JP2009285375A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of raising the sense of expectancy of a player even when a performance time is shortened. <P>SOLUTION: When a game ball enters a first start port 105, game data is acquired, which determines a plurality of phenomena such as the win/loss of big winning, the kinds of the big winning, and a performance content. When the game data is acquired during the variable display of a special symbol, the acquired game data is stored in a first special symbol holding and storing means 401. A previous determination means 330 determines the plurality of phenomena, which are determined based on the game data stored in the first special symbol holding and storing means 401, before starting the variable display of the special symbol based on the game data. The previous determination result of the previous determination means with respect to the plurality of phenomena to be determined based on the game data is announced to the player by variably controlling holding number display lights 130 to be various kinds of colors. In this case, the previously determined phenomena are disclosed to the player one by one whenever the variable display of the special symbol is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a lottery drawing when a game ball enters a start opening.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known gaming machines that advance a game in a normal gaming state and a jackpot gaming state in which more prize balls can be obtained than in the normal gaming state. In such a gaming machine, when a game ball enters the start port, a lottery for acquiring a right to shift to a big hit gaming state is performed. The result of the lottery is notified to the player by variably displaying the special symbol and finally stopping and displaying the specific symbol. This special symbol variation display is made for a predetermined time, but during this special symbol variation display, various effects were performed, and the player may have acquired the right to transition to the jackpot gaming state. It gives an expectation.

JP 2008-048990 A

  In recent years, in many gaming machines, until the lottery results are notified, characters and other stories develop various stories and give players high expectations. It will take a long time to complete. However, if the time for notifying the lottery result (effect time) becomes long, the operating rate of the gaming machine may be lowered for the following reason.

  That is, when a game ball enters the start opening during the performance, the right to change the display of the special symbol is reserved as a reserved ball, and an upper limit is usually set for the reserved number of reserved balls. In the state where the reserved ball is reserved up to the upper limit, even if the game ball enters the start opening, the above lottery will not be performed, so that the player can avoid unnecessary consumption of the game ball, It is common to stop the launch of game balls. For these reasons, the operating rate of the gaming machine decreases as the production time becomes longer.

  Therefore, in order not to reduce the operating rate of the gaming machine, the time required for one production is inevitably limited, and even if an effect that takes a long time is adopted, it is not possible to make the production appear frequently. As a result, there is a problem that most of the game time becomes frustrating for the player.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of giving a high sense of expectation to a player while shortening the production time.

  The first invention is a control means for controlling the progress of a game in a normal game state or a special game state to which a game value more advantageous than the normal game state is provided, and a special symbol is variably displayed and a predetermined time has elapsed. Special symbol variation display means for displaying the subsequent game state by stopping the variation display, and start for generating the right to start the variation display of the special symbol by the special symbol variation display means when the game ball enters A game machine having a mouth, wherein the control means obtains game data for determining a plurality of events triggered by the entry of the game ball into the start mouth, and shifts to the special game state. The game data lottery means for performing the right acquisition lottery and the game acquired when the game ball has entered the start opening when the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol fluctuation display means A special symbol hold storage means for storing the data, and reserves the right of variable display of special symbols triggered by the entry, and the game data stored in the special symbol hold storage means A pre-determining means for pre-determining an event before the start of variable display of special symbols based on the game data and a notification means provided in the gaming machine are controlled, and the event for a plurality of events determined by the game data is controlled. Pre-determination result notification control means for notifying a player of the pre-determination result of the pre-determination means, wherein the pre-determination result notification control means is a pre-determination for different events among the respective pre-determination results for the plurality of events The result is notified to the player when the special symbol variation display is performed.

  In the second invention, the special game state is provided with a plurality of types of special game states to which different game values are given, and an event determined based on the game data shifts to at least the special game state. The presence / absence of right acquisition and the type of special game state in the case of acquiring the right to shift to the special game state are included, and the game data for acquiring the right to shift to the special game state is the special symbol holding storage means When the predetermination means determines that the information is stored in the predetermination means, the predetermination result notification control means has the right to shift to the special gaming state when the special symbol change display is performed. It is characterized by notifying the acquisition and notifying the type of the special gaming state when triggered by the change display of the special symbol thereafter.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the gaming machine is provided with a symbol display unit for performing a decorative symbol effect by variably displaying a decorative symbol while the special symbol is being variably displayed, while an event determined based on the gaming data includes The advance determination means includes the presence or absence of execution of the reach effect which is a form of the decorative design effect, and the game data for executing the reach effect is stored in the special symbol hold storage means. The prior determination result notification control means notifies the fact that the reach effect is executed prior to other events, triggered by the fact that the special symbol variation display is performed. To do.

The starting port is provided in the game board, and the game ball launched on the game board is configured to enter or pass. The configuration of the start port is not particularly limited as long as it can detect that a game ball has entered or passed.
When a game ball enters or passes through the start port, game data is acquired. This game data consists of random numbers, commands, etc. acquired by random number generation means, and this game data is determined based on a predetermined table.

  Fluctuation display means notifying the player of the lottery result of whether or not the big hit with a special symbol, until the special symbol is finally displayed to the player after starting the variation, It takes a certain amount of time. As for the special symbol, the lottery result may be finally notified to the player. Therefore, when the special symbol is displayed to the player after the change starts, that is, the display to the player during the change is not essential, and no indication is displayed to the player during the change. Is also included in the variable display referred to in the present invention.

  The game data in the present invention determines a plurality of events. In the present invention, the event refers to whether or not to shift to the special gaming state, what kind of gaming value to shift to the special gaming state when shifting to the special gaming state, There are a wide variety of things that are determined when a game ball enters the start opening, such as whether or not the effect made during the symbol display is a reach effect. However, in the present invention, the event determined based on the game data may include at least one of the presence / absence of acquisition of the right to shift to the special game state and some other event. Therefore, for example, only the presence / absence of right acquisition to shift to the special gaming state and what kind of gaming value to shift to the special gaming state may be determined based on the game data.

The prior determination means determines a plurality of events determined by the game data stored in the special symbol hold storage means. However, this determination must be made before starting the variation display of the special symbol based on the game data to be determined (preliminary determination). In addition, if it is before the change display of the special symbol is started based on the game data to be determined, the game data may be acquired and immediately pre-determined, or the pre-determination result notification control means may Prior control may be performed when controlling the notification means.
Moreover, the prior determination means may determine all of a plurality of events determined based on the game data, or may determine only a specific event set in advance from the plurality of events.

The notification means of the present invention can notify the player of the determination results of the prior determination means, such as a symbol display unit that displays the decorative symbols in a variable manner, a voice output means such as a speaker that outputs sound, a lamp effect means that produces effects by light emission, and the like. If it is a thing, the structure in particular will not ask | require.
The prior determination result notification control means controls the notification means so as to notify the player of a plurality of events determined by one game data determined by the prior determination means. In addition, the notification of the plurality of events by the notification means is performed every time the special symbol variation display is performed. At this time, the player is notified of a different event among the plurality of events determined by the pre-determining means every time the special symbol variation display is performed. However, not all the events determined by the pre-determining means need to be notified to the player, and only the preset event is notified to the player only when the preset condition is satisfied. It doesn't matter.

