JP2010051758A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately acquire and notify of the number of acquired balls that a player acquires in a pinball game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The pinball game machine, on condition that a game ball enters a large winning hole during a big win game, adds a predetermined number of prize balls per winning ball, which are promised to put out according to the respective winning holes, and subtracts the estimated number of shot balls of a game ball shooting device calculated based on a lapsed time of a period in the big win game, from the addition result so as to count the present number V of acquired balls (S705); and, on condition that game balls enter respective winning holes during a special game (S701 and S703), adds the predetermined number of prize balls per winning ball, which are promised to put out according to the respective winning holes, to the number V of the acquired balls, and subtracts the estimated number of shot balls of the game ball shooting device calculated based on the lapsed time of the period in the special game, from the addition result so as to count the present number V of the acquired balls (S706). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine, and more particularly to a ball game machine capable of reporting the number of acquired balls acquired by a player.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a ball game machine is known in which a player who is playing a game is notified of information on the number of acquired game balls at a certain time.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, based on the total number of payout winning balls calculated based on the number of winning balls at each winning opening from the time of occurrence of the big hit, based on the elapsed time from the time of occurrence of the big hit (the jackpot duration T minutes). By subtracting the calculated estimated number of hit balls (total number of shots), the player obtains the number of acquired game balls (acquired number of acquired balls), and assigns a different character corresponding to the acquired estimated number of balls to the image display device. indicate. As a result, an outline of the acquired quantity is clearly and easily notified in real time.

In Patent Document 2, when a big hit game is started, the average payout amount calculated from the past big hit game is displayed as a target of the big hit game. Then, during execution of the big hit game, the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls paid out in the big hit game from the average payout number is displayed. As a result, the player is encouraged to make the difference from the target zero.
JP 2003-71046 A JP 2005-131302 A

  However, there are some ball game machines in which two types of games are played in parallel in time. The first is a special symbol variation display game that is started on the condition that a game ball has won a prize at the special symbol start opening. The big winning opening is opened by the electric accessory), and a big hit game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state is generated. The second is a normal symbol variation display game that is started on the condition that a game ball is won at the normal symbol start opening. A state in which a game ball tends to flow into a specific prize opening (for example, a special symbol start port), that is, an auxiliary game advantageous to the player, is generated by the opening operation of the movable member by the ordinary electric accessory).

  The opening operation performed by the movable member in this auxiliary game is a certain game state (so-called “probability variation” or “symbol variation time shortening”) than the normal game state. Is generally set to be extended. Therefore, when the movable member is operated in this specific gaming state, there are more opportunities to win the specific winning opening than in the normal gaming state, and as a result, the number of balls that the player acquires is increased. Will also have an effect.

  The period of the specific gaming state appears as a period different from the period of the jackpot game. Accordingly, it is not possible to calculate the exact number of acquired balls only by calculating the number of balls acquired by the player while paying attention only to the jackpot period.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to consider not only the number of balls acquired by the player during the big hit, but also the number of balls acquired by the player under the above-mentioned specific gaming state, and more accurately grasp the acquired number of balls. An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can be notified.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) a special symbol start port arranged in a game area where a game ball launched from the game ball launcher flows down;
A big hit game lottery means for drawing whether or not to make a big hit to shift to a big hit game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, on condition that a game ball wins at the special symbol start opening,
A special symbol display device for variably displaying a special symbol for notifying the lottery result by the jackpot game lottery means, and for stopping and displaying the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result;
A special variable winning device arranged in the gaming area and configured to be able to open and close a grand prize opening;
A jackpot for controlling the execution of the jackpot game by opening and closing the jackpot of the special variable prize winning device according to a predetermined pattern on the condition that the special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device Game control means;
Predetermined prize balls for each winning ball promised for each winning mouth, provided that a gaming ball wins a winning opening arranged in the gaming area including the large winning opening and the special symbol starting opening Prize ball payout means for paying out numbers,
In a ball game machine comprising special game generating means for generating a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state after the big hit,
A predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning opening is added on condition that a gaming ball wins at each winning opening during the jackpot game, and the result of the addition is calculated based on the result of the addition. A first acquired ball number calculating means for counting the current acquired ball number V by subtracting the estimated number of hit balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time of the game period;
Under the condition that a game ball wins at each winning mouth during the special gaming state, a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning mouth is added to the obtained ball number V, By subtracting the estimated number of hitting balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time during the special gaming state from the result of addition, the second number of acquired balls that counts the current number of acquired balls V Computing means;
An acquired ball number notifying means for notifying the player of the acquired ball number V;
A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising:

(2) In the case where the jackpot is lottery by the jackpot game lottery means during the special gaming state,
The first acquired number-of-balls calculating means has a predetermined number of winning balls for each winning ball promised for each winning mouth, on condition that a gaming ball wins each winning mouth during the current big hit game. The number is added to the number of acquired balls V immediately before the big hit game transition, and the estimated number of hit balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time of the big hit game is subtracted from the added result. By counting the current number of acquired balls V,
The second acquired number-of-balls calculating means is based on the number of winning balls promised for each winning mouth on condition that the gaming balls win each winning mouth during the special gaming state after the big hit this time. The predetermined number of winning balls is added to the number of acquired balls V immediately before the special game state transition after the current big hit, and the result of the addition is calculated based on the elapsed time during the special game state after the current big hit. (1) The ball game machine according to (1), wherein the current number of acquired balls V is counted by subtracting the estimated number of hitting balls of the game ball launching device.

(3) Furthermore, a special game end setting means for ending the special game state on condition that a predetermined end condition is satisfied;
Clear the acquired number of balls to clear the acquired number of balls V on the condition that the special game state is ended by the special game end setting means without the big win being drawn by the big hit game lottery means during the special game state The bullet ball game machine according to (1) or (2), characterized by comprising: means.

  (4) The second number-of-acquisition calculating means monitors the elapsed time of the period in the special game state in a predetermined unit time, and the game within the unit time every time the unit time arrives. 4. The bullet ball according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the current acquired ball number V is counted by subtracting the estimated total hit ball number of the ball launcher from the result of the addition. Gaming machine.

(5) Furthermore,
A normal symbol start port arranged in the game area;
Auxiliary game lottery means for performing a lottery as to whether or not to shift to an auxiliary per game that is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state, on condition that a game ball has won at the normal symbol start port,
A normal symbol display device for variably displaying a normal symbol for notifying a lottery result by the auxiliary game lottery means, and for stopping and displaying a normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result;
An ordinary variable winning device that is arranged in the game area and configured so that the special symbol starting port can be opened and closed or expanded by a movable member;
Auxiliary for controlling the execution of the auxiliary per game by driving the movable member of the normal variation winning device according to a predetermined pattern on the condition that the normal symbol indicating the auxiliary hit is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device. A hit control means,
The second acquired ball number calculating means calculates the game ball launch calculated based on an elapsed time of at least one of the normal symbol variation display period and the period during which the movable member of the ordinary variation winning device is driven. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the total number of hitting balls of the device is the estimated total number of hitting balls.

  (6) In the above (5), the special game state is a game state that is advantageous to a player who has increased the operating state of the movable member of the normal variation winning device compared to the normal game state. Ball game machine.

  (7) The acquired number-of-balls notification means notifies the predetermined number as the acquired number of balls V acquired by the player every time the acquired number of balls V exceeds a predetermined number. (6) The ball game machine according to any one of (6).

  (8) The acquired number-of-balls notifying means obtains the predetermined number of balls acquired by the player on condition that the acquired number of balls V at the time when the big hit game is over exceeds a predetermined number. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of (1) to (6), which is notified as V.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming state in which the period during the big hit (during the big hit game) and the period during the special gaming state appear as different periods on the time axis, acquisition in the big hit game as in the past is achieved. In addition to obtaining the number of balls, the number of balls acquired by the player is also calculated for the period during the special game state, and the number of balls acquired is corrected as a result, so that the number of acquired balls can be calculated more accurately. . Moreover, according to the present invention, since the number of acquired balls in the big hit game and the special game state is counted in real time, even during the big hit game or the special game state, or those periods Even after the time has elapsed, the player can be notified of the number of acquired balls at any time.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a ball game machine according to the present invention.

[Embodiment: FIGS. 1 to 23]
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an external appearance of a ball game machine as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing a game board surface. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that the frame-shaped front frame 2 can be opened and closed, and attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. The game board 3 is mounted in a game board storage frame (not shown), and the game area 3 a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. The game area 3a is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 5 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the surface of the game board 3. A glass door frame 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a front operation panel 7 disposed on the lower side of the glass door frame 6.

  The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls. The front operation panel 7 is provided with a ball lending button 11 and a prepaid card discharge button 12 (card return button 12). Further, a frame effect button 13 is provided on the upper plate surface portion of the upper tray 9 so as to change the effect when it is pressed when the associated push button sensor is valid. The upper tray 9 is provided with a ball removal button 14 for removing a game ball stored in the upper tray 9 below the gaming machine.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing unit is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Speakers 58 for generating sound effects are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15. Furthermore, a decoration lamp 45 is provided at various locations on the glass door frame 6 to produce a production effect by light decoration.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a frame-like back mechanism board 16 is attached to the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 so as to cover the game board storage frame and hold the game board 3 from the back side. 2 is integrated. Near one side of the upper part of the back mechanism board 16 is provided a game ball storage tank 17 for storing game balls supplied from a game ball supply device (not shown) of the pachinko hall side island facility. In addition, a game ball payout device 19 for paying out game balls is provided connected to the inclined lower end of the tank rail 18 for drawing out the balls from the game ball storage tank 17. In addition, an external terminal board 21 for electrically connecting to a management computer (not shown) for comprehensively managing gaming machines of the entire pachinko hall is provided at the other side corner of the upper part of the back mechanism board 16. It is provided in a substrate case 22.

  In addition, a back cover mounted on the back side of the game board 3 is fitted in substantially the center of the back mechanism plate, and inside the transparent case 23 (sub control board case 23) mounted on the back cover. An effect control board 24 and a liquid crystal control board 25 are provided. Below the sub-control board case 23, a main control board 27 is provided in a state of being housed in a transparent case 26 (main control board case 26) attached to the back cover. Further, below the main control board case 26, a payout control board 29 is provided in a state of being housed in a transparent case 28 (payout control board case 28), and in a state of being housed in the transparent case 30 (power supply board case 30). A power supply substrate 31 is provided. Furthermore, at a position corresponding to the launch operation handle 15, the launching device (game ball launching device) 32 (see FIG. 4) provided with a hitting rod for hitting the game ball and a launch motor for driving the hitting ball is launched to the rear side. A control board 33 is provided.

