JP2010035643A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine suitable for opening and closing a big winning port (open-close door) at high speed. <P>SOLUTION: In a game machine 1, a big winning port unit 9 which freely openably/closably supports an open-close door 91 opening/closing a big winning port 93 fronting on a game board 101 is arranged. The big winning port 93 has detection portions 224R and 224L for detecting a winning game ball, and a cushioning portion 91d is provided on a rear surface of the open-close door 91. The cushioning portion 91d is provided with an impact absorption material and a plurality of slits 91e are formed therein so that longitudinal directions of the slits face to the detection portions 224R and 224L. Further, the open-close door has a plurality of opening hole where a game ball can not pass through. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a large prize opening / closing door that opens and closes during a special game performed according to a lottery result when a game ball enters a start opening.

  In a gaming machine in which a special game is executed according to the lottery result when the game ball enters the starting port, in addition to the long hit game for the purpose of causing the player to acquire a prize ball, A plurality of types of special games such as a short hit game having a different purpose or a small hit game are set. In such a special game, a prize ball corresponding to the number of game balls entered in the big prize opening is paid out to the player by opening the big prize opening normally maintained in a closed state.

  A game per long is a game in which a round game in which the big prize opening is kept open is repeated several times until a predetermined number of game balls enter or until a predetermined time elapses. By doing so, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  On the other hand, in the short win game, as in the long win game, the round game is executed a plurality of times, but the time for which the big prize opening is kept open is short, so that almost no game balls enter the big prize opening. In a short hit game, the player can hardly obtain a prize ball. However, when winning a short win, the winning probability of the jackpot changes after the short hit game ends, and the low probability game state changes from the low probability gaming state in which the game progresses at a preset probability. A transition is made to a high probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is higher than the state, or a transition is made from a high probability gaming state to a low probability gaming state.

  In the small win game, as in the short win game, the opening and closing operation of the big prize opening is performed, but since the opening and closing operation of the big winning opening is set to be the same as the short win game, This difference is indistinguishable or difficult for the player. However, even if winning a small win, the winning probability of winning a big win does not change before and after winning a small win, so this is different from the short win.

  Because it is difficult for a player to determine whether he has won a small win or a short win, the player may have won a short win that has shifted to a high-probability gaming state from the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening. There is a sense of expectation that there is not, and anxiety that it may have shifted to a low-probability gaming state.

  In this way, when multiple types of special games are provided, if a special game with a different number of round games is provided, when the right to execute a special game is acquired (at the time of winning the jackpot), the round It is necessary to inform the player how many times the game can be executed by a lamp or the like. For example, in a gaming machine in which the game per long is set to 15 rounds and the game per short game is set to 2 rounds, the lamp for 15 rounds is turned on when winning per long and 2 when winning per short The round lamp will be turned on.

  On the other hand, since the small hit is different from the big hit such as long hit or short win, the round lamp cannot be turned on even when winning. For this reason, even if the operation mode of opening / closing the big prize opening is the same for the small win game and the short win game, it is possible to determine which player has won by the lighting of the round lamp. If it is known that it is a small hit, the player may lose the incentive to continue the game.

  Therefore, if the number of rounds in the short win game is the same as the number of rounds in the long hit game, it is considered unnecessary to inform the player of the number of round games executed, but the long win game is awarded to the player. Since the goal is to pay out the ball, the number of rounds cannot be reduced. After all, in order to make the number of rounds in the game per long and the game per short, it is necessary to match the number of rounds in the game per short with the game per long game. It is necessary to increase the number of times, that is, to open and close the large winning opening (opening / closing door) at high speed. And when opening and closing the grand prize opening at such a high speed, if it is known in advance that game balls hardly enter the big prize opening, the player may interrupt the ball hitting in the meantime. Therefore, it is necessary to make it easy for the game ball to win a prize winning opening so that the player does not interrupt the game.

  The opening and closing of the prize winning opening is performed by opening and closing the opening and closing door of the winning prize opening unit (attacker unit) installed on the back of the game board, but when the opening and closing door is opened and closed, the game ball bites between the glass plate The operation member that opens and closes the open / close door supports the supported portion of the open / close door with some clearance so as not to cause a situation (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Specifically, the open / close door has a simple rectangular plate shape, and the pin-shaped locked portion (supported portion) is supported by the bifurcated locking portion of the operation member so that it can rotate or reciprocate freely. However, the width of the locking part is formed larger than the diameter or width of the locked part, and a certain amount of clearance is secured between the locking part and the supported part. The relationship between the locking portion 96a of the operation member 96 and the locked portion 91c of the open / close door 91 in the conventional prize winning unit 94 is shown in FIGS. 6 shows an open state of the door 91, and FIG. 7 shows a closed state.

  Also, during the round game, the opening / closing door of the grand prize opening unit tilts forward and catches the game ball falling on the back surface, but by placing an elastomer processed into a sheet on the back surface of this opening / closing door, There is a big prize opening where the falling game balls are stopped once and then flow down (Cited document 4).

JP 2001-46693 A (paragraphs 0042-0055, FIGS. 6-8) JP 2001-327687 A (paragraphs 0007 to 0013, FIGS. 3 to 8) JP 2002-35386 (paragraphs 0029 to 0052, FIGS. 3 and 4) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-260199 (paragraphs 0024 to 0026, FIGS. 8 and 9)

  As described above, when an opening / closing door having a simple rectangular plate shape is opened and closed at a high speed, the operation member is loaded more than the normal opening / closing operation due to the mass of the opening / closing door and the air resistance during opening / closing. . Further, when a sheet-like elastomer is arranged on such an opening / closing door, the mass is further increased and the burden on the operation member is increased.

  The present invention proposes an opening / closing device suitable for opening / closing a large winning opening (opening / closing door) at high speed.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 is a gaming machine in which a large winning opening unit that supports an openable / closable door that opens and closes a large winning opening facing the game board is disposed, A constituent requirement is that a buffer portion made of a shock-absorbing material and having a plurality of openings is provided.

  In this case, since the shock absorber absorbs the impact of the falling game ball, the game ball is not bounced inside the open / close door that opens and closes at high speed, and does not jump out of the big prize opening. The weight of the operation member is small even if the door is opened and closed at high speed.

  Further, a plurality of openings may be formed by slits, and the longitudinal direction of the slits may be directed to the detection unit. In this case, the game ball is guided by the slit and quickly flows down to the detection unit, so that it becomes easier to win the game ball at the big winning opening than in the past. The shape and size of the openings formed in the buffer portion, the arrangement, etc. are arbitrary.

  The opening / closing door may have a plurality of opening holes through which game balls cannot pass. In this case, the inertial force of the opening / closing door is reduced by further reducing the mass of the opening / closing door, and the air resistance is reduced by further reducing the surface area of the opening / closing door. Thereby, since there is no delay of the opening / closing door with respect to the operation member, the time required to open and close the opening / closing door once is shortened in comparison with the conventional method, and the opening / closing door can be opened / closed at a higher speed than the conventional method. Even if the speed of the operation member is increased, the opening / closing door does not cause or is hardly delayed due to inertia or air resistance. Therefore, the opening / closing door stops when the operation member stops and closes simultaneously with the subsequent movement. It is possible to follow the speed of the operation member.

  The time required for one reciprocation (opening and closing) of the open / close door is shortened by a little compared with the conventional method. The time can be greatly shortened compared to the method. As a result, the door can be opened and closed (15 rounds) 15 times in a few seconds (about 1.8 seconds).

  The number of opening and closing is the same as the long hit state by opening and closing 15 times, and on the special symbol display, the player can no longer distinguish between the long hit state and the short hit state, so the player loses the incentive to continue the game It will not let you. In addition, interruption of ball hitting can be reduced by leaving the possibility of winning when the door is opened and closed at high speed.

  The open / close door is normally closed to close the big prize opening facing the game board, and the game ball enters or passes through one of the starting openings. When the execution is decided, it is opened and the grand prize opening is opened.

  If the rotating member can be rotated, the direction of the linear movement of the operating member is not limited, and the operating member may move linearly in the horizontal direction or linearly in the vertical direction. The operation member is basically connected to the drive device and linearly moves by driving the drive device. However, a part of the drive device may be used as the operation member. As the driving device, a solenoid or a motor (stepping motor) is mainly used, but there is no particular limitation.

  The operation to open and close the door 15 times in a few seconds is executed in the short hit state, and in the long hit state, there is no limit for several seconds, so the opening and closing operation of the door at high speed is in the long hit state It is not always necessary for the opening / closing operation.

  Even when the door is opened and closed at high speed, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being played inside the door and to be promptly guided to the detection unit, so that the game ball can be easily won. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate the grounds that cause the player to lose the incentive to continue the game.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an opening / closing door in a gaming machine 1 in which a large winning opening unit 9 for opening and closing a large winning opening / closing door (hereinafter referred to as an opening / closing door) 91 that opens and closes a large winning opening 93 facing the game board 101 is arranged. The structural example of the opening-and-closing door opening / closing apparatus 90 which operates 91 open / close is shown. The big prize opening 93 includes so-called honey, electric accessories, and electric tulips.

  First, the entire gaming machine will be described. An operation handle 113 having a launching portion 292 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) is disposed at a lower position of the gaming board 101 of the gaming machine 1, and a game ball launched by driving of the launching portion 292 is between the rails 102a and 102b. Is moved up to reach the upper position of the game board 101 and then dropped in the game area 103. In the game area 103, in addition to a plurality of nails (not shown) for dropping the game ball in an unspecified direction, a windmill and a entrance for changing the fall direction of the game ball are arranged.

  A symbol display unit 104 using, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is disposed in the central portion of the game area 103. A first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball is disposed below the symbol display unit 104, and a second start port 120 having a pair of movable pieces 120 a is disposed below the first start port 105. The second start port 120 makes it difficult to receive a game ball when the pair of movable pieces 120a are closed, and makes it easier to receive the game ball than the first start port 105 when the pair is open.