  In addition, in the special game state where a game value advantageous to the normal game state is given, more prize balls than the normal game state are obtained when the game ball is easier to enter the starting port than the normal game state. There are a jackpot gaming state that can be acquired, a probability-changing gaming state that has a higher probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state than the normal gaming state, and a state in which these gaming states are combined. In any case, the special game state includes a wide range of game states to which some advantageous game value is given compared to the normal game state when the gaming machine is started.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of events are determined based on one game data, and the plurality of events are notified to the player step by step when a special symbol variation display is performed. . That is, the event based on the game data stored in the special symbol holding storage means is gradually disclosed to the player. In this way, if various events determined by the game data are gradually disclosed, the player's sense of expectation can be expected regardless of the one presentation performed for one special symbol variation display. Can be increased. Therefore, even if the time for displaying the variation of the special symbol, that is, the time required for the production is shortened, a high sense of expectation can be given to the player.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are partially enlarged views of the gaming machine. The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 101. At a lower position of the game board 101, an operation handle 113 having a launching unit (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 4) is arranged. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown). The game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a ball that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. A mouth is provided.

  A symbol display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used as the symbol display unit 104. Below the symbol display unit 104, a first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball driven toward the game area 103 is disposed. Below the first start port 105, a second start port 120 having a pair of movable pieces 120a is disposed. When the pair of movable pieces 120a are in the closed state, the second starter port 120 is unable or impossible to receive the game ball. When the pair of movable pieces 120a is in the open state, It becomes easier to accept a game ball than the one start port 105.

  The pair of movable pieces 120a are controlled to a first state in which a game ball is less likely to enter than the first start port 105 in the normal game state, and the first start in the special game state such as the probability change state or the short time state. It is controlled to the second state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the mouth 105. In this embodiment, the time-short state refers to a gaming state in which the second start port 120 is controlled to the second state, and the probability change state refers to the second start port 120 being controlled to the second state. In addition, it means a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal gaming state.

A winning gate 106 is arranged on the left side of the symbol display unit 104.
The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and to draw a normal symbol for opening the second start port 120 for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the symbol display unit 104 or below. When a game ball enters the normal winning opening 107, a predetermined number of winning balls (for example, 10) are paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, a collection port 108 is provided for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the entrances.
In the lower right of the symbol display unit 104, a first special symbol display 84 for displaying a lottery result by a first special symbol lottery means 300 described later, and a second special for displaying a lottery result by a second special symbol lottery means 320. A symbol display 86 is provided. In both of these indicators 84 and 86, after the special symbol is variably displayed, the lottery result is finally displayed.

  When a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right of the special symbol variation display obtained by the entry (hereinafter referred to as “holding ball”). Is reserved. The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90. The first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86 constitute the special symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention.

  Similarly to the above, when a game ball enters the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery means 360 performs a lottery, and a normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is provided. The normal symbol change display right obtained by the game ball entering the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol change display, that is, the number of the reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold indicator 92.

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a hold number display light 130 constituting the notification means of the present invention is arranged below the symbol display unit 104 in the game board 101. The hold number display light 130 is composed of a light emitter composed of eight LEDs or the like of the first hold number display light 130a to the eighth hold number display light 130h. The first hold number display light 130a to the fourth hold number display light 130d display the number of reserved special symbols (holding balls) that are reserved when the game ball enters the first starting port 105. The fifth hold number display light 130e to the eighth hold number display light 130h display the reserved number of reserved balls obtained by the game balls entering the second start port 120.

  When there is only one holding ball obtained by entering a game ball into the first starting port 105, only the first holding number display light 130a is lit, and there are three holding balls. The three lights from the first hold number display light 130a to the third hold number display light 130c are turned on. In this way, by turning on the first hold number display light 130a to the fourth hold number display light 130d in order, the reserved number of reserved balls obtained by entering the game ball into the first start port 105 is displayed. The Rukoto. In the same manner, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering a game ball into the second starting port 120 is displayed by the fifth hold number display light 130e to the eighth hold number display light 130h. The

  Note that the first hold number display light 130a to the eighth hold number display light 130h are configured by full-color LEDs, and in this embodiment, they are lit in one of white, blue, yellow, and red. Details thereof will be described later.

  When the game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120, the symbol display unit 104 described above starts displaying a plurality of decorative symbols and stops the variation of the decorative symbols after a predetermined time. Let When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the operation of opening the large winning opening opening / closing door 109a in the large winning opening opening / closing device 109 located below for a certain period is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and the number of awards corresponding to the game balls entered. Pay out the ball.

  In addition, when the game ball enters the first starting port 105, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the first starting port 105 in a variable manner, and the game ball is displayed at the second starting port 120. By entering the ball, the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the second start port 120 is variably displayed. In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol variation. If both the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 have a so-called hold ball for variable display, the hold ball obtained by entering the second start port 120 has priority. Digested.

A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side.
In the frame member 110, effect lights 111 (lamp units) are provided on two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. The effect lights 111 each include a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the irradiation direction of light can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

Further, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. Each light 112 is driven by a motor provided in the effect light 111 so as to rotate the light irradiation direction. The motor that is driven to rotate the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 is a different motor from the motor that changes the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 up and down.
The effect light 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light 111 to three dimensions by rotating while changing the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 in the vertical direction.

  The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. . Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of excitement due to attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

In the frame member 110, a tray unit 119 to which game balls are supplied is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The tray unit 119 is supplied with game balls lent out from a rental ball device (not shown).
An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  On the upper side and the side of the symbol display unit 104 (on the right side in FIG. 1), there are provided effects (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115, 116. The directors 115 and 116 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment schematically represent a part of the Japanese sword (the vicinity of the samurai). The directors 115 and 116 are provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the directors 115 and 116 as if the blade is pulled out from the sheath and the pulled blade is returned to the sheath again.

  The director 110 is driven by a solenoid, and the director 116 is driven by a motor. By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, it is possible to cause the directors 115 and 116 to perform their own movements, thereby increasing the stage effect.

  In the frame member 110, a chance button 117 that accepts an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in a specific reach effect during the game.

  In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 4) that outputs a production effect sound or a sound that informs fraud. This speaker 277 is of a type that can output high / mid / low sounds, and outputs high / mid / low sounds in a balanced manner during normal performance. Is controlled to output a high treble region high so that it can be heard well around.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. The control means 200 is composed of a plurality of control boards. In the illustrated example, the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the prize ball control board 203, and the lamp control board 206 are configured.

  The main control board 201 controls the basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1, and based on the program stored in the ROM 201b, the CPU 201a that executes the basic processing accompanying the progress of the game content, and the data work during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a A RAM 201c functioning as an area is provided.

  The main control board 201 performs a jackpot lottery relating to the game, and selects a command of effect recorded in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result. There are about 120 types of effect commands recorded in the ROM 201b, and the effect times are determined for each reach effect command described in detail later.

  On the input side of the main control board 201, a first start port detection unit 221 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 105, and a second that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 120. A start opening detection unit 225, a gate detection unit 222 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106, a normal winning port detection unit 223 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning port 107, and a big winning port opening / closing device A special winning opening detection unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered 109 is connected.

  In addition, a prize winning opening / closing unit 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201 to control the opening / closing of the prize winning opening / closing device 109. The special prize opening / closing unit 231 has a function of opening the special prize opening / closing device 109 for a certain period of time in a big hit, and is configured using a solenoid such as a special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b (not shown in detail). This jackpot is pre-programmed to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

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

The sub control board 202 receives an effect command that constitutes a part of the game effect transmitted from the main control board 201, and draws a lottery in the CPU 202a based on the effect command to produce an effect background pattern, a reach effect pattern, and an appearance. An effect such as a character is confirmed, and this effect confirmation command is transmitted to perform sub-control in the game.
The CPU 202a has a function of performing control so that the same effect pattern is not continuously generated in the range of effect commands transmitted from the main control board 201, compared to the past effect patterns that have been changed a predetermined number of times. It may be.