  Next, the game area 3a of the game board 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the game area 3 a includes a ball guide rail 5 for guiding a fired game ball as a game part to be used for a game, an upper start port 34 (first special symbol start port 34), Lower start port 35 (second special symbol start port 35), liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device, normal symbol start port 37, special symbol display device 38, normal symbol display device 39, normal variable winning device 41, special Floating winning device 42, general winning opening 43, center decoration 48, windmill 44 as a game ball falling direction changing member, a plurality of game nails (not shown), a plurality of light emitting devices (lamp, LED, etc .: not shown) Is arranged.

  The upper start opening 34 (first special symbol start opening 34) has a special symbol start opening sensor 34a (see FIG. 4) that detects a passing game ball (winning ball). The special symbol variation display game is started based on the detection of the game ball by the special symbol start port sensor 34a, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The special symbol display device 38 is composed of, for example, 7 segments arranged in 3 digits. A predetermined start signal is generated when the game ball wins the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35 described later. Based on this start signal, a big hit lottery is performed by random number lottery on the main control board 27 (main arithmetic processing unit: see FIG. 4). In accordance with the lottery result, special symbols (for example, symbols, numbers, symbols) are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 38, and the special symbol variation display game is performed. When the special symbol display device 38 is in a predetermined stop display mode (for example, all three 7-segments are “7” display state), that is, when the lottery result is “hit”, the open door 42b is driven. The special variable prize-winning device solenoid 42a (see FIG. 4) is activated, the open door 42b is opened and the big prize opening 40 is opened, and the player is more than in the normal gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “normal game”). A special gaming state (big hit game) advantageous to the game is generated. In this big hit game, the open door 42b of the special variation winning device 42 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) and the big winning opening 40 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are specially changed. Until the prize winning device 42 is won (until a predetermined number of winning balls are detected by the big prize opening sensor 40a (see FIG. 4)), the big prize opening 40 is opened, and then the door 42b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). Is closed a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 15 times (15 rounds)).

  The normal symbol starting port 37 is formed in a gate shape and has a normal symbol starting port sensor 37a (see FIG. 4) for detecting a passing game ball. The normal symbol variation display game is started based on the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start opening 37, and the normal symbol display device 39 composed of two LEDs 39 displays a variation such as blinking. The result of the symbol variation display game is stopped and displayed by a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED 39 or a combination of both lighting.

  The normal variation winning device 41 is configured as a so-called tulip-shaped electric accessory having a pair of left and right movable wing pieces 47 (corresponding to a movable member). When the left and right movable wing pieces 47 are not operated, the closed state is maintained so that it is difficult or impossible to enter the game ball into the lower start opening 35. As a result of the normal symbol variation display game, when the above-described normal symbol display device 39 is in a predetermined stop display mode (for example, both the two LEDs 39 are lit), that is, the lottery result is “per assistance”. In this case, the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a (see FIG. 4) for driving the left and right movable wing pieces 47 is actuated, and the movable wing pieces 47 are opened in a reverse “C” shape to lower the starting port. 35 (second special symbol start opening 35) is opened or enlarged, so that the game ball is likely to flow into the lower start opening 35, and an auxiliary game which is a game state advantageous to the player is generated. That is, the probability that a game ball will win the lower start opening 35 increases. In this auxiliary game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and the lower start opening 35 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls. Until the normal variable winning device 41 is won (until a predetermined number of winning balls are detected by the special symbol start sensor 35a (see FIG. 4)), the lower start opening 35 is opened, and then a predetermined time (for example, 0. 0). The operation that the movable blade piece 47 is closed and the lower start port 35 is closed is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 2 times).

  The lower start opening 35 has a special symbol start opening sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) for detecting a passing game ball. The special symbol variation display game is started based on the detection of the game ball by the special symbol start opening sensor 35a, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed. .

  Here, the image display device includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 36 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 3, but is not limited to this, and a display device using electronic paper, a rotary drum, or the like. May be a display device by 7 segments, a display device by 7 segments, a plasma display panel (PDP), or the like, or a combination thereof. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of a liquid crystal control board 25 (see FIG. 4) described later. That is, an effect reflecting the lottery result in the special symbol variation display game is generated, and three rows of decorative symbols (for example, symbols, numbers, symbols) are linked to the special symbol variation display on the special symbol display device 38. To display a variation of the decorative symbol display game. When the result of the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38 is “big hit”, the result of the decorative symbol variation display game of the liquid crystal display device 36 also becomes the “big hit” effect, and a predetermined display mode (for example, A state in which three “7” numbers are aligned and stopped is displayed.

  In the meantime, when a special symbol start display sensor 34a, 35a or a normal symbol start port sensor 37a is further input during the special symbol variation display game or the normal symbol variation display game, the detection signal Starting memory (so-called number of operation-pending balls), which is data relating to the right to start each variable display game based on the above, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number except for those related during the variable display. In order to make the number clear to the player, it is displayed as an image at an appropriate position on the gaming machine or on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. Normally, the variation display game for each start memory is controlled in the order in which the start memories are generated. In the present embodiment, up to four start memories relating to special symbols and normal symbols are stored in the RAM provided on the main control board 27 as the predetermined number of the upper limit, and are reserved as the number of times of fixed determination of special symbols or normal symbols. .

(Control unit: Fig. 4)
Next, FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a control unit in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 27 that controls the overall game operation, an effect control board 24 that performs an effect process in response to a control command from the main control board 27, and an external The power supply board 31 is mainly configured to generate and supply power necessary for the gaming machine from the power supply. Further, other control boards other than the power supply board 31 and the launch control board 33, that is, the main control board 27, the effect control board 24, the liquid crystal control board 25, and the payout control board 29 are assigned to various types. In order to perform the control processing, a one-chip microcomputer (not shown) composed of a ROM, a RAM, a CPU and the like is mounted.

  The input port of the main control board 27 includes a special symbol start port sensor 34 a provided in the upper start port 34, a special symbol start port sensor 35 a provided in the normal variation winning device 41 (lower start port 35), and a normal symbol start port 37. A normal symbol start port sensor 37 a provided in the general winning a prize port 43 and a general winning port sensor 43 a provided in the general winning port 43 are connected via a game relay board 55. The output port of the main control board 27 is connected to a special variation winning device solenoid 42a and a normal variation winning device solenoid 41a via a game relay substrate 55.

  The effect control board 24 is connected to the output port of the main control board 27 via an effect I / F (interface) board 56. The effect control board 24 is connected to a liquid crystal control board 25 via an effect I / F board 56 and a liquid crystal I / F board 57, and a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected thereto. Furthermore, a decoration lamp 45 and a speaker 58 are connected to the effect control board 24 via an effect I / F board 56.

  The main control board 27 functions as a main arithmetic processing unit that mainly controls overall gaming operations in the gaming machine. Although not shown, the one-chip microcomputer of the main control board 27 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU (this CPU is also referred to as “main control CPU”), a function for generating a pulse output with a constant period, A CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) having a time measurement function, an interrupt controller circuit for giving an interrupt signal to the CPU, and the like are provided. The main control board 27 transmits a control signal or a control command to the peripheral board according to the progress of processing.

  The effect control board 24 functions as an effect control means for controlling the speaker 58, the decoration lamp 45, and the LED as effect means, receives the control command (effect control command) related to the effect transmitted from the main control board 27, and receives the speaker. 58, the decoration lamp 45, and the LED are controlled, and an effect by light and sound is realized. Although not shown, the one-chip microcomputer of the effect control board 24 has a ROM, RAM, and CPU (this CPU is also referred to as “effect control CPU”), as well as the main control board 27, CTC, Interrupt controller circuit etc. are provided. The effect control command from the main control board 27 is transmitted to the effect control board 24 by one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main control board 24 via the effect control board 24.

  Here, a typical effect control command transmitted to the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 by the main control board (main control CPU) 27 when each game operation is executed will be briefly described.

  As this effect control command, for example, a “special symbol designation” command that is transmitted at the start of variation of a special symbol and designates lottery result information, and is also transmitted at the start of variation of a special symbol, and designates the behavior of the special symbol. There are a “special symbol variation” command, a “normal symbol variation” command which is transmitted when the normal symbol variation is started and designates the behavior of the normal symbol, and a “symbol stop command” which is transmitted when the special symbol or the normal symbol is stopped.

  Further, there is a “game state designation” command as an effect control command for designating the current game state. This gaming state designation command is sent when the gaming state changes, when the big hit probability is low or high probability (when the probability variation gaming state (probability variation)), when the auxiliary hit probability is low or high probability, special symbols Fluctuation time reduction function and normal symbol fluctuation time reduction function (so-called short-time function) during operation (during short-time gaming state (short-time state)) and when not in operation (during non-short-time state) Various game status information is included, such as when the function (so-called open extension function) is activated (open extended gaming state (open extension)), not activated (non-open extension), etc. (Details of each game state will be explained later) To go).

  In addition, as an effect control command for performing an effect during a big hit, a “hit start display” command transmitted after the special symbol is stopped, an “open display” command transmitted when the special winning opening 40 is opened, and the closing of the special winning opening 40 “Open Interval Display” command transmitted at the time, “Big Hit End Display” command transmitted after the interval performance time elapses after reception of the Open Interval Display command after closing the big winning opening 40 in the final round, after the big hit, There is a “game state display” command that is transmitted after the jackpot end effect time elapses from the reception of the display command.

  In addition, there is a winning command as an effect control command indicating that each winning opening has been won. This winning command corresponds to each winning port when a winning ball to the upper starting port 34, the lower starting port 35, the large winning port 40, the normal symbol starting port 37, the general winning port 43, or the like is detected. A winning command is transmitted at a predetermined timing.

  Further, there is a demonstration display command as an effect control command for causing a standby effect (demonstration effect) to appear when it is determined that no game has been made. This demonstration display command is transmitted when a predetermined display condition is satisfied.

  When the effect control command is transmitted from the main control board (main control CPU) 27 to the effect control board 24, the main control board 27 generates an interrupt signal, and the effect control board 24 includes a MODE signal and an EVENT signal. A 2-byte production control command is transmitted.

  Although not shown, the effect control board 24 is provided with a sound LSI for controlling the speaker 58, a sound ROM, and a sound control circuit including a sound processing circuit. The sound ROM stores sound output data for generating various sound effects corresponding to the effect pattern. The sound LSI receives an audio command for speaker control from the CPU of the effect control board 24, reads data from the audio ROM at a predetermined timing, performs a predetermined process, and outputs it to the sound processing circuit. The sound processing circuit D / A converts the data to generate an audio signal, amplifies the audio signal to a predetermined level, and supplies it to the speaker 58.

