predetermined number (S378). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time reduction flag is turned off to end the time reduction game (S368), the opening extension flag is also turned off (S370), and then shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 Returning to the game control process of FIG. 9 after exiting the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S378: no), the special symbol game processing is performed while maintaining the short-time game state (while the short-time flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON). Exit and return to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S390). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol. If the big hit flag is set to ON (S390: yes), the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts a special electric accessory game process described below (S400). On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set to ON (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and the above-described prize ball related process (S50) and thereafter The series of processes is repeated.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A special game (so-called big hit game) is performed by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 13, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called jackpot game will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided in the lower part of the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the big hit game is started, the big winning opening 31d is in an open state. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round game (or simply round)”. When such round games are repeated and a predetermined number of round games are consumed, the big hit game ends. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the jackpot game described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process (S400), it is first determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The big prize opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state, and therefore, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of openings (that is, the number of rounds) of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined number (S404). As described above, during the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and a predetermined number of round games are repeated. Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), it is determined whether or not the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d (number of round games) has reached a predetermined number ( S404).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening 31d has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S406: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. The game is opened and a new round game is started (S408). And after outputting the command (round number designation | designated command) which designates what round game the started round game is to the sub-control board 220 (S410), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Is temporarily terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball-related process (S50), the special electric equipment game process (S400) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 13 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S408, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S412). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S412, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S412: yes), after closing the special prize opening 31d (S416), the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 13 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S412: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached the specified number (S414). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S414: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S414: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is exited and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the big prize opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S412: yes), or a predetermined number of game balls enter the big prize opening 31d A ball is formed (S414: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). Thus, one round game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of round games have ended (S404). ), If all the round games have not ended (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the grand prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the grand prize opening 31d is again opened. After starting a new round game (S408), a round number designation command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S410). On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of round games have ended (S404: yes), the big hit flag is changed to OFF to end the big hit game (S418).

  When the big hit game is terminated as described above, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol for starting the big hit game is a probability change winning symbol (S422). If it is a probability change symbol (S422: yes), after setting the probability change flag (S424), turn on the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag to activate the time reduction function and the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory. (S426, S428), and the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is terminated. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is not the probability changing symbol (S422: no), the hourly flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON in order to operate the hourly function and the opening extension function with the probability changing flag turned off. (S426, S428) After the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is completed, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. In addition, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 has various commands output by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executing the game control process (for example, a variation pattern designation command, a stop symbol designation command, a special figure reservation) When a number designation command, a jackpot start command, etc.) are received, the game is rendered according to the received command. As a result, the player is stimulated with interest in the game and fires game balls one after another. The longer the state continues, the higher the operating rate of the gaming machine, which can be said to be a favorable situation for the gaming hall.

  However, since the player gradually gets bored with the game, such a favorable situation does not last so long. Therefore, if the player has not fired a game ball, the production rate will not be performed, or the production will be performed in an incomprehensible manner, but the player will be encouraged to launch the game ball and the operation rate will be Attempts have also been made to improve. However, if the player's willingness to continue playing is diminished, if the production is not performed or the production becomes difficult to see, the player will lose more willingness to play and will end the game Sometimes. For this reason, it does not necessarily lead to an improvement in operating rate.

  In view of these points, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment provides a game ball passing gate 37 (game ball detection switch 37s) in a so-called “bump” area on the game board surface, thereby allowing the player to continue the game. The will is estimated and the estimation result is reflected in the game performance. For this reason, even when the player is losing motivation for the game, it is possible to continue the game by attracting the player's consciousness again, and as a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. Below, the process which produces an effect with progress of a game is demonstrated with the gaming machine 1 of a present Example.