  On the left side of the symbol display unit 104, a winning gate 106 for detecting the passing of a game ball and performing lottery of a normal symbol for opening the second start port 120 for a predetermined time is arranged. In a position below the winning gate 106, etc., a normal winning opening 107 is provided for acquiring a predetermined number (for example, ten) of winning balls when a game ball enters. At the bottom of the game area 103, a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the entrances is disposed.

  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 arranged. These two indicators 84 and 86 display a special symbol in a variable manner, and a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a lottery result triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting port is displayed. . A plurality of LEDs are used for both indicators 84 and 86, and the LED blinks as the special symbol variation display starts, giving the player the impression that the lottery is currently being drawn. After a predetermined time has elapsed, an LED set in advance according to the lottery result is turned on and the lottery result is notified to the player.

  If a game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right to display the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as “reserved ball”) reserved by the entry is reserved. Is done. 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.

  If a game ball enters the winning gate 106 during the special symbol variation display, the normal symbol lottery means 360 will perform a lottery. The normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is displayed on both the indicators 84 and 86. Located in the vicinity. The right of the normal symbol change display 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.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the symbol display unit 104 starts a variation display of a plurality of decorative symbols, and stops the variation of the decorative symbol after a predetermined time has elapsed. If a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is prepared at the time of stoppage, it means that the right to execute the jackpot game (long win game) is acquired, and then the jackpot game (long hit game) is started. When the big hit game (long win game) is started, the opening / closing door 91 in the big winning opening unit 9 located below the game area 103 is opened for a predetermined time repeatedly for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). Prize balls corresponding to game balls are paid out.

  The big prize opening unit 9 supports an openable / closable door 91 that opens and closes the big prize opening 93 facing the game board 101, and the game is performed with the open / close door 91 positioned on the front (front) side of the big prize opening 93. Installed on the back of the panel 101. The opening / closing door 91 is normally closed as shown in FIG. 10A to close the big winning opening 93, thereby preventing a game ball from entering the big winning opening 93. When the big hit game is started, the open / close door 91 is opened as shown in FIG. 10- (b) by energizing a special prize opening / closing solenoid 97, which will be described later, and the special prize opening 93 is opened (open state). . When the big prize opening 93 is opened, the open / close door 91 functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the big prize opening 93, so that the game ball can enter the big prize opening 93.

  A frame member 110 having a shape surrounding the game area 103 and projecting from the game board 101 to the player side is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the game board 101, and a plurality of lights are provided above and below the frame member 110. An effect light 111 (lamp unit) having 112 is installed. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine 1, and light is driven by a motor (not shown) in the effect light 111 so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. The irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction. Each light 112 is rotatable by a separate motor in the effect light 111 so that the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine 1 and can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine. .

  Below the frame member 110, a receiving tray unit 119 to which game balls lent out from a lending device (not shown) is supplied is installed, and an operation handle 113 is arranged. The operation handle 113 protrudes from the game board 101 toward the player, and is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launcher.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the launching portion 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, and gives a launching command to the launching portion when being directly operated by the player. The operation handle 113 incorporates a sensor or the like 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 (right side of the drawing in FIG. 8), effects for the effect (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115 and 116 are arranged. The director 115 is driven by a solenoid, for example, and the director 116 is driven by a motor. By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, the directors 115 and 116 can each have their own movements, and the stage effect is enhanced.

  A chance button 117 for accepting an operation by the player is also arranged below the frame member 110. 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.

  The frame member 110 incorporates a speaker 277 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) that outputs a production effect sound or a sound that informs fraud. The speaker 277 has a function capable of outputting high, medium, and low sound areas, and outputs a high sound, medium sound, and low sound in a well-balanced manner during normal production, but in the case of special production described later or when there is fraud, etc. Is controlled so as to output a high sound region high so that it can be heard well around.

  Here, a configuration example of the opening / closing door opening / closing device (hereinafter, opening / closing device) 90 will be described. The prize winning unit 9 is a box-shaped case 94 supported on the back of the game board 101, an open / close door 91 supported by the case 94 so as to be freely opened and closed, and rotatably supported by the case 94. A rotation member 95 that opens and closes the door 91 and an operation member 96 that is supported by the case 94 and rotates the rotation member 95 by linear motion. The opening and closing door 91 opens and closes at the same time as the operation of the operation member 96. Link freely.

As shown in FIG. 1, the case 94 has a shape and dimensions that can accommodate the opening / closing device 90, the special prize opening detection unit (detector) 224, etc., and the game is performed with the opening / closing door 91 exposed on the front surface of the game board 101. It is installed on the back of the board 101 and fixed. The interior of the case 94 is partitioned into a plurality of regions for housing the components of the opening / closing device 90 by partition walls or the like.
But

  An opening serving as a big prize opening 93 is formed on the game board 101 side, which is the front side of the case 94, and the opening / closing door 91 is supported in the opening so as to be opened and closed (turned). The opening / closing door 91 is pivoted around the shaft portion 91a by the shaft portion 91a protruding from the both sides in the length direction toward the case 94 so as to be opened and closed. The shaft portion 91a has a pin shape, and is integrally formed with or connected to a supported portion 91b described later, which is a part of the opening / closing door 91.

  On both sides of the opening / closing door 91 in the length direction, there are formed a blade-like supported portion 91b having a surface orthogonal to the opening / closing door 91 and projecting the shaft portion 91a. A support portion 94a that rotatably supports 91a is formed. In addition to the shaft portion 91a, the supported portion 91b of the opening / closing door 91 is engaged with a rotating member 95, and a locked portion 91c that receives a force from the rotating member 95 during the rotation is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft portions 91 a are formed on both sides in the length direction of the open / close door 91, so the supported portions 91 b are also formed on both sides in the length direction of the open / close door 91. Since the opening / closing device 90 can open and close the opening / closing door 91 by transmitting power to at least the locked portion 91c on one side in the lengthwise direction of the opening / closing door 91, the opening / closing device 90 is provided only on one side of the case 94 in FIG. It shows a state where is arranged. However, when the locked portions 91c are formed on the supported portions 91b and 91b on both sides as shown in the drawing, the opening / closing device 90 may be disposed on both sides of the case 94.

  The opening / closing door 91 is provided with a shock absorbing material 91d made of shock absorbing material on the back surface thereof (the side receiving the game ball when the special winning opening 93 is opened). A plurality of slits 91e are formed in the buffer portion 91d, and the width in the short direction of the slits 91e is smaller than the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball, specifically, about 3 mm. The slit 91e is provided such that the longitudinal direction of the slit 91e is directed toward the right big prize opening detection unit 224R on the right side from the center of the door and toward the left big prize opening detection part 224L on the left side from the center of the door. Therefore, the game ball that has fallen is guided to the slit 91e and can flow down to one of the big winning opening detection units 224R and 224L at the shortest distance. Although the width in the short direction of the slit 91e is 3 mm, the width is not limited to this, and is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, for example, about 1 mm to 6 mm. In the illustrated example, the number of the slits 91e is five, i.e., five on the left and right, for a total of ten examples. I do not care.

  Moreover, although the example which installed the two big winning opening detection parts was shown, it is not restricted to this, The arrangement | positioning of only one in the center may be sufficient. In this case, all the slits are formed so as to go to the center big winning opening detection unit. In addition, when three large winning opening detection units are installed, the buffer unit is formed so that the slits face the three large winning openings.

  In addition, since the opening / closing door 91 is provided with the shock absorbing material 91d by the shock absorbing material, the opening / closing door 91 is less likely to be damaged by the impact of the game ball at the time of dropping, so the thickness of the opening / closing door 91 is conventionally (2 to 3 mm). It can be made smaller (for example, about 1 mm). Thus, by making the thickness of the open / close door 91 small, the weight is reduced and the burden on the operation member is reduced.

  The shock absorbing material is, for example, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, foamed polystyrene, or the like that absorbs the impact of the falling game ball and does not bounce, or can be accommodated in the open / close door 91 even if bounced. For example, a lightweight one such as polystyrene foam is preferable because the burden of the opening / closing operation is small.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the opening / closing door 91 may be provided with a slit-shaped opening 91f of the same type in accordance with the slit 91e of the buffer portion 91d. In this case, not only becomes lighter, but also the front and back surfaces of the door 91 communicate with each other through the slit 91e and the opening hole, so that the air resistance when the door 91 is opened and closed becomes small. As a result, even if the speed of the operation member is increased, the opening / closing door 91 is not or hardly delayed due to inertia or air resistance. It can be closed simultaneously with the movement, and can follow the speed of the operating member. As described above, since there is no delay of the opening / closing door 91 with respect to the operation member, the time required to open and close the opening / closing door 91 once is shortened in comparison with the conventional method, and the opening / closing door 91 can be opened / closed at a higher speed than the conventional method. It becomes possible. When the opening hole 91f is formed in the opening / closing door 91, the shape, size, arrangement, and the like of the opening hole 91f are arbitrary.

  In this way, when the opening / closing door 91 is provided with an opening hole, if the light emitting device (not shown) such as an LED (light emitting diode) is installed in the special winning opening 93, the opening / closing door 91 is in a closed state. However, if the light emitting device emits light, the light leaks out from the opening hole, so that various effects can be produced. Further, when the door is opened and closed at a high speed, if the light emitting device is controlled to always emit light during opening and closing, the player can easily recognize that the door is opened and closed.

  The rotating member 95 is formed with a locking portion 95a that can be locked in the opening and closing directions of the opening / closing door 91 on the locking portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91. In a state where the locking portion 95a of the rotation member 95 is locked to the locking portion 91c, the rotation member 95 rotates to rotate around the shaft portion 91a.

