JP2010035611A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for reducing a data amount required for executing a related performance. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: special symbol drawing means 300 and 320 for drawing a big winning random number used for determining the propriety of acquisition of a right to execute a special game such as a big winning game on condition that a game ball enters start ports 105, 120; prior determination means 330 for determining the big winning random number before the start of the variable display of the special symbol in which the determined result of the big winning random number is reported when the big winning random number is stored in special symbol holding storage means; and performance control means 502 capable of controlling the related performance over the variable display of the plurality of special symbols on the basis of the determined result of the prior determination means 330. Control means 200 makes the prior determination means 330 determine the propriety of the acquisition of the right to execute the special game and the presence/absence of the related performance by the big winning random number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventionally, there is a game machine in which a lottery such as a jackpot is performed by entering a game ball at the start opening, and when the jackpot is won, the attacker is opened and more prize balls can be obtained. . In such a gaming machine, in order to give the player a sense of expectation for jackpots and to improve gameplay, the lottery lottery results are displayed on the symbol display unit made up of a liquid crystal screen, etc., with various elaborate effects. Like to do.

  Normally, a gaming machine reserves the right of variable display (hereinafter referred to as “reserved ball”) up to a predetermined number (for example, four) when a game ball enters the start opening during the special symbol variable display. At the same time, for example, the reserved balls are processed in the order in which they are reserved. When the reserved ball is reserved, game data (random numbers and commands) for performing a lottery such as a big hit is acquired.

  In general gaming machines, during the special symbol variation display, various decorative symbols (designs for production) are displayed on the symbol display section, and various productions such as liquid crystal screens and production effects are performed. Is called. The display and presentation of the decorative symbols are performed once with respect to the change display of one special symbol. When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved, a plurality of special symbol fluctuation displays are continuously performed. In such a case, a decorative symbol is displayed and produced a plurality of times.

  Therefore, in a conventional gaming machine, a decorative symbol is displayed once by performing a related effect (preliminary notice effect, continuous notice effect) that completes one story over a plurality of decorative symbols in the symbol display unit. Compared to the production effect obtained by only the above, a higher production effect is exhibited (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The gaming machines described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 execute related effects by determining the game data in advance before performing the variable display of the special symbol on the game data related to the holding ball. Specifically, as a result of determining the game data in advance, if the determination result matches a predetermined condition, the presence / absence of the related effect is determined by drawing the related effect data such as a random number separately from the game data.

JP 2005-143986 A JP 2005-110904 A

  However, since the related effect data is stored in advance to perform special control with a high effect such as the related effect, and the related effect data is drawn in lots, there is a problem that the necessary data amount increases. .

  In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that reduces the amount of data necessary for performing a related effect.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a special symbol display means for variably displaying a special symbol, a start opening for generating a right to display the variability of the special symbol by the special symbol display means when a game ball enters, And a control means for controlling a jackpot random number used to determine whether or not a right to execute a special game can be acquired on condition that the game ball enters the start opening. A lottery means for lottery and a jackpot random number that is drawn based on the entrance of the game ball is stored on the condition that the game ball enters the start port during a period in which the variation display of the special symbol cannot be started. A special symbol holding storage means, wherein the control means is configured to notify the determination result of the jackpot random number when the jackpot random number is stored in the special symbol holding storage means. Fluctuation table Before the start of, the determination means for determining the jackpot random number, and based on the determination result of the determination means, the effect control means capable of effecting the related effects over the variable display of a plurality of special symbols, The determination means is characterized by determining whether or not a right to execute a special game can be acquired and whether or not there is a related effect by using the jackpot random number.
The second invention is characterized in that the determination means determines at a time whether or not a right to execute a special game can be acquired and whether or not there is a related effect.

  The start port is provided in the game board, and is configured such that a game ball launched into the game area of the game board can 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 (hereinafter referred to as “entered ball” or the like). Game data composed of jackpot random numbers used to determine whether or not the right to execute special games such as jackpot games and jackpot games can be acquired based on the entry of the game balls into the start opening, etc. It is acquired by lottery or the like by the lottery means, and determined by the determination means. When the game data is determined and the determination result is notified to the player, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display means. As a result of the determination, a special symbol in a stationary (stopped) state is displayed on the special symbol display means.

  That is, the special symbol variation display means that the special symbol is displayed in a variation state on the special symbol display means and is finally displayed in a stationary state, and the player is notified of the lottery result of the game data. Means that. It takes a predetermined time until the special symbol is finally displayed in a stationary state after the special symbol starts to be displayed in a fluctuating state. Here, it is only necessary to finally notify the player of the lottery result of the game data, so that the special symbol in the stationary state is finally displayed to the player after the variable display is started, that is, special The display to the player during the change of the symbol is not essential, and the case where no display is made to the player during the change is also included in the change display in the present invention.

  The game data is, for example, random numbers obtained by random drawing from a random number generation means, and by determining the game data, it is possible to acquire the right to execute a special game, the subsequent game state, the presence or absence of reach, etc. The contents of the game in a broad sense such as an aspect are determined. The game data includes, for example, a jackpot random number that determines whether or not the right to execute a special game can be acquired (a jackpot is successful), a design random number that determines the type of jackpot, an effect mode random number that determines an effect mode such as the presence of reach, etc. Consists of. In this case, by matching each random number against a table in which various determination results (win / no hit, jackpot type, production mode) and random numbers stored in advance in a predetermined storage means such as a RAM are associated with each other, Data (each random number) is determined.

  By the way, generally, the determination result of the jackpot random number includes “big hit” and “losing”. That is, whether or not the jackpot is determined is determined by determining the jackpot random number. When the determination result of the jackpot random number is “big hit”, the jackpot game is executed after the change display of the special symbol related to the determination.

  A jackpot game is a game ball that can be entered by opening a bonus opening and closing device, which normally makes it impossible or difficult to enter a game ball. It is a game in which a prize ball corresponding to is paid out. There are no particular restrictions on the form of the accessory or the pattern for releasing the accessory, but for example, a round of games that end when a predetermined number of game balls enter the opened accessory or a predetermined time elapses. Set to repeat multiple rounds. There may be a case where a plurality of rounds and a total of opening times of the objects (opening mode of the objects) are set.

  In general, the gaming state may be changed after the big hit game. The gaming state is, for example, a jackpot winning probability or a difficulty in entering the starting gate. In other words, the jackpot type is composed of a combination of an opening mode of an accessory and a gaming state after the jackpot game.

  In addition, in the determination result of the big hit random number, “small hit” may be set in addition to “big hit” and “losing”. When winning a small win, after the end of the change display of the special symbol indicating the small win, as with the big win game, there is usually a feature such as a big prize opening and closing device that makes it impossible or difficult to enter the game ball It is a small hit game that is opened and allows game balls to enter, and award balls according to the game balls are paid out. The difference between the jackpot game and the jackpot game is the total opening time of the bonuses, and the opening time of the jackpot game is longer.

  When the determination result of the jackpot random number (game data lottery result) is, for example, a jackpot or a small hit, in other words, when it is other than a losing, generally after the end of the variation display process of the special symbol, for the player Advantageous big hit games and small hit games are executed. That is, whether or not the right to execute a special game advantageous to the player can be acquired is determined by determining the jackpot random number.

  Further, during the special symbol variation display and during the special game of the big hit game or the small hit game, the next special symbol variation display cannot be started. Therefore, even if the right to start the variable display of a new special symbol occurs during these periods, or even if the right to start the variable display of a variable special symbol is reserved, until the end of these periods The change display of special symbols related to rights will not be started. That is, a period during which the special symbol variable display cannot be started is constituted by the special symbol variable display time and the game time of the game corresponding to the special symbol.

  Therefore, if the lottery result of the game data is other than losing, in other words, during the period from the start of the variable display of one special symbol to the start of the variable display of the next special symbol, During the period when the special symbol's variation display cannot be started, the game corresponding to the special symbol's variation display and the specific special symbol displayed in a stationary state on the special symbol display means (big win game or small hit game) Are executed.

  When a game ball enters the start port during a period when the special symbol variation display cannot be started, the right to start the special symbol variation display triggered by the entry of the new game ball (so-called “holding ball”). ") Can be reserved in the special symbol holding storage means. That is, the game data acquired based on, for example, entering the starting ball of the game ball is stored in the special symbol storage unit.

  By the way, one presentation can be executed corresponding to one special symbol variation display. This effect is generally performed by an effect agent composed of a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a light, a movable device, and the like, which is included in a gaming machine. Therefore, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol reservation storage means, a variation display of the plurality of special symbols is continuously performed, so that a plurality of effects are continuously performed. At this time, a related effect can be performed.

The determination means determines whether or not the related effect can be executed using a jackpot random number. That is, the determination means determines not only whether or not the jackpot is successful, but also whether or not there is a related effect using the jackpot random number. The jackpot random number is determined by collating a random number stored in a predetermined storage unit in advance with a table in which the jackpot winning (including the jackpot) and the presence / absence of a related effect are associated with each other. That is, it is possible to determine whether or not the jackpot is true and whether or not there is a related effect with one piece of data called a jackpot random number. Here, if this determination is performed at once, whether or not there is a related effect is determined while determining whether or not the jackpot is true, and the number of processes for performing the related effect can be reduced.
By causing the determination means to execute the jackpot random number of the game data stored in the special symbol holding memory as the holding ball, it is possible to perform related effects over a plurality of special symbol fluctuation displays.