  The effect control board 24 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 27 and transmits the liquid crystal control command associated therewith to the liquid crystal control board 25. For example, in response to the “special symbol designation” command or the “special symbol variation” command, a lottery for a decorative symbol to be stopped, a lottery for a notice effect, a lottery for a background change, etc. are performed, and the result is displayed. The command is changed to and added to the command for transmitting the liquid crystal control command to the liquid crystal control board 25 at a timing when the video needs to be reproduced, and the voice command or the light emission command is sent to the LED board or the sound at the timing when the sound or light needs to be reproduced. Send to control circuit. In principle, command transmission to the liquid crystal control CPU is performed in the order in which the commands from the main control CPU are received.

  The liquid crystal control board 25 receives the liquid crystal control command and drives and controls the liquid crystal display device 36 to realize an effect by an image. In addition, various image data for displaying images are stored in the ROM (image ROM) of the liquid crystal control board 25, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) for controlling the overall production output is mounted. Yes. The liquid crystal control board 25 functions as an effect control means for controlling the liquid crystal display device 36, which is an effect means, and the liquid crystal control board 25 causes the liquid crystal display device 36 to variably display a plurality of decorative symbols, and then stop the display. It also functions as a symbol display control means. In this embodiment, the effect control board 24 and the liquid crystal control board 25 are provided in the gaming machine as separate boards, but the functions of these boards are integrally configured and mounted on one board. Also good.

  Here, a typical liquid crystal control command transmitted to the liquid crystal control board (liquid crystal control CPU) 25 when each game operation is executed by the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 will be briefly described.

  As the liquid crystal control command, a decorative symbol (left) that is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 as a command for designating the content of the effect determined by lottery when the “special symbol designation” command or the “special symbol variation” command is received. , Middle, and right) include a “decorative symbol display” command, and an “effect pattern” command that specifies display of an effect pattern. In addition, there is a “production stop” command that is transmitted when the “stop command” is received and designates the production stop. This effect stop command includes a “decoration symbol stop” command for stopping the variation display of the decoration symbol and stopping and displaying the decoration symbol by the combination of the designated decoration symbol.

  There is also a “game status display” command for designating the display of the game status. This game status display command includes a special symbol with a low probability of big hit probability or a probability change, a low probability of auxiliary hit probability or a high probability, Various game state information is included, such as when the variable time shortening function or the normal symbol variable time shortening function is activated or not activated, or when the ordinary variable winning device 41 is activated or not activated.

  In addition, as a liquid crystal control command for designating an effect during the big hit operation, a “big hit start display” command transmitted after the special symbol is stopped, an “open display” command transmitted when the special winning opening 40 is opened, and the big winning opening 40 “Open interval display” command transmitted at closing, “Big hit end display” command transmitted after the interval performance time has elapsed from the reception of the open interval display command after closing the big winning opening 40 in the final round, after the big hit, There is a “game state display” command or the like transmitted after the jackpot end effect time elapses from the reception of the end display command.

  Further, as a liquid crystal control command for displaying a demonstration screen on the liquid crystal display device 36, there are a demonstration screen display command and an acquired ball number display liquid crystal control command for displaying the acquired number of balls on the liquid crystal display screen.

  Further, there is an “effect display” command for designating an expected effect or a notice effect according to the lottery result of the special variation display game, a background display effect associated therewith.

  When transmitting a liquid crystal control command from the effect control board 24 to the liquid crystal control board 25, the effect control board 24 generates an interrupt signal, and the liquid crystal control board 25 has a 2-byte length composed of a MODE signal and an EVENT signal. A liquid crystal control command is transmitted.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal control board (liquid crystal control CPU) 25 is connected to the effect control board (effect control CPU) 25, but is not connected to the main control board (main control CPU) 27. Therefore, information regarding the gaming state is first transmitted from the main control board 27 to the effect control board 24 as an effect control command, and then transmitted from the effect control board 24 to the liquid crystal control board 25 as a liquid crystal control command.

  The payout control board 29 receives a prize ball control command (payout control command) relating to the payout of prize balls transmitted from the main control board 27 and controls the game ball payout device 19. In addition, the payout control board 29 transmits a status signal (payout completion signal, payout error signal, etc.) relating to award ball payout to the main control board 27.

  When the firing operation handle 15 is operated, the launch control board 33 receives a signal related to the launch operation, and drives and controls the launch device (launch motor) 32.

  The power supply board 31 is connected to an external power supply, generates a required power supply from an AC voltage (AC24V: main power supply) supplied from a transformer, and supplies it to each control board.

  From the external terminal board 21, information on the number of times of change of special symbols, game state information, information on the number of prize balls, etc. are transmitted to a management computer (not shown).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, processing contents on the main control board 27 side in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the main process on the main control side executed by the main control CPU of the main control board 27 in accordance with the game operation control program will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and 6 is executed by the main control CPU. For convenience of explanation, the main body that executes the processing will be described as the main control board 27.

(Main control side main processing: FIG. 5)
First, when power is turned on from the outside to the main body of the gaming machine, a power-on signal indicating that the power is turned on to each control board is transmitted by the power board 31. Then, the main control board 27 starts main control-side main processing shown in FIG.

  In the main control side main process, the main control board 27 executes a necessary initial setting process before starting the gaming operation (step S101).

  Next, the state (ON / OFF) of the output signal of the RAM clear switch input via the input port is confirmed. If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S105. , RAM is initialized. If the RAM clear switch is not on (step S102: NO), it is determined whether or not the backup data stored in the backup RAM is valid when the power is next cut off (step S103). Whether the backup data is valid depends on the state of the backup flag set at the time of power failure. When the power is cut off, the main control board 27 backs up the contents of the processing state immediately before the occurrence of the power interruption and calculates and stores the checksum. When power is restored, the checksum is compared to check whether the backup data is valid.

  When it is determined that the backup data is valid (step S103: YES), the game is necessary to restore the stack pointer before power-off based on the backup data and start the game from the processing state at the time of power-off. Recovery processing is executed (step S104). If the backup data is not valid (step S103: NO), the stack pointer designation address is set in the stack pointer, and the RAM is initialized (step S105). Along with the initialization of the RAM, information indicating that the RAM has been cleared is transmitted as an initialization command to each control board (step S106).

  Next, the CTC provided in the CPU is set (step S107). In this process, an initial value corresponding to 4 ms is set in the CTC time constant register so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 4 ms.

  Next, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S108), and various random number update processes are executed (steps S109 to S111).

  First, change pattern random number value update processing is executed (step S109). The variation pattern random value update process is a process of executing the update of the variation pattern random value specifying the variation pattern of the special symbol in the special symbol variation display game. This random number for the fluctuation pattern indicates what kind of effect will appear depending on the processing result of the big hit lottery and the gaming state (low probability state, probability variation state, short time state, open extension, number of balls with active suspension, etc.) This is a random value to be used when determining.

  In the normal symbol per-determination initial value random number update process (step S110), the random number used for changing the initial value of the normal symbol per-determination random number related to the normal symbol variation display game winning / failing lottery (for example, the count value of the counter) is updated. Is a process of executing the process of updating Further, the initial value random number update process for special symbol determination (step S111) is a process of executing update of a random number used for changing the initial value of the random number for special symbol determination related to the special symbol display game. .

  Next, the interrupt enabled state is set (step S112), and the processing from step S108 to step S112 is executed by loop processing.

(Main control timer interrupt processing: Fig. 6)
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the main control side timer interrupt process executed about every 4 ms in the main control side main process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side activated by interruption every predetermined time.

  A value corresponding to 4 ms is set in the CTC time constant register of the one-chip microcomputer on the main control board 27. For this reason, a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms in the main process on the main control side (see FIG. 5). This timer interrupt process is executed based on a maskable interrupt signal from the CTC.

  In the main control timer interruption process, first, the main control board 27 executes a saving process (step S151) for saving the register to a predetermined stack area.

  Next, a periodic random number update process for periodically updating the random number related to each variable display game is executed (step S152). The periodic random number update process includes a process that is basically the same as the process of step S110 and step S111 shown in FIG. 5, and is a process of updating a random number related to the lottery of the normal symbol display game and the special symbol display game, Processing to regularly update various random numbers (initial value random number for normal symbol determination, random number for normal symbol determination, initial value random number for special symbol determination, random number for special symbol determination, random number for special symbol, special symbol stop symbol random number, etc.) It is.

  Next, timer management processing is executed (step S153). This timer management process is a process for managing and controlling a timer used for a game operation.

  Next, input management processing is executed (step S154). This input management process is a process of storing detection information by various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and periodically updating the information. The detection information by the various sensors includes, for example, detection information of a game ball by a normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, a big winning opening sensor 40a, special symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a, a general winning opening sensor 43a, and the like.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the upper start opening 34, the lower start opening 35, the large winning opening 40, and the general winning opening 43 are defined as the winning openings from which prize balls are paid out. When a game ball is detected by a sensor provided in these and there is an input, a corresponding winning command is transmitted to the effect control board 24. Specifically, when there is information detected by the general winning opening sensor 43a, a general winning opening winning command indicating that fact is transmitted to the effect control board 24 in a winning ball management process (step S156) described later. . In addition, when a detection signal is input by the special symbol start port sensors 34a and 35a, a special symbol start port winning command (an upper start port winning command corresponding to the special symbol starting port 34 or a special symbol starting command) indicating that fact is received. The lower start opening winning command corresponding to the mouth 35) is transmitted to the effect control board 24 in a special symbol management process (step S159: see FIG. 6) described later. When a detection signal is input by the special winning opening sensor 40a, a special winning prize winning command indicating that is transmitted to the effect control board 24 in the special variable winning device management process (step S160: see FIG. 6). The These winning commands are used in an acquired ball number counting process (step S602: see FIG. 18) described later. In addition, each winning command includes information on a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning opening (for example, a general winning opening command has 10 winning balls, and an upper start opening winning command has a prize. 3 balls, the lower start opening command is 3 winning balls, the 13 winning commands are 13).

  Next, error management processing is executed (step S155). This error management process is a process for monitoring an abnormal winning of a gaming machine by monitoring an illegal winning or monitoring a gaming operation state based on detection information from each sensor provided in the gaming machine. .

  Next, a prize ball management process is executed (step S156). This prize ball management process is a process related to the payout of prize balls. When the main control board 27 detects the winning of the game ball, the main control board 27 transmits a winning ball payout control command for designating the number of winning balls to the payout control board 29, and sends the winning ball to the general winning opening 43 to the general winning opening sensor 43a. When there is an input of the signal detected by the player, a general winning opening winning command is transmitted to the effect control board 24. The payout control board 29 drives the game ball payout device 19 in response to the prize ball payout control command. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls are discharged from the game ball dispensing device 19 to the upper tray 19.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is executed (step S157). This normal symbol management process is a process of executing a lottery by the normal symbol display game, or determining a variation display pattern and a stop display mode of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 39 based on the lottery result. This normal symbol management process is based on the condition that a game ball is won at the normal symbol start opening, and the lottery to determine whether to shift to an auxiliary game that is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state. Corresponds to game lottery means.