  The symbol display unit 104 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 also has a function of executing effect processing based on the above-described effect determination command. That is, the CPU 202a in the sub-control board 202 executes an effect process based on the effect confirmation command, the ROM 202b stores various image data such as a background image, a pattern image, and a character image, and the RAM 202c performs data work during the calculation process of the CPU 202a. Functions as an area. The sub-control board 202 is further provided with a VRAM 202d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  Normally, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display and variation processing, and character image display processing, reads necessary image data from the ROM 202b, and stores it in the VRAM 202d. Write. The background image, the design image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the design display unit 104 on the display screen.

  That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 202d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

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

On the output side of the sub-control board 202, there is provided a lamp control board 206 for controlling the hold number display light 130, the lamp 262, the effect light 111 and the accessory part 254.
The lamp control board 206 includes a CPU 206a that executes an effect process based on a command transmitted from the sub-control board 202, a ROM 206b that stores various effect pattern data, a RAM 206c that functions as a data work area when the CPU 206a performs an arithmetic process, and the like. It is configured with.

  The lamp control board 206 controls the number-of-holds display light 130 based on the command transmitted from the sub-control board 202 so that the number of retained balls can be recognized and displayed to the player. The lamp control board 206 performs lighting control for various lamps 262 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, and the like, and performs lighting control for the plurality of lights 112 in the effect light 111. In order to change the irradiation direction of the light from the motor, drive control for the motor is performed.

  In addition, the lamp control board 206 performs drive control on the solenoid that operates the effect actor 115 and the like for the accessory portion 254 based on the command transmitted from the sub control board 202, and operates the effect agent 116. Drive control for the motor to be performed is performed.

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

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

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

(Functional configuration of main control board and sub control board)
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the control means 200 for controlling the progress of the game.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 mainly includes a first special symbol lottery means 300 and a first special symbol display as means for functioning when a game ball enters the first starting port 105. A control unit 301, a first special symbol variation control unit 302, and a first random number determination unit 303 are provided.
The ROM 201b mainly functions as a trigger when a game ball enters the second starting port 120. The second special symbol lottery means 320, the second special symbol display control means 321, the second special symbol variation control, and the like. Means 322 and second random number judgment means 323 are provided.
Further, the ROM 201b is a jackpot game control means 340, a probability variation game control means 341, a time-short game control means 342, a normal game control means 343, a prior determination means 330, an effect command transmission means 332, and an effect execution as means for controlling the progress of the game. Command transmission means 333 is provided.
Further, the ROM 201b functions as an opportunity to enter a game ball into the winning gate 106 as a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol variation control means 362, a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363. It has.

The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes a first special symbol hold storage unit 401, a second special symbol hold storage unit 402, a normal symbol hold storage unit 403, and a game state storage unit 404.
On the other hand, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 includes effect lottery means 501, effect control means 502, prior determination result notification control means 503, shift count counting means 504, and effect command determination means 505.
The RAM 202c of the sub control board 202 includes a first effect command storage unit 510 and a second effect command storage unit 511.
The first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 constitute the game data lottery means of the present invention. The configuration and function of each means will be described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, if the random number acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 is determined to be a long hit, the probability variation gaming state with a probability of, for example, 1/2 after the long hit game is executed. When it is determined that the short win is achieved, after the short win game is executed, for example, the probability change gaming state is set with a probability of 1/2. If the second special symbol lottery means 320 determines that the game is a long win, after the long game has been executed, the probability change gaming state has a probability of one-half, and if it is determined that the game is a short win. After the short hit game is executed, the game state is changed with a probability of 100%. On the other hand, when the random number drawn by the second special symbol lottery means 320 is determined to be a long hit, after the long hit game is executed, the probability change gaming state is set with a probability of 60%, for example. However, if it is determined that a short win is made, a short win game is executed, and then a probable game state is entered with a probability of almost 100%.

  In addition, although it is substantially the same mode as the above short win, any one of the normal short win, the probability changing game state, and the short time gaming state in which the short hit game state is not entered after the big hit game is executed, Needless to say, a small hit or the like in a normal gaming state may be combined as appropriate.

  The short time game control means 342 controls the short time game in which the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362 shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbol. In the probability variation game state, the time-short game is performed by the time-short game control unit 341 together with the probability variation game by the probability variation game control unit 341.

  In the present embodiment, the “short-time gaming state” means a gaming state in which a random value acquired by a normal symbol lottery means 360 described later is determined based on a normal symbol time-short time determination table. In other words, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 makes a winning determination based on the normal symbol normal hour hit determination table in the normal gaming state, but in the normal symbol hour / short hour determination table in the short time gaming state. Based on this, a win determination is made.

  As a result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, if the winning is won, the pair of movable pieces 120a are opened for a certain time to be in an open state, so that the game ball can easily enter the second start port 120. In the normal symbol time / short time determination table, the winning probability is set as high as 90%, for example. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state, it is possible to acquire a lot of winning balls by entering the second starting port 120, and the game can proceed without reducing the gaming balls as much as possible.

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

  Next, the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol display control means 361, the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, and the normal symbol hold, which start control when the game ball passes the winning gate 106. The storage unit 403 will be described.

  When the game ball passes through the winning gate 106 and is detected by the gate detection unit 222, the normal symbol lottery means 360 acquires a random number value of 1 from a random number value (for example, 0 to 250) prepared in advance. When the random value is acquired by the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 determines whether or not it is a hit based on the table stored in the ROM 201b. At this time, if the game is in the normal game state, the winning is determined based on the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table, and if it is in the time-short game state (including the probability variation game state), it is based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table. Winning is determined.

  If the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is a win, the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b is operated to open the movable piece 120a and maintain the open state. The control is terminated while the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b is maintained in the closed state without being operated. The result of determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 by the normal symbol display control means 361.

It should be noted that a predetermined time is required until the determination result is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 after the game ball passes through the winning gate 106.
In other words, when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol display 82 is displayed with a lamp lit or blinking as if the lottery is currently being performed, and such lighting or blinking is predetermined. After the time is over, the lottery result is finally displayed. This is a normal symbol variation display, and the variation display time is preset for each gaming state as described above.

  Specifically, in the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set as short as, for example, 1.5 seconds, and the probability of winning the winning is also set as high as 90%. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state, as long as the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery and variation display are performed one after another, and the time for the second start port 120 to be kept open becomes longer. .

On the other hand, in game states other than the short-time game state (normal game state, probability variation game state, jackpot game), the variation time of the normal symbol is set as long as, for example, 10 seconds, and the probability of winning in the win A low probability of 10% is set.
In addition, when the normal symbol is won in the short game state, the second starting port 120 is opened four times for 1.2 seconds, whereas the normal symbol is not displayed in the game state other than the short game state. Even if it wins, the opening operation of 0.2 seconds is performed only once.
As is clear from this, in the short-time gaming state, the time for which the second starting port 120 is in the open state is long, and in other gaming states, the time for which the second starting port 120 is in the closed state is long.

  If the game ball further passes through the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol fluctuation display, the normal symbol lottery means 360 has the right to draw, that is, the normal symbol fluctuation display right, in the normal symbol hold storage means 403. Reserved. The maximum number of reserved rights for the lottery is four, and is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 92 by the normal symbol display control means 361.

  The normal symbol variation start processing will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(Step S101)
As shown in FIG. 6, when a game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the winning gate detection unit 222 detects the passage of the game ball.
When the winning gate detection unit 222 detects a signal, the detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201, and the normal symbol lottery means 360 acquires a random value (for example, 0 to 250).