  Since the control means causes the determination means to determine whether or not the right to execute the special game can be acquired and whether or not there is a related effect using a jackpot random number, the amount of data necessary for performing the related effect can be reduced.

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 a gaming machine according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, gaming boards 101 are horizontally orthogonal. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the gaming machine, showing how the movable piece 120a of the second start port 120 opens and closes.

  An operation handle 113 having a launching unit (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 3) is disposed below the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102a and 102b and reaches the upper part of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 103, and the nails change the direction of the falling game ball. On the other hand, a windmill for changing the direction of the game ball and a ball entrance are provided at positions in the middle of the fall of the game ball.

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 receives a game ball, that is, it is impossible or difficult to enter the second starter port 120 (FIG. 2 (a )), When the pair of movable pieces 120a are in the open state, the game ball can be received more easily than the first starting port 105 (see FIG. 2B).
In the pair of movable pieces 120a, the second start port 120 is controlled to the first state where the second start port 120 is less likely to enter the game ball than the first start port 105, and the second start port 120 is the first start port 105. In some cases, the second state is controlled so that the game ball can easily enter.

A winning gate 106 is arranged on the left side of the symbol display unit 104.
When the passing of the game ball through the winning gate 106 is detected, a normal symbol lottery that opens the movable piece 120a for a predetermined time is set. A normal winning opening 107 is provided on the side or lower side of the symbol display unit 104. 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, there is provided a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not entered the start ports 105 and 120 and the winning port 107.

  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. On these two indicators 84 and 86, after the special symbol is variably displayed, the result of lottery is notified by finally displaying it statically. When a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right of the special symbol variation display obtained by the entry, the so-called reserved ball is reserved. . The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90. The first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86 constitute the special symbol 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. The normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is, for example, the right of the symbol display unit 104. It is provided at the bottom. Then, 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 reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 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 result by the 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 The number of reserved balls obtained by entering the winning gate 106 is notified.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the symbol display unit 104 described above starts a variable display of a plurality of decorative symbols. Stop. The fact that a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is arranged at the time of the stop means that the player has won a jackpot. In the case of a big hit game, the operation of opening the big prize opening / closing door 109a in the big prize opening / closing device 109 located below for a certain period is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) and the number corresponding to the game balls entered. The prize ball is paid out. 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.

  An effect light 111 (lamp unit) is provided above and below the game area 103 of the frame member 110. 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 light irradiation direction 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.

  Each light 112 also irradiates 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 motor different from the motor that changes the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 in the vertical direction.

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

  The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. As a result, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine are sequentially irradiated so that the surroundings (other players) can be informed that the gaming machine is in a big hit state. The degree can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of excitement due to attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

In addition, a tray unit 119 to which game balls are supplied is provided below the game area 103 of the frame member 110. The tray unit 119 is supplied with game balls lent out from a rental ball device (not shown).
An operation handle 113 is disposed below 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 the drawing 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.

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

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. The control means 200 includes a plurality of control boards. In the illustrated example, the control means 200 includes a main control board 201, a sub control board 202, a prize ball control board 203, and a lamp control board 206.

  The main control board 201 mainly controls a basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1 and executes a basic process according to the progress of the game content based on a program stored in the ROM 201b, and a calculation process of the CPU 201a A RAM 201c or the like that functions as a data work area is provided.

  The main control board 201 performs a lottery lottery (special symbol determination) related to the game, selects an effect execution command recorded in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result, and sends the effect execution command to the sub-control board 202. Send to. The sub-control board 202 controls devices related to effects by the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp control board 206, and the like according to the configuration of the effects based on the received effect execution command.

  This jackpot is pre-programmed to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number. The effect execution command has information related to the game effect, the effect time of the effect corresponding to each effect execution command is set, and effects such as effect background pattern, reach effect pattern, appearance character, voice pattern, etc. The configuration of is set.

  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 start that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 120. A mouth 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 109 Is connected to a special winning opening detection unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered the ball.

On the other hand, an accessory operating device 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201. In the present embodiment, the accessory actuating device 231 is constituted by a large winning opening / closing solenoid 109b for opening / closing the large winning opening / closing door 109a and a second starting opening / closing solenoid 120b for opening / closing the second starting opening 120. (See FIG. 4).
The above-mentioned accessory actuating device 231 is controlled by the main control board 201 and energizes the big prize opening / closing solenoid 109b to open the big prize opening / closing door 109a in the big hit game (long win game, short win game) The second start opening / closing solenoid 120b is energized to open / close the second start opening 120 by winning the normal symbol.

  The sub control board 202 mainly controls the effects during the game, and stores the CPU 202a that executes the effect processing based on the effect execution commands transmitted from the main control board 201, the program, and the past effect patterns. A ROM 202b and a RAM 202c functioning as a data work area when the CPU 202a performs arithmetic processing are provided.

  The CPU 202a has a function of controlling so that the same effect pattern is not continuously generated in the range of the effect execution command transmitted from the main control board 201, as compared with the past effect pattern having a predetermined number of fluctuations. It may be provided.

  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. On the other hand, 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 an effect process based on the received effect execution command. That is, the CPU 202a in the sub-control board 202 executes an effect process based on the effect execution 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 includes 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. .

  In addition, 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 execution command described above. That is, in the sub control board 202, the CPU 202a executes audio processing based on the effect execution 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, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b based on the effect execution command, executes various sound output processes such as effect sound effect processing, and outputs sound from the speaker 277.

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

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

  In addition, the lamp control board 206 performs a drive control of a solenoid for operating the effect accessory 115 on the accessory part 254 based on the effect execution command transmitted to the sub control board 202, and the effect object 116. The drive control of the motor which operates is performed.

  In addition, a prize ball control board 203 is connected to the main control board 201 bidirectionally, that is, capable of transmitting and receiving. 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 or the like for paying out a predetermined number from a game ball storage unit (not shown).

  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 launch unit 292, the prize ball control board 203 drives a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to fire the game ball intermittently (every predetermined interval). A game ball is sent out to the game area 103 of 101.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 functions mainly when a game ball enters the first starting port 105, and functions as a first special symbol lottery means 300, a first special symbol display control means. 301, first special symbol fluctuation control means 302, and first random number determination means (the fluctuation determination means) 303.
The ROM 201b functions mainly when a game ball enters the second start port 120. The second special symbol lottery means 320, the second special symbol display control means 321, and the second special symbol variation control means 322 function. , Second random number determination means (variation determination means) 323 is provided. The first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 constitute the lottery means of the present invention.
Further, the ROM 201b includes a pre-determination unit 330 and a pre-command transmission unit 331 that function when the reserved ball is reserved.
The first random number determination means 303, the second random number determination means 323, and the prior determination means 330 constitute the determination means of the present invention.

In addition, the ROM 201b is a long hit game control means 340, a short hit game control means 341, a high probability game control means 342, a short-time game control means 343, a normal game control means 344, and a small hit game control as means for controlling the progress of the game. Means 345.
Further, the ROM 201b mainly functions at the time of the special symbol variation display process. The variation display monitoring unit 350, the gaming state monitoring unit 351, the special symbol hold monitoring unit 352, the variation time determination unit 353, the variation pattern random number lottery unit 354, the variation Pattern random number determination means 355 and effect execution command transmission means 356 are provided.
The ROM 201b also includes a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol variation control means 362, and a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 that function when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. ing.

  On the other hand, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 functions when receiving an effect execution command, an effect determining means 501, an effect control means 502, and a prior command analyzing means 503 and related effect preprocessing means functioning when receiving a prior command. 504 is provided.

The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes first special symbol hold storage means 401, second special symbol hold storage means 402, normal symbol hold storage means 403, and game state storage means 404.
On the other hand, the RAM 202c of the sub control board 202 includes first effect data hold storage means 510 and second effect data hold storage means 511.
Hereinafter, the configuration and function of each means will be described.

  The long hit game control means 340, the short hit game control means 341, the high probability game control means 342, and the short time game control means 343 are programs for controlling the progress of the game when winning a big hit. In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of types of jackpots, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot type is further determined, and based on this determination, the CPU 201a operates each program and each gaming state. Control the progress of the game. On the other hand, the normal game control means 344 is a program for controlling the progress of the game in a normal game state where the jackpot is not won, that is, in the same state as the initial state when the game is started.

  The long hit game control means 340 obtains the right to execute the long hit game as a result of the big win lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120. Control the progress of the game per long. In the present embodiment, the “long win game” is a kind of jackpot game, and is a game in which the big prize opening and closing device 109 is opened and closed over a total of 15 rounds.

  Here, “round” means that a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses in a state in which the grand prize opening / closing device 109 is in the open state, or a predetermined number (for example, 9 balls) of game balls are used as the start opening. When one of the conditions for entering a ball is satisfied, this means that one opening / closing operation that is in a closed state is executed a predetermined number of times. In this embodiment, the opening time of the big winning 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. . Further, in the present embodiment, when a long winning game is executed, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 is set to be executed more frequently than in the short winning game.