  The shapes of the locked portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91 and the locking portion 95a of the rotating member 95 are not limited as long as they can be locked when the opening / closing door 91 is opened / closed, but in the drawing, the locked portion 91c is supported. It is formed in a pin shape protruding from the portion 91b to the case 94 side, and the locking portion 95a is formed in a groove shape that can be locked by the pin-shaped locked portion 91c. In this case, the locking portion 95a has bifurcated locking pieces 95b and 95b that sandwich the locked portion 91c of the door 91. The locking portion 95a of the rotating member 95 may be formed in a hole shape through which a pin-like locked portion 91c penetrates in the axial direction. The rotating member 95 is accommodated in the case 94 so as to be rotatable on the back surface (rear) side of the open / close door 91.

  The locking portion 95a of the rotation member 95 is locked to the locked portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91 in any direction of the rotation member 95 at the same time as or substantially simultaneously with the start of rotation of the rotation member 95. The contact portion is substantially always in contact, and there is little or no clearance between the locking portion 95a and the locked portion 91c. The rotating member 95 is supported by the case 94 or is rotatably supported by a support shaft 94b that is a part of the case 94. The support shaft 94b is held with respect to the case 94 so as not to move in the depth direction.

  The rotating member 95 also has a locked portion 95 c that is rotated by the operating member 96 by the reciprocating linear motion of the operating member 96, and the operating member 96 is an engaged member formed on or connected to the rotating member 95. The stop portion 95c has a locking portion 96a that can be locked in the rotating direction. The shape of the locking portion 96a of the operating member 96 and the locked portion 95c of the rotating member 95 are not limited as long as they can be locked with each other in the linear motion direction of the operating member 96. The stop portion 96a is formed in a pin shape protruding toward the rotating member 95, and a locked portion 95c of the rotating member 95 is formed in a groove shape that can be locked by the pin-shaped engaging portion 96a. In this case, the locked portion 95c includes bifurcated locked pieces 95d and 95d that sandwich the locking portion 96a.

  The locking portion 96a of the operation member 96 is operated so as to be locked to the locked portion 95c of the rotation member 95 in any direction of the rotation member 95 at the same time or almost simultaneously with the linear motion of the operation member 96. There is no clearance between the locking portion 96a of the member 96 and the locked portion 95c of the rotating member 95, or there is almost no clearance, and there is substantially always contact. In the drawing, since the operation member 96 is arranged in parallel in the thickness direction (width direction) of the rotation member 95, in order to avoid interference with the support shaft 94b that supports the rotation member 95, FIG. As shown, an opening 96b through which the support shaft 94b is inserted is formed in the operation member 96. The opening 96b has a size that does not come into contact with the support shaft 94b when the operation member 96 is linearly moved.

  A part of a shaft (plunger) 97a of a drive device (solenoid) 97 that moves linearly may be used as the operation member 96, but in the drawing, the operation member 96 is connected to a part of the drive device 97 ( Consolidated). The operating member 96 is moved by moving the shaft 97a by, for example, fitting a part of the operating member 96 to a flange 97b formed at the tip of the shaft 97a of the driving device 97 and engaging the shaft 97a in the moving direction. The shaft 97a is connected to the shaft 97a so as to be reciprocally movable in conjunction. In the drawing, a solenoid having good responsiveness when energized is used as the driving device 97, but a stepping motor or the like can also be used because it can be stored in the case 94. The stepping motor has a driving cam connected to its output shaft, and the driving cam is combined with the driving cam to convert the rotary motion of the output shaft into a linear motion of the operation member 96.

  Between the flange 97b and the housing 97c of the drive device 97, an urging member 97d such as a coil spring is disposed in a state of being locked to both. In FIG. 3, the biasing member 97d is in a state of exerting a restoring force from the retracted state of the shaft 97a to the protruding state due to the relationship between the rotating member 95 and the open / close door 91, but conversely from the protruding state of the shaft 97a. It may be set to a state where the restoring force is exerted toward the immersive state.

  In FIG. 3, when the locking portion 95a of the rotating member 95 rotates upward with respect to the support shaft 94b, the open / close door 91 opens from the closed state, and the locking portion 95a rotates downward with respect to the support shaft 94b. When opening and closing, the door 91 and the turning member 95 are combined so that the door 91 is closed. In this relationship, the opening / closing door 91 is closed when the shaft 97a of the driving device 97 protrudes, and the opening / closing door 91 is opened when the shaft 97a is retracted. 97d is stretched and placed in a state where it does not exert its restoring force.

  On the other hand, for example, the locked portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91 is positioned above the support shaft 94b, and the opening / closing door 91 is released from the closed state when the rotating member 95 rotates with the protrusion of the shaft 97a of the driving device 97. Thus, when the rotation member 95 and the open / close door 91 are combined, the open / close door 91 is closed when the shaft 97a is immersed. For this reason, the urging member 97d is disposed between the flange 97b and the housing 97c in a state in which a restoring force is exerted from the protruding state to the immersed state.

  3A shows a state of the opening / closing device 90 when the drive device 97 is not energized (power is OFF), and FIG. 3B is an open / close when the drive device 97 is energized (power is ON). The state of the apparatus 90 is shown. In this example, in the closed state of the door 91 shown in (a), the shaft (plunger) 97a of the drive device (solenoid) 97 protrudes, the operation member 96 moves to the door 91 side, and the door 91 is closed. However, when the power source is turned off as described above, the shaft 97a is immersed in the driving device 97, and when the operation member 96 moves to the back side of the door 91, the door 91 is closed. Sometimes it becomes.

  As described above, whether the open / close door 91 is closed or not is determined by the relative positional relationship between the locked portion 91c of the open / close door 91 and the support shaft 94b. . In FIG. 3, the locked portion 91c is disposed (formed) at a position where the locked portion 91c of the open / close door 91 moves upward with respect to the shaft portion 91a when the locked portion 91c is opened. If the locked portion 91c is disposed at a position where the locking portion 91c moves to the opening / closing door 91 side while drawing a substantially horizontal arc when opened, the opening / closing door 91 is closed when the shaft 97a of the driving device 97 is retracted. And can be opened when protruding.

  In the case of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the drive device 97 is in a normal state (when the power is turned off), the operation member 96 moves to the open / close door 91 side, It is in the state rotated so that the latching | locking part 95a may become downward, and is in the state which stood the opening-and-closing door 91 around the axial part 91a. The locking portion 96a of the operation member 96 pushes the locked portion 95c of the rotating member 95 to the opening / closing door 91 side, and the locking portion 95a of the rotating member 95 presses the locked portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91 to the shaft portion 91a. Is pushed downward.

  When the power source of the drive device 97 is turned on by a command from the main control board 201 described later, the shaft 97a is immersed and the operation member 96 moves to the drive device 97 side as shown in FIG. The rotating member 95 is rotated around the support shaft 94a so that the engaging portion 95a faces upward, and the open / close door 91 is turned over around the shaft portion 91a. Since the support shaft 94a penetrates the operation member 96, the movement of the operation member 96 is not hindered.

  A biasing member 97d such as a coil spring is interposed between the flange 97b formed at the tip of the shaft 97a and the housing 97c of the driving device 97 in a state of being locked to both. When the state is shifted to the OFF state, the state returns to the state of FIG. Switching between power ON and OFF is performed instantaneously, and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 91 is executed 15 times in a few seconds. As will be described later, the opening / closing operation of the door 91 at a high speed is a result of the big hit lottery. As a result, when the short hit gaming state and the small hit gaming state, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 can play It is executed by operating the game control means 345. The control of the driving device (large winning opening opening / closing solenoid) 97 will be described later, but the operation member 96 appears and disappears by switching the power ON and OFF, for example, a plurality of times per second, specifically several times to several times. It is.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of an opening / closing device 90 that allows switching between an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 91 in the short hit gaming state and an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 91 in the long hit gaming state of the big hit games. Here, the switching rotation member 98 having a locking portion 98a that can be locked to the locked portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91 and a locked portion 98c that can be locked to the locking portion 96a of the operation member 96 is a case. It is arranged in parallel with the rotating member 95 in a state supported by the support shaft 94 b of 94.

  A support shaft 94b that rotatably supports the rotation member 95 penetrates the switching rotation member 98 and supports the switching rotation member 98 in a freely rotatable manner. The locked portion 91c of the opening / closing door 91 has a length straddling the rotating member 95 and the switching rotating member 98, and is in a state where it can be locked to both the locking portions 95a and 98a. The locking portion 98a of the switching rotation member 98 has bifurcated locking pieces 98b and 98b, and the locked portion 98c has bifurcated locked pieces 98d and 98d.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the switching portion 98a (the locking pieces 98b and 98b) of the switching rotation member 98 and the locked portion 91c of the door 91 are switched. A certain degree of clearance is secured so that the door 91 can be opened or closed by inertia after the rotation member 98 stops. Due to this clearance, when the switching rotation member 98 rotates from a stationary state, a slight time difference occurs until the rotation movement is transmitted from the locking portion 98a to the locked portion 91c of the door 91. . For example, when the switching rotation member 98 rotates in the closing direction of the opening / closing door 91, the opening / closing door 91 closes behind the rotation of the switching rotation member 98, or the switching rotation member 98 closes the opening / closing door 91. When rotating in the opening direction, the opening / closing door 91 opens after the rotation of the switching rotation member 98.

  5 (a) and 5 (b) correspond to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), respectively. FIG. 5 (a) shows a shaft 97a projecting and the pivoting member 98 closes the open / close door 91. Shows a state in which the shaft 97a is immersed and the rotating member 98 opens the door 91.