(Normal symbol management processing: FIGS. 7 and 8)
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the normal symbol management process (step S157).

  When this normal symbol management process is started, in FIG. 7, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start port 37 (input of a detection signal of the normal symbol start port sensor 37a). It is determined whether or not there has been (step S201). When a game ball is detected (step S201: YES), the process proceeds to step S202, and whether or not the number of reserved balls for normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as “the number of reserved balls for normal symbol operation”) is 4 or more. Is determined (step S202). When the normal symbol start port sensor 37a detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start port 37, the normal symbol operation holding ball number fluctuates from a minimum value 0 to a maximum value 4 and is initialized to a minimum when the power is turned on. The value 0 is set.

  And when the number of normal symbol operation reservation balls is not four or more, that is, when it is less than 4 (step S202: NO), it shifts to the processing of step S203, and increments (adds 1) the normal symbol operation reservation balls. Next, the process proceeds to the process of step S204, and a process (random number acquisition process) for storing the random numbers for normal symbol lottery is executed. That is, the current value of the counter for the random number for normal symbol determination is acquired and stored in the acquired numerical value storage area of the RAM.

  When a game ball is not detected in step S201 (step S201: NO), or when the number of normal symbol operation suspension balls is 4 or more in step S202 (step S202: YES), the process of steps S202 to S204 is performed. The process proceeds to step S205 without performing the process.

  Next, when it proceeds to step S205, it is determined whether or not it is “winning (subsidiary hit)”, and if it is “winning” (step S205: YES), it is not necessary to manage the normal symbols, so this The normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variable winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S158.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S205 that it is not “winning” (step S205: NO), the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol is “normal symbol waiting”, “normal symbol changing”, “normal symbol stopped” ”In order (step S206, step S208, step S217), and if applicable, the processing belonging to the respective processing state is performed. “Normal symbol standby” means that the normal symbol has not changed, and the standby state for the next change is in effect. “Normal symbol change” means that the normal symbol is currently changing. “Normal symbol is stopped” indicates that the normal symbol has been changed and stopped.

  Hereinafter, the processing contents when the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol is “normal symbol waiting”, “normal symbol changing”, and “normal symbol stopped” will be described in order.

  When it is “normal symbol waiting” (step S206: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbol operation holding balls is zero (step S207). If the number of normal symbol actuated balls is zero (step S207: YES), the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to a normal variable winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S158.

  On the other hand, if the number of normal symbol operation reserved balls is not zero (step S207: NO), the process proceeds to step S211 of FIG. 8, and 1 is subtracted from the number of normal symbol operation reserved balls (step S211). A process of determining whether or not the numerical value belongs to a hit determination value (a hit determination process) is executed (step S212). In this determination process, the lottery per assistance is performed with the lottery probability corresponding to the gaming state (low probability state, probability variation state). Next, based on the determination result of step S212, a stop symbol indicating the lottery result (normal symbol stop symbol setting) is set (step S213), and then a variation pattern is set (step S214). In this variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is determined based on the determination result in step S212, and the variation time corresponding to this variation pattern (for example, 10 seconds in the non-short-time state, and in the short-time state). 1 second) is determined.

  Then, the processing state is switched to “ordinary symbol variation”, and a normal symbol variation command including information indicating that the ordinary symbol is varying and variation time information is transmitted to the effect control board 24 (steps S215 to S216). Thus, the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S158. The normal symbol variation command is used in the acquired ball number counting process (step S602: see FIG. 18) of the command analysis process (step S534: see FIG. 17) described later.

  If it is “ordinary symbol variation” (step S208: YES), the normal symbol variation time is awaited (step S209: NO). If the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (step S209: YES), the processing state is switched to “ordinary symbol is stopped”, and a normal symbol stop command indicating that the variation of the normal symbol has ended and has been stopped is sent to the effect control board 24. (Step S210). This normal symbol stop command is used in the acquired ball number counting process (step S602: see FIG. 18) of the command analysis process (step S534: see FIG. 17) described later. Thus, the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S158.

  When “ordinary symbol is stopped” (step S217: YES), a certain period of time for displaying the stopped symbol on the normal symbol display device 39 is waited (step S218: NO), and the predetermined time has elapsed. If so (step S218: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a winning symbol (step S219). When the stop symbol is a winning symbol (step S219: YES), the processing state is set to “during (subject to assistance)” (step S220) and switched to “waiting for normal symbol” (step S221). If the stop symbol is not a winning symbol (step S219: NO), the process proceeds to step S221 without performing the process of step S220, and is switched to “normal symbol standby” (step S221). Thus, the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S158.

  Returning to FIG. 6, following the normal symbol management process (step S157), the normal variation winning device management process is executed (step S158). This normal variation winning device management process is a process for controlling the opening / closing operation of the movable wing piece 47. Specifically, based on the result of the lottery determination in the normal symbol management process (step S157), excitation for solenoid control is performed. This is a process for transmitting a control signal to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a and controlling a series of operations of the movable blade piece 47. The normal variation winning device management process is performed by driving the movable member of the normal variation winning device in accordance with a predetermined pattern on the condition that the normal symbol indicating the auxiliary hit is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device. This corresponds to an auxiliary hit control means for controlling execution.

(Normal variation winning device management processing: FIGS. 9 and 10)
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the normal variation winning device management process.

  When this normal variable winning device management process is started, in FIG. 9, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 first stops the normal symbol by the process of step S220 (FIG. 8) of the above normal symbol management process. It is determined whether or not the stop symbol at that time is a winning symbol and is “winning” (step S251). If it is not “winning” (step S251: NO), nothing is done, the ordinary variable winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special symbol management process (FIG. 6) in step S159.

  On the other hand, if it is “winning” (step S251: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal variation winning device 41 is operating, that is, whether or not the opening / closing operation of the movable wing piece 47 is being executed (step). S252) If the normal variation winning device 41 is in operation (step S252: YES), whether or not the game ball to the lower starting port 35 has won and the special symbol starting port sensor 35a detects the winning of the game ball. Is determined (step S253). When a winning at the lower starting opening 35 is detected (step S253: YES), 1 is added to the “lower starting opening winning number” (step S254), and the lower starting opening winning number after the addition is the maximum winning number (for example, 10). It is determined whether or not the number has reached (step S255).

  When the lower start opening winning number is equal to or greater than the maximum winning number (step S255: YES), the operation time range for setting the operation time width of the normal variable winning device 41 (time width of the opening / closing operation of the movable blade piece 47) is set. The timer is cleared (step S256). Then, the process proceeds to step S257.

  If the determination in steps S252 to S253 is NO, that is, if the "normal fluctuation winning device is not operating", or if no winning is detected in the lower start opening 35 (S252 to S253: NO), the processing of steps 254 to S256 Without proceeding to step S257. If the lower start opening winning number is less than the maximum winning number in step S255 (step S255: NO), the process proceeds to step S257 without clearing the operation switching timer.

  In step S257, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the operation switching timer is zero (step S257). While the timer value is not zero (step S257: NO), nothing is done and this normal The variable winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special symbol management process (FIG. 6) in step S159.

  On the other hand, if the timer value of the operation switching timer is zero (step S257: YES), then whether the normal variation winning device 41 is waiting for operation (step S258) or whether the operation is starting (step S260). Whether the operation is in progress (step S 263) or the end of operation (step S 266) is sequentially confirmed. Note that “Waiting for normal variable winning device operation” indicates that the operation of the normal variable winning device 41 is stopped and in a standby state for the next operation, and “Normal variable winning device operation is starting”. The normal variation winning device 41 is in a standby state before the start of operation. “Normal variation winning device is in operation” indicates that the normal variation winning device 41 is currently operating. “Normal variation winning device is being completed”. Indicates that the operation of the normal variable winning device 41 is finished and is in a standby state before the end processing.

  In the following, processing contents in the case of “Waiting for normal variable winning device operation”, “Starting operation of normal variable winning device”, “Operating normal variable winning device”, “Ending normal variable winning device” will be described in order.

  If it is “Waiting for normal variable winning device operation” (step S258: YES), after the operation start time, that is, the normal symbol stop display time has elapsed and the winning is determined, until the normal variable winning device 41 starts operating. Is set to “waiting for the start of operation of the normal variable winning device” (step S259). As a result, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special symbol management process (FIG. 6) in step S159.

  When “ordinary variable winning device operation is starting” (step S260: YES), the operation switching timer is operated according to the game state (open extended, non-open extended, etc.) after the waiting time has elapsed. After the time is set and the mode is switched to “ordinary variable winning device is operating” (step S261), a normal variable winning device operating command indicating that the normal variable winning device 41 is operating is transmitted to the effect control board 24. Further, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a based on the timer value, and the movable blade piece 47 is operated to open the lower start port 35 (step S262). This command for operating the normal fluctuation winning device is used in the acquired ball number counting process (step S602: see FIG. 18) of the command analysis process (step S534: see FIG. 17) described later. As a result, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special symbol management process (FIG. 6) in step S159.

  If “ordinary variable winning device is in operation” (step S263: YES), the lower start opening 35 is closed (step S264), and the normal variable winning device operation end indicating that the operation of the normal variable winning device 41 is completed. The command is transmitted to the effect control board 24, the waiting time after the operation is finished is set, and the operation is switched to “being finished with the normal variation winning device” (step S265). This command for operating the normal fluctuation winning device is used in the acquired ball number counting process (step S602: see FIG. 18) of the command analysis process (step S534: see FIG. 17) described later. As a result, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special symbol management process (FIG. 6) in step S159.

  If “ordinary variable winning device is being completed” (step S266: YES), “winning” is ended and switched to “normal variable winning device is waiting” (step S267). As a result, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special symbol management process (FIG. 6) in step S159.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the special symbol management process is executed (step S159) following the above-described normal variation winning device management process (step S158). This special symbol management process is a process for executing a lottery by a special symbol display game and determining a variation pattern and a stop display mode of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38 based on the lottery result. This special symbol management process is a lottery game in which a lottery for whether to shift to a big hit game that is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state is made on condition that a game ball is won at the special symbol start opening. Corresponds to lottery means.

(Special symbol management processing: FIGS. 11 and 12)
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the special symbol management process.