  The opening / closing operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is performed by the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the long winning game control means 340 to control the long winning game, first, the special winning opening opening / closing solenoid 109b is energized to open the large winning opening / closing door 109a. Then, when the special winning opening detection unit 224 detects that a predetermined number (for example, nine) of gaming balls have entered the special winning opening / closing device 109, for example, the CPU 201a operates the long hit gaming control means 340, The energization of the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b is stopped.

  Even if a predetermined number of game balls have not entered the grand prize opening opening / closing device 109, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the grand prize opening opening / closing door 109a is opened, the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid. The energization of 109b is stopped. As described above, when either of the two conditions is satisfied, the energization to the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b is stopped, and the special prize opening / closing device 109 is closed.

  When a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses after the special prize opening / closing device 109 is closed, the CPU 201a activates the long hit game control means 340 to energize the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b again. Then, the special winning opening opening / closing door 109a is opened. In this way, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 is repeatedly performed for 15 rounds. When a game ball enters the special winning opening / closing device 109, the payout unit 291 receives a winning ball corresponding to the winning combination. To be paid out. Therefore, by executing the long hit game, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  On the other hand, when the short hit game control means 341 acquires the right to execute the short win game as a result of the big win lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 In addition, the progress of the short hit game is controlled. In the present embodiment, “short win game” is a type of big win game, which is a game in which the big prize opening and closing device 109 is opened and closed only for two rounds.

  The opening / closing operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is performed by the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b, as in the case of the long winning game. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the short hit game control means 341 to control the short hit game, first, the big winning opening opening / closing solenoid 109b is energized to open the big winning opening opening / closing door 109a. However, in the present embodiment, energization of the special winning opening / closing solenoid 109b is stopped instantaneously (for example, 0.2 seconds), and such control is repeated twice at a predetermined interval.

  Therefore, the time for which the big winning opening / closing device 109 is in the open state is extremely short as compared to the above long game, and the possibility that the game ball enters the big winning port opening / closing device 109 is extremely high compared to the long winning game. Lower. Further, since the special winning opening opening / closing door 109a returns to the closed state in an instant, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the special winning opening opening / closing device 109 has been opened. As is clear from this, the “short win game” is not intended to pay out a prize ball to the player, but is intended to improve the game and enhance the interest. However, even in the “short win game”, when a game ball enters the large winning opening / closing device 109, a prize ball corresponding to the winning ball is paid out.

  The high-probability game control means 342 controls the game in a high-probability game state in which the game is progressed in a state where the winning probability of the jackpot (including both long and short wins) is higher than that in the normal game state. In the present embodiment, the high probability gaming state is executed after the long winning game or the short winning game is completed. Specifically, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105 or the second start opening 120, the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 acquires a big hit random number. Then, the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323 determines the acquired jackpot random number based on a predetermined table. At this time, in a normal gaming state (including a short-time gaming state that is not a high-probability gaming state; hereinafter referred to as a low-probability gaming state), a jackpot random number is determined based on a normal hourly-hit determination table, and a high-probability gaming is performed. In the state, the big hit random number is determined based on the high probability hourly random number determination table. In the high probability hourly random number determination table, the number (type) of random numbers determined to be big hits is set larger than that in the normal hour random number determination table. The jackpot determination and type will be described later in detail.

The short-time game control means 343 is a program for controlling a short-time game. In this embodiment, the short-time game is a short-time change time of the normal symbol by the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, and the winning of the normal symbol is won. A game with a high probability.
Specifically, when the game ball passes the winning gate 106, a normal symbol lottery is performed. The normal symbol lottery is performed by the CPU 201a operating the normal symbol lottery means 360 to randomly extract random numbers when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106. The random numbers obtained in this way are determined based on the normal symbol normal time determination table in the normal gaming state (including the high probability gaming state that is not the short-time gaming state), and the short-time gaming state is obtained. In this case, the determination is made based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table.

  At this time, in the normal symbol time per hour determination table, a larger number of random numbers that are determined to be hit are set than in the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table. In this way, the winning probability of the normal symbol in the short-time gaming state is as high as 90%, for example. However, when the normal symbol is won, the pair of movable pieces 120a of the second start port 120 are opened for a predetermined time, and the game It becomes easy for the ball to enter the second starting port 120.

  In the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is shortened compared to the normal gaming state. That is, when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, random numbers are acquired and the acquired random numbers are determined. At this time, the player is informed whether the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win or a loss. A predetermined time is required until notification. The time required for notifying the player of the result of the normal symbol lottery is set shorter in the short-time gaming state than in the normal gaming state. Thereby, in the short-time gaming state, the lottery results of the normal symbols are notified to the player one after another, and the second start port 120 is frequently opened. As is clear from this, the short-time gaming state means that it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 120, so that the right to win a lottery is obtained without consuming much of the game ball. It is a gaming state that progresses in a possible state.

  Then, the normal game control means 344 controls the progress of the normal game that does not correspond to either the big hit game (long win game, short win game) or the special game state (high probability game state, short-time game state). As described above, the CPU 201a operates any one of the long hit game control means 340, the short hit game control means 341, the high probability game control means 342, the short time game control means 343, and the normal game control means 344 to play a game. Although the progress is controlled, the current game state controlled by each of these control means 340 to 344 is written in the game state storage means 404 of the RAM 201c.

  Next, the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol display control means 361, the normal symbol variation control means 362, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, and the normal symbol hold memory that start control when the game ball passes the winning gate 106. The means 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 it is a normal gaming state, the winning is determined based on the normal symbol normal hour determination table, and if it is a short time gaming state (including a high probability gaming state), it is displayed in the normal symbol short time determination table. The hit is determined based on the result.

  If the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is a win, the second starting port opening / closing solenoid 120b is operated to open the movable piece 120a and 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.
That is, when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol display 82 displays a lamp that is lit or blinking as if the lottery is currently being performed. After such lighting or blinking for a predetermined time, 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, lottery and variation display of normal symbols 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 the game state other than the short-time game state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to be as long as 10 seconds, for example, and the probability of winning in the win is also set as low as 10%.
In the second starting port 120, when the normal symbol is won in the above-mentioned short-time game state, the 1.2-second opening / closing operation is performed four times, whereas the normal symbol is not displayed in the game state other than the short-time 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 variation display, the normal symbol lottery means 360, that is, the normal symbol variation display right, is reserved in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403. The 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.

  Note that the following two methods are conceivable when the right to change the display of the normal symbol is retained in the normal symbol hold storage unit 403 as described above. One is to acquire a random value when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106 and store the acquired random value in the normal symbol storage unit 403. Then, the order in which the game balls pass through the winning gate 106 and the random number value are stored in association with each other, and the winning determination based on the random number value is sequentially performed in the passing order. The other is a method in which the normal symbol storage means 403 stores only that the game ball has passed through the winning gate 106, acquires a random number value at the time of the change, and starts a change display based on the random number value. It is.

Next, control by the main control board 201 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 (second start port detector 225) detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 (second start port 120), the detection signal is sent to the main control board 201. Sent. When the signal is received, the first special symbol lottery means 300 (second special symbol lottery means 320) draws one random number from among a random number group (for example, 0 to 600) prepared in advance as game data. . The game data includes, for example, a jackpot random number, a design random number, and a production mode random number. That is, the game data is composed of a plurality of types of random numbers. Here, the jackpot random number is a random number for determining whether or not the right to execute a special game can be acquired (whether the jackpot is successful) and the presence or absence of related effects. This is a random number for determining the height, the length per short / short, the presence / absence of time, and the like. The production mode random number is a random number for determining whether or not to make a reach production.

  The RAM 201c is provided with a gaming state storage unit 404. The gaming state storage unit 404 has a special gaming state (high probability gaming state, short-time gaming state, etc.) as to whether the current gaming state is a normal gaming state. I remember. Then, when the first special symbol lottery means 300 (second special symbol lottery means 320) draws random numbers, the first random number determination means 303 (on the basis of the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage means 404 Second random number determination means 323) determines the random number value.

  Specifically, if the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404 is a normal (low probability) gaming state, the first random number determination unit 303 (second random number determination unit 323) uses the lottery random number selected by lottery. Based on the first special symbol normal time determination table (second special symbol normal time determination table), if it is a high-probability gaming state, the first special symbol probability variation time determination table (second special symbol probability variation time) Determine based on a hit determination table. In the present embodiment, the first random number determination means 303 and the second random number determination means 323 make a determination based on the same table in both the normal gaming state and the high-probability gaming state. Depending on the mouth, different tables may be referred to.

  The table for determining the random number acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 is, for example, as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the determination is made based on the same determination table regardless of the starting opening that has entered the ball, but it is also possible to set the determination based on a different determination table depending on the starting opening that has entered the ball. . FIG. 5A is a table for determining the success or failure of the jackpot, which is divided into a normal (low probability) gaming state and a high probability gaming state and shows the winning jackpot random number for the jackpot and the winning jackpot random number for the loss ( It is an example of a big hit random number determination table. FIG. 5B is a table (design random number determination table) for determining the design random number, that is, the type of jackpot (long or short (number of rounds, etc.), the probability of winning, whether or not there is a short time, etc.) It is an example. FIG. 5C is an example of a production mode random number, that is, a table for determining the presence / absence of reach (production mode random number determination table).