  The operating member 96 is formed with locking portions 96 a on both the rotating member 95 side and the switching rotating member 98 side, and the operating member 96 is interposed between the rotating member 95 and the switching rotating member 98. It is arranged so that it can be switched (moved) between a position close to the moving member 95 side and a position close to the switching rotation member 98 side. As the operation member 96 is disposed between the rotation member 95 and the switching rotation member 98 so as to be movable in the thickness direction (width direction), the operation member 96 is moved in the thickness direction by the drive device 97. (Slide) Connect freely. Specifically, the operating member 96 is connected (fixed) to a connecting member 100 described later, and this connecting member 100 is slidably connected to the flange 97 b of the driving device 97 in the thickness direction of the operating member 96.

  When the operation member 96 is in a position close to either side of the rotation member 95 and the switching rotation member 98, among the locking portions 96a formed on both sides (thickness direction) of the operation member 96, The distance between the tips of the locking portions 96a on both sides is switched with the rotating member 95 so that only one of the locking portions 96a is locked to the rotating member 95 or the switching rotating member 98 located on that side. It is set smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces of the rotating member 98 for use.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in a state where the operation member 96 is slid to the rotating member 95 side, only the locking portion 96a on that side is locked to the locked portion 95c of the rotating member 95, and for switching. The locking portion 96 a on the rotating member 98 side is not locked to the switching rotating member 98. As shown in (b), in a state where the slide member is slid to the switching rotation member 98 side, only the locking portion 96a on that side is locked to the locked portion 98b of the switching rotation member 98, and the rotation member 95 side. The locking portion 96 a is not locked to the rotating member 95.

  The operation member 96 is connected to a switching drive device (a switching solenoid described later) 99 using a solenoid or the like for operating the slide via a connection member 100 having an L-shaped planar shape. The connecting member 100 is connected to a shaft (plunger) 99a of the switching drive device 99 in a fixed state, and is also connected to the operation member 96 in a fixed state. As described above, the operation member 96 is connected to the shaft (plunger) 97a of the driving device 97 so as to be movable (slidable) in the thickness direction (width direction) of the operation member 96.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the operating member 96 is in a state where the shaft 99a of the switching drive device 99 protrudes and is locked to the rotating member 95 when the connecting member 100 is pushed out to the rotating member 95 side. Thus, as shown in (b), when the shaft 99a is retracted and the connecting member 100 is pulled toward the switching rotating member 98, the shaft 99a is engaged with the switching rotating member 98.

  Between the flange 99b or the connecting member 100 of the switching drive device 99 and the housing 99c of the switching drive device 99, an urging member 99d such as a coil spring is disposed in a state of being locked to both.

  In a control example (step S502 and the like) to be described later, when the switching drive device 99 is not energized (the power is OFF), the switching rotation member 98 opens and closes the opening / closing door 91. In this relation, when the power is turned off in FIG. 4, the shaft 99a is immersed in the main body of the switching drive device 99 as shown in FIG. 4B, and the connecting member 100 moves to the switching drive device 99 side. The member 96 is engaged with the switching rotation member 98. In this case, the urging member 99d is in a natural length state when contracted in the axial direction (b), and exhibits a restoring force in the contracted direction (the shaft 99a is immersed) when expanded (a). It is in.

  In the case of FIG. 4, when the switching drive device 99 is energized (power is on), the shaft 99 a protrudes, the connecting member 100 moves to the drive device 97 side, and the operation member 96 is engaged with the rotating member 95. Transition to a stopped state. Switching of the operation member 96 by the switching drive device 99 is performed depending on whether the big hit game is a short hit game or a long hit game. The opening / closing operation of the door 91 in the long hit gaming state is executed by the long hit game control means 340 of the main control board 201.

  When the power source of the switching drive device 99 is turned off, the urging member 99d tends to contract as described above, so that the connecting member 100 moves to the switching drive device 99 side and the operation member 96 rotates for switching. It returns to the state of being locked to the member 98.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 11 shows the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. As shown here, the control means 200 mainly includes a plurality of main control boards 201, sub-control boards 202, prize ball control boards 203, and lamp control boards 206. It is comprised from the control board.

  The main control board 201 controls basic operations related to the game of the gaming machine 1, and based on a program stored in the ROM 201b, executes a basic process associated with the progress of the game content, and a work area for data during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a RAM 201c or the like functioning as The main control board 201 performs lottery lottery triggered by a game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, and commands related to effects stored in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result Make a selection.

  On the input side of the main control board 201, a first start port detecting unit 221 that detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 and a game ball that has entered the second start port 120 are detected. A second start opening detection unit 225, a gate detection unit 222 that detects that a game ball 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, A big prize opening detecting unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered the big prize opening unit 9 is connected.

  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 big prize opening opening / closing solenoid (driving device) 97 for opening / closing the opening / closing door 91 and a second starting opening / closing solenoid 120b for opening / closing the second starting opening 120. (See FIG. 12). The big prize opening / closing solenoid 97 corresponds to the driving device of the opening / closing door opening / closing device of the present invention.

  The accessory actuating device 231 is controlled by the main control board 201 and energizes the big prize opening / closing solenoid 97 to open the open / close door 91 in the big hit game (long win game, short win game), and by the winning of the above normal symbol The second start port 120 is opened and closed by energizing the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b.

  Connected to the input side of the sub-control board 202 is a chance button detection unit 220 that detects that the chance button 117 has been operated. The sub-control board 202 mainly controls the effects during the game, and executes a lottery and effect processing of effects based on commands transmitted from the main control board 201, and a ROM 202b that stores programs and past effect patterns. And a RAM 202c functioning as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 202a.

  When the sub control board 202 receives a command related to the effect transmitted from the main control board 201, the sub control board 202 performs a lottery based on the command to determine the effect such as the effect background pattern, the reach effect pattern, the appearance character, and the confirmation. The production control is performed. The symbol display unit 104 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the decorative symbol effect is developed in the symbol display unit 104 according to the contents determined by the lottery. The sub-control board 202 is also provided with a VRAM 202 d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  At normal times, 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, and reads necessary image data from the ROM 202b to the VRAM 202d. Write. The background image, the symbol image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the symbol 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. Let

  A speaker 277 is connected to the output side of the sub control board 202 and outputs sound as determined in the sub control board 202. Also connected to the output side of the sub control board 202 is a lamp control board 206 for controlling the lamp 262, the effect light 111, and the effect agent actuating device 254. The stage effect actuating device 254 is configured by a motor, a solenoid, and the like that actuate the stage actors such as the stage actors 115 and 116. The lamp control board 206 operates a program based on a command transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to execute an effect process, a ROM 206b that stores various effect pattern data, and a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing by the CPU 206a. RAM 206c or the like functioning as

  The lamp control board 206 performs lighting control for various lamps 262 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, and the like, and performs lighting control for a plurality of lights 112 in the effect light 111, so that light from each light 112 is transmitted. In order to change the irradiation direction, drive control for the motor is performed. The lamp control board 206 also performs drive control for a solenoid that operates the effect actor 115 based on a command transmitted from the sub control board 202, and performs drive control for a motor that operates the effect actor 116.

  A prize ball control board 203 is connected to the main control board 201 so as to be capable of bidirectional transmission. The prize ball control board 203 includes a CPU 203a that executes a program for prize ball control by operating a program stored in the ROM 203b, a RAM 203c that functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing of the CPU 203a, and the like. The prize ball is controlled based on the program.

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

  The prize ball control board 203 corresponds to the game balls that have entered the respective entrances (the first start opening 105, the second start opening 120, the normal winning opening 107, and the big winning opening 93) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the number of prize balls. The launcher 292 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid (not shown) that launches a game ball, and the like, and launches a game ball for gaming. When the game operation is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 292, the prize ball control board 203 drives the solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, and enters the game area 103 of the game board 101. Send out a game ball.

(Functions of main control board and sub control board)
FIG. 12 schematically shows a functional configuration of the control means 200 for controlling the progress of the game. As shown here, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 mainly functions as a trigger when a game ball enters the first starting port 105, as a first special symbol lottery means 300, a first special symbol display control means. 301, first special symbol variation control means 302, and first random number determination means 303.

  The ROM 201b functions as an opportunity to enter a game ball into the second starting port 120. The second special symbol lottery means 320, the second special symbol display control means 321, the second special symbol variation control means 322, the second random number. Judgment means 323 is provided. 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, a small hit game control means 345, as means for controlling the progress of the game. Production execution command transmission means 333 is provided. Further, the ROM 201b 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 as means for functioning when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. Yes.

  The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes a first special symbol hold storage unit 401, a second special symbol hold storage unit 402, a normal symbol hold storage unit 403, a game state storage unit 404, and a round number storage unit 405.

  The ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 includes effect lottery means 501, effect control means 502, and probability change suggestion flag control means 503. The RAM 202c of the sub-control board 202 includes a game state storage unit 510 and a probability change suggestion flag storage unit 511.

  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 the big hit. In the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot types are provided, and when the jackpot is won, a jackpot type is further determined, and based on this determination, the CPU 201a operates each program to generate each jackpot. To 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 the normal game state where the jackpot is not won, that is, the same state as the initial state when starting the game.

  The long hit game control means 340 receives the long hit game when the right to execute the long hit game is acquired as a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120. Control the progress of the game. The “long hit game” in the present embodiment is a kind of jackpot game, and is a game in which a round game in which the open / close door 91 is opened and closed is performed a total of 15 times.

  The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 91 is performed by a big prize opening / closing solenoid 97. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the long hit game, first, the round winning game is started by energizing the big prize opening / closing solenoid 97 and opening the open / close door 91. The When the big prize opening detection unit 224 detects that a predetermined number (9) of game balls have entered the big prize opening 93, the CPU 201a activates the long hit game control means 340 to connect to the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 97. The energization is stopped and the round game ends.

  Even if a predetermined number of game balls have not entered the big prize opening 93, energization to the big prize opening / closing solenoid 97 is stopped when a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses after the opening / closing door 91 is opened. When either of these two conditions is satisfied, energization to the big winning opening / closing solenoid 97 is stopped, the round game is ended, and the open / close door 91 is closed.