  When this special symbol management process is started, in FIG. 11, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 first detects a winning ball at the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35 (special symbol start port sensors 34a, 35a). Is detected) (step S301). When a winning at the upper starting opening 34 or the lower starting opening 35 is detected (step S301: YES), a special symbol starting opening winning command (upper starting opening winning command or The lower start opening winning command) is transmitted to the effect control board 24 (step S302), the process proceeds to step S303, and it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is 4 or more (step S303). The number of special symbol operation reservation balls varies from a minimum value 0 to a maximum value 4 as in the case of the normal symbol operation reservation balls.

  When the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is not 4 or more, that is, when it is less than 4 (step S303: NO), 1 is added to the number of special symbol operation reservation balls (step S304). The current value of the counter for the stop design random number and the random number for the variation pattern is acquired and stored in the acquired numerical value storage area of the RAM (step S305). Then, the process proceeds to step S306.

  When winning in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35 is not detected (step S301: NO), or when the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is 4 or more (step S303: YES), the above steps S302 to S305 are performed. The process proceeds to step S306 without performing the process.

  When the process proceeds to step S306, it is determined whether or not it is “big hit”, and if it is “big hit” (step S306: YES), there is no need to manage the special symbol, so this special symbol management process Is finished and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S160.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S306 that it is not “big hit” (step S306: NO), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, “special symbol is stopped” Are sequentially determined (step S307, step S311, and step S320), and if applicable, the process belonging to each processing state is performed. “Waiting for special symbol” means that the special symbol has not been changed and is waiting for the next change. “Waiting for special symbol” means that the special symbol is currently changing. “The special symbol is stopped” indicates that the special symbol has been changed and stopped.

  Hereinafter, processing contents when the processing state is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, and “special symbol stopping” will be described in order.

  When the special symbol is on standby (step S307: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the special symbol is zero (step S308).

  If the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero (step S308: YES), there is a possibility that no game is played. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a demonstration display condition for performing a demonstration effect is satisfied (step S309). In the present embodiment, even if the detection signal input of the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35 has not been input even after a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed, it is determined that the demonstration display condition is satisfied. ing. If the demo display condition is satisfied (step S309: YES), a demo display command is transmitted to the effect control board 24 (step S310). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 6) in step S160.

  On the other hand, if the number of special symbol actuated balls is not zero (step S308: NO), the process proceeds to the flow of FIG. 12, and the special symbol actuated ball is decremented by 1 (step S314), and the random value acquired in step S305 is a big hit A determination process of whether or not it belongs to the determination value (a jackpot determination process) is executed (step S315). In this determination process, a big hit lottery is performed with a lottery probability corresponding to the gaming state (low probability state, probability variation state).

  Next, a stop symbol (special symbol stop symbol) is selected by lottery based on the determination result of step S315 and the special symbol stop symbol random value acquired in step S305 (step S316). By the special symbol stop symbol drawn by this process, the big hit mode and the gaming state to be transferred after the big hit is finally determined.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of big hits in which different big hit games are executed, and a plurality of types of special game states (hereinafter referred to as “special games”) that are different from normal games as the game state after the big hit is completed. Is set.

  In the jackpot game, a plurality of types of jackpot games (for example, 2 rounds and 15 rounds) having different numbers of rounds are set. In the special game above, the special game (the short game state at the time of probability change) is a state in which the probability of the big hit is probable until the next big hit, both the special symbol and the normal symbol are in the short time state, and the open extension function is effective until the next big hit. ), Or a special game (short-time state) in which both the special symbol and the normal symbol are in the short-time state, and the opening extension function is valid until the predetermined end condition is satisfied, although the big hit probability is low probability. . Further, during the special game, the probability of assistance per ordinary symbol is high (probability per assist variation state). Therefore, during the special game, the operating state (opening time, number of times of opening, etc.) of the movable wing piece 47 of the normally variable prize winning device 41 is higher than the normal gaming state, and further, the auxiliary hit probability variation state, so that the auxiliary hit is reduced. It occurs frequently and becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player. Also, during the short-time state, the variation time of each symbol will be shortened relative to the normal game, the number of game digestion per unit time will increase, and lottery per big hit and assistance will be received more than the normal game. It can be said that this gaming state is also a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  For this reason, when a big hit is selected according to the determination result of step S315, which big hit belongs to this process is selected by lottery, and a special symbol stop symbol indicating the lottery result is set.

  Next, a variation pattern setting process is executed (step S317). In this variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the lottery result of the stopped symbol in step S316 and the random value for variation pattern acquired in step S305, and the variation time corresponding to this variation pattern is further determined. It is determined. Then, the processing state is switched to “special symbol variation” (step S318), and a special symbol change command including information indicating that the special symbol is changing and variation time information is provided to the effect control board 24 together with the special symbol designation command. Transmit (step S319). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 13).

  If the special symbol is changing (step S311: YES), it waits for the special symbol change time to elapse (step S312: NO). When the special symbol variation time has elapsed (step S312: YES), the processing state is switched to “special symbol is stopped”, and a special symbol stop command (special symbol stop command) indicating that the special symbol variation has ended and stopped is produced. It transmits to the control board 24 (step S313). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 13).

  When the special symbol is stopped (step S320: YES), it waits for a certain period of time for displaying the stopped symbol on the special symbol display device 41 (step S321: NO). Step S321: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a jackpot symbol (Step S322). If it is a big hit symbol (step S322: YES), the processing state is set to “big hit” (step S323) and switched to “special symbol standby” (step S324). If the stop symbol is not a big hit symbol (step S322: NO), the process proceeds to step S324 without performing the process of step S323, and is switched to “waiting for special symbol” (step S324). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 13).

  Returning to FIG. 6, following the special symbol management process (step S159), a special variable winning device management process is executed (step S160). This special variable winning device management process transmits an excitation control signal for solenoid control to the special variable winning device solenoid 42a on the basis of the result of the big win winning lottery in the special symbol management process (step S159), and a series of open doors 42b. Is a process for controlling the operation of This special variable winning device management process is performed on the special symbol display device on the condition that the special symbol indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed, and the special winning winning device is controlled to open and close according to a predetermined pattern. It corresponds to the big hit game control means for controlling the execution.

(Special variation winning device management processing: FIGS. 13 and 14)
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing the special variable winning device management process.

  When this special variable winning device management process is started, in FIG. 13, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 first stops the special symbol by the process of step S320 (FIG. 12) of the special symbol management process. It is determined whether or not the stop symbol at that time is a big hit symbol and is “big hit” (step S401). If it is not “big hit” (step S401: NO), nothing is done, the special variable winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the LED management process (FIG. 6) in step S161.

  On the other hand, if it is “big hit” (step S401: YES), a series of operations of the special variable winning device 42 according to the big hit game as a result of the big win winning / no-winning lottery in the special symbol management process (step S159) is controlled. For this purpose, the following processing is executed.

  When it is “big hit” (step S401: YES), it is determined whether or not a winning ball to the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 is detected (step S402). When a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is detected (step S402: YES), a big winning opening winning command is transmitted to the effect control board 24 (step S403). The reason why the winning prize winning command is transmitted to the effect control board 24 when a winning ball to the winning prize opening 40 is detected in this processing stage is as follows.

  For example, when the winning ball is detected at the winning prize opening 40 in the process of S407, if the processing form for sending the winning prize winning command is executed after the process of step S408, the winning prize after adding in the post-processing S423 If it is determined that the number of winnings has reached the maximum number of winnings, the processing state is switched to “Starting the operation of the special variable winning device” (see step S425), so immediately before the big winning opening 40 is closed. When a game ball flows in and an overflow phenomenon (for example, 11 winnings) that exceeds the maximum number of winnings (for example, 10) occurs, the overflow winning (for 1 piece) wins a winning game. Commands are not sent. This is because, as a general rule, the winning for the overflow is treated as a regular winning, and when counting the number of winning balls during the big hit, it is necessary to include this (step S602 in FIG. 18 described later). ) Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the processing of S401, it is determined whether or not a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is detected (step S402), and when a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is detected. (Step S402: YES), a processing mode is adopted in which a special winning opening prize command is transmitted to the effect control board 24 (Step S403).

  Returning to the description of the special variable winning device management process again. Next, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is “operation stopped” (step S404). If the operation is stopped (step S404: YES), the operation is switched to “actual agent continuous operation device is operating” (step S409). . Here, the accessory continuous operation device refers to a functional unit for operating the special variable prize winning device 42 for one round continuously for a predetermined number of times.

  If the accessory continuous operating device is not yet “stopped” (step S404: NO), that is, if the accessory continuous operating device is operating, whether the special variable winning device is before starting operation (step S405), Whether the operation is in progress (step S406), whether the operation is stopped (step S412), or whether the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (step S418) is sequentially confirmed. If applicable, the processing belonging to each processing state I do. “Before starting the special variable prize-winning device” means that the operation of the special variable prize-winning device 42 is in a pre-start state and “special variable prize-winning device is operating” means that the special variable prize-winning device 42 is currently active. The fact that the special variable winning device is in operation means that the special variable winning device 42 is currently stopped.

  Hereinafter, the processing contents of “Before the start of operation of the special variable winning device”, “During operation of the special variable winning device”, and “During operation of the special variable winning device” will be described in order.

  If it is “before the start of operation of the special variable prize winning device” (step S405: YES), whether or not a certain time (a certain time before the start) before the special prize winning device 42 of the special variable prize winning device 42 is opened has elapsed. Judgment is made (step S410). Note that the predetermined time before the start is a jackpot start effect section Ta (FIG. 19), which is an interval section from when the special symbol stop display time in step S321 has passed and the winning is confirmed, until the operation of the special variable winning device 42 starts. (See below).

  When the predetermined time before the start elapses (step S410: YES), it is switched to “operating special variation winning device”, and the operation pattern of the special variation winning device 42 is set as the operation pattern of the open / close door 42b). The solenoid control excitation control signal is transmitted to the special variable winning device solenoid 42a, and the open door 42b is operated to open the special winning opening 40 (step S411). Then, the special variable winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the LED management process (FIG. 6) in step S161. If it is not “before the start of operation of the special variable winning device” (step S405: NO), it is determined whether or not the special variable winning device 42 is operating (step S406).

  If “special variable winning device is operating” (step S406: YES), it is determined whether or not a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 is detected (step S407).

  If a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is detected (step S407: YES), 1 is added to the “large winning opening winning number” (step S408). Then, the process proceeds to step S423 in FIG. If no winning ball for the special winning opening 40 is detected (step S407: NO), the process proceeds to step S423 without performing the above 1 addition process (step S408).