(Step S102)
When the random number value is acquired, the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362 determines whether or not the normal symbol is currently fluctuating. If it is determined that the normal symbol is not fluctuating, the fluctuation starting process of FIG. 7 described later is immediately performed based on the passage of the game ball.

(Step S103)
On the other hand, if the normal symbol is changing when the random number value is acquired, it is determined in step S103 whether or not the normal symbol hold is less than 4 which is the upper limit reserved number, that is, the normal symbol change display. It is determined whether or not the right can be reserved.

(Step S104)
If it is determined in step S103 that the right to display the variation of the normal symbol can be reserved, the random number value acquired in step S101 is stored in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403. Further, in the above-described step S103, when the hold is the upper limit reserved number 4, the right to change the display of the normal symbol is not reserved, so the control based on the passing of the game ball to the winning gate 106 ends. .

  Next, in the state where there is no hold in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403, the right to display the variable of the normal symbol acquired by the game ball passing through the winning gate 106, and the normal symbol reserved in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403 The processing procedure for the right of variable display will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S201)
When performing the variation start process, first, the normal symbol variation control unit 362 determines whether the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404 is a short-time gaming state or another gaming state.

(Step S202) (Step S203)
When it is determined in step S201 that the game state is other than the short-time game state (normal game state, probability variation game state), the normal symbol normal time determination table is selected. Then, based on the normal symbol normal time determination table, the normal symbol lottery result determination unit 363 determines whether or not the acquired random number value is successful. Note that, according to the normal symbol normal time determination table, among random numbers from 0 to 250, for example, random numbers from 0 to 24 are determined to be winning, and other random values are determined to be lost. That is, according to the normal symbol normal hour determination table, the random number value is determined to be a hit with a probability of about 10%.

  In addition, when digesting the hold reserved in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403, the random number value stored in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403 is read into a predetermined processing area, and the above determination process is performed. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106 in a state where there is no hold, the acquired random number value is directly written in the predetermined processing area.

(Step S204)
If the result of the hit determination in step S203 is a loss, the change process is terminated and the change process is performed based on the standby state or the next hold.
On the other hand, if it is determined to be a win in step S203, a normal variation process is performed in step S204. The normal variation processing here is processing in which normal symbol variation display is performed for a preset time (10 seconds).

  The normal symbol variation display is performed by the normal symbol display control means 361. That is, the normal symbol display control means 361 causes the normal symbol display 82 to turn on or blink an LED or the like for 10 seconds, and then stop and display a predetermined winning symbol.

(Step S205)
As described above, the CPU 201a transmits a signal for controlling the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b at the timing when the normal symbol starts to change and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed, and based on the signal, the second start port 120 is opened. At this time, the second starting port 120 is controlled to be closed again after being opened for 0.2 seconds.

(Step S206) (Step S207)
In step S201, if it is determined that the time-short gaming state, the normal symbol time-short time determination table is selected. The normal symbol lottery result determination unit 363 determines whether or not the acquired random number value is hit based on the normal symbol time / short time determination table.

(Step S208)
If the result of the hit determination in step S207 is a loss, the change process is terminated, and the change process is performed based on the standby state or the next hold.
On the other hand, if it is determined to be a win in step S208, a time variation process is performed in step S208. The short-time variation processing here is processing in which normal symbol variation display is performed for a preset time (1.5 seconds).

  The normal symbol variation display is also performed by the normal symbol display control means 361. That is, the normal symbol display control means 361 causes the normal symbol display 82 to turn on or blink the LED or the like for 1.5 seconds, and then stop and display a predetermined winning symbol.

(Step S205)
As described above, the CPU 201a transmits a signal for controlling the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b at the timing when the normal symbol starts to change and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed, and based on the signal, the second start port 120 is controlled. In the short-time gaming state, the second start port 120 repeats the opening operation for 1.2 seconds four times.

Next, control when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described.
When the first start port detector 221 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105, the detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201. When the signal is received, the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts any random number value (game data of the present invention) from random number values (for example, 0 to 600) prepared in advance. The random value extracted here includes a hit random number, a design random number, and a reach random number. The winning random number is a random number for determining whether or not it is a big hit, that is, whether or not the right to shift to the special gaming state is acquired. The symbol random number is a random number for determining what kind of game value is given to a special game state when winning a winning type (long winning, short winning), that is, a big winning. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform reach production.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening, three events (whether or not a jackpot, type of jackpot and presence / absence of reach effect) are determined. In addition, these three events are determined by game data (each random number value) acquired when a game ball enters the start opening.

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

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

  The random number values acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 are as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 (a) is an example of a table showing the jackpot winning probability and the winning random number. FIG. 8B is an example of a table (first special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game (number of rounds, probability variation, normal) when winning a symbol random number, that is, a jackpot. FIG. 8C is an example of a table (first special symbol reach random number determination table) showing reach random numbers.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, one winning random number is acquired from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. 7 and 317 are stored as jackpot random numbers in the special symbol normal hourly determination table referred to in the normal gaming state, and 7 and 317 are stored in the special symbol normal hourly determination table referred to in the probability varying gaming state. 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 307, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, 547, 577 are stored as random numbers.

  When a game ball enters the first starting port 105, the first special symbol lottery means 300 acquires the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the first random number determination means 303 determines the hit or loss of the hit random number based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. That is, if the winning random number acquired by entering the first starting port 105 is 7 or 317, it is determined to be winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. Further, in the probability variation gaming state, it is determined whether or not it is a win based on a special symbol probability change time determination table.

  As a result of the determination of the winning random number, when it is determined that the winning random number is a jackpot random number, the first random number determination unit 303 determines the type of jackpot based on FIG. 8B. The types of jackpots determined here include “long hits” in which the jackpot game time is long and a large amount of game balls can be expected to be paid out, and “short hits” in which the jackpot game time is short. Furthermore, in the long win, only the "probable change time short length" occurs after the jackpot game ends, and only the short game state occurs after the jackpot game ends (the probability change game state is (It does not occur) There is "normal per length". Also, for short wins, only the short-time gaming state occurs after the end of the jackpot game (the probability-changing gaming state does not occur), and both the probability-changing gaming state and the short-time gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends. There is “Short-term per chance”.

  Further, the first special symbol lottery means 300 acquires a reach random number together with the acquisition of the winning random number. If the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the winning random number is lost as a result of the determination, the first random number determination unit 303 uses the acquired reach random number based on FIG. 8 (c-1). Judgment. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning random number is a big hit, the first random number determining unit 303 determines the acquired reach random number based on FIG. 8C-2.

If the jackpot is won, the reach random number is determined to be reachable with almost all probabilities. Therefore, when the jackpot is won, the reach effect is executed with almost the probability.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is lost without winning the jackpot, one of the reach effect and the reach effect is not provided based on the first special symbol reach random number determination table shown in FIG. Is determined. As is clear from FIG. 8 (c-1), at the time of losing, the reach effect is often not executed, but the possibility that the reach effect is executed is also left (so-called gas effect, gas effect).

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

  FIG. 9A is an example of a table for determining the jackpot winning probability and the winning random number when a game ball enters the second starting port 120. FIG. 9B is an example of a table (second special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of the jackpot game when the symbol random number and the jackpot are won. FIG. 9C is an example of a table indicating a reach random number (second special symbol reach random number determination table).