D. Production control process:
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the first half of an effect control process for performing an effect as the game progresses in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the effect control process. These processes are processes executed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 performs an effect control process (S1000), thereby performing an effect in accordance with the progress of the game. Therefore, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the “production execution means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the production control process, first, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command are received from the main control board 200 (S1002). As described above with reference to FIG. 11, the variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation time of the special symbol, and the stop symbol designation command is the symbol in which the symbol is stopped after the special symbol is variably displayed. Is a command to specify. When the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 starts to be changed, these commands are output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. Therefore, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives these commands (S1002: yes), the change time specified by the change pattern specification command and the stop symbol of the special design specified by the stop symbol specification command. Accordingly, the effect pattern to be performed on the screen of the variable display device 27 is determined (S1004). In accordance with the effect pattern determined in this way, the variable display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the variable display device 27 is started (S1006). As a result, an effect using the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and the background symbol 27d is performed on the screen of the variable display device 27.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command from the main control board 200 have not been received (S1002: no), the production pattern is determined, or the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c. The process to start the variable display is skipped because it is unnecessary.

  As will be described in detail later, a standard performance mode in which a performance is performed in a standard mode and a special performance mode in which a performance is performed in a special mode are set for the performance performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. Has been. These effect modes differ in the scenes and characters displayed as the background symbol 27d on the screen of the variable display device 27, and the effect patterns are also set for each effect mode. Accordingly, when determining the effect pattern in S1006, it is determined whether the current effect mode is the standard effect mode or the special effect mode, and among the effect patterns set for the current effect mode. From this, processing for determining one production pattern is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the effect control process, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command has been received (S1008) following determination of whether or not a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command have been received (S1002). The symbol stop command is a command that is output from the main control board 200 toward the sub-control board 220 when the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed.

  If the symbol stop command has been received (S1008: yes), the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed on the screen of the variable display device 27 are stopped in a manner corresponding to the previously determined effect pattern. It is displayed (S1010). On the other hand, when the symbol stop command has not been received (S1008: no), such processing (S1010) is skipped. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, the symbol stop command is a command that is output only after the fluctuation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are output. Therefore, if the special symbol is not variably displayed on the symbol display device 28, the symbol stop command is not output, so S1010 can be skipped, and even if the special symbol is being variably displayed, the variability is displayed. If the display time has not elapsed, the symbol stop command is not output, and in this case as well, S1010 may be skipped. Eventually, the sub-control board 220 only needs to stop the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c performed by the variation display device 27 only when the symbol stop command is received.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a big hit start command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1012). As described above with reference to FIG. 12, when the special symbol is stopped at the symbol (S358: yes in FIG. 12), the jackpot start command is sent from the main control board 200 to the sub control board before the jackpot game is started. This command is output to 220. Therefore, when the big hit start command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1012: yes), an effect to notify the player that the big hit game is started (a big hit game start effect) is performed (S1014). Conversely, if the jackpot start command is not received (S1012: no), the jackpot game start effect is not performed.