  In FIG. 5A, the jackpot random number is composed of 601 random numbers from 0 to 600, and the random number is set to win either the jackpot or the loss. That is, the random numbers from 1 to 600 are divided into jackpots or loses. For example, in the normal jackpot random number determination table referred to in the normal gaming state, two random numbers of 0 and 1 are stored as winning random numbers in the jackpot, while on the other hand, when the high probability is referred to in the high probability gaming state In the jackpot determination table, 20 random numbers from 0 to 19 are stored as winning random numbers.

  When a game ball enters the first starting port 105, the first special symbol lottery means 300 acquires the jackpot random number. At this time, if in the normal gaming state, the first random number determination means 303 determines either a big win or a loss based on the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the jackpot random number acquired by entering the first start port 105 is 0, it is determined to be a jackpot. If the gaming state is high probability, based on the high probability jackpot determination table, whether the first random number determination means 303 is the jackpot random number acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 is a big hit or lost? Determine whether or not. That is, when the jackpot random number acquired by entering the first starting port 105 is 0 to 19, it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot.

  In the present embodiment, a “small hit” is provided separately from the “big hit” described above, and the winning of the “small hit” is set to be determined by a big hit random number. The “small hit” in the present embodiment is to acquire the right to execute the “small hit game” in which the instant opening operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for two rounds, as in the short win game. is there. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), when the big hit random numbers are 2, 3 in the normal gaming state, and when the big hit random numbers are 20, 21 in the high probability gaming state, A small hit game in which the winning opening / closing device 109 is opened for two rounds is executed. The small hit game is controlled by the CPU 201a operating the small hit game control means 345. In addition, as will be described in detail later, this small hit game is not intended to pay out a prize ball, but for the purpose of making it difficult for the player to recognize that the gaming state has shifted to a high probability gaming state. Is provided.

  As a result of the determination of the jackpot random number, when it is determined that the jackpot random number is a random number for acquiring the right to execute the jackpot game, the CPU 201a activates the first random number determination unit 303, and FIG. ) To determine (determine) the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots determined here are "per length with high probability and short time", "per length with short time with normal time", "short per length with short time with high probability", "short per short time with normal time", and "short without short time with high probability" There are six types, “winning” and “normal short-time short-winning”.

  "Per length with a high probability of shortening" means that three game values are given. When winning this “long chance with short time with high probability”, as a first game value, a predetermined number of game balls are controlled on the condition that the opening / closing device 109 of the special prize opening is controlled for 15 rounds and one round ends. (9) A long hit game is executed in which a ball is entered or a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses. Thereby, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. When the long hit game ends, the game progresses in the high-probability gaming state as the second gaming value, and the game advances in the short-time gaming state as the third gaming value. As a result, the player can win a large number of prize balls, and after winning the prize balls, can reduce the consumption of the game balls and realize a big win again early. However, the short-time gaming state, which is the third gaming value given here, ends when the special symbol variation display is performed a preset number of times (100 times).

“Normal per short length” gives two game values. This “per length with a short time” is different from the above “per length with a short time with a high probability” in that the winning probability of the jackpot becomes a low-probability gaming state after the end of the long-game.
As described above, in the present embodiment, after the end of the long hit game in which a large amount of prize balls can be obtained, the long win in which the game progresses in the high probability game state where the winning probability of the big win is high, There is provided a long win in which the game progresses in a low-probability gaming state in which the winning probability is low.

  “Short win with high probability short-time” means that the game progresses in a high-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of winning the jackpot is high after repeating the operation of the winning opening opening / closing device 109 for a moment for two rounds. It is. If this “short win with high probability” is selected, a large number of prize balls cannot be obtained immediately by opening the special prize opening / closing device 109, but the subsequent gaming state becomes a high probability gaming state. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a large amount of prize balls will be obtained in subsequent games. In addition, when winning “short win with high probability short-lived”, it becomes short-time game state at the same time as the high-probability gaming state, so it is possible to reduce the consumption of game balls until winning a big hit again.

  “Short hit with normal time” means that the game progresses in a low-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of winning the jackpot is low after repeating the operation for the momentary opening and closing device 109 to open momentarily for two rounds. is there. However, similarly to the above “short win with high probability time-shortening”, since the subsequent gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the game ball only for a predetermined number of times. In the normal game state, if the “short win with normal time” is won, the game value that enables execution of the short time game is only given thereafter, but in the high probability game state, If the player wins the “short win with normal time”, there is a demerit that the win probability of the jackpot will fall from a high probability to a low probability.

  In this embodiment, both the “short win with normal time” and “short win with high probability” have the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 and the second start port 120 after shifting to the short game state. The same opening / closing operation. Also, as will be described later, the production contents are the same for “short win with normal time” and “short win with high probability”. Therefore, for the player, after the short win game (two round opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109) is finished, it is determined whether the win probability of the jackpot is high or low. It has become very difficult to do. In this way, the reason for providing "short win with normal time" is whether the winning probability of jackpot is high probability or low probability when it becomes short-time game state after the short win game ends, This is to make the player have doubts.

  “Short win without short time with high probability” means that, as with the above “Short hit with short time with high probability”, the winning winning opening / closing device 109 is repeatedly opened for two rounds, and then the probability of winning the jackpot is high. It shifts to a high probability gaming state (so-called latent probability changing state). However, this “high probability short-time short win” is different from the above “high probability short-time short hit” in that the short-time game is not started after the short hit game ends. Even if this “high probability short time short win” is won, it is not possible to immediately acquire a large amount of prize balls by opening the special prize opening / closing device 109, but the subsequent gaming state becomes a high probability gaming state. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a large amount of prize balls will be obtained in subsequent games.

  “Normal short time short hit” means that the game progresses in the normal gaming state after repeating the operation for the momentary opening and closing device 109 to open momentarily for two rounds. In other words, even if this “normal short-time short win” is won, neither high-probability gaming state nor short-time gaming state is entered. Moreover, since it is impossible to obtain a large number of prize balls by opening the round winning opening / closing device 109 for two rounds, the player is hardly given the game value due to the big win. . The reason for providing such “normal short-time short wins” is that the player is mainly concerned with whether the winning probability of jackpot is high or low after the short win game. This is to make doubts. In the normal gaming state, if you are elected for the “normal short time without short wins”, there will be no change in the gaming state, but in the high probability gaming state, you will win the “normal short time without short wins”. Then, there is a demerit that the probability of winning the jackpot falls from a high probability to a low probability.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in order to raise a suspicion about the fact that the winning probability of the jackpot is high due to the winning of the “high probability short time short short” win, In addition, there is a “small hit”. However, since this “small hit” is not a kind of jackpot, the small hit game is started when the jackpot random number is acquired instead of the design random number. Similarly to the case of winning the “ordinary short no hit short”, the “small hit game” repeats the operation of opening the big winning opening / closing device 109 for two rounds. However, the “small hit” is different from the “normal short and short hit” in that the gaming state does not change after the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening and closing device 109. In other words, if you win the “Short hit without normal time” in the high probability gaming state, the gaming state becomes the normal gaming state after the short winning game ends, but even if you win the “small hit” in the high probability gaming state Thereafter, the high-probability gaming state continues. In this embodiment, if the lottery result of the game data is a short win or a small win, the type of jackpot is stored if it is stored in the special symbol hold storage means that reserves the right to start the special symbol variation display. After completion of the special symbol variation display, the opening operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is instantaneously performed. After the completion of the opening operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109, the variation display of the next special symbol is started. The

When a game ball enters the first starting port 105, the CPU 201a activates the first special symbol lottery means 300 to acquire the effect mode random number in addition to the jackpot random number and symbol random number. The production mode random number is randomly acquired from 0 to 250 random numbers.
When it is determined that the jackpot random number is a loss, the CPU 201a operates the first random number determination unit 303 to determine the effect mode random number based on the effect mode random number determination table at the time of the loss, If it is determined, the effect mode random number is determined based on the effect mode random number determination table for the big hit.

In FIG. 5C, in the effect mode random number determination table, random numbers from 0 to 24 are determined as effects with reach, and other random numbers are determined as effects without reach. Accordingly, at the time of losing, the probability that the non-reach effect is executed is increased, while the so-called gas reasure effect that gives the player a sense of expectation is executed with a probability of about 10%. Further, in FIG. 5C, it is set so that a reachable effect is always executed at the time of a big hit.
Here, the effect with reach and the effect without reach determined by the effect mode random number indicate the mode of the decorative symbol effect performed in the symbol display unit 104. In other words, during the special symbol variation display, the symbols consisting of several sequences in which the numbers “1” to “9” are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed in three columns, and the special symbol variation display starts. Almost at the same time, these symbols begin to scroll (see FIG. 1).