As shown in FIG. 9A, one hit random number is obtained from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600, and this is the same as described above. Further, whether or not the acquired random number value is won is determined based on FIG. 9A. This random number table is the same as described above.
When it is determined that the acquired random number value is a jackpot random number, the type of jackpot is determined based on FIG. 9B, and the lottery probability of the jackpot type is determined based on FIG. 8B. It is different from the random number table shown in.

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

Further, as is clear from FIG. 9C, when the jackpot is won, the acquired reach random number is determined to have reach with almost the probability. Therefore, when the jackpot is won, the reach effect is executed with almost the probability.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is lost without winning the jackpot, one of the reach effect and the reach effect is not provided based on the second special symbol reach random number determination table shown in FIG. 9 (c-1). Is determined. As is clear from FIG. 9 (c-1), at the time of losing, the reach effect is often not executed, but there is still a possibility that the reach effect is executed (so-called gas effect, gas effect).

  As described above, when the first random number determination unit 303 determines each random value, the first special symbol variation control unit 302 starts the variation of the special symbol based on the random number value, and the first special symbol The display control means 301 variably displays the lottery result on the first special symbol display 84. Even when the second random number determination means 323 determines a random value, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol display control means 321 and the second special symbol fluctuation control means 322.

On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105, if the variation display based on the previous game ball is being displayed, the obtained random number value is the first special symbol in the RAM 201c. Stored in the hold storage means 401. The first special symbol storage unit 401 is configured as shown in FIG.
That is, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the storage area related to the holding ball. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol holding storage means 401 is configured such that the game ball is the first start port detecting unit 221. The random number value (hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number) acquired based on the fact that the game ball is detected is stored in association with the order in which the game balls are detected as a holding ball. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the storage balls are reserved for each start opening into which the game balls have entered, the storage balls are reserved, so that the random numbers related to these hold balls and the start openings into which the game balls have entered Are stored in association with each other. However, as described above, the reserved balls may not be stored separately in the two storage units 401 and 402 but may be stored by other methods. For example, the reserved balls are retained in one storage means in the order in which the game balls enter the start opening. At this time, it may be stored in association with the holding ball which starting ball the game ball has entered, and the holding ball associated with the preset starting port may be preferentially processed.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d are all hit random number storage areas, symbol random number storage areas, and reach random number storage areas. have. The winning random number storage area stores the winning random number, the symbol random number storage area stores the symbol random number, and the reach random number storage area stores the reach random number.
Then, as described above, when the reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the first special symbol display control unit 301 displays the number of reserved balls held in the first special symbol hold display. Displayed on the device 88.

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

When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401 and 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order. That is, when the reserved ball is retained in both the first special symbol storage unit 401 and the second special symbol storage unit 402, the retained ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 has priority. Digested.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), a holding ball is retained in the first storage area 401 a to the third storage area 401 c of the first special symbol holding storage means 401, and the fifth special symbol holding storage means 402 It is assumed that the holding ball is reserved in the storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b.
In addition, the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 is, as illustrated, the first start port 105 → the second start port 120 → the first start port 105 → the second. It is assumed that the start port 120 → the first start port 105.
In the present embodiment, since the second start port 120 is a priority start port, in this case, the hold balls in the fifth storage area 402a are processed preferentially, and hold in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. 11B. The ball is digested.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 11C, it is assumed that three reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 that performs non-priority processing. In this case, the three reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 are digested successively in the order indicated by the dotted lines in the figure. However, when the first reserved ball is digested, in other words, when the first variation display is performed, the reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol hold storage means 402 to which priority processing is performed. Then (when the ball enters the second starting port 120), the reservation ball is interrupted, and the reservation ball is digested in the order indicated by the solid line in the figure.

  As is clear from this, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first storage area 401a where non-priority processing is performed in both storage means 401 and 402, the fifth storage area where priority processing is performed. There is a high possibility that an interruption process will be performed by holding the reserved ball at 402a. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, which is the priority start port, and a plurality of holding balls are reserved, no interruption processing is performed, and the plurality of holding balls are always continuous. To be digested.

  The retained balls are sequentially digested as described above. The CPU 201a controls the digestion of the retained balls, and the first special symbol variation control means 302 and the second special symbol variation control means of the ROM 201b. 322. Both of these fluctuation control means 302 and 322 monitor the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a to determine which reserved ball is to be processed.

Next, the control when a game ball enters the start port will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 12, first, the first start port detector 221 or the second start port detector 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120.

(Step S301)
Then, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 operates a variation determination program (not shown) to determine whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variation manner. At this time, if it is determined that the special symbol is not in the variable display, the special symbol based on the incoming ball is immediately displayed, so that the variation start process of FIG. 15 described later is performed.

(Step S302)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the change is in progress, the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 stores a random value in the fourth storage area 401d or the eighth storage area 402d. Is stored. Specifically, when a ball entry signal is received from the first start port detector 221, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is less than 4, and the second start When the incoming signal is received from the mouth detector 225, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is less than 4.

  If it is determined in step S302 that there are four reserved balls, the special symbol variation display, that is, the jackpot lottery is not performed depending on the game ball entering, so the control is ended as it is. .

(Step S303)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the number of reserved balls is less than 4, that is, it is determined that the reserved balls are reserved, the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d or the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area. Game data (a hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number) is stored in 402d, and the reserved ball is reserved.

(Step S304)
In step S303, when the game data is stored in any of the storage areas, the predetermination means 330 predetermines the newly stored game data. Similar to the first random number determination unit 303 and the second random number determination unit 323, the prior determination unit 330 selects a predetermined table according to the gaming state, and based on the table, the hit random number, the design random number, and the reach random number Judgment is made. As a result of the determination by the prior determination means 330, whether the newly stored game data is to acquire the right to shift to the special game state (whether it is a big win) or which special game state is a big win 3) whether the content of the effect performed during the variable display of the special symbol based on the game data (reach effect or non-reach effect) One event will be determined.

(Step S305)
As described above, when the prior determination unit 330 determines in advance about three events, the determination result is transmitted as an effect command to the sub control board 202, and the control in the main control board 201 is ended.

  In step S <b> 305, when an effect command is transmitted to the sub control board 202, information included in the effect command is stored in the RAM 202 c of the sub control board 202. As shown in FIG. 13, the RAM 202 c is provided with first effect command storage means 510 and second effect command storage means 511. The first effect command storage means 510 is provided with a first storage area 510a to a fourth storage area 510d, and the second effect command storage means 511 has a fifth storage area 511a to an eighth storage area 511d. Is provided.

  The first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect command storage means 510 are the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol reservation storage means 401 on the main control board 201, respectively. It corresponds. In addition, the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect command storage means 511 correspond to the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d of the second special symbol reservation storage means 402, respectively.

  Then, in the effect command transmitted to the sub control board 202, the game data newly acquired when the game ball enters the start opening is stored in the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d of the main control board 201. And information for determining which of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d is stored. Thereby, the information based on the received effect command is stored in an area corresponding to the storage area of the main control board 201 in which game data is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, the first storage command area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect command storage means 510 and the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area of the second effect command storage means 511. In 511d, the success / failure of jackpot, the type of jackpot, presence / absence of reach presentation, and the number of shifts are stored based on the information included in the presentation command. Here, the number of shifts refers to the number of times the information based on the effect command is shifted in the first effect command storage means 510 or the second effect command storage means 511, and the details will be described later. To do.

  Next, the control when the sub control board 202 receives the effect command will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S401)
When the sub control board 202 receives the effect command, the effect command (information included in the effect command) is stored in the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect command storage means 510 and the second effect command storage means 511. Which of the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d is to be stored is confirmed by a predetermined program.