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a round number designation command has been received (S1016 in FIG. 15). As described above with reference to FIG. 13, the round number designation command is the number of rounds when the big winning opening 31d is opened during the big hit game (S408 in FIG. 13) and a new round game is started. This command is output toward the sub-control board 220 to indicate whether it is a round game. Therefore, when a round number designation command has been received (S1016: yes), an effect (round game effect) performed during the round game is performed. On the other hand, when the round number designation command is not received (S1016: no), the round game effect is not performed. Further, during the big hit game, the round game is repeated a predetermined number of times, and a round number designation command is output from the main control board 200 each time. Therefore, every time a round number designation command is received, it is determined as S1016: yes and a round game effect is performed.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a big hit end command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1020). As described above with reference to FIG. 13, the jackpot end command is a command output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the jackpot game is ended (see S420 in FIG. 13). Therefore, when it is determined that a jackpot end command has been received (S1020: yes), an effect (successful game end effect) is provided to notify the player that the jackpot game is over (S1022). On the other hand, when the jackpot end command has not been received (S1020: no), the jackpot game end effect is not performed.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 starts an effect mode management process (S1100). As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with the standard performance mode in which the performance is performed in the standard mode and the special performance mode in which the performance is performed in the special mode. The standard effect mode is a standard effect mode that is set when the gaming machine 1 is turned on and is ready for gaming. On the other hand, the special effect mode is an effect mode that is started only when a special condition is satisfied. When the CPU 221 provided on the sub-control board 220 determines that the player is losing his / her will to continue the game, the effect mode of the player is played by switching the effect mode from the standard effect mode to the special effect mode. It is possible to attract. The effect mode management process (S1100 in FIG. 15) switches such effect modes.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect mode management process performed to estimate the player's intention to continue playing and switch the effect mode. When the production mode management process (S1100) is started, it is first determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the game ball passage gate 37 (S1102). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the game ball passing gate 37 is provided in a so-called “bump” area (an initial flow area) on the game board surface, so that the game ball passes through the game ball passing gate 37. It is possible to estimate whether or not the player has the will to continue the game by the passing frequency. In other words, the player plays a game in the hope that a big hit will occur, but in order to generate a big hit, a game ball is inserted into the start port 17 and a special symbol is displayed on the symbol display device 28. It is necessary to start the variable display. In order to enter the game ball into the start port 17, it is only necessary to fire the game ball in a so-called “bump” area on the game board surface. In addition, since the game balls launched in the “bubbling” area flow down on the game board surface toward the start port 17, a normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided, so that the game balls When the normal symbol variation display is started after passing through the normal symbol operation gate 36, and as a result, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at the symbol, the start port 17 is in an open state, and the game ball is further drawn. It becomes easy to enter the starting port 17. For these reasons, a player who plays a game in the hope of generating a big hit will definitely play a game by firing a game ball in the “bubbling” area. On the other hand, if you are launching a game ball in an area other than “Bumping”, even if you are firing a game ball, you are doing so-called “right-handed” or “choro-hit” You can think that you are losing your will to continue. Based on such considerations, when the production mode management process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the game ball passing gate 37 provided in the “Bump” area on the game board surface. Judgment is made (S1102).

  Normally, since the player launches a game ball in the “bump” area, most of the launched game balls pass through the game ball passage gate 37 and are detected by the game ball detection switch 37s, so in S1102 It is determined as “yes”. Therefore, this time, it is determined whether or not the passage timer is operating (S1104). The passing timer is a timer for measuring the time interval for the game ball to pass through the game ball passing gate 37 and is mounted on the sub-control board 220. Then, when the game ball passes through the game ball passage gate 37 (when it is detected by the game ball detection switch 37s) (S1102: yes), if the pass timer has not been activated (S1104: no), it passes. The timer is started (S1114), the effect mode management process of FIG. 16 is terminated, and the effect control process described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 is resumed.

  When returning from the effect mode management process to the effect control process, the process returns to the top of the process to determine whether a command from the main control board 200 has been received. If a command has been received, the corresponding process is performed. That is, when the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command have been received (S1002 in FIG. 14: yes), after the effect pattern is determined, the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the variation display device 27 is performed. Start (S1004, S1006). If the symbol stop command has been received (S1008: yes), the symbol variation performed by the fluctuation display device 27 is stopped (S1010). If the jackpot start command has been received (S1012: yes), A jackpot game start effect is performed (S1104), if a round number designation command is received (S1016: yes in FIG. 15), a round game effect is performed (S1018), and a jackpot end command is received ( S1020: yes), a big hit game end effect is performed (S1022). In this way, it is determined whether or not various commands have been received from the main control board 200. If the commands have been received, the corresponding process is performed, and then the effect mode management process shown in FIG. 16 is performed again.

  As described above, in the effect mode management process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has passed through the game ball passage gate 37 (whether or not the game ball detection switch 37s has detected a game ball). If the player is playing a game normally, the launched game ball passes through the game ball passage gate 37 and is detected by the game ball detection switch 37s. Then, it is determined again whether the passage timer is operating (S1104). Since the operation of the passage timer is started at the time of execution of the last production mode management process (S1114), it is determined that the operation is being performed this time (S1104: yes).