In the effect with reach, when the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed after elapse of a predetermined time after the start of scrolling, any two symbols (several sequences) are stopped first. At this time, the same number stops and is displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally, and the last one row gradually decreases the scrolling speed, and the expectation that three identical numbers may be aligned on the straight line. To the player. Such reach production includes so-called super reach production in which various characters appear and stories develop before the last row of scrolling stops.
On the other hand, in the non-reach effect, the design is stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally without giving an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation as described above. .

  As described above, the effect mode random number is used to determine whether the effect with reach or the effect without reach is performed in the symbol display unit 104, and the effect with reach appears with a predetermined probability. Give people a reasonable expectation. If you win the jackpot, you will always have a reach with the above-mentioned effects. Finally, the decorative symbols will stop and display with the same numbers aligned on a straight or horizontal line. Sometimes, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

  As described above, when the first random number determination unit 303 determines each random number, the first special symbol variation control unit 302 newly stores information on the special symbol in a predetermined storage area, and changes the special symbol. While the display control is started, the first special symbol display control means 301 starts the variable display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 84. Specifically, a special symbol in a stationary state corresponding to the determination result of the jackpot random number and the symbol random number is finally displayed on the first special symbol display 84 as a lottery result.

  Even when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second random number determination means 323. Then, the second special symbol variation control means 322 starts the special symbol variation display control based on the random number value, and the second special symbol display control means 321 displays the special symbol on the second special symbol display 86. Start displaying fluctuations.

  When a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, when a special symbol based on the previous game ball is being displayed, or during a big hit game If the game is in a special game state that is advantageous to the player, such as during a small hit game, that is, during the period when the special symbol cannot be changed, either Are stored in the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402, and the right to start the change of the special symbol is generated (the reserved ball is reserved).

  Based on the game data (random numbers) stored in both the special symbol hold storage units 401 and 402, the pre-determination unit 330 is similar to the first random number determination unit 303 and the second random number determination unit 323, and the jackpot random number, the design random number, and A production mode random number is determined. However, the pre-determining unit 330 not only determines whether or not the jackpot is true when determining the jackpot random number, but also determines whether there is a related effect at the same time. Specifically, the prior determination means 330 collates the jackpot random number against the jackpot random number determination table to determine whether or not there is a related effect.

  That is, in the jackpot determination table of FIG. 5A, when the jackpot random numbers drawn in the normal gaming state are 0, 2, 4 to 10, the jackpot random numbers lottered in the high probability gaming state are 0 to 9, 20, In the case of 22-25, it shows that a related effect can be performed based on this jackpot random number.

  Here, when random numbers indicating execution of the related effects are classified, when the random number is 0 in the normal gaming state, the jackpot game and the related effects are executed based on the jackpot random number, and when the random number is 2, Based on the big hit random number, the small hit game and the related effect are executed. When the random number is 4 to 10, only the related effect is executed. On the other hand, in the high-probability gaming state, when the random number is 0-9, the jackpot game and related effects are executed based on the jackpot random number, and when the random number is 20, the jackpot game and related effects are based on the jackpot random number. When the effect is executed and the random numbers are 22 to 25, only the related effect is executed. Thus, by simultaneously determining whether or not the jackpot is true and whether or not there is a related effect based on the jackpot random number, the amount of data and the number of processes for performing the related effect can be reduced.

  By the way, the 1st special symbol holding | maintenance memory | storage means 401 is comprised as shown to Fig.6 (a). FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the storage area related to the holding order. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol holding storage unit 401 is configured such that the game ball is the first start port detecting unit 221. The game data (a jackpot random number, a design random number, an effect mode random number) acquired on the basis of the detection of the game data is stored in association with the order in which the game balls related to the game data are detected. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested in the storage unit 401 in the order in which they are retained.

  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, in the case where the reserve ball is retained up to the upper limit reserve number of the first special symbol reserve storage means 401, even if a game ball enters the first start port 105, game data is recorded for the entrance ball. No lottery will be held. 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 monitored by the fluctuation display monitoring unit 350 and is always digested (shifted) from the first storage area 401a. When the reserved sphere stored in the first storage area 401a is digested, the reserved sphere stored in the second storage area 401b to the fourth storage area 401d is moved from the storage area to the previous one by the variable display monitoring unit 350. It is moved to the 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, it becomes possible to accept the reserved ball in the fourth storage area 401d, that is, to reserve the reserved ball again.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second starting port 120, if it is in a variable display based on the previous game ball's entry, or during a big hit game or a small hit game In the case of a special gaming state advantageous to the player, that is, during a period when the special symbol cannot be changed, the second special symbol storage unit 402 is also similar to the first special symbol storage unit 401. The game data (a jackpot random number, a design random number, an effect mode random number) acquired based on the fact that the game ball has been detected by the second start port detection unit 225 is associated with the order in which the game balls are detected as a holding ball. Remember. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the right to display a special symbol change is reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402 as a reserved ball. The right of variable display of the special symbol reserved in the storage area 402 is digested in the storage area 402 by the variable display monitoring means 350 in the reserved 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 (see FIG. 6B).

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 is stored in the fifth storage area 402a by the variable display monitoring unit 350. When the reserved balls are digested, the reserved balls retained from the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d are also moved from the storage area to the previous area by the change display monitoring means 350. 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. Accordingly, it becomes possible to accept the reserved ball in the eighth storage area 402d, that is, to reserve the reserved ball again.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage area is divided for each start opening into which the game ball has entered, and the reserved balls are reserved. Therefore, the game data relating to these hold balls is stored in the start opening into which the game balls have entered. Are stored in association with each other. However, as described above, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the holding balls are stored by another method without storing the holding balls separately in the two storage units 401 and 402. For example, the reserved balls are retained in one storage means in the order in which the game balls enter the start opening. At this time, the same effect as that of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment can be obtained even if a flag that associates the starting ball with which the game ball has entered is stored in association with the holding ball.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the eight storage areas of the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d are each a jackpot random number storage area, a design random number storage area, and an effect mode random number storage area. Each random number is stored in each area.

  On the other hand, the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second special symbol display control means 321 also when a game ball enters the second starting port 120 and the second starting port detector 225 detects the game ball. The second special symbol variation control means 322 performs the same process as when a game ball enters the first start port 105. However, the acquired game data is stored in any of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, and the number of reserved balls is displayed on the second special symbol hold display 88.

  When the reserved ball is reserved only in one of the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402, the above digestion process is executed, but the reserved ball is reserved in both of the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402. In such a case, for example, the reserved balls are digested in the following order.

When the reserved balls are reserved in both the first special symbol storage unit 401 and the second special symbol storage unit 402, the reserved balls are digested in the order in which they are reserved (game balls have entered) ( It is processed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (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 a 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 this case, the holding balls in the first storage area 401a are processed first based on the first starting port 105 into which the game ball has entered first, and thereafter the holding balls are held in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. 7B. The ball is digested.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the retained ball retained in the fifth storage area 402a is processed based on the second starting port 120 into which the game ball has entered the second, and thereafter, The reserved balls are digested in the order of the arrows shown in 7 (c).

  As described above, the retained balls are sequentially digested. The CPU 201a controls the digestion of the retained balls, and the CPU 201a controls the digestion of the retained balls in the fluctuation display monitoring means of the ROM 201b. 350. The fluctuation display monitoring unit 350 monitors a determination processing area for determining a special symbol by determining a random number, and when the determination processing area becomes empty, that is, the fluctuation of the special symbol that is being displayed in a fluctuation display. When the display ends, the random number of the reserved sphere to be processed stored in the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a is shifted to the determination processing area. Thereafter, the above-described variation display of the special symbol is started based on the random number shifted to the determination processing area.

  As will be described in detail later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is performed for a predetermined time, the first special symbol display control means 301 and the second special symbol display control means 321 terminate the special symbol fluctuation display, and the first special symbol display control means 321 ends. The special symbol is statically displayed on the symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86 as the determination result (determination result of game data).

  During the special symbol variation display, the decorative symbol effect by the symbol display unit 104, the lamp effect by the lamp 112 (the lamp 262), the sound effect by the speaker 277, or the effect character 115, 116 (the character object portion 254). An effect production is performed, and a lottery winning result is notified to the player together with various elaborate productions. In order to make this effect more effective, the main control board 201 is provided with a prior determination means 330. The prior determination unit 330 functions to execute a related effect having a high effect, but here, specific effect contents of the related effect will be described with reference to FIG.

(Explanation of related effects)
That is, when a game ball enters one of the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, game data (each random number) is stored by the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323 as described above. Determined. The determination result is displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. In these indicators 84 and 86, the LED is turned on or blinked, and it is as if the lottery is currently being drawn. Such special symbol variation display is performed for a predetermined time.

  This special symbol variation display is performed once for each holding ball, and during this one special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the directors 115 and 116 perform various displays. Production is done. A normal effect, including a reach effect, is a content in which one effect is made with respect to one special symbol variation display, and a story or the like is completed within the range of this one effect.

  On the other hand, a related effect is performed over a variable display of a plurality of special symbols. In the related effects, one story is completed over a plurality of effects, or a plurality of effects are associated with each other. In other words, a plurality of performances are set to contents related in some way. FIG. 8 shows an example of the related effects using the effect actors 115 and 116 and the symbol display unit 104.