(Step S402)
When the storage area is confirmed in step S401, the storage area stores the effect command, that is, whether or not the jackpot is successful, the type of jackpot, and the presence or absence of the reach effect (whether the reach effect is executed or the reachless effect is executed). Is done.

(Step S403)
When the effect command is stored in step S402, it is determined by a predetermined program whether the effect command is a reach effect or a reachless effect.

(Step S404)
In step S403, when the newly stored effect command has execution information of the reachless effect ("NO" in step S403), the CPU 202a operates the prior determination result notification control unit 503, and the effect command The on-hold number display light 130 corresponding to the newly stored storage area is normally turned on.
The first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect command storage means 510 in which the effect commands are stored correspond to the first hold number display light 130a to the fourth hold number display light 130d. . Further, the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect command storage means 511 correspond to the fifth hold number display light 130e to the eighth hold number display light 130h.

  In the present embodiment, by turning on each of the number-of-holding display lights 130a to 130h, the player is notified of the number of reserved balls, and the lighting color of each of the number-of-holding display lights 130a to 130h is variable. Thus, the contents of the holding ball are gradually disclosed to the player. The normal lighting control here refers to control performed when the player simply notifies the player of the number of balls to be held. In the present embodiment, the lighting control of each of the holding number display lights 130a to 130h is controlled to be white. This is called normal lighting control.

(Step S405)
On the other hand, in the above-described step S403, when the execution information of the reach effect is included (“YES” in step S403), the CPU 202a operates the prior determination result notification control unit 503 to set the corresponding hold number display light 130 to the reach notice. Lighting control (blue control). As described above, in the present embodiment, when the number-of-holds display light 130 is lit in blue, a reach effect is performed on the symbol display unit 104 during the process of changing the held ball that is lit in blue. To make people aware.

  As described above, when the game ball enters the start opening and the reserved ball is retained, the on-hold number display light 130 is controlled to turn on white or blue. Thereby, the player can know whether the reach effect is executed when the newly reserved ball is processed or the non-reach effect is executed before the process of the hold ball. . In other words, whether or not the reach effect is executed is an event disclosed when a new reserved ball is reserved.

(Variation start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start process when processing the retained ball retained in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401 or the second special symbol reservation storage unit 402 will be described with reference to FIGS. .

(Step S501)
First, the CPU 201a determines whether or not the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404 is a probability change gaming state.

(Step S502)
If it is determined in step S501 that the game state is not the probability variation game state (the normal game state or the short-time game state), whether the random number value (holding ball) is stored in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, the second special It is determined whether or not the number of held balls in the symbol holding storage unit 402 is 1 or more.

(Step S503)
In step S502, if the holding ball is stored in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, if the holding ball is not 0 (YES in step S402), the random number stored in the fifth storage area 402a is not illustrated. While shifting to the processing area, the random number values stored in the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d are shifted to the previous storage area. In addition, when the random number value is stored only in the fifth storage area 402a (when the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d are empty areas), the random number value stored in the fifth storage area 402a Only the process of storing in the processing area is performed.

(Step S504) (Step S505)
The case where the process reaches step S504 through the processing of step S501 and step S502 is a case where the game is in the normal game state (time-short game state) and the reserved ball is reserved in the fifth storage area 402a. Therefore, in this case, referring to the second special symbol normal time determination table (referred to as the second normal time determination table), the first random number determination means 303 performs the determination processing of the random number shifted to the processing area. Do.

  In the determination process in step S505, a jackpot determination is performed. If the CPU 201a determines that the jackpot is determined to be a big hit in step S405, the jackpot flag is turned ON, and then it is determined whether or not the jackpot is long. Specifically, a design random number is determined based on the determination table selected in step S504, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a long hit. Further, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table, and the presence / absence of the reach effect is determined. When it is determined that the reach effect is present as a result of the reach random number determination, the effect random number is further acquired, and the specific content of the effect and the time required for the effect are determined based on the effect random number.

(Step S506)
In step S506, an effect execution command is determined based on the effect random number acquired in step S505, and the effect execution command is transmitted to the sub control board 202 by the effect execution command transmission unit 333. However, in the case of an effect without reach (lost effect), an effect execution command for a lost effect is transmitted without obtaining an effect random number. In this way, when the effect execution command is transmitted, the CPU 201a activates the second special symbol display control means 301 and starts the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display 84. It should be noted that the time for the special symbol variation display is the time determined by the effect random number.

(Step S507)
On the other hand, when it is determined in the above-described step S501 that the game is in the normal game state, and no holding ball is stored in the fifth storage area 402a in step S502, that is, when the holding ball in the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 is 0. Is determined whether or not the reserved ball is reserved in the first storage area 401a. Here, if it is determined that no holding ball is stored in the first storage area 401a, that is, if it is determined that there is no holding ball in any of the storage areas, the process is terminated.

(Step S508)
If it is determined in step S507 that the reserved ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the same shift process as in step S503 is performed.

(Step S509)
The case where the above-described processing from step S501 → step S502 → step S507 → step S508 is the normal gaming state (short-time gaming state), and the reserved ball is reserved only in the first special symbol holding storage means 401. It is a case. Therefore, in this case, a first special symbol normal time determination table (referred to as a first normal time determination table) is selected, and thereafter, the same processing as in steps S505 and S506 is performed.

(Step S510)
Furthermore, when it is determined in the above step S501 that the game state is a probability variation gaming state, it is determined in step S510 whether or not a reserved ball is reserved in the fifth storage area 402a.

(Step S511)
If it is determined in the above step S510 that the reserved ball is reserved in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, the game is in the probability variation gaming state, and the reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402. In such a case, a shift process is performed in the same manner as in step S503.

(Step S512)
As described above, when the game is in the probability variation gaming state and the retained ball is retained in the second special symbol retention storage means 402, the second special symbol probability variation time determination table (second probability variation time table). Selection table) is selected. Thereafter, the same processing as in step S505 and step S506 is performed.

(Step S513)
On the other hand, when it is determined in the above step S501 that the game state is a probability variation gaming state, and no retained ball is stored in the fifth storage area 402a in step S410, that is, the retained ball in the second special symbol reserved storage means 402 is 0. In this case, it is determined whether or not the reserved ball is reserved in the first storage area 401a. Here, if it is determined that no holding ball is stored in the first storage area 401a, that is, if it is determined that there is no holding ball in any of the storage areas, the process is terminated.

(Step S514)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S513 that the reserved ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the same shift process as in step S503 is performed.

(Step S515)
Then, the case where the processing in the above-described step S501 → step S510 → step S513 → step S514 is performed is a case where the game is in the probability variation gaming state and the reserved ball is reserved only in the first special symbol storage unit 401. . Therefore, in this case, the first special symbol probability variation time determination table (referred to as the first probability variation determination table) is selected, and thereafter, the same processing as in steps S505 and S506 is performed.

  As described above, when an effect execution command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202, control of the effect is started in the sub-control board 202. This production control will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S601)
When the effect execution command is received, the effect execution command is stored in a predetermined processing area of the RAM 202c. The effect execution command includes a command related to either the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a, a command related to jackpot or lose, presence / absence of reach, and type of reach effect The scale and scale are stored.

(Step S602)
When the effect execution command is stored in the processing area, the CPU 202a operates a predetermined program to store the storage areas 510a to 510d of the first effect command storage means 510 or the storage areas 511a of the second effect command storage means 511. The effect command stored in ˜511d is shifted. Specifically, when the received effect execution command relates to a reserved ball retained in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401, the effect commands stored in the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d are used. , Shift to the previous storage area. For example, the effect command stored in the fourth storage area 510d is stored in the third storage area 510c, the effect command stored in the third storage area 510c is stored in the second storage area 510b, and the effect stored in the second storage area 510b. The command is shifted to the first storage area 510a. The effect command stored in the first storage area 510a is deleted.