  When a predetermined time (2 seconds) elapses after the open / close door 91 is closed, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to energize the special winning opening opening / closing solenoid 97 again to open the open / close door 91. . Thereby, the second round game is started. In this manner, the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 91 is repeatedly performed for 15 rounds. When a game ball enters the large winning opening 93, the payout unit 291 pays out a prize ball corresponding to the entered ball. Thus, in the long hit game, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  The short hit game control means 341 is configured to execute the short hit game when the right hit lottery lottery is triggered when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120. Control the progress of the hit game. The “short hit game” in the present embodiment is a kind of big hit game, and is a game in which the open / close door 91 opens and closes 15 times as in the above “long hit game” and the round game is executed 15 times. However, in the “short hit game”, the maximum opening time of the open / close door 91 is set shorter than the “long hit game”.

  The opening / closing operation of the open / close door 91 in the “short win game” state is performed by the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 97 as in the case of the long win game. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the short hit game control means 341 to control the short win game, first, the round game is started by energizing the big prize opening / closing solenoid 97 to open the open / close door 91. The However, in the “short hit game” state, the energization to the winning prize opening / closing solenoid 97 is stopped for a moment (0.1 seconds), and then the energization control is repeated 15 times at a predetermined interval. . Therefore, the time during which the open / close door 91 is in the open state is extremely short compared to the long win game, and the possibility that the game ball enters the big winning opening 93 is extremely low as compared to the long win game.

  In the “short hit game”, the open / close door 91 returns to the closed state in an instant, so that it is difficult for the player to recognize that the open / close door 91 is open. In this way, the “short win game” is aimed at improving the playability and the interest rather than paying the player a prize ball. However, even in the “short win game”, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 93, a winning ball corresponding to the winning game is paid out.

  The high-probability game control means 342 controls the game to a high-probability game state in which the game is progressed in a state where the winning probability of the big hit (including long win and short win) is higher than that in the normal game state. The high probability game state is executed after the long hit game or the short hit 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 winning random number. Then, the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323 determines the acquired hit 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 hit random number is determined based on a special symbol normal hour hit determination table. In the probabilistic gaming state, a hit random number is determined based on the special symbol high probability hourly determination table. In the special symbol high probability hourly determination table, the number (type) of random numbers for determining that the jackpot is larger than the special symbol normal hour determination table. The determination and type of jackpot will be described later in detail.

  The short-time game control means 343 is a program for controlling the short-time game. However, the short-time game in this embodiment is a state in which the normal symbol fluctuation control time by the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362 is short and the winning probability of winning in the normal symbol is high. Refers to the game. Specifically, it is as follows.

  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 hour determination table in the normal gaming state (including the high-probability gaming state that is not the short-time gaming state). Is determined based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table.

  At this time, the normal symbol time per hour determination table is set with more random numbers for determining that the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table than the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table. Thus, 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 starting port 120 are opened for a predetermined time, and the game ball is It becomes easy to enter the second start port 120.

  Also, in the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to the normal gaming state. That is, when the game ball passes 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 game state than in the normal game state, and in the short-time game state, the normal symbol lottery results are played one after another. And the second start port 120 is frequently opened. In this way, the short-time gaming state makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting port 120, so that the game state progresses in a state where the right of the big hit lottery can be obtained without spending much of the game ball. That is.

  The normal game control means 344 controls the progress of a 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 control the progress of the game. However, the current gaming state controlled by each of the control units 340 to 344 is written in the gaming state storage unit 404 of the RAM 201c.

  The small hit game control means 345 receives the right to execute the small hit game as a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120. Control the progress of the hit game. In the small hit game, as in the short hit game, the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 91 is performed for 15 rounds. In the small hit game, the number of times the door 91 is opened, the opening time, and the opening timing are exactly the same as those of the “short hit game”.

  Based on one of the above game states, a game related to a normal symbol and a game related to a special symbol proceed. Each of these game states will be described in detail below. First, the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol display control means 361, the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, and the normal symbol hold storage means that start control when the game ball passes the winning gate 106. 403 will be described.

  When the gate detector 222 detects that the game ball has passed the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery means 360 acquires a random number of 1 from a random number prepared in advance (for example, 0 to 250). When the random number is acquired by the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 determines whether or not the winning is based on the table stored in the ROM 201b. At this time, if it is the normal gaming state, the winning is determined based on the normal symbol normal hour hit determination table, and if it is the time-short gaming state, the hit is determined based on the normal symbol short time hit determining table.

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

  When the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol display 82 is displayed with the lamp lit or flashing as if the lottery is currently being performed, and the lighting and flashing continued for a predetermined time. Later, the lottery result is finally displayed. This is normal symbol variation display, but the variation display time is preset for each gaming state.

  Specifically, in the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to be as short as 1.5 seconds, for example, and the probability of winning in the win is also set to a high probability of 90%. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state, as long as the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery and the variation display are successively performed, and the time for the second start port 120 to be kept open becomes long. On the other hand, in game states 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 a win is also set as low as 10%.

  In addition, when the normal symbol is won in the short-time gaming state, the second starting port 120 is opened four times for 1.2 seconds, whereas the normal symbol is won in the gaming state other than the short-time gaming state. However, the 0.2 second opening operation is performed only once. As described above, in the short-time gaming state, the time that the second start port 120 is in the open state is much longer than in the normal game state, and the possibility that a game ball enters the second start port 120 is also much greater. Get higher.

  If the game ball further passes through the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol fluctuation display, the right to draw the normal symbol lottery means 360, that is, the right to display the normal symbol fluctuation display, is reserved in the normal symbol hold storage means 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.

  Next, the control when the game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described. For example, when the first start port detection unit 221 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105, a detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201.

  When the detection signal is received, the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts any random number (game data of the present invention) from random numbers (for example, 0 to 600) prepared in advance. The random numbers extracted here include a hit random number, a design random number, and a reach random number. The winning random number is a random number for determining whether or not a big hit, that is, whether or not a right to execute the big hit game is acquired. The design random number is the type of jackpot (long win, short win, whether to shift to the high probability gaming state, whether to shift to the short-time gaming state), that is, what game value is given when winning the jackpot It is a random number to determine what will be done. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform reach production.

  The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 is provided with a game state storage unit 404 that stores the current game state. When the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 acquires a random number, the first random number determination means 303 or the second random number is based on the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage means 404. The determination unit 323 determines the random number.

  Specifically, if it is a low-probability gaming state, the acquired random number is determined based on the special symbol normal hour determination table, and if it is a high-probability gaming state, the acquired random number is used for special symbol high-probability time determination. Determined based on the table. In the present embodiment, the same determination table is used when a game ball enters the first start port 105 and when a game ball enters the second start port 120. Different determination tables may be used depending on the start opening into which the game ball has entered.

  Each random number acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the determination table used when determining the acquired random number are as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 (a) shows an example of a jackpot winning probability and a winning random number, and FIG. 13 (b) shows an example of the type of game value given when winning a jackpot, its winning probability, and a design random number. FIG. 13C shows an example of the presence / absence of the reach effect, its appearance probability, and the reach random number.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, one winning random number is acquired from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. In the low probability gaming state, the hit random number is determined based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. According to the special symbol normal hour hit determination table, the two random numbers 7 and 317 are determined to be big hit. Is done. On the other hand, in the high-probability gaming state, the hit random number is determined based on the special symbol high-probability hourly determination table. According to this special symbol high probability per hour determination table, 7, 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 317, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, Twenty random numbers 547 and 577 are determined to be big hits.

  For example, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105, the CPU 201a activates the first special symbol lottery means 300 to acquire the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the CPU 201a operates the first random number determination unit 303 to determine whether or not the winning random number hits or loses based on the special symbol normal time determining table. That is, if the winning random number acquired by entering the game ball into the first starting port 105 is 7 or 317, it is determined to be a winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. In the high probability gaming state, it is determined whether or not the winning is based on the special symbol high probability per hour determination table.

  In the present embodiment, a “small hit” is provided separately from the “big hit” described above, and the winning of the “small win” is also determined by a 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 door 91 is performed for two rounds, as in the short win game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13A, regardless of the gaming state, when the winning random number is 50 or 100, a small winning game in which the open / close door 91 is opened for 15 rounds is executed. Become. The small hit game is controlled by the CPU 201a operating the small hit game control means 345. Further, as will be described in detail later, this small hit game is not intended for paying out a prize ball, and the player recognizes that the gaming state has shifted to the high probability gaming state, as will be described later. It is provided for the purpose of making it difficult.

  As a result of the determination of the winning random number, if it is determined that the winning random number is a random number for acquiring the right to execute the jackpot game, the CPU 201a activates the first random number determining means 303, and FIG. The type of jackpot is determined (determined) based on. The types of jackpots determined here are "per length with high probability", "per length with normal", "short per period with high probability", "short per period with normal", "short per hour with high probability" ”And“ Normal short / short short hit ”.

  “Per probability with a short time with high probability” is a game to which three game values are given. When winning this “high probability with short time”, the opening and closing door 91 is controlled to open and close for 15 rounds as the first game value, and a predetermined number (9) of game balls is met. A long hit game is executed in which a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses. As a result, 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 amount of prize balls, and after winning the prize balls, can reduce the consumption of the game balls and realize a big win again early. The short-time gaming state, which is the third gaming value given here, continues until the jackpot is won.