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

  At the time of the second fluctuation display (when the second reserved memory is digested), as shown in FIG. 8 (b), as shown in FIG. Is removed, and the movement control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of the director 115. At this time, the LED (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) built in the blade portion is turned on to make the player feel as if the blade is shining. However, even in the second variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

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

  At the time of the fourth fluctuation display (when the fourth reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. 8 (d), in addition to the operation control of the directors 115 and 116, the upper right of the game board 101 is displayed. A plurality of LEDs (not shown) are set in a light emitting state from the side toward the lower left, and a plurality of LEDs (not shown) are also set in a light emitting state from the upper left to the lower right of the game board 101. This gives the player the impression that the game board 101 has been cut from the left and right with a sword. At the time of the fourth variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally three identical numbers (symbols) are arranged. And the player is informed that the lottery result (variation) is a big hit.

Thus, in the related effects, a continuous effect (in this example, a continuous effect by the directors 115 and 116) is performed over a plurality of variations. Therefore, whenever the player sees the effect continuously performed, in other words, as the related effect progresses, the player has a great expectation that the winning will be won in the next variation display.
Here, the related effects using the effect actors 115 and 116 and the symbol display unit 104 have been described. However, the related effect may be performed by any one of the effect actor, the symbol display unit, the speaker, and the lamp. They may be used in appropriate combination.

  Next, a processing procedure by the main control board 201 when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described based on a flowchart. First, the start port process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(Start-up processing)
(Step S101)
When the first start port detecting unit 221 or the second start port detecting unit 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the start port detecting units 205 and 225 that have entered the ball. It is determined whether or not there are less than four reserved balls stored in the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402 corresponding to.

  For example, 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 port detector If the incoming signal is received from 225, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is less than 4. Here, as means for determining whether or not the number of reserved balls is less than 4, it is determined whether or not the reserved balls are reserved in the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol storage means 401, and the second It is determined whether or not the reserved ball is reserved in the eighth storage area 402 of the special symbol storage unit 402.

  In step S101, when it is determined that there are four reserves (NO in step S101), a special symbol variation display, that is, a big hit lottery is performed for the game ball entering the start opening. Instead, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out and the control on the main control board 101 is terminated.

(Step S102)
In step S101, if it is determined that the reserved number is less than 4 (NO in step S101), game data for the entry of the game ball into the start openings 105 and 120 is acquired.

(Step S103)
Next, for example, the fluctuation display monitoring means 350 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed. Specifically, it is determined whether game data is stored in a predetermined processing area of the RAM 201c, or whether any of the special symbol variation display control means 301, 302 is in operation. If it is determined that the variable display is not being performed (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

(Step S104)
In step S104, for example, the game state monitoring unit 351 determines whether or not a big hit game or a small hit game is currently being executed. For example, whether or not the data indicating the big hit game or the data showing the small hit game is stored in the game state storage means 404, or the long hit game control means 340, the short hit game control means 341 or the small hit game control It is determined whether the means 345 is in operation.

If it is determined in step S104 that the big hit game or the small hit game is not currently being executed (NO in step S104), a special symbol variation display process is executed.
Further, if “YES” is determined in step S103 or step S104, the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 is based on the start port detection units 221 and 225 that have transmitted the incoming signal. Is remembered. In other words, the stored ball storage process in which the held ball is reserved is executed.

(Reserved ball storage process)
The reserved ball storage process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S201)
For example, the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 corresponds to the first special symbol reservation storage means 401 or the second special symbol reservation storage means 402 according to the start opening into which the game ball has entered. The game data for entering the game ball into the starting port is stored. It may be set to a means other than the special symbol lottery means 300 and 320 to store the game data in the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402.

(Step S202)
Next, it is determined whether or not two or more reserved balls including the reserved ball are reserved. That is, it is determined whether or not the reserved ball is reserved except for the reserved ball. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not game data is stored in the first storage area 401a of the first special symbol storage unit 401 or the fifth storage area 402a of the second special reservation storage unit 402. Is done.

If it is determined in step S202 that two or more reserved balls are reserved (YES in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that two or more reserved balls are not retained (NO in step S202), the preliminary determination is not performed (steps S203 and 204), and the later-described reserved ball shift process is performed. Wait until it is executed.

(Step S203)
The prior determination means 330 refers to each random number determination table to determine (preliminary determination) “big win / no-win”, “presence / absence of related effects”, and the like. The game data determination method by the prior determination means 330 is determined by referring to the game data stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 or the second special symbol hold storage means 402 as in step S201. A method may be used, or a predetermined processing area for prior determination may be provided, and game data (lotted random numbers) acquired in the processing area may be directly written and determined.

  The prior determination is not to be performed immediately after it is determined that the reserved ball is reserved (YES in Step S104 and Step S105). It is possible to be performed at any time as long as it is an opportunity before a related performance is possible.

(Step S204)
As described above, when the pre-determination unit 330 determines a jackpot random number or the like, a pre-command is generated based on the determination result and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. The prior command includes a determination result of game data (a jackpot random number, a design random number, an effect mode random number) by the prior determination unit 330, a start port (the first start port 105 or the second start port 120) related to the game data, and a determination result. Identification information relating to the storage area (first storage area 401a to eighth storage area 402d) and the like is included. In the present embodiment, the game data waits in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 until the special symbol change display process (holding ball shift process).

  In the present embodiment, it is set so that prior determination by the prior determination means 330 is not performed when a game ball enters the start port in a state where the reserved ball is not reserved. In other words, the prior determination unit 330 performs the prior determination only when the reserved ball is reserved. This is because, in this embodiment, there is no distinction between priority and non-priority at the start port, so that the reservation ball shift in the form of interruption by the priority start port (start port where the hold ball shift process is executed preferentially) This is because there is no processing, and the purpose of the “preliminary determination” performed by the preliminary determination means 330 is to determine whether or not to perform related effects over a variable display of a plurality of special symbols. In other words, if the interrupt hold ball shift process by the priority start port is executed, even if no other hold balls are reserved at the time of entering the ball, before the hold ball determined to have related effects in the subsequent situation The reserved ball to be processed may be reserved, but in this embodiment, there is no priority on the starting port, so it is possible that the order in which the reserved ball is processed is different from the order in which the balls are entered. Because there is no.

(Holding ball shift process)
As will be described later, when the variation display of the special symbol is finished, the variation display monitoring unit 350 shifts the game data stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 and the second special symbol hold storage unit 402. (The hold request shift process is executed). When the game data stored in the first storage area 401a of the first special symbol hold storage means 401 is shifted to the determination processing area, the game stored in the other storage areas of the first special symbol hold storage means 401 The data moves to the storage area with the smaller number. On the other hand, when the game data stored in the fifth storage area 402a of the second special symbol hold storage means 402 is shifted to the determination processing area, it is stored in the other storage areas of the second special symbol hold storage means 402. The game data is moved to the storage area having a smaller number.

  The game data stored in the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a is shifted to the determination processing area in the order of entering the starting holes 105, 120. When the game data is shifted to a predetermined determination processing area, a special symbol variation display process described later is performed.

  When a pre-command is transmitted to the sub control board 202, a pre-process for executing a related effect is performed on the sub control board 202. This process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the RAM 202 c of the sub control board 202 includes first effect data hold storage means 510 and second effect data hold storage means 511. The first effect data hold storage means 510 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d, and the second effect data hold storage means 511 includes the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area. There are four storage areas up to the storage area 511d. That is, the structure of the effect data hold storage means 510 and 511 is similar to the structure of the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402.

  Each time the prior determination unit 330 makes a prior determination, a prior command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202 and stored in any one of the first storage area 510a to the eighth storage area 511d. Hereinafter, a method in which the prior command is stored in the first storage area 510a to the eighth storage area 511d will be described.

  For example, the prior command is attached with identification information regarding the storage areas (the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d) in which game data related to the prior command is stored by the prior command transmission means 331 when transmitting the prior command. Has been. Then, the advance command analysis means 503 of the sub control board 202 analyzes the advance command to identify a storage area in which game data relating to the advance command is stored, and a storage area (first storage area) having the same number as this storage area The advance command is stored in the storage area 510a to the eighth storage area 511d).

  For example, in the case where game data is stored in the first storage area 401a of the first special symbol hold storage means 401 on the main control board 201, the prior command transmitted to the sub control board 202 is the first effect data hold It is stored in the first storage area 510a of the storage means 510.

  That is, the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol storage means 401 correspond to the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect data storage means 510, respectively. The 5th storage area 402a to the 8th storage area 402d of the 2 special symbol storage means 402 correspond to the 5th storage area 511a to the 8th storage area 511d of the 2nd effect data storage means 511, respectively.

Then, when the variation display of the special symbol which will be described later is started and the holding ball (game data) retained in the first special symbol holding storage unit 401 or the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 is shifted, The advance command stored in the first effect data hold storage means 510 or the second effect data hold storage means 511 is similarly shifted.
Next, a control procedure when a prior command is transmitted to the sub control board 202 by the prior command transmission unit 331 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S301)
When the sub-control board 202 receives the advance command, the advance command analysis unit 503 analyzes the identification information attached to the advance command and confirms in which storage area the advance command is stored.