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the passage timer is 10 seconds or less (S1106). As described above, the passing timer starts operating when the previous game ball passes the game ball passing gate 37, so that the current game ball is played after the previous game ball passes the game ball passing gate 37. The elapsed time until the ball passes through the ball passage gate 37 (the elapsed time from when the previous game ball is detected by the game ball detection switch 37s until the current game ball is detected by the game ball detection switch 37s) is 10 It is determined whether it is less than a second. Since the launching device unit 12 mounted on the gaming machine 1 launches nearly 100 game balls per minute, if the player is firing a game ball at the position of “Bump”, the game After the ball has passed the game ball passage gate 37, it does not take 10 seconds until the next game ball passes the game ball passage gate 37. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that the time measured by the passage timer is 10 seconds or less (S1106: yes). Therefore, after the time measured by the passage timer is initialized to 0 seconds (S1120), FIG. Exiting the effect mode management process shown, the process returns to the effect control process shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in the effect mode management process, while the player is playing a game normally, almost all of the launched game balls pass through the game ball passing gate 37, and each time the passing timer counts. The operation initialized to 0 seconds is repeatedly performed.

  When the player stops the game, the game ball is not passing through the game ball passage gate 37 (the game ball is detected by the game ball detection switch 37s) as determined at the beginning of the production mode management process. (S1102: no), and then it is determined whether the time measured by the passage timer is 120 seconds or longer (S1116). If the player has just stopped playing, it is determined that the time measured by the passing timer has not reached 120 seconds (S1116: no), and the effect mode management process in FIG. Returning to the effect control process shown in FIG. 15, it is determined that the time measured by the passage timer has reached 120 seconds as the operation is repeated many times (S1116: yes). In such a state, that is, in a state where the game ball does not pass the game ball passage gate 37 for 120 seconds, it is almost definite that the player has stopped the game. Therefore, since it is meaningless to count the time with the passing timer, the timing of the passing timer is stopped (S1118), the passing timer is initialized (S1120), and the effect mode management process of FIG. 16 is exited. 14 and FIG. 15 return to the effect control process.

  On the other hand, if the player has not yet stopped the game, but is about to lose the will to continue the game, the operation of the launch handle 8 becomes confused, and a place other than “bump” In other words, the game ball is shot into the game area, or the game ball is shot so strongly that it is more than necessary, or the game ball is barely shot into the game area 11. For this reason, even if a game ball is being fired, the frequency at which the game ball passes through the game ball passage gate 37 (frequency at which the game ball is detected by the game ball detection switch 37s) decreases. In the effect mode management process shown in FIG. 16, such a state is detected and a process for switching the effect mode is performed.

  That is, when a game ball passes through the game ball passing gate 37 and it is determined that the passing timer is operating at that time (S1102: yes, S1104: yes), whether or not the time measured by the passing timer is 10 seconds or less. Is determined (S1106). If the time of 10 seconds or more has elapsed, that is, if it is determined to be “no” in S1106, the game ball has passed the game ball passage gate 37, so the game is not stopped. There is a high possibility that the player is not focused on the game and is losing the will to continue the game.

  Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the special figure hold number is a predetermined reference value (S1108). As described above with reference to FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, when the number of special figure hold varies as the game is performed, a special figure hold number designation command is output from the main control board 200 each time. The board 220 knows the number of special figure reservations stored on the main control board 200 side. In addition, the reference value is a value excluding the upper limit value (in this case, “4”) and the lower limit value “0”, that is, any value in the range from “1” to “3”. It is set in advance. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the grasped special figure hold number is equal to a preset reference value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “2” is set as the reference value. The reference value is not necessarily one, and a plurality of values such as “1” and “2” or “2” and “3” can be set.