  In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening, an effect command is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202, and when performing a change start process of the holding ball, the main control board An effect execution command is transmitted from 201 to the sub control board 202. The effect command and the effect execution command have substantially the same information, but only the effect execution command has information related to the special symbol variation display time (effect time). Therefore, the production control on the sub-control board 202 must be performed based on the production execution command.

  Since the time of the special symbol variation display, that is, the production time (reach scale) is determined at the start of the variation, the production command stored at the time when the reserved ball is reserved has information for determining the production time. Does not have. Since the background pattern, audio production, etc. of the decorative design production in the design display unit 104 need to be determined based on the production time, the production control is performed based on the production command that does not have information for determining the production time. Can't do it. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the effect execution command transmitted from the main control board 201 is stored in the processing area, and the effect stored in the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a during the shift process. The command is to be deleted.

(Step S603)
As described above, when each effect command is shifted to the previous storage area in the first effect command storage means 510 or the second effect command storage means 511, the CPU 202a operates the shift number counting means 504, “1” is added to the number of shifts of the production command and stored. The number of shifts indicates the number of times that the effect command has been shifted as described above. For example, it is assumed that the effect command is stored in the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect command storage means 510, triggered by the game ball entering the start port. The effect command stored in the fourth storage area 510d is shifted to the third storage area 510c in response to the start of the special symbol variation display based on the game data stored before that. At this time, the number of shifts is “1”. Further, when the next special symbol variation display is started, the effect command shifts from the third storage area 510c to the second storage area 510b, and the number of shifts becomes “2”. Thus, every time the effect command is shifted in the first effect command storage means 510 or the second effect command storage means 511, the number of times the effect command is shifted is counted, and the count value is stored together with the effect command. Stored in the area.

(Step S604)
When the storage area of each effect command is shifted in step S602 and the number of shifts of each effect command is stored in step S603, the CPU 202a operates the prior determination result notification control means 503 to turn on the hold number display light 130. Control lighting. At this time, the first hold number display light 130a to the eighth hold number display light 130h of the hold number display light 130 are lit as shown in FIG.

  That is, the preliminary determination result notification control unit 503 determines the number of suspensions based on the production commands stored in the storage areas of the first production command storage unit 510 and the second production command storage unit 511 and the number of shifts of the production command. The emission color of the display light 130 is controlled. Specifically, when the number of shifts is “0”, a predetermined program determines whether to perform a reach effect or a reachless effect, and when performing a reachless effect, the reach effect is displayed in white. When it is performed, lighting control is performed in blue. The case where the number of shifts is “0” is a case where the reserved ball is newly reserved as described above.

When the number of shifts is “1”, the predetermined program determines whether or not the right to shift to the special gaming state is acquired (whether it is a big hit or a loss). If it is lost, the number-of-holds display light 130 is controlled in the same way as when the number of shifts is “0”. In other words, when the number of shifts is “0” (when the holding ball is reserved), if the lighting control is performed in white to perform the non-reach effect, the lighting control is performed in white as it is, and the blue color is used to perform the reach effect. When the lighting control is performed, the blue lighting control is performed as it is.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined program is a big hit, the corresponding hold number display light 130 is controlled to turn on in yellow.

  When the number of shifts is “2” or “3”, a predetermined program first determines whether it is a big hit or a loss, as in the case where the number of shifts is “1”. If it is lost, the hold number display light 130 is controlled in the same way as when the number of shifts is “0”. In other words, when a lost production command is stored, even if the production command is shifted, the hold number display light 130 is controlled to remain in the first lighted color (white or blue). For example, when an effect command of “losing” and “no reach” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect command storage means 510, the fourth hold number display light 130d lights in white. Thereafter, each time the reserved ball is consumed, the hold display based on the effect command is performed in the order of the third hold number display light 130c → the second hold number display light 130b → the first hold number display light 130a. Each of the lights 130c to 130a is lit white.

On the other hand, when the number of shifts is “2” or “3”, if it is determined that the production command is a big hit, whether the predetermined type of jackpot is a big hit with a certain probability, It is further determined whether the jackpot is another jackpot (usually a jackpot).
If it is a big hit with certainty, the hold number display light 130 is controlled to turn on in red, and if it is another big hit, the hold number display light 130 is the same as when the number of shifts is “1”. Control to turn on yellow.

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, the content of the reserved ball is notified to the player step by step. For example, it is assumed that a game ball enters the first start port 105 and a fourth reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401. When the reserved ball is a big hit with a certain probability change and a reach effect is executed, the fourth reserved number display light 130d is lit in blue. Thereafter, when one retained ball retained in the first special symbol retaining storage means 401 is processed, the third retained number display light 130c is lit in yellow. Further, when one reserved ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is processed, the second number-of-holds display light 130b is lit in red. Furthermore, when one reserved ball retained in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401 is processed, the first number-of-holds display light 130a is lit in red. Then, when this reserved ball is processed, a jackpot with certainty will be confirmed.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that a game ball enters the second start port 120 and a third reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402. If the reserved ball is a big hit (a big hit without any probability change) and a reach effect is executed, the seventh hold number display light 130g lights in blue. Thereafter, when one retained ball retained in the second special symbol retaining storage unit 402 is processed, the sixth retained number display light 130f lights in yellow. Furthermore, when one reserved ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is processed, the fifth number-of-holds display light 130e lights up in yellow. That is, when the yellow lighting is continued twice, the player is informed that the jackpot with probability variation is not achieved.

  For example, it is assumed that a game ball enters the second starting port 120 and the first reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402 (fifth storage area 402a). When the reserved ball is a jackpot with probability change and the reach effect is executed, the fifth reserved number display light 130e is lit in blue. In this case, since the change start process related to the reserved ball is performed without the effect command related to the reserved ball being shifted, the jackpot display light 130 is not lit in yellow or red and the jackpot is won. It will be confirmed.

  However, in the above case, the fifth reserved number display light 130e may be controlled to be lit red instead of being lit to be blue. For example, it is determined whether or not the effect command stored (shifted) in the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a is a big hit with probability change. The five-hold-number display light 130e is controlled to turn red, yellow if there is no certain change, and white if lost. In addition, for the effect command stored (shifted) in the second storage area 510b or the sixth storage area 510f, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is true, and if it is a jackpot, the second hold number display light 130b or the sixth If the number-of-holds display light 130f is yellow or lost, the lighting control is performed to white. In this way, it is possible to reliably notify the event that the player wants to know most.

  In any case, according to the present embodiment, depending on the reservation status of the reserved ball, the variation start process may be performed without notifying the player of all the events determined in advance by the prior determination unit 330. . However, for example, as described above, all the events such as the fact that the first holding number display light 130a (the fifth holding number display light 130e) is lit yellow or blue and the jackpot with probability change is confirmed. If there is a case of winning a jackpot without notifying the player, it can be expected that the player will be given unexpectedness and various expectations.

(Step S605)
When the lighting control of the hold number display light 130 is controlled as described above, the effect lottery means 501 performs the lottery based on the effect execution command stored in the processing area. The lottery by the effect lottery means 501 is to determine detailed effect contents such as a background pattern, a reach pattern, or an appearance character of the symbol display unit 104. This effect lottery is determined based on a table provided for each effect execution command.
For example, it is assumed that the received effect execution command is a reach effect command and the change time, that is, the effect time, is determined to be 30 seconds on the main control board 201. The ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 is provided with a reach production table for 30 seconds, a reach production table for 60 seconds, a non-reach production table for 4 seconds, 8 seconds, and 12 seconds. A table corresponding to the received effect execution command is selected from each table. Each table stores a plurality of effect patterns in which background patterns, reach patterns, appearance characters, and the like are variously combined.