“Regular per short time” is a game to which two game values are given. 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. Further, in the “per length with normal time saving”, the time-short gaming state after the end of the long winning game ends when a special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).
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 hit with high probability time reduction” is a game that progresses in a high-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is high after repeating the action of opening and closing the door 91 for 15 rounds. If you win the “short win with high probability”, you will not be able to earn a lot of prize balls immediately by opening the door 91, but the subsequent gaming state will be a high probability gaming state. There is a high possibility of winning a large number of prize balls in the game. In addition, if you win the “short win with high probability short-time”, the game ball will be in the high-probability gaming state at the same time as the winning or after the short win game, and will be in the short-time gaming state. Cost consumption can be reduced.

  "Short hit with normal time" is a game that progresses in a low-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of winning a jackpot is low after repeating the action of opening and closing the door 91 for 15 rounds. However, since the subsequent gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state in the same manner as the above “short chance with short time with high probability”, it is possible to reduce the consumption of gaming balls 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 the present embodiment, both the “short hit with normal time” and “short hit with high probability” have an opening / closing operation of the door 91 and an opening / closing operation of the second start port 120 after shifting to the short-time gaming state. Are the same. 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 hit game (15-round opening / closing operation of the door 91), it is determined whether the big win probability is high or low. It has become very difficult. 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” is a high probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is high after repeating the operation of opening and closing the door 91 for 15 rounds as in the case of “Short win with short time with high probability”. It is a game that shifts to a so-called latent probability variation state. However, this “high probability short-time short win” is different from the above “high probability short-time short win” in that the short-time game is not started after the short win game ends. Even when this “high probability time short without short win” is won, a large amount of prize balls due to opening of the door 91 cannot be obtained immediately. In addition, since it does not become a short-time gaming state thereafter, the consumption of the game ball is higher than “short hit with high probability short-time”. However, since the subsequent gaming state is a high-probability gaming state, there is a high possibility of winning a large number of prize balls by winning the long game in subsequent games.

  “Normal short time short hit” is a game that progresses in the normal game state after repeating the operation of opening and closing the door 91 for 15 rounds. In other words, even if the “normal short-time short win” is won, neither the high-probability gaming state nor the short-time gaming state is entered. Moreover, since it is impossible to obtain a large number of prize balls by opening the open / close door 91 for 15 rounds, the player is hardly given the game value due to the big win.

  The reason for providing such “normal time short hits” is mainly to return the gaming state from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state without paying out a prize ball. In addition, even if the “normal time short no short win” is won in the normal gaming state, the gaming state does not change at all. Therefore, if the player is made indistinguishable from “short win without short time” and “short win without normal time”, will the winning probability of jackpot be high after the short win game ends? It can make the player doubt about whether the probability is low.

  In the present embodiment, in order to raise a suspicion about the fact that the winning probability of jackpot is high due to the winning of “high probability short / short short win”, Is provided with a “small hit”. However, since this “small hit” is not a kind of big hit, the small hit game is started when the hit random number (50, 100) is acquired instead of the symbol random number. In this “small hit game”, the operation of opening and closing the door 91 for 15 moments is repeated for 15 rounds as in the case of winning the “normal short and short win”. However, this “small hit” is different from the above “normal short no hit short” in that the gaming state does not change at all after the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 91. 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.

  When a game ball enters the first starting port 105, the CPU 201a activates the first special symbol lottery means 300 to acquire a reach random number together with the winning random number and the symbol random number. One reach random number is randomly acquired from 0 to 250 random numbers. The reach random number is determined as follows. That is, when the CPU 201a activates the first random number determination means 303 and determines that the winning random number is a loss, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table at the time of the loss, and is determined to be a big hit. In this case, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table for the big hit. In the reach random number determination table at the time of losing, a random number from 0 to 24 is determined as a reach effect, and other random numbers are determined as a reachless effect.

  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.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, if a special symbol change display is performed based on the previous game ball, it is acquired. The random number (game data) is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 of the RAM 201c. The first special symbol reservation storage means 401 and the second special symbol reservation storage means 402 are configured as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a storage area related to the holding ball. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol holding storage unit 401 detects that the game ball is detected by the first starting port detection unit 221. Random numbers (hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers) acquired based on the fact are stored in association with the order in which game balls are detected as reserved balls. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

  Specifically, the first special symbol storage unit 401 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 401 a to the fourth storage area 401 d, each time a game ball enters the first start port 105. The reserved balls are retained in order from the first storage area 401a. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the reserve ball is retained in the second storage area 401b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start 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, a special symbol by the entry is displayed. The right to change is not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the first special symbol reservation storage means 401, even if a game ball enters the first start port 105, the big hit lottery by the entered ball is performed. I will not. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the first start port 105 are paid out.

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

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

  Specifically, the second special symbol storage unit 402 includes four storage areas from the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, and each time a game ball enters the second start port 120, The reserved balls are retained in order from the fifth storage area 402a. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 in a state where it is retained in the fifth storage area 402a, a reserved ball is retained in the sixth storage area 402b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second starting port 120 in a state in which the reserve ball is retained in all of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, the change display of the special symbol is displayed. 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 unit 402, even if a game ball enters the second start port 120, the big hit lottery by the entered ball is performed. I will not. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the second start port 120 are paid out.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 14C, each of the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d is a hit random number storage area, a design random number storage area, and a reach random number storage area. have. The winning random number storage area stores the winning random number, the symbol random number storage area stores the symbol random number, and the reach random number storage area stores the reach random number. As described above, when a reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol display control unit 301 to determine the number of reserved balls that are reserved as the first special symbol. Displayed on the hold indicator 88.

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

  When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401, 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order. That is, when the reserved ball is retained in both the first special symbol storage unit 401 and the second special symbol storage unit 402, the retained ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 has priority. Digested. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (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 reserved ball is reserved in the storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b.

  The order in which the game balls enter the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 is, as shown, the first start port 105 → the second start port 120 → the first start port 105 → the second start port. It is assumed that 120 → first start port 105. In the present embodiment, since the second starting port 120 is a priority starting port, in this case, the holding balls in the fifth storage area 402a are processed with priority, and the holding balls are held in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. The ball is digested.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), it is assumed that three reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 that performs non-priority processing. In this case, the three reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 are digested successively in the order indicated by the dotted lines in the figure. However, when the first reserved ball is digested, in other words, when the first special symbol variation display is performed, the reserved ball is stored in the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 to which priority processing is performed. Is retained (when the ball enters the second starting port 120), the reserved ball is interrupted, and the reserved balls are digested in the order indicated by the solid line in the figure.

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

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

  Next, the control when a game ball enters the starting port will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, first, the first start port detector 221 or the second start port detector 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120.

(Step S301)
Then, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 operates a variation determination program (not shown) to determine whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variation manner. At this time, if it is determined that the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the special symbol based on the incoming ball is immediately displayed, so that the variation start process of FIG. 17 described later is performed.

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

  If it is determined in step S302 that there are four reserved balls, a special symbol variation display, that is, a big win lottery will not be performed depending on the game ball's entry. The control on the main control board 201 is finished by paying out.

(Step S303)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the number of reserved balls is less than 4, that is, it is determined that the reserved balls are reserved, the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d or the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area. Game data (a hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number) is stored in 402d, and the reserved ball is reserved.
At this time, the CPU 201a activates a predetermined program, and the number of reserved balls retained is lit on the special symbol hold indicators 88 and 90. Thereby, the control in the main control board 201 is completed.

(Variation start processing)
Next, with respect to the control related to the special symbol variation display performed based on the game data and the control related to the special game (long win game, short win game, small hit game) performed after the special symbol variation display, FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S401)
First, when starting the special symbol variation display, game data (a winning random number, a design random number, a reach random number) is stored in a predetermined processing area of the RAM 201c in the main control board 201. Here, when the game ball enters the start port when the special symbol variation display is not performed, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 to play the game. Data is acquired, and this game data is stored in the processing area. On the other hand, when game data is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the CPU 201a operates a predetermined program to store the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage. The game data stored in the area 402a is stored in the processing area.

(Step S402)
Further, when game data is stored in the first special symbol storage unit 401 or the second special symbol storage unit 402, each game data is shifted to the previous storage area. Specifically, in the above step S401, when the game data stored in the fifth storage area 402a of the second special symbol storage means 402 is stored in the processing area, the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage. The game data stored in the area 402d is shifted to the previous storage area. On the other hand, when the game data stored in the first storage area 401a of the first special symbol holding storage means 401 is stored in the processing area in the above step S401, it is stored in the second storage area 401b to the fourth storage area 401d. The stored game data is shifted to the previous storage area. However, if no game data is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the process in step S402 is not performed.

(Step S403)
In step S401, when game data is stored in the processing area, the CPU 201a activates a predetermined program to determine whether or not the game state stored in the game state storage unit 404 is a high probability game state. However, here, there is no distinction between the high probability gaming state after the end of the long hit game and the high probability gaming state after the end of the short hit game.

(Step S404) (Step S405)
If it is determined in step S403 that the game state is not the high probability game state (low probability game state), the special symbol normal time determination table is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that the game state is a high probability game state (regardless of whether there is a short time game state), the special symbol high probability determination table is selected. The three tables selected here are a winning determination table for determining a winning random number, a symbol determining table for determining a symbol random number, and a reach random number determining table for determining a reach random number.

(Step S406)
Then, the CPU 201a operates the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323, and determines each random number based on the table selected in step S404 or step S405. Thereby, whether or not the jackpot can be won, the type of jackpot in the case of winning the jackpot, and the aspect of the effect made during the change display of the special symbol are determined. Since each random number determination process is as described above, a description thereof is omitted here.

(Step S407)
In step S407, as a result of determining the reach random number, it is determined whether the effect mode is an effect with reach or an effect without reach.

(Step S408)
When it is determined that the effect mode is the effect with reach, the CPU 201a further operates the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 to acquire the effect random number. This effect random number is used to determine the time for displaying the variation of the special symbol, that is, the time (scale) of the reach effect. For example, one random number is randomly selected from 0 to 250 effect random numbers.