  If it is determined that the special figure hold number is equal to the reference value (S1108: yes), it is determined that the possibility that the player is losing the will to continue the game has increased. This determination can be made for the following reason. For example, it is assumed that the special figure hold number is the upper limit “4”. In this case, even if the game ball can be made to enter the starting port 17, the number of special figure reservations does not increase to the upper limit value “4” or more, so that the starting ball 17 is wasted. Dislike this, the player may stop firing the game ball until the number of special figure hold decreases, and may make a so-called stop. If the special figure hold number is “0”, the player may have already stopped the game when the last special figure hold number has been consumed. That is, when the special figure hold number is the upper limit value “4” or the lower limit value “0”, there is a high possibility that the player does not fall under the state where the player is losing the will to continue the game. To put it the other way around, even though the special figure hold number is neither the upper limit value “4” nor the lower limit value “0”, the passing time of the passing timer has exceeded 10 seconds. The possibility of losing continuation will is even higher. Therefore, when the reference value excluding the upper limit value “4” and the lower limit value “0” of the special figure hold number is set and the time measured by the passage timer has exceeded 10 seconds or more (S1106: no) Then, it is determined whether or not the number of special figure hold matches the reference value (S1108).

  In this embodiment, the reference value is set to “2” because the following points are taken into consideration. First, a player who performs a so-called stop-stop may stop a stop even when the special figure holding number becomes “3”. For such a player, when the special figure holding number is “3”, there is a possibility that the player's willingness to continue the game has not been lost even if the counting time of the passage timer has passed 10 seconds or more. . Further, depending on the player, there is a possibility that the game will be stopped when the special figure holding number becomes “1”. Therefore, in consideration of the above, when the number of special figure hold is “1” or “3”, the player has not lost his / her intention to continue the game or has stopped the game. There is a possibility that it does not correspond to “the state of losing willingness to continue the game”. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reference value is set to “2” in view of safety.

  If the result of comparing the special figure hold number and the reference value does not match (S1108: no), it cannot be determined that the player is losing the will to continue the game. In order to perform, after the passage timer is initialized (S1120), the effect mode management process in FIG. 16 is exited, and the effect control process in FIGS. 14 and 15 is resumed.

  On the other hand, if the number of special figure reservations matches the reference value (S1108: yes), it is highly likely that the player is losing the will to continue the game. Then, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state corresponds to a gaming state assumed in advance (S1110). By doing so, it becomes possible to more reliably determine whether or not the player is losing the will to continue the game. This is due to the following reason.

  For example, it is assumed that the current gaming state is a big hit game. Since the player plays the game in the hope that a big hit will occur, if the current gaming state is a big hit game, even if the interval between the game balls passing through the game ball passing gate 37 is 10 seconds or more. Therefore, even if the number of special figure hold is the reference value (S1108: yes), it cannot be considered that the player is losing the will to continue the game. Also, even if the current game state is a so-called probability change state, it is unlikely that the player is losing the will to continue the game because there is a high possibility that a big hit will occur during the probability change. Thus, in the gaming state, there is a gaming state in which it is almost impossible for the player to lose his / her willingness to continue the game. It can be said that it is difficult to think of losing willingness to continue the game even during reach production or in a short-time state after the end of the big hit game. In other words, the current gaming state is a completely normal state, that is, it is not a big hit game, the probability changing function, the time shortening function, the opening time extension function, etc. are not activated, and it is not in the middle of reach production. Sometimes, if the interval at which the game balls pass through the game ball passage gate 37 is more than 10 seconds apart (S1106: no) and the special figure holding number is the reference value (S1108: yes), the player Even if it is judged that they are losing their will to continue, there is no mistake. Therefore, it is preliminarily stored assuming a gaming state that is not strange even if the player loses his intention to continue the game, and there is an interval of 10 seconds or more before the game ball passes the game ball passing gate 37 ( (S1106: no), when the special figure hold number is the reference value (S1108: yes), the current gaming state is confirmed (S1110). Such “judgment of the current gaming state” may be performed by various commands (for example, the aforementioned variation pattern designation command, stop symbol designation command, or jackpot game received from the main control board 200 received by the sub-control board 220. This can be done based on the game state setting after completion (such as a game state designation command output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 in accordance with the setting of the probability change flag, the time reduction flag, and the release extension flag). .

  As a result, if the current gaming state is not a gaming state that assumes that there is no wonder even if it loses the willingness to continue the game (S1110: no), the player is losing the willingness to continue the game. Since the passage timer is initialized to make another determination (S1120), the effect mode management process shown in FIG. 16 is terminated, and the effect control process of FIGS. 14 and 15 is resumed.