(Step S302)
Next, the preliminary command analysis unit 503 analyzes the identification information attached to the preliminary command, and the preliminary command has identification information that the determination result of the jackpot random number has the related effect (the related effect exists in the prior command). It is determined whether or not.

(Step S303) (Step S304)
If it is determined in step S302 that “there is a related effect”, the related effect preprocessing unit 504 confirms both the effect data hold storage units 510 and 511 and adds the related effect flag “1” to the prior command. Determine whether or not. The number portion of the related effect flag “1” represents the number of the related effect flag, in other words, the order of the effects performed in a plurality of effects constituting a series of related effects. Therefore, the effect related to the prior command to which the related effect flag “1” is added is implemented first among a plurality of effects constituting the related effect. Therefore, the reason for executing step S303 is that in the present embodiment, the related effect flag added to the advance command is “1”, meaning that the related effect is finished once. .

  In this embodiment, the related effect flags are “1” to “8”, and the number of the related effect flag added to the prior command is already stored in the effect data holding storage means 510 and 511 at this time. If not, the number of advance commands stored in the production data hold storage means 510 and 511 when the advance command is transmitted to the sub control board 202, that is, the special symbol hold storage means 401 and 402 are reserved. This is due to the number of reserved balls retained.

(Step S305)
If it is determined in step S304 that the related effect flag to be added is not “1” (NO in step S304), the related effect preprocessing means 504 selects one of the related effect flags “2” to “8”. Append to advance command. This means that there is a pre-command that constitutes the related effect together with the pre-command in the effect data hold storage means 510, 511, and therefore the related effect is executed.

  For example, when a pre-command is stored in the first storage area 510a to the third storage area 510c and the fifth storage area 511a, the pre-command is stored fifth in the effect data hold storage means 510 and 511. Therefore, the related effect flag “5” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d or the sixth storage area 511b. Similarly, when a pre-command is stored in the first storage area 510a, the second storage area 510b, and the sixth storage area 511b, the pre-command is stored fourth in the effect data hold storage means 510, 511. Therefore, the related effect flag “4” is stored in the third storage area 510c or the seventh storage area 511b.

  If the related effect flag is already stored in the storage area of the effect data hold storage means 510, 511 when the prior command is determined to be “with related effect”, the related effect flag is not stored, and The related effect flag is stored in the storage area in which the prior command is stored before the prior command is received. For example, in the case where three reserved balls are reserved in the first effect data hold storage means 510 and one reserved ball is reserved in the second effect data hold storage means 511, the related effect flags are set in the first storage area 510a and the fifth storage area 511a. Is stored. At this time, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 and a pre-command is newly stored in the fourth storage area 510d, and it is determined that the pre-command is “with related effect”, the effect control means 502 As a result, the related effect flag “3” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d.

  Further, in the effect data hold storage means 510 and 511, when a jackpot advance command is stored in any storage area, the related effect flag is stored as follows. For example, the pre-commands are stored in the first storage area 510a to the third storage area 510c and the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511c, and the pre-command stored in the fourth storage area 510d is “There is a related effect” , In the case of the above processing method, the related effect flag “7” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d.

  However, at this time, the jackpot advance command is temporarily stored in the first storage area 510a, and the advance command stored in the fifth storage area 511a is stored first and stored in the first storage area 510a. When the prior command is stored second, the related effect flag “5” is stored in the fifth storage area 510d. That is, when a jackpot prior command is stored in any storage area, the related effect flag is stored only in a storage area after the storage area. This is because the production effect is not lowered by configuring the middle part of the related production at the time of production corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol that notifies the winning of the jackpot.

(Step S306)
Next, the related effect pre-processing means 504 associates with other prior commands the related effect flag “1” in association with the order transmitted to the sub-control means 202 (the order in which the special symbol variation display related to the prior command is executed). Add "7".

  For example, when a pre-command is stored in the first storage area 510a to the third storage area 510c and the fifth storage area 511a, and no related effect flag is stored in any of the storage areas, the sixth storage area 511b If the related effect flag is stored, the related command flag “5” is attached to the prior command. In this case, the related effect pre-processing means 504 corresponds to the advance command stored in the effect data hold storage means 510 and 511 in the order in which the advance commands are stored in the advance command transmitted to the sub-control board 202 before the advance command. The related effect flags “1” to “4” are attached.

  As described above, when the prior command transmitted to the sub control board 202 is determined to be “with related effects”, the related effect flags are already stored in the storage areas of the effect data hold storage units 510 and 511 (for example, In the case where three hold balls are reserved in the first effect data hold storage means 510 and one hold ball in the second effect data hold storage means 511, the related effect flags are displayed in the first storage area 510a and the fifth storage area 511a. Is stored). At this time, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 and a pre-command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202, and the pre-command is determined to be “with related effect”, the related effect pre-processing means 504 The related effect flag “3” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d, the related effect flag “1” is stored in the second storage area 510b, and the related effect flag “2” is stored in the third storage area 510c.

  Further, in the effect data hold storage means 510, 511, when a jackpot advance command is stored in any storage area, for example, the first storage area 510a to the third storage area 510c and the fifth storage area 511a. It is assumed that a prior command is stored in the seventh storage area 511c, and that the prior command stored in the fourth storage area 510d is determined to have “related effects”. At this time, the jackpot advance command is stored in the first storage area 510a, and the advance command stored in the fifth storage area 511a is stored first and stored in the first storage area 510a. Is stored second, the related effect flag “5” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d, and the second, third, sixth, and seventh storage areas are stored in advance in that area. Related effect flags “1” to “4” are stored with numbers corresponding to the order in which the commands are stored. The related effect flag is not stored in the first and fifth storage areas. This is because the production effect is not lowered by configuring the middle part of the related production at the time of production corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol that notifies the winning of the jackpot.

  As described above, when a prior command “with related effects” is transmitted, a plurality of consecutive related effects flags are attached.

(Step S306)
As described above, when the related effect flag is added to the advance command, the related effect preprocessing means 504 stores the advance command in a predetermined storage area.
If it is determined in step S302 that “no related effects”, the processing in steps S303 to S305 is unnecessary, and the prior command is stored as it is in a predetermined storage area.
Furthermore, even when the related effect flag attached to the received advance command is “1” in step S304, the process of step S305 is not necessary, so only the advance command is stored in a predetermined storage area. Is done.

(Special symbol change display process)
The special symbol variation display process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(Step S401)
First, the CPU 201a operates the gaming state monitoring unit 351 to determine whether or not the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404 has a high probability. However, here, there is no distinction between a high probability state after the end of the long hit game and a high probability state after the short hit game.

(Step S402) (Step S403)
If it is determined in step S401 that the gaming state is not high probability (low probability gaming state), a special symbol normal time determination table (in FIG. 13, a normal time determination table) is selected. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S401 that the game state is a high probability game state, a special symbol high probability determination table (in FIG. 13, a high probability determination table) is selected. Here, for the jackpot determination table for determining the jackpot random number, normal time or high probability is selected.

(Step S404)
The CPU 201a activates the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323 based on the start ports 105 and 120 related to the game data, and game data (based on the table selected in step S402 or step S403) A jackpot random number, a design random number, an effect mode random number) are determined, and the determination result is appropriately symbolized and stored in a predetermined storage area, for example. Thereby, the determination result of the jackpot random number (whether the jackpot is successful), the determination result of the symbol random number (type of jackpot), and the determination result of the effect mode random number (effect mode) are determined.

(Step S405)
In step S405, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the effect mode random number, that is, the effect with reach.

(Step S406)
If it is determined that there is a reach effect (YES in step S405), the CPU 201a activates the variation pattern random number lottery means 354 to acquire a variation pattern random number. This fluctuation pattern random number determines the special figure fluctuation time, that is, the time required for reach production (so-called “scale”). For example, one random number is selected from the fluctuation pattern random numbers of 0 to 250. A random number is drawn.

(Step S407)
When the variation pattern random number is acquired, the variation pattern random number determination unit 355 determines the variation pattern random number acquired based on the variation pattern random number determination table stored in advance in the ROM 201b. For example, when fluctuation pattern random numbers of 0 to 20, 61 to 80, 121 to 140, and 181 to 200 are acquired, this variation pattern random number determination table indicates that the time of the effect with reach is 30 seconds. When the fluctuation pattern random numbers of 21 to 40, 81 to 100, 141 to 160, 201 to 220 are acquired, it is indicated that the time for the effect with reach is 60 seconds, 41 to 60, 101 to 120 , 161 to 180, 221 to 240 when the fluctuation pattern random numbers are acquired, the reachable effect time is 90 seconds, and when the fluctuation pattern random numbers of 241 to 250 are acquired, the reach is present. Indicates that the production time is 120 seconds. Therefore, in this step S407, the special figure variation time, that is, the time required for reach production is determined.

(Step S408)
When it is determined that there is no reach effect (NO in step S405), the CPU 201a activates the special symbol hold monitoring unit 352 to hold the ball in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 and the second special symbol hold storage unit 402. Check the total number of reserved items.