(Step S409)
When the effect random number is acquired, the effect random number is determined based on the effect random number determination table stored in the ROM 201b. For example, when the production random number is 0 to 50 production random numbers, the reach production time is determined to be 20 seconds, and when the production random number is 51 to 150, the reach production time is 30. When it is determined to be seconds and the effect random number is 151 to 250, the reach effect time is determined to be 60 seconds. Therefore, in this step S409, the time for the special symbol variation display, that is, the time for the reach effect is determined.

(Step S410)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S407 that the effect with no reach is not achieved (the effect without reach), the CPU 201a activates a predetermined program to store the first special symbol hold means 401 and the second special symbol hold memory. The total reserved number of reserved balls of the means 402 is determined.

(Step S411)
Then, the CPU 201a operates a variation time determination program (not shown) to determine the variation time (effect time) of the special symbol based on the total number of reserved balls. For example, when the total number of reserved balls is 0 or 1 during the change start process, the change time is determined to be 12 seconds. Further, when the total number of reserved balls is 2, the variation time is determined to be 8 seconds and 3 or more to 4 seconds.

  In addition, when starting the variable display of the special symbol related to the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the variation time according to the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 Is determined, and the variable symbol display of the reserved ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is started, according to the number of reserved balls retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402. The fluctuation time may be determined.

(Step S412)
As described above, when the time of the special symbol variation display (reach effect time, reach-less effect time) is determined, the CPU 201a activates the effect execution command transmission means 333 and sends the effect execution command to the sub-control board 202. Send. Each information based on the game data is attached to the effect execution command. Specifically, whether or not you win a jackpot (including a jackpot), if you win a jackpot, the type (long win, short win,), the mode of production (reach with reach or non-reach production Information regarding the time of the special symbol variation display, and information regarding the current gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404.

(Step S413)
As described above, when the effect execution command is transmitted, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol display control means 301 to start the special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 84 and 86. The special symbol variation display time is only the time determined in step S409 or step S411. After the time has elapsed, the special symbol indicators 84 and 86 have a symbol corresponding to the type of jackpot. Finally stop display.

(Step S414)
In addition, if the game data is a “big hit (long win, short win)”, it is necessary to start the jackpot game because the big jackpot game will start after the special symbol change display ends. Processing is performed. Therefore, here, it is determined whether or not the game data wins the “big hit”.

(Step S415)
If it is determined in step S414 that the “big hit” is not won, it is further determined whether or not the “small win” is won. Then, when the “small hit” is won, processing for starting the small hit game is performed after the special symbol variation display is completed. On the other hand, when neither “big hit” nor “small win” is won, the processing in the main control board 201 is ended.
When an effect execution command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202 in step S412, the sub-control board 202 displays the decorative symbol effects and effect actors 115 and 116 on the symbol display unit 104 during the special symbol variation display. The effect production by, other sound production and lamp production are controlled. This control will be described in detail later.

  In the special symbol variation start process controlled as described above, if the jackpot is won, after the jackpot special symbol is stopped and displayed, "long win game" or "short win game" starts Is done. If it is determined in step S414 that the big win is won, the RAM 201c stores whether the long win or the short win is identifiable. In the case of winning per long, the “long win game” is controlled as shown in FIG.

(Step S501)
First, at the start of control of the long hit game, the CPU 201 a operates the long hit game control means 340 and transmits a long hit effect start signal to the sub-control board 202. In the sub-control board 202, the effect during the long game is started by receiving the long effect production start signal. In the present embodiment, a movie is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 during a long game, the effect light 111 is lit corresponding to the movie, and music is output from the speaker 277. Such effects are consistently performed from the start to the end of the long hit game, but are controlled by the CPU 202a of the sub-control board 202 operating the effect control means 502.

(Step S502)
As described above, when an effect dedicated to the long hit game is started, the CPU 201a activates the long hit game control means 340 to start energization of the special winning opening opening / closing solenoid 97 and open the open / close door 91. As a result, a game ball can enter the big winning opening 93. As described above, when the switching drive device 99 is not energized (the power is OFF), the switching rotary member 98 opens and closes the opening / closing door 91. It is not necessary to control the switching drive device 99 in advance. In the case of a short hit game and a small hit game, which will be described later, the switching drive device (switching solenoid) 99 is energized prior to the start of energization of the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 97.

  At the same time as energization of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 97, a round start signal is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202. When the sub control board 202 receives the round start signal, the CPU 202a operates the effect control means 502 to control the effect for each round. For example, in the symbol display unit 104, a movie dedicated to a long game is already displayed, and a message such as “start one round” is displayed together with this movie.

(Step S503) (Step S504) (Step S505)
In step S502, when the door 91 is opened, a time counter provided on the main control board 201 starts measuring time. When a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses, the CPU 201a activates the long hit game control means 340 to stop energization of the special prize opening / closing solenoid 97 (step S505), and closes the open / close door 91. Similarly, when the special winning opening detecting unit 224 detects the entry of a predetermined number (9) of game balls, the energization of the special winning opening / closing solenoid 97 is stopped. Therefore, the control in steps S503 and S504 is repeatedly performed within a predetermined time after the opening / closing door 91 is opened and while the number of game balls detected by the special winning opening detection unit 224 is less than the predetermined number. Thus, the open / close door 91 is maintained in the open state.

(Step S506)
In step S505, when the special winning opening detecting unit 224 detects that the predetermined time has elapsed or the predetermined winning opening detecting unit 224 detects a predetermined number of game balls, the CPU 201a is hit for a long time. The game control means 340 is operated, and “1” is counted and stored in the round number storage means 405. The count value stored in the round number storage means 405 is used to determine how many rounds of the game per game have been played.

(Step S507)
Further, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to determine the count value stored in the round number storage means 405. If the count value is not 15, the processes in steps S502 to S506 are repeated.

(Step S508)
On the other hand, when the number of rounds reaches 15 as a result of repeating the processes of steps S502 to S507, the count value stored in the round number storage unit 405 is cleared.

(Step S509)
When the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 91 is performed a predetermined number of times (15 rounds), the long hit game is ended, and the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to send a long hit game end signal to the sub-control board 202. Send. Then, when the sub control board 202 receives the long hit game end signal, the CPU 202b activates the effect control means 502 to perform an ending effect related to the so-called long hit game end.

(Step S510)
Further, the CPU 201 a operates the long hit game control means 340, and the subsequent game state is stored in the game state storage means 404. In the present embodiment, since the gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state after the end of the long hit game, the gaming state storage unit 404 stores a flag indicating that it is the short-time gaming state. In addition, when the long winning game related to the winning of “long probability with short time” ends, a flag indicating that the high probability gaming state is stored in the gaming state storage means 404, When the long winning game related to winning is completed, a flag indicating the low probability gaming state is stored.
In this way, when the process for proceeding with the subsequent game is performed, the control of the long hit game on the main control board 201 is finished.

  On the other hand, when winning in a short win, the control of “short win game” is performed as shown in FIG.

(Step S601)
First, at the start of control of the short hit game, the CPU 201 a operates the short hit game control means 341 and transmits a short hit effect start signal to the sub-control board 202. In the sub control board 202, the effect during the short hit game is started by receiving the short hit effect start signal (step S601a). In the present embodiment, a movie is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 during the short hit game, the effect light 111 is turned on corresponding to the movie, and music is output from the speaker 277. Such effects are consistently performed from the start to the end of the short hit game, and are controlled by the CPU 202a of the sub control board 202 operating the effect control means 502.

  The short hit game is set in advance from the start to the end, and the short hit game-specific effect is set to the short hit game from the start to the end. As an effect dedicated to the short hit game, for example, an effect related to the opening at the time of starting a “probability change suggestion effect mode” described later is suitable.

  In the sub control board 202, when the short hit effect start signal is received, the CPU 202a operates the probability variation suggestion flag control unit 503 to store the probability variation suggestion flag in the probability variation suggestion flag storage unit 511 (step S601b). This probability change suggestion flag is used for performing the effect during the subsequent variation display of the special symbol in the probability change suggestion effect mode described later after the short hit game is completed.

(Step S602)
As described above, when an effect dedicated to a short hit game is started, the CPU 201a activates the short hit game control means 341 to energize the switching solenoid 99 (step S602a), and the operation member 96 is engaged with the rotating member 95. In addition to the stopped state, the special winning opening opening / closing solenoid 97 is energized (step S602b), and the opening / closing door 91 is opened. However, in this short hit game, the energizing time of the special winning opening and closing solenoid 97 is set to be as short as 0.1 seconds, so that the opening and closing door 91 returns to the closed state immediately after opening for a moment. However, since the weight of the opening / closing door 91 acts, the time from the opening / closing of the opening / closing door 91 to the complete closing thereof is longer than 0.1 seconds. During the short hit game, the switching solenoid 99 is always energized.

(Step S603)
In step S602, when the special prize opening / closing solenoid 97 is energized, the time counter provided on the main control board 201 starts measuring time.

(Step S604)
In step S603, when a predetermined time (1.5 seconds) elapses, the CPU 201a activates the short hit game control means 341 and counts and stores “1” in the round number storage means 405. As a result, it is determined how many rounds the short hit game has been played.

(Step S605)
Further, the CPU 201 a operates the short hit game control means 341 to determine the count value stored in the round number storage means 405. If the count value is not 15, the processes in steps S602 to S604 are repeated. Note that the time until the process of step S602 is repeated is the predetermined time (1.5 seconds). That is, in the short hit game, the time during which the open / close door 91 is opened is set to 1.5 seconds.

(Step S606)
On the other hand, when the processes in steps S602 to S604 are performed 15 times, the count value stored in the round number storage unit 405 is cleared.