  On the other hand, if the current game state is a game state that is assumed to be no wonder even if the game continuation intention is lost (S1110: yes), the player loses the game continuation intention. After changing the production mode from the standard production mode to the special production mode (S1112), the passage timer is initialized (S1120), the production mode management process of FIG. Returning to the effect control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in S1004 of the effect control process, the effect pattern is determined based on the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command received from the main control board 200. As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with the standard effect mode in which the effect is performed in the standard mode and the special effect mode in which the effect is performed in the special mode. Is also set for each production mode. For this reason, when the production mode is changed to the special production mode in the production mode management process shown in FIG. 16, the production after that is performed in a different manner.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying an effect in which the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed on the screen of the variable display device 27 during the special effect mode. As is apparent from comparison with the effect performed during the standard effect mode illustrated in FIG. 8, when the special effect mode is entered, the effect mode greatly changes, such as the appearance of a genie character on the background symbol 27d. As a result, the player who has reduced his / her willingness to continue the game expects that the player may have switched to an advantageous gaming state, and will regain interest in the game and continue the game.

  The determination as to whether or not the player is losing the intention to continue the game is executed while the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 performs the effect mode management process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the “game continuation intention estimating means” in the present invention. Further, when it is determined that the continuation intention of the game is about to be lost, the process of changing the effect mode is also executed in the effect mode management process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 according to the present embodiment also corresponds to the “effect mode changing unit” in the present invention.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball passage gate 37 (game ball detection switch 37s) is provided in a so-called “bulb” area on the game board surface, and the game ball passage gate is provided. 37, a time interval during which the game ball passes through 37 (a time interval at which the game ball detection switch 37s detects the game ball) is detected. As described above, the time interval at which the game ball passes the game ball passing gate 37 is information reflecting the player's intention to continue the game, and based on this information and the number of special figure hold, A state is detected in which the player is losing the will to continue the game. When it is determined that the game continuation intention is about to be lost, the effect mode is switched to a special effect mode that is not normally used. For this reason, the player who has stopped the game can be reminded of the end of the game and the game can be continued, so the operating rate of the gaming machine 1 can be greatly improved.

  In order to achieve such an effect reliably, it is important to switch the effect mode to the special effect mode only when the player is losing the will to continue the game. That is, if the effect performed in the special effect mode is not unusual for the player, even if the effect is switched to the special effect mode, the player who is stopping the game cannot be retained. From this point of view, it is desirable that the special production mode is not easily switched. However, even if the player is losing the will to continue the game, if the player does not switch to the special performance mode, the player's interest cannot be retained. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately detect the state where the player is losing the will to continue the game, and only in such a case, it is necessary to switch the effect mode to the special effect mode.

  In this regard, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it is considered that the game ball is about to lose the game continuation based on the time interval through which the game ball passes the game ball passage gate 37 and the number of special figure holds. As a final confirmation, it is confirmed that the current game state is a game state that is not strange even if it loses its will to continue the game. For this reason, it is possible to accurately detect the state in which the player is losing willingness to continue the game, and to switch the production mode to the special production mode. As a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine 1 can be greatly improved.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it is considered that the player is losing willingness to continue the game, the timing at which the game ball passes the game ball passing gate 37 (the game ball detection switch 37s receives the game ball). At the detected timing), the effect mode is switched to the special effect mode. When the player is losing his willingness to continue the game, the player may end the game at any time. When the effect mode is changed after the game ends, the operating rate of the gaming machine 1 is improved. I can't let you. In this respect, the fact that the passing of the game ball is detected at the game ball passing gate 37 is considered that the player is continuing the game. It becomes possible to improve the operating rate of 1.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the production mode management process is always executed while a game is in progress to monitor whether or not the player is losing the will to continue the game. However, it is normal that the player loses his / her willingness to continue the game not after starting the game but after continuing the game for a while. Therefore, when the number of game balls that have passed through the game ball passage gate 37 (the number of game balls detected by the game ball detection switch 37s) reaches a predetermined number, the effect mode management process may be executed.