(Step S409)
The CPU 201a activates the variation time determination means 353 to determine the special figure variation time (the time required for the (no reach) effect) based on the total number of reserved balls confirmed in step S408. For example, when the total number of reserved balls is 0 or 1 during the process of step S408, the special figure change time is determined to be 12 seconds, and when the total number of reserved balls is two, When the special figure fluctuation time is determined to be 8 seconds and the total number of reserved balls is 3 or more, the special figure fluctuation time is set to 4 seconds.

  In addition, when starting the change display of the special symbol related to the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401, the special symbol variation is performed according to the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401. When the time is determined and the change display of the special symbol relating to the retained ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is started, according to the number of retained balls retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 The special figure variation time may be determined.

(Step S410)
As described above, when the time for displaying the variation of the special symbol (the time required for the effect with reach and the time required for the effect without reach) is determined, the CPU 201a operates the effect execution command transmission unit 356 to generate an effect execution command. At the same time, the data is transmitted to the sub control board 202. The effect execution command transmission unit 356 includes information based on the game data. Specifically, when the jackpot is won, if the jackpot is won, the type of jackpot (long hit, short hit, with a short time, no short time, etc.), special figure variation time, stored in the game state storage means 404 The current game state, information on the starting opening that has entered the ball, etc. are attached.

(Step S411)
As described above, when the effect execution command is transmitted, the CPU 201a activates the first special symbol display control unit 301 to cause the special symbol indicators 84 and 86 to start the variable symbol display.

(Step S412) (Step S413)
When the variation display of the special symbol is started, the determination result of the jackpot random number and the determination result of the symbol random number are stored in a predetermined storage area inside the gaming machine. If the determination result of the jackpot random number is a jackpot or a jackpot, a jackpot game (a game for a long game / a game for a short game) or a game for a jackpot is executed after the end of the variable symbol display. Therefore, if the determination result of the jackpot random number is a jackpot or a small hit, for example, at this time, the determination result of the jackpot random number and the determination result of the design random number are confirmed, and a game start process based on the confirmation result is performed.

  Specifically, since the time for displaying the variation of the special symbol is also determined at this point, for example, by using an internal timer control, the CPU 201 can be used for a long time as the determined variation time of the special symbol is elapsed. The game control means 340, the short hit game control means, or the short hit big hit game control means 341 or the small hit game control means 345 can be operated to perform predetermined game control.

  The special symbol fluctuation display is executed only for the special figure fluctuation time determined as described above, and after the special figure fluctuation time has passed, if the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot, the type of jackpot will be the jackpot lottery result If is not a big hit, the lottery result is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 84 and 86.

(Production control processing)
When the effect execution command is transmitted to the effect storage means of the sub control board 202, the effect control process is started in the sub control board 202. This effect control process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S501)
The effect determining means 501 stores the related effect if the received effect execution command, the presence / absence of the related effect flag to be processed first among the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a, and the related effect flag are stored. A table for effect determination is selected based on the flag number and the like.
For example, if the received effect execution command is a jackpot command, a jackpot table is selected. In the jackpot table, one table is selected from a plurality of tables prepared for each related effect flag. When the related effect flag is not stored, the effect determination table is selected based only on the effect execution command.

  Specifically, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 is provided with, for example, a big hit table, a small hit table, and a lose table, and these tables have no related effect flag. A general table to be selected and a first table to an eighth table that are selected when there are related effect flags “1” to “8” are provided.

Each table is associated with a plurality of pieces of identification information (the presence / absence of reach effect, the time required for the effect, the main contents of the effect, etc.) added to the effect execution command transmitted to the sub control board 202. For example, when a 30-second “reach” effect is determined by lottery on the main control board 201, a background pattern or a reach pattern adapted to the 30-second “reach” effect or appearance on the sub-control board 202 Characters are determined. That is, each table stores a plurality of effects configurations corresponding to the “reach” effect of 30 seconds.
When a predetermined table is selected based on the production execution command (production content, reach scale, etc.) and the related production flag, the production determination means 501 draws one production pattern (detailed production content) from the table. Etc.

  Then, the effect control unit 502 controls the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the accessory part 254 according to the determined effect pattern to execute the effect.

  Here, the first table to the eighth table used when performing the related effects are each provided with an effect having a single continuity or relevance as described above. For example, when a related effect is performed by a lamp effect, a red lamp is lit in the range of 1 to 2 seconds on the first table, and a blue lamp is set in the range of 1 to 4 seconds on the second table. A command to turn on a white lamp for 1 to 5 seconds on the third table, and turn on any two or three of these red, blue and white lamps on the fourth table Is remembered.

  When the related effects are executed based on the related effect flags “1” to “4”, control based on the effect execution command corresponding to the prior command to which the related effect flag “1” is added is first performed. Control based on the effect execution command corresponding to the advance command to which the related effect flag “2” is added, and then control based on the effect execution command corresponding to the advance command to which the related effect flag “3” is added. Finally, the control based on the effect execution command corresponding to the prior command to which the related effect flag “4” is added is performed.

  In this manner, if the related effect flags are stored in the plurality of storage areas of the effect data hold storage units 510 and 511 by the prior determination by the prior determination unit 330 before the start of the variation display of the special symbol, they are associated with each other. The produced effect is made over a plurality of variable displays, and a high expectation can be given to the player.

(Step S502)
In step S502, when the effect control of the effect actor or the like is executed by the effect control means 502, the prior command stored in each storage area by the related effect pre-processing means 504 is reserved in the special symbol hold storage means 401, 402. Shift processing is performed in the same manner as the reserved ball (stored game data).

  In the process based on the flowchart of FIG. 14A, one table is selected based on information (presence / absence, number, etc.) regarding the pre-command and the related effect flag. For example, the effect determination table and the related effect based on the effect execution command are selected. You may make it separate from the table for production | presentation determination by a flag. That is, the effect control by the effect execution command and the effect control by the related effect flag are made independent of each other, and these effects are superimposed, for example, the effect control by the related effect flag is executed in a superimposed manner on the effect control by the effect execution command. You may do it. In this case, for example, a table is selected based on an effect execution command, and if a related effect flag is stored thereafter, a table for related effect is selected based on that (see FIG. 14B). In this way, by making the production based on the production execution command and the related production independent of each other, during the execution of the related production, for example, there is a change in the ownership time of the production due to a change in the number of reserved balls and a reach production. However, it is possible to perform related effects that are not interrupted.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. It is an example of the table which determines game data. 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 figure which shows an example of a related effect. It is a flowchart which shows the starting port process by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the reservation ball | bowl memory | storage process by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the pre-process of the related production by a sub control board. It is a conceptual diagram of effect data reservation storage means. It is a flowchart which shows the change display process of the special symbol by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control process in a sub control board.

Explanation of symbols

82 Normal symbol indicators 84 and 86 constituting the normal symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention Special symbol indicator 105 constituting the special symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention 105 First start port 106 Winning gate 120 Second start port 200 Control means 221 1st start opening detection part 225 2nd start opening detection part 300 1st special symbol lottery means 301 1st special symbol display control means 302 1st special symbol fluctuation control means 303 1st random number judgment means 320 2nd special symbol lottery means 321 Second special symbol display control means 322 Second special symbol variation control means 323 Second random number determination means 330 Pre-determination means 331 Pre-command transmission means 340 Long hit game control means 341 Short hit game control means 342 High probability game control means 343 Short-time game control means 344 Normal game control means 345 Small hit game control means 350 Fluctuation display monitor Stage 351 Game state monitoring means 352 Special symbol hold monitoring means 353 Fluctuation time determination means 354 Fluctuation pattern random number lottery means 355 Fluctuation pattern random number determination means 356 Production execution command transmission means 360 Normal symbol lottery means 361 Normal symbol display control means 362 Normal symbol fluctuation control Control means 363 Normal symbol lottery result determination means 401 First special symbol hold storage means 402 Second special symbol hold storage means 403 Normal symbol hold storage means 405 Special symbol variation processing area 501 Effect determination means 502 Effect control means 503 Advance command analysis means 504 Related effect pre-processing means

Claims (2)

Special symbol display means for variably displaying the special symbol;
A start opening for generating a right to display the change of the special symbol by the special symbol display means when a game ball enters;
Control means for controlling the progress of the game,
The control means includes
A lottery means for drawing a jackpot random number used to determine whether or not the right to execute a special game can be acquired on condition that the game ball enters the start opening, and the special symbol variation display cannot be started. A special symbol holding storage means for storing a jackpot random number drawn based on the game balls entering on the condition that the game balls enter the start opening during a long period of time,
The control means includes
When the jackpot random number is stored in the special symbol hold storage unit, a determination unit that determines the jackpot random number before starting the variation display of the special symbol that is notified of the determination result of the jackpot random number; and the determination unit Based on the determination result, there is an effect control means capable of effecting the related effect over the variation display of a plurality of special symbols,
A game machine characterized by causing the determination means to determine whether or not a right to execute a special game can be acquired and whether or not there is a related effect based on the jackpot random number.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not a right to execute a special game can be acquired and whether or not there is a related effect at a time.

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