(Step S607)
Further, the CPU 201 a activates the short hit game control means 341, and the subsequent game state is stored in the game state storage means 404. Specifically, when the gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state after completion of the short hit game, a flag indicating that it is in the short-time gaming state is stored in the gaming state storage unit 404. In addition, when the short win game related to the winning of “short win with high probability short time” or “short win without high probability time short” is completed, a flag indicating that the game state storage means 404 is in a high probability game state is displayed. Remembered. On the other hand, when the short win game related to the winning of “short win with normal time” or “short win without normal time” is completed, a flag indicating that the game state is low probability is stored.
In this way, when the process for proceeding with the subsequent game is performed, the control of the short hit game on the main control board 201 is finished.

  On the other hand, in the special symbol variation start process controlled as described above, when the small bonus is won, the “small bonus game” is started after the small bonus special symbol is stopped and displayed. . When winning a small hit, the control of “small hit game” is performed as shown in FIG.

(Step S701)
First, at the start of control of the small hit game, the CPU 201 a operates the small hit game control means 345 and transmits a small hit effect start signal to the sub-control board 202. In the sub control board 202, the effect during the small hit game is started by receiving the small hit effect start signal (step S701a). In the present embodiment, a movie is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 during the small hit game, the effect light 111 is lit corresponding to the movie, and music is output from the speaker 277. Such effects are consistently performed from the start to the end of the small hit game, but are controlled by the CPU 202a of the sub control board 202 operating the effect control means 502.

  Note that the time from the start to the end of the small hit game is set in advance, and the effect dedicated to the small hit game is set to the time from the start to the end of the small hit game. Further, the special effect for the small hit game is set to the same content as the special effect for the short hit game. In this way, the player does not know whether the small hit game is being executed or the short hit game is being executed simply by looking at the effect.

  In the sub control board 202, when the small hit effect start signal is received, the CPU 202a operates the probability variation suggestion flag control means 503 to store the probability variation suggestion flag in the probability variation suggestion flag storage means 511 (step S701b).

(Step S702)
As described above, at the same time as the effect dedicated to the small hit game starts, the CPU 201a operates the small hit game control means 345 to energize the switching solenoid 99 (step S702a), and the operation member 96 is applied to the rotating member 95. While keeping the locked state, the special prize opening opening / closing solenoid 97 is intermittently energized. In other words, the small hit game control means 345 is programmed to energize the special winning opening / closing solenoid 97 for 0.1 seconds 15 times with an interval of 1.5 seconds. Therefore, when the CPU 201a operates the small hit game control means 345, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 91 is continuously performed 15 times.

  This small hit game control method is different from the short hit game control method, but the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 91 is set in the same manner for the short hit game and the small hit game. Accordingly, not only the production as described above, but also when the opening / closing operation of the door 91 is viewed, the player makes a distinction between whether the small hit game is being executed or whether the short hit game is being executed. It is not possible.

  Next, control of effects performed during the special symbol variation display will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, when the special symbol variation start process is performed, an effect execution command is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 (step S412 in FIG. 17). In the present embodiment, when the sub control board 202 receives the effect execution command, the effect related to either the “normal effect mode” or the “probability change suggestion effect mode” is executed.

  Here, the “normal effect mode” is an effect mode mainly performed in the normal game state. Further, the “probability change suggestion effect mode” is an effect mode that is performed after the end of the “small hit game” and the “short hit game”. In the “probable change suggestion effect mode”, for example, in the symbol display unit 104, a character that does not appear in the “normal effect mode” appears, or a different background image is displayed. In addition, an audio production that is different from the “normal production mode” is developed such that music different from the “normal production mode” is output. In any case, the content of the “probable change suggestion effect mode” is not particularly limited as long as it is an effect mode different from the “normal effect mode” at first glance. In this way, by making an effect mode different from the “normal effect mode”, the player is expected to have a high probability game state.

  The ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 stores two tables, a “normal effect mode table” and a “probability change suggestion effect mode table”. Both tables store a plurality of effect commands having contents corresponding to the respective modes. For example, in the “normal effect mode”, one effect command is selected from the “normal effect mode table”. . In the following, a flow from when an effect command is selected from both tables until the effect is controlled based on the effect command will be described.

(Step S801)
When the sub control board 202 receives the effect execution command, the CPU 202a operates a predetermined program to determine whether or not the probability variation suggestion flag is stored in the probability variation suggestion flag control means 503. Here, the case where the probability variation suggestion flag is stored is a case where either “short win game” or “small hit game” is performed before the special symbol change start processing (FIG. 19). Step S601b, Step S701b in FIG. 20).

(Step S802)
If it is determined in step S801 that the probability variation suggestion flag is not stored, the “normal effect mode table” is selected.

(Step S803)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the probability variation suggestion flag storage unit 511 stores the probability variation suggestion flag, the “probability variation suggestion effect mode table” is selected. In other words, after the “short hit game” or the “small hit game” is ended, an effect related to the “probable change suggestion effect mode” is performed during the special symbol variation display.

(Step S804)
As described above, when one of the “normal effect mode table” and the “probable change suggestion effect mode table” is selected, the CPU 202a operates the effect lottery means 501 to perform the effect lottery.

  In addition, in both of the above tables, the table when winning “long win”, the table when winning “short win”, the table when winning “small hit”, and the table when “losing” Each table is provided. Moreover, each table is further provided with a reach effect table and a non-reach effect table, and is further provided with tables corresponding to effect times that can be executed for each effect mode. Then, the corresponding table is selected based on the information related to the effect time information included in the received effect execution command and the effect mode (the effect with reach and the effect without reach). Each of these tables stores a plurality of commands in which a decorative design effect form in the design display unit 104, a combination effect effect form in the effect actors 115 and 116, or a voice effect aspect and a lamp effect aspect are combined. One command is determined from the plurality of commands.

(Step S805)
If one command is determined in step S804, it is determined whether or not the received effect execution command is an effect execution command related to “long hit”. As a result, when it is determined that the received effect execution command is not related to “long hit”, the effect is controlled based on the confirmed command in step S808 described later.

(Step S806)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the received effect execution command is related to “long hit”, the probability variation suggestion flag stored in the probability variation suggestion flag storage unit 511 is turned OFF. . As a result, the production by the “probable change suggestion production mode” executed after the “short win game” or “small win game” is finished, and the production is controlled in the “normal production mode” after the big game is finished. The Rukoto.

(Step S807)
When each control is performed as described above, the CPU 202a activates the effect control unit 502 and starts control of the symbol display unit 104, the effect actors 115 and 116, the speaker 277, and the effect light 111 based on the determined command. To do. Thus, various effects are performed during the special symbol variation display, and the player's expectation is enhanced by such effects.

It is the perspective view which showed the example of a structure of the big prize opening unit when an opening-and-closing door opened. It is the perspective view which showed the example of a structure of the big prize opening unit when an opening-and-closing door closed. (A) is the side view which showed the opening / closing apparatus when the opening / closing door is in the closed state, (b) is the side view showing the opening / closing apparatus when the opening / closing door is in the opened state. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing an opening / closing device having a switching rotation member and a switching drive device, and the operation member is locked to the rotation member, and FIG. It is the top view which showed the opening / closing apparatus when it latches to. 4A is a side view showing the opening / closing device when the switching rotation member in FIG. 4 holds the opening / closing door in a closed state, and FIG. 4B is a side view showing the switching rotation member opening the opening / closing door. It is the side view which showed the opening / closing apparatus when hold | maintaining in the state which was in contact. It is the perspective view which showed the conventional big prize opening unit when an opening-and-closing door opened. It is the perspective view which showed the conventional big prize opening unit when an opening-and-closing door closed. It is the front view which showed the structural example of the gaming machine. (A) is the enlarged view which showed the 1st starting opening and the 2nd starting opening part in FIG. 8, (b) is the enlarged view which showed a mode that the 2nd starting opening was open | released. (A) is the enlarged view which showed the big winning opening part in FIG. 8, (b) is the enlarged view which showed a mode that the big winning opening was open | released. 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. (A)-(c) is the figure which showed an example of the determination table which determines the random number acquired when a game ball enters a starting port, and this random number. (A)-(c) is a conceptual diagram of a 1st special symbol reservation storage means and a 2nd special symbol reservation storage means. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the digestion order of holding | maintenance. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board | substrate at the time of a holding ball having entered into the starting port. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process of the special symbol in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a game per long. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a short hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a small hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process in a sub control board. It is the perspective view which showed the closed state of the opening / closing door at the time of forming an opening hole in the opening / closing door.

Explanation of symbols

9 …… Big prize unit,
90 …… Open / close door opening / closing device, 91 …… Open / close door, 91a …… Shaft, 91b …… Supported portion, 91c …… Locked portion, 91d …… Buffer portion, 91e …… Slit, 91f …… Open Hole,
93 …… Big prize opening,
94 …… Case, 94a …… Supporting part, 94b …… Supporting shaft,
95... Rotating member, 95 a .. Locking portion, 95 b... Locking piece, 95 c... Locked portion, 95 d.
96 …… Operating member, 96a …… Locking portion, 96b …… Opening,
97 …… Drive device (large winning opening / closing solenoid), 97a …… Shaft (plunger), 97b …… Flange, 97c …… Housing,
98 …… Rotating member for switching, 98a …… Locking portion, 98b …… Locking piece, 98c …… Locked portion, 98d …… Locked piece,
99 …… Switching drive (switching solenoid), 99a …… Shaft (plunger), 99b …… Flange, 99c …… Housing,
100: Connecting member.

Claims (3)

A gaming machine in which a grand prize opening unit that supports an openable / closable door that opens and closes a grand prize opening facing the game board is provided,
A gaming machine, characterized in that a buffer portion made of a shock-absorbing material and having a plurality of openings is provided on the back surface of the open / close door. The large winning opening has a detection unit for detecting a winning game ball,
The plurality of openings are formed by slits;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal direction of the slit is directed toward the detection unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening / closing door has a plurality of opening holes through which a game ball cannot pass.

Images