  When the process proceeds to step S423, it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes after the addition has reached the maximum winning number (step S423). If the number of winning prizes has not reached the maximum winning number (step S423: NO), it is determined whether or not the preset time for opening the winning opening 40 (big winning opening time) has passed (step S423). S424). Then, if the number of winning prizes has not reached the maximum winning number (step S423: NO), and if the big winning opening time has not passed (step S424: NO), nothing is done, and this special variable winning device. The management process ends, and the process proceeds to the LED management process (FIG. 6) in step S161.

  When the number of winning prizes reaches the maximum winning number (step S423: YES), the winning prize opening 40 is closed and switched to "being activated special variable prize winning device" (step S425). Further, even if the number of winning prizes reaches the maximum number of winnings, if the opening time of the big winnings has passed (step S424: YES), the winning prize opening 40 is closed at that time, and the “special variable prize winning device” is displayed. The operation is switched to “being started” (step S425). As a result, the special variable winning device management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the LED management process (FIG. 6) in step S161.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 (FIG. 13) that the special variable winning device 41 is not in operation (step S406: NO), it is determined whether or not the processing state is “the special variable winning device operation is stopped” (step S406: NO). Step S412).

  In the case of “stopping operation of special prize winning device” (step S412: YES), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (round interval time) has elapsed since the special winning opening 40 is closed (step S413).

  When the round interval time has elapsed (step S413: YES), the operation is switched to “before starting the special variable winning device operation” (step S414). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of operations (number of rounds) of the special variable winning device has reached a predetermined maximum number (for example, 15 rounds) (step S415). During the period up to 15 rounds which is the maximum number of rounds (step S415: NO), 1 is added to the “special variable winning device operating number” (step S416), and the current value of the round number is updated. When the maximum number of rounds has been reached (step S415: YES), the operation is switched to “finishing the operation of the accessory continuous operation device” (step S417). Then, the special variable winning device management process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S412 that the special variable winning device operation is not stopped (step S413: NO), it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (step S418).

  And when it is "finishing operation of the accessory continuous operation device" (step S418: YES), the big hit end effect section which is an interval section after the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 of the final round is closed. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time for determining Tb (see FIG. 19) has elapsed (step S419). And when the fixed time which defines this jackpot end production area Tb has passed (step S419: YES), it switches to "the active agent continuous operation device operation stop" (step S420), and a jackpot end process is performed (step S421). . This jackpot end process is equivalent to the transition preparation setting process for preparing the game state transition to the special game after the jackpot ends. Specifically, during the time-short state (special symbol variation time shortening function or normal symbol variation time shortening) This is a process for setting a game state transition to a special game such as function setting), probability change state (probability change function setting), or open extended game (open extension function setting).

  This jackpot end process is a special game function (special symbol variation time shortening function, normal function) that is placed in a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state as a period separate from the period during the jackpot game This is a process for causing a period during a special game in which the symbol variation time shortening function, the probability variation function, the release extension function, etc. correspond to the special game function) to be effective. Specifically, the big hit ending process corresponds to means for generating a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state after the big hit (special game generation means). An open extended game generating means for generating an open extended game state that is advantageous to the player by raising the operating state of the movable member of the apparatus from the normal game state, and the jackpot lottery probability by the jackpot game lottery means after the big hit Probability variation game generation means for generating a probability variation game state that is advantageous to the player by raising it higher than the normal game state, and after the big hit, the variation display time of at least one of the special symbol and the normal symbol in the normal game state Symbol variation time shortening game generating means for generating a symbol variation time shortening game state advantageous for the player by shortening the variation display time relatively. To play a role of.

  Thereafter, a “game state designation” command including these game state information is transmitted to the effect control board 27 (step S422), and the special variable winning device management process is terminated. Although not shown, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 has a function unit as a special game ending means for ending the period during the special game in which each special game function is valid. Each special game function is invalidated when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, whereby the period during the special game ends (the details of the end condition will be described later). Therefore, whether or not the predetermined end condition is satisfied is monitored according to the progress of the game by the special game end setting means.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 executes the “LED management process” after the special variable winning device management process (step S <b> 161). This LED management process is a process of creating output data to the normal symbol display device 38 or the special symbol display device 39 or outputting a control signal based on the data according to the progress of the process.

  Then, after executing the processing from step S152 to step S161 as described above, the contents of the register are restored (step S162), and the timer interrupt processing is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 23, processing contents on the side of the effect control board 24 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 15, the effect control side main process executed by the effect control CPU of the effect control board 27 in accordance with the game operation control program will be described. 15 to 23 are executed by the effect control CPU, but for the sake of convenience of explanation, the main body that executes the process will be described as the effect control board 24. In addition, processing contents substantially similar to the main control side main process described above will be omitted as appropriate in order to avoid redundant description.

(Production control side main processing: FIG. 15)
First, when power is turned on to the gaming machine main body, a power-on signal indicating that power is turned on to each control board is transmitted by the power board 31. The effect control board 24 that has received the power-on signal starts the effect control side main process shown in FIG.

  In the main process on the effect control side, the effect control board 24 first performs the necessary initial setting before the start of the game operation if the backup is normal (step S501), and returns to the process state before the power cut-off. Processing is executed (step S502). Note that the processing data (backup data) before power-off is not backup data of all RAM information corresponding to power interruption due to momentary power interruption or noise, but the minimum necessary game operation information (for example, stop pattern, variation time) Information, gaming state) backup data.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not a power interruption has occurred (step S503). If the occurrence of a power interruption has been confirmed (step S503: YES), the data at the time of power interruption is stored in a predetermined backup area ( In step S508), when the occurrence of power interruption is not confirmed (step S503: NO), an effect random number update process is executed (step S504). In this effect random number update process, the random number value for effect lottery used mainly for selecting effect contents is regularly updated.

  Next, a command reception interrupt, a timer interrupt, an external INT, etc. are set in an interrupt enable state (step S505), and then an interrupt disable state is set (step S506). Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S507), and the process from step S503 to step S507 is executed in a loop process unless power interruption occurs.

(Command reception interrupt processing: Fig. 16)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing. Here, after the register is saved in a predetermined stack area (step S521), the effect control command is stored in the predetermined area of the RAM (step S522), and the register is restored (step S523). When receiving various effect control commands sent from the main control board 27, an INT interrupt is generated, and when the effect control command is received in this reception interrupt process, it is stored in the command reception buffer. This command reception interrupt process is processed in preference to the effect control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) described below.

(Production control side timer interrupt processing: FIG. 17)
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a timer interrupt process executed every about 2 ms in the effect control side main process in the effect control board 24 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an effect control side timer interruption process activated by interruption every predetermined time. This timer interrupt process is executed based on a maskable interrupt signal from the CTC.

  First, the effect control board 24 executes a register saving process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S531). Next, the watchdog timer that monitors the program abnormality is cleared, and the timer count is restarted (step S532). That is, the watchdog timer built in the one-chip microcomputer of the effect control board 24 is periodically cleared, and if this periodic update process is not executed, for example, an abnormality occurs in the game operation control and the program When the watchdog timer expires, the effect CPU is automatically reset and returns from the runaway state.

  Next, a periodic update process for updating the production random number and various timers is performed (step S533). In this periodic update process, the initial value of the effect random number used to select the effect pattern corresponding to the performance appearance command and the liquid crystal control command created in the effect scenario update process in step S535 is updated for each interrupt. To do. In addition, the contents of various timers necessary for the execution of the effect pattern determined by the performance appearance command and the liquid crystal control command created in the effect scenario update process in step S535 are updated for each interrupt.

  A representative of the various timers is a timer that manages a time schedule related to the generation of a specific effect by the effect control board 24 and the liquid crystal control board 25. That is, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 within the variation period in which the special symbols are varied on the special symbol display device 38, that is, within the same period as the variation period of the special symbols. Within the change period (decoration pattern change period), what effect pattern on the time axis and how long, by the effect means (LED, liquid crystal display device 36, decoration lamp 45, speaker 58, etc.) A time schedule of whether or not to produce an effect is managed by this timer. Also, a normal symbol operating timer and a big hit gaming timer required for the acquired ball number counting process (step S602: see FIG. 18) in the command analysis process (step S534) described later are also managed.

(Command analysis processing (S534): FIGS. 17 and 18)
Next, as the effect determination management process, a command analysis process (step S534) and an effect scenario update process (step S535) are executed.

  FIG. 18 shows details of the command analysis process (step S534). In this command analysis process (FIG. 18), whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command reception buffer (see step S522 in FIG. 16) is monitored for each interrupt, and if an effect control command is stored, This command is read and an effect pattern (effect scenario) is determined (S534). In this command analysis process, the effect control command updated to a new one with priority in the command reception interrupt process is processed.

  More specifically, in this command analysis process, as shown in FIG. 18, the effect control board 24 receives an effect control command from the main control board 400, that is, a command reception interrupt process (see FIG. 16). In step S522, it is determined whether or not an effect control command is stored in the effect control command storage area (step S601).

  If no effect control command has been received (step S601: NO), the command analysis process is terminated without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if an effect control command has been received (step S601: YES), the acquired ball number counting process described in detail later with reference to FIG. 20 is performed (step S602), and then a command reception process is executed (step S603). . In this command reception process, an effect pattern (effect scenario) based on various effect control commands is determined by lottery, and effect pattern data for making an effect appear along the determined effect pattern is created and set.

  Returning to FIG. 17, after executing the above-described command analysis processing, next, the effect scenario update processing (step S535) is executed.

  In this effect scenario update process, an effect of controlling the operation of the decoration lamp 45, the LED, the speaker 58, etc. based on the effect pattern data determined in the command reception process (step S603 in FIG. 18) of the command analysis process (step S534). The appearance command (light emission command and voice command) is created, and the liquid crystal control command for effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 is created. Then, the created appearance appearance command and the liquid crystal control command are stored in a predetermined command storage area (RAM area of the effect control board), and the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the effect control board 24 determines whether or not there is a liquid crystal control command in the predetermined command storage area (step S536). When there is a liquid crystal control command (step S536: YES), the effect control board 24 transmits the liquid crystal control command to the liquid crystal control board 25 at a timing at which video reproduction is necessary (step S537). Thus, the image is changed along the effect scenario in the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Following the management process for determining the effects in steps S534 to S537, the effect control board 24 determines whether or not there is a voice command of the sound data to be reproduced in the predetermined command storage area (step S538). When there is a voice command of the sound data to be played back (step S538: YES), the effect control board 24 inputs a sound LSI voice command and outputs a sound from the speaker 58 through the sound source IC at a timing when the sound needs to be played back. (Step S539). Thereby, the sound effect according to the production scenario is generated from the speaker 58.

  Subsequently, LED output processing is performed (step S540). In the LED output process, when the voice command is transmitted to the sound LSI, the information is received, and the light emission command is transmitted to the decoration lamp 45 or the LED in association with the corresponding effect to turn on or blink to realize the effect by light. .