(Step S606)
When the table is selected as described above, the effect lottery means 501 determines one effect pattern from the plurality of effect patterns stored in the table.
In step S606, when one effect pattern is determined, the effect control unit 502 controls the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the accessory part 254 according to these effect patterns. As a result, various effects are performed during the special symbol variation display, and the player's expectation is enhanced.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content (each event) of the reserved ball is notified to the player step by step. That is, since the event in each holding ball is gradually disclosed to the player, the player's expectation can be enhanced regardless of the effect performed for each special symbol variation display. Therefore, even if the time required for special symbol variation display, that is, the time required for production, is shortened, the player's expectation can be sufficiently enhanced. For example, if any one of the number-of-holding display lights 130 is turned on in a color other than white, even if there is no reach effect until the reserved ball is processed, the expectation to the reserved ball increases. Players will not feel tired.

In the above embodiment, when the gaming state is changed from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state, the notification of each event in the on-hold number display light 130 can be functioned as a so-called gas notification. For example, there is a case where the jackpot is not actually won in spite of the fact that the yellow lighting is informed that the jackpot is won.
That is, in the probability variation gaming state, it is assumed that a winning random number (for example, “37” in FIG. 8) determined to be a big hit only when in the probability variation gaming state is acquired. Further, it is assumed that the game data for which the winning random number is acquired is stored in the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol hold storage means 401. Then, the fourth hold number display light 130d is lit in white or blue, and thereafter, when one previous hold ball is processed, the third hold number display light 130c is lit in yellow. As a result, the player is notified of the presence of the reserved ball that is won in the jackpot.

However, if the reserved ball to be processed next (for example, the reserved ball retained in the second special symbol reserved storage means 402 to be preferentially processed) wins per normal long or normal short, The state returns from the probabilistic gaming state to the normal gaming state. As described above, when the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state, the above-mentioned reserved ball having acquired the winning random number “37” is determined to be lost by the variation start process.
However, according to the above-described embodiment, since the lighting control of the hold number display light 130 is performed based on the effect command having the information of winning the jackpot with probability change, the hold related to the hold ball that acquired the winning random number “37” The display is lit red in the second hold number display light 130b and the first hold number display light 130a. That is, although the number-of-holds display light 130 is lit red, the loss is determined by the change start processing of the held ball.

In this way, once the player experiences so-called “gase notification”, the player can have some suspicion about notification of each event caused by lighting of the hold number display light 130. Therefore, for example, when the number-of-holds display light 130 is lit in red, until the change starts, the player has a high expectation for the jackpot, but until the jackpot is finally determined, You can no longer have confidence in the jackpot. As a result, it is impossible to determine whether the effect at the time of the change is an effect for big hits or a so-called gas effect, and it is possible to maximize the effect of the effect.
However, if you do not want to perform the so-called gaze notification as described above, if you obtain a pre-judgment result that changes the gaming state, the number-of-holds display light 130 will turn off or the gaming state will change. As a premise, it may be controlled to perform accurate notification.
Further, when the gaming state changes, all the hold number display lights 130 may be lit in the same color so that the notification about each event is not performed. Further, since the above-described state occurs only in the probability variation gaming state, when the gaming state is in the probability variation gaming state, the event is not notified by the hold number display light 130, and the other gaming state is entered. Only in some cases, the event may be notified.

In addition, the board | substrate structure in the said embodiment, the timing of transmission / reception of a signal and a command, etc. are only examples, and a detailed control method is not limited to the above.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although demonstrated using the game machine which provided two start openings, you may have one start opening.
In the above embodiment, a plurality of gaming states to which different game values are given as the special gaming state are provided, but only one special gaming state may be provided.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the reservation number display light which comprises the alerting | reporting means of this invention. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of memorize | storing hold in a normal symbol hold | maintenance memory | storage means. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process of the normal symbol in a main control board. It is an example of the determination table which determines the random number value at the time of a game ball having entered the 1st starting port, and this random number value. It is an example of the random number value at the time of a game ball having entered into the 2nd starting port, and the determination table which determines this random number value. It is a conceptual diagram of a 1st special symbol reservation storage means and a 2nd special symbol reservation storage means. It is a figure explaining the digestion order of holding | maintenance. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board | substrate at the time of a holding ball having entered into the starting port. It is a conceptual diagram of the 1st production command storage means and the 2nd production command storage means. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the sub control board | substrate at the time of a holding ball having entered into the starting port. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process of the special symbol in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process in a sub control board. It is a figure explaining control of a reservation number display light.

Explanation of symbols

84, 86 Special symbol display 105 constituting the special symbol variation display means of the present invention The first start port
120 2nd starting port
130 On-hold number display light 200 constituting the notifying means of the present invention Control means
300 first special symbol lottery means 301 first special symbol display control means 302 first special symbol fluctuation control means 303 first random number determination means 320 second special symbol lottery means 321 second special symbol display control means 322 second special symbol fluctuation Control means 323 Second random number determination means 330 Pre-determination means 401 First special symbol hold storage means 402 Second special symbol hold storage means 503 Pre-determination result notification control means

Claims (3)

Control means for controlling the progress of the game in the normal game state or in a special game state to which a game value advantageous to the normal game state is given;
Special symbol variation display means for displaying the subsequent game state by variably displaying the special symbol and stopping the variation display after a predetermined time has elapsed,
A starter for generating a right to start the change display of the special symbol by the special symbol change display means triggered by the entry of the game ball,
The control means includes
A game data lottery means for acquiring game data for determining a plurality of events triggered by a game ball entering the start opening, and performing a lottery for acquiring a right to shift to the special game state;
When the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display means, the game data acquired when the game ball enters the start opening is stored, and the special symbol triggered by the entrance is stored. A special symbol storage means for retaining the right of variable display;
Pre-determination means for pre-determining the plurality of events determined by the game data stored in the special symbol holding storage means before the start of variable symbol special display based on the game data;
Pre-determination result notifying control means for controlling notifying means provided in the gaming machine and notifying the player of the pre-determining results of the pre-determining means for a plurality of events determined by the game data. The pre-determination result notification control means notifies the player of a pre-determination result for a different event among the pre-determination results for the plurality of events, triggered by the change display of the special symbol. A gaming machine. The special game state is provided with a plurality of special game states to which different game values are given,
The events determined based on the game data include at least the presence or absence of the right to enter the special gaming state, and the type of the special gaming state when the right to enter the special gaming state is obtained,
When it is determined by the prior determination means that the game data for acquiring the right to shift to the special game state is stored in the special symbol holding storage means,
The prior determination result notification control means notifies the acquisition of the right to shift to the special gaming state when the special symbol variation display is performed, and the subsequent special symbol variation display is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is notified of the type of the special gaming state. While the gaming machine is provided with a symbol display unit for performing decorative symbol effect by variably displaying the decorative symbol during the variation display of the special symbol,
The event determined based on the game data includes the presence or absence of execution of a reach effect that is a form of the decorative design effect,
When the prior determination means determines that the game data for executing the reach effect is stored in the special symbol hold storage means,
The prior determination result notification control means notifies that the reach effect is executed prior to another event when a special symbol variation display is performed. The gaming machine described in 1.

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