  In the effect mode management process of the above-described embodiment, when the conditions relating to the passage timer (S1106 in FIG. 16), the conditions relating to the special figure holding number (S1108), and the conditions relating to the gaming state (S1110) are all satisfied. Therefore, it is determined that the player's willingness to continue playing has declined, and the production mode is changed to the special production mode. However, the player's intention to continue playing may be digitized, and if the value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the player's intention to continue playing has declined. That is, the longer the elapsed time of the passing timer is, the lower the willingness to continue the game, and the smaller the number of special figure holds (excluding “0”), the lower the willingness to continue the game. Furthermore, regarding the gaming state, the degree of willingness to continue the game is considered to be different. Therefore, the game continuation intention is digitized based on these conditions, and when the value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the game continuation intention is in a reduced state.

  In the embodiment described above, the game ball passing gate 37 having the game ball detection switch 37 s is used to detect the game ball launched toward the “bump” on the game board surface aiming at the start port 17. explained. However, a sensor (light sensor, magnetic sensor, etc.) for detecting the passage of the game ball is embedded in the “bump” area on the game board surface or the upper left outer peripheral portion of the central device 26, and this sensor is used to It is also possible to detect a game ball that is launched toward the “bump” on the game board surface aiming at 17.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the fluctuation | variation display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with a fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the special symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory game process performed in a special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the effect control process for performing an effect with progress of a game with the gaming machine of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the production | presentation control process for performing an effect with progress of a game with the gaming machine of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production mode management process performed in order to estimate a player's game continuation intention and to switch production modes. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the production | presentation which a design symbol fluctuates and displays on the screen of a fluctuation | variation display apparatus in special production mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine, 17 ... Start port, 27 ... Fluctuation display device,
28 ... symbol display device (symbol display means), 37 ... game ball passing gate,
37s ... gaming ball detection switch (game ball passage detecting means), 200 ... main control board,
203 ... RAM (holding number storage means), 220 ... Sub-control board,
221 ... CPU (production execution means, game continuation will estimation means, production mode change means)

Claims (5)

Any one of the above-mentioned entrance holes by causing the game balls to flow down on the game board surface by firing the game balls from above the game board surface provided with a plurality of entrance holes. In a ball game machine that performs a game to enter into,
Effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the progress of the game;
A start opening which is a specific entry among the plurality of entry openings;
A symbol display means for displaying a variation of symbols when a game ball enters the start opening;
When a game ball enters the starting port during the variation display of the symbol, in order to resume the variation display after stopping the symbol during the variation display, a predetermined upper limit number of balls entering the starting port , The number of holds stored as the number of holds,
A game ball passing detection that detects that a game ball has passed by providing a game ball launched toward the upper side of the game board surface toward the start opening in the initial flow area where the game ball starts to flow down on the game board surface. Means,
A game continuation intention estimation for estimating a player's game continuation intention based on a time interval at which the game ball passage detection unit detects passage of a game ball and the number of reservations stored in the reservation number storage unit Means,
When it is estimated by the game continuation will estimation means that the player's game continuation intention is reduced, there is provided an effect mode change means for changing the mode of the effect performed by the effect execution means. A ball game machine to play. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The game continuation intention estimation means is configured such that the time interval at which the passing of the game ball is detected by the game ball passage detection means is a predetermined time or more, and the hold number stored in the hold number storage means is A ball game machine characterized by estimating that the player's willingness to continue playing is reduced when the upper limit number or the predetermined number is not zero. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
When it is estimated that the game continuation will estimating means is in a state where the game continuation intention of the player has declined, the effect mode changing means has detected that the game ball has passed by the game ball passage detecting means. And changing the aspect of the effect. In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The production execution means can execute the production in a standard production mode set as a standard, or a special production mode performed only when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The effect mode change means changes the effect mode from the standard effect mode to the special effect mode when the game continuation will estimation unit estimates that the player's game continuation intention is reduced. A ball game machine characterized by that. In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The game continuation intention estimation means starts operation when the number of game balls launched reaches a predetermined number after the game is started.

Images