  Then, after executing the processing of step S531 to step S540, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S541), and the effect control side timer interruption processing is terminated.

[Game state transition diagram]
Next, a method for counting the number of acquired balls in a game where a big hit has occurred will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Here, as a representative example of game progress, first hit with a probabilistic symbol (hereinafter referred to as “probable symbol”), then hit big with a probable symbol again, and finally hit big with a non-probable symbol Then, the case where it returns to a normal game is demonstrated. First, the game progress will be described. In addition, each time width in t1-t13 shown in the figure is exaggerated for convenience of explanation. Therefore, even if it is described with the same length of time width on the drawing, there may be different time widths.

(1-1) During a big hit In FIG. 19, time t0 to t3, t4 to t7 is a probable change pattern (as a special game that shifts after the big hit ends, a probable change state where the next big hit probability is high and a short time state until the next big hit. Is a special symbol: probability variation mode fixed symbol), and the time between t8 and t12 is a non-probable variation (until the next big hit probability is a low probability and a predetermined termination condition as a special game that shifts after the big hit) A special symbol that is in a short-time state: a non-probable change mode fixed symbol) indicates a section that is a big hit. In the present embodiment, these “big hit” sections are “big hit start producing Ta” which is an interval section immediately after the big hit occurs, and the open door 42b of the special variable winning device 42 is opened and closed R times. It is composed of three sections, “During the big hit game” and “Don't finish big hit Tb”, which is the interval section immediately after the big hit game ends. Since the operations during each big hit are the same, the section from time t0 to t3 will be described as a representative.

  At time t0, the game ball wins the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, and the special symbol on the special symbol display device 38 is stopped by the special symbol change display game (the special symbol management process of FIG. 12). When the stop display mode is displayed, that is, when a “hit” occurs as a result of the game lottery.

  When the special symbol is stopped at the special symbol display device 38 with the big hit symbol, the effect control board 24 receives the “big hit start display” command transmitted from the main control board 27 and receives the “big hit” of the same name from the effect control board 24. A “start display” command is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25, and a big hit start effect is started (t0 in FIG. 19).

  The big hit start effect is made from the time when the big hit occurs, and when a predetermined time Ta (hit start effect time) elapses, the first round starts and the open door 42b of the special variable winning device 42 is opened, and the big win is won. The mouth 40 is opened (see t1 in FIG. 19 and S409 to S411 in FIG. 13). The special prize winning device 42 of the special variable prize winning device 42 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds (29 seconds in this example), or a predetermined number n (10 in this example) of game balls enter the big prize opening 40. It is opened until winning (S423 to S425 in FIG. 14). When the game ball wins the big winning opening 40, m winning balls (13 in this example) are paid out per winning ball. The opening of the special winning opening 40 means that the “open display” command is received by the effect control board, and the same “open display” command is transmitted from the same effect control board to the liquid crystal control board 25, so that the open display effect is displayed. (T1 in FIG. 19).

  The open door 42b of the special variable winning device 42 is opened and closed according to a predetermined pattern. Here, at predetermined intervals between rounds, the number of rounds is continuously opened and closed R times (15 times in this example). This interval between rounds is not shown, but when each opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 40 is performed, only a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) from when the big prize opening 40 is closed until the next round starts. , A time interval (hereinafter referred to as “open interval”) set to maintain the open door 42b in a closed state. At the arrival of each open interval, an “open interval display” command is transmitted from the main control board 27, which is received by the effect control board 24, and the same command is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board, and the same command is received. A corresponding open interval effect is displayed.

  During the big hit game consisting of the opening of the big winning opening 40 and the opening interval, a game ball wins the opened big winning opening 40. Note that the special winning opening 40 is not opened in the sections other than during the big hit game. Therefore, winning in the big winning opening 40 in a section other than during the big hit game is not a regular winning but treated as an illegal winning by a goth act, and a predetermined error processing is executed in an error management process (see step S155 in FIG. 6). Is done.

  During the big hit game, the fifteenth big winning opening 40 that is the final round is closed, and the game ends when a certain time elapses (t2 in FIG. 19). At this time, a “big hit end display” command is transmitted from the main control board 27, and the effect control board 24 receives this command, and transmits the same command to the liquid crystal control board 25, and the jackpot end effect corresponding to the command is sent. Is displayed. This big hit end effect is made only for a predetermined time Tb, and when the predetermined time Tb elapses, the big hit section ends (see t3 in FIG. 19 and S419 to S422 in FIG. 14). As the big hit end effect, for example, a logo mark is displayed on a liquid crystal display device, and the number of acquired balls (details will be described later) is displayed (including a display that implies the number of acquired balls). In the present embodiment, it has been described that the section of “big hit” is composed of three sections of “big hit start producing Ta”, “big hit game” and “big hit end producing Tb”. The “big hit” section need only include the “big hit game” section, and may not include “big hit start effect during Ta” and “big hit end effect during Tb”.

(1-2) Probability Change / Short Time State Subsequently, the gaming state enters “probability change / short time state” (t3 to t4 in FIG. 19). This is a gaming state in which a probabilistic state and a short-time state occur simultaneously.

  The probability variation state in “probability / short time state” in FIG. 19 means that the lottery probability that is a big hit than the normal game is increased and the lottery probability of the auxiliary hit (auxiliary game) is increased. A gaming state with a high probability means a state in which they are occurring at the same time. In other words, the main control board (main control CPU) 27 changes the contents of the jackpot determination value with respect to the special symbol in order to set the lottery probability for winning the jackpot to a high probability (probability change state). For example, although the lottery probability that is a big hit is 1 / 310.6, the lottery probability that is a big hit is increased to 10 / 310.6. Furthermore, the main control CPU also changes the content of the hit determination value for the normal symbol. For example, the lottery probability that the normal symbol is per assistance is 5/256, but the lottery probability that is per assistance is increased to 255/256.

  Also, the short-time state means a gaming state in which the special symbol variation time is shortened relative to the normal game by a short-time function (special symbol variation time shortening function) that the main control CPU takes on the function part of the special symbol. To do. For example, during normal games, the special symbol variation time is 11 to 60 seconds (13 to 60 seconds for jackpot or reach, otherwise 11 seconds), but this special symbol variation time is 2 to 37 seconds (big hit) If it reaches or reach, shorten to 8 to 37 seconds, otherwise 2 seconds). Further, regarding the normal symbol, it means a gaming state in which the normal symbol variation time is shortened relative to the normal game by the time-shortening function (ordinary symbol variation time shortening function). For example, during a normal game, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds, but this normal symbol variation time is reduced to 1 second. That is, the “short-time state” in “probability / short-time state” in FIG. 19 means that the fluctuation time reduction state in which the special symbol fluctuation time is shortened and the fluctuation time reduction state in which the normal symbol fluctuation time is shortened simultaneously occur. It means the gaming state that is playing.

  What should not be confused is the difference from the section (t12 to t13) marked as “during time reduction” in FIG. The section (t12 to t13) indicated as “during time-short state” in FIG. 19 is expressed as “during time-short state” by paying attention to the special symbol. That is, paying attention to the special symbol, the section (t12 to t13) is only in the time-short state, and is not in the probability variation state. However, with respect to ordinary symbols, the section (t12 to t13) is not only in a time-short state but also in a probabilistic state.

  In addition, the main control CPU performs an open extension function until the predetermined end condition is satisfied during the probability change / short time state or the short time state (in this case, until the number of special symbol fluctuations is consumed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times)). To activate a period during which the opening is extended. During the opening extension, the operating time of the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is extended to extend the opening time and the number of times of opening of the lower start opening 35 as compared with the normal game. For example, during normal games (when the opening extension function is not activated), the opening time of the lower start port 35 is 0.2 seconds and the number of times of opening is one, but during the opening extension, the opening time is extended to 1.7 seconds. The number of times of opening is extended to 2 times (opening for 1.7 seconds, and then opening for 1.7 seconds after an interval time of 1 second). In FIG. 19, the section indicated as “opening extension” extends not only to the “probability / shortening state” (t3 to t4, t7 to t8) but also to the “shortening state” (t12 to t13) section. The focus is on the short-term state of probability change of normal symbols.

  Therefore, during the opening extension shown in FIG. 19, the lottery probability per assistance increases and the operation time of the normal variation winning device 41 is extended, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the lower start opening 35 by the movable wing piece 47 are normal. It is extended more than a game. For this reason, it is assumed that the winning probability to the lower start opening 35 is increased, which affects the appearance of balls. On the other hand, the normal variation winning device 41 may operate even during the big hit section (t0 to t3. However, during the big hit, it is a section that is not being extended, and the probability that the normal variable winning device 41 operates. Therefore, even if the lower start opening 35 is opened in a relatively short time during the big hit, winnings to the lower start opening 35 are rare. However, it is estimated that there is almost no effect on the ball, but the present invention also takes into account the effect of the ball on the winning.

(1-3) 2nd and 3rd big hits When the big hit with the probability variation symbol again during the above probability change / short-time state (t3 to t4), the gaming state will continue to be the second big hit “medium hit” ( The process enters from t4 to t7) in FIG. The operation of the game in the big hit is the same as the section from t3 to t4.

  If a big hit with a non-probable change symbol during the subsequent probability change / short-time state (t7 to t8), the gaming state enters the third big hit “medium hit” (t8 to t12 in FIG. 19). The operation of the game during the big hit is the same as the above-described section from t3 to t4.

  Next, when the “big hit” is completed (t12 in FIG. 19), the “short-time state” (t12 to t13 in FIG. 19) is entered. In this “short-time state” game, regarding the special symbol, the operation of the positive-change state is eliminated from the above-mentioned short-term state and the normal variation prize-winning device 41 from the above-mentioned probability change / short-time state (t3 to t4 or t7 to t8). Only the extension function works. For normal symbols, both a probabilistic state and a short time state continue.

  During this short state (t12 to t13 in FIG. 19), a game ball is won in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, and the special symbol variation display game is played a predetermined number of times (100 in this example). That is, the process ends on the condition that the special symbol has been changed 100 times (t13 in FIG. 19). Then, during normal gaming (after t13 in FIG. 19), that is, the gaming state is returned to the gaming state that is neither the short-time state, the probable change state nor the open extension.

(1-4) Number of acquired balls during jackpot Consider the number of acquired balls that are estimated to be acquired by a player once per jackpot. The number of balls (increase) serving as a player's gain is each winning opening with a winning ball (in this embodiment, the upper starting opening 34, the lower starting opening 35, the large winning opening 40, and the general winning opening 43 correspond) Is the total number of awarded balls based on the number of game balls won, and the number of lost balls (decrease) is the total number of balls launched from the launcher 32 during the big hit. Conceivable. Therefore, the number of acquired balls acquired by the player during the big hit can be obtained by subtracting the decrease in the latter from the increase in the former.

  Further, the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 does not always have a fixed number of winning balls within one (one round) opening time. When a game ball with the maximum number of winnings (here, 10) that becomes the end condition of one round (see step S423 in FIG. 14) wins, or when the time for opening the big winning opening has elapsed and the number of winning balls is less than the maximum number of winnings In the case (for example, 9 pieces), or when the game ball flows into the big winning opening 40 continuously just before the grand prize opening 40 is closed accidentally and wins over the maximum winning number (for example, 11 pieces). There is also. Thus, there are variations in the number of winning balls within one opening time. In addition, since the big winning opening 40 is opened R times (R rounds) with the opening interval time between, the game balls having such variations occur between the R rounds. Accordingly, the number of balls acquired during a single big hit game is not always constant and varies.

  However, according to the method of subtracting the total number of hit balls in the big hit from the total number of winning balls in the big hit as described above and estimating the resulting number of balls as the number of acquired balls, the above variation is reduced. Thus, it is possible to obtain the estimated number of acquired spheres with increased accuracy.

  Specifically, every time a game ball wins each winning slot with the above winning ball during a big hit, a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning hole is used for the number of acquired balls. These are added using a counter (a storage means for storing the number of acquired balls). That is, the number of subtotal payouts of the number of prize balls calculated based on the elapsed time of the jackpot period and the number of subtotal hits of the launching device 32 calculated based on the elapsed time of the jackpot period are obtained. The number of balls corresponding to the difference between the number of subtotal payouts and the number of subtotal hits is added to the number of acquired balls V that is the stored value of the immediately previous acquired ball number counter to obtain the current number of acquired balls V. In this way, when it is necessary to notify the number of acquired balls, at that time, the integrated value of the acquired number of balls counter can be read and displayed.

  The above-mentioned jackpot is continued by pulling the jackpot during the probability change / short-time state or the short-time state. In the present embodiment, as long as this consecutive resort continues, the acquired ball number counter accumulates the acquired ball number V. That is, even during the retreat, it is possible to know the number of acquired balls in the retreat by simply adding the current number of hits to the previous big hit.

  Although it is a rough calculation, if the number of acquired balls that a player can acquire with k hits in a big hit game is about 1500, the number of acquired balls can be k times or around that It is estimated that In the case of FIG. 19, the big hit is 3 times (k = 3), and the big hit is 3 consecutive games, so the acquired ball number counter holds about 4500 acquired ball numbers as integrated values. Presumed to be.

  As described above, the number of balls (increase) that is a player's gain is the total number of prize balls paid out based on the number of game balls won in each prize opening with a prize ball, and the player loses. The number of balls (decrease) is considered to be the total number of balls launched from the launching device 32 during the big hit. Therefore, the number of acquired balls acquired by the player during the big hit can be obtained by subtracting the decrease in the latter from the increase in the former.

  In the above, the outline of the number of winning balls during the big hit was explained. Details of the number of acquired balls during the extension of the opening will be described in step S706 (processing for counting the number of acquired balls during the extension of the opening) in FIG.

[Acquired ball count processing: FIG. 20]
Here, the details of the above-mentioned acquired ball number counting process (S602 in FIG. 18) will be described. FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the acquired ball count process.

  In this acquired number-of-balls counting process, it is checked in turn whether the game is “big hit”, “short state during probability change”, or “short state during time” (steps S701 to S703). That is, it is first determined whether or not it is “big hit” (step S701). If it is not “hit big hit”, it is determined whether or not it is “short state during probability change” (step S702). If it is not “medium”, it is determined whether it is “medium time saving state” (step S703). The gaming state can be known from the gaming state designation command transmitted from the main control board 27.

  In the case of the specific example of FIG. 19, first, a big hit (t0 to t3) with a probable variation symbol is made. During the big hit game (t1 to t2), the determination in step S701 is YES, so the process proceeds to step S705, “Accumulated ball count process during game” is executed.

(Counting process for the number of balls acquired during the big hit game: FIG. 21)
FIG. 21 shows details of the processing for counting the number of acquired balls during the big hit game. Here, a counting form focusing on “during a big hit game”, which is a dominant gaming state in which the number of acquired balls increases during a big hit, will be described. In this big hit game-acquiring ball count processing, when the Ta (hit hit start effect time) has elapsed, the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 first activates the big hit game timer to measure the time during the big hit game. Is started (step S721). The big hit game timer is a timer that performs a time counting operation only during a big hit game.

  Next, the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 monitors a section during the big hit game, that is, a section in which the big hit game timer is activated (clocking operation: ON), with 6 seconds as a unit time.

  Each time the unit time (6 seconds) has elapsed during the big hit game, the number of shot balls (number of shot loss balls) estimated to be fired within the unit time (6 seconds) immediately before the unit time is calculated. , Subtraction processing (subtraction processing during jackpot game: steps S722 to S723) for subtracting from the previous stored value V as the subtotal launch ball count (subtotal launch loss ball count), and each winning mouth during the jackpot game Each time there is a prize ball due to winning a prize (every time a prize command is received), an addition process (addition process during jackpot game: step) is added to the number of winning balls V which is the previous stored value. S724 to S725). Specifically, at the upper start opening 34 and the lower start opening 35, 3 winning balls are paid out for each winning ball, and at the general winning opening 43, 15 winning balls are paid out for each winning ball. The number of winning balls is added to the number of winning balls V. Since the normal symbol starting port 37 is not a winning port from which a prize ball is paid out, the number of prize balls is set to “0” or excluded.

  The processing in the above steps S721 to S725 is performed by adding a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning mouth, on condition that a gaming ball wins in each winning mouth during the big hit game ( Big hit game addition processing (corresponding to steps S724 to S725)), by subtracting the estimated number of hit balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time of the big hit game from the result of the addition ( Subtraction processing during big hit game: corresponding to steps S724 to S725), corresponding to the first acquired ball number calculation means for counting the current acquired ball number V.

  In detail, the launching device 32 normally has the ability to launch about 100 game balls per unit time (1 minute) under the control of the launch control board 28. In the state of “big hit game” being handled now, the big prize opening 40 is repeatedly opened and closed. The game balls launched from the launching device 32 are effective balls that are awarded to each winning mouth (the big winning opening 40, the upper starting opening 34 and the lower starting opening 35 which are special symbol starting openings, the general winning opening 43, etc.) Or an invalid ball that passes through the game area and exits to the out port 49 and wins a prize.

  Here, the number of hitting balls (number of hitting loss balls) can be estimated from the ability of the launching device 32 to launch a game ball. Usually, since it has the ability to fire about 100 game balls per minute, when considering the number of shot loss balls as a subtraction item, the normal evaluation method of the ability of the launching device 32 is used for 1 minute. It is only necessary to correct the number of acquired balls by subtracting 100 shots every time.

  That is, by subtracting the total number of hit balls in the jackpot game (the duration (minutes) during the jackpot game × 100) from the total number of payouts in the jackpot game treated as the counting target section, The number of acquired balls in (middle) can be obtained.

  However, in the correction of subtracting 100 shots every minute, the correction interval is too long and the correction amount is not immediately reflected in the value of the number of acquired balls. For this reason, it is difficult to always keep track of the exact number of hitting balls in real time. In order to immediately reflect the number of hitting balls in the number of acquired balls, it is necessary to repeat the correction of the number of acquired balls at least in a short repetition period in seconds, considering the incidence of hitting balls. .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is made to correspond to “subtract 100 shots as the number of hitting balls every 1 minute”, and as an equivalent process, it is acquired at a short cycle of about 6 seconds. The correction of the number of balls is repeated, and a correction process of “subtract from the number of balls obtained as the number of hitting balls at every 6 seconds” is performed. If the time interval is about 6 seconds, the number of acquired balls can be corrected in accordance with the ability of the launching device in real time.

  In the ball game machine of this embodiment, for each winning ball, 13 prize balls are paid out at the large winning opening 40 and 3 at each of the upper starting opening 34 and the lower starting opening 35. Then, 15 prize balls will be paid out. In addition, during one big hit game, when the big winning opening 40 is opened once, an average of nine pieces are won, and this is repeated 15 rounds. In this ball game machine, during the big hit game (t1 to t2), 135 (9 × 15 rounds) in the big prize opening 40, 10 in the upper start opening 34 and the lower start opening 35, and the general prize opening 43 Assuming that one winning ball is generated, the approximate number of winning balls is as follows.

The number of payouts for the winning prize opening 40 is 1755 (135 winning prizes × 13 winning balls), and the number of paying out for the upper starting opening 34 and the lower starting opening 35 is 30 (10 winning prizes * number of winning balls) 3) The number of payouts according to the winning amount to the general winning opening 43 is 15 (winning 1 × ball 15), and a total of 1800 (breakdown: 1755 + 30 + 15 = 1800) is paid out. Further, if it takes 3 minutes to digest during the big hit game, there are a total of 300 (3 minutes × 100) shots (number of shots lost). At the end of the big hit game period, as will be understood from the following equation, 1500 will be acquired.
1800 (total number of payouts during jackpot game: 1755 + 30 + 15) -300 pieces (number of hitting balls: 3 minutes of time during jackpot game × 100 launching ability of launcher per minute) = 1500

  In the case of the present embodiment, the acquired number of balls V is stored and held in the acquired number of balls counter as 1500.

  In the above, the determination in step S701 is YES and the process proceeds to step S706. When the big hit start effect time Ta elapses, the big hit game timer is activated, and the count mode in which the big hit game period is set as the counting target section is an example. And explained.

  Here, the big hit is actually at time “t0”. Therefore, originally, in order to count the number of winning balls in the big hit, it is preferable to start the time counting operation of the big hit gaming timer from the time t0, but in the present embodiment, the following matters are taken into consideration. The time point from “t1” when the big hit game is in progress to the time point “t2” is shown as the timing operation period of the big hit game timer.

  In the ball game machine of the present embodiment, the big hit start effect is made from the time when the big hit occurs, and when the predetermined constant time Ta (big hit start effect time) elapses, the first round starts and the special variable prize winning device 42 The open door 42b is opened, and the special winning opening 40 is opened (see t1 in FIG. 19 and S409 to S411 in FIG. 13).

  When many players recognize that a big hit has occurred, they release their hands from the launching device 32 until the big hit start effect ends (or immediately before that) and stop launching the game ball. The more advanced the game is, the stronger this tendency is. Even if a game ball is launched just before the big winning opening 40 is opened, most of them do not win the winning opening with a winning ball (out ball) This is because the profit that can be obtained by waiting for the opening of the special winning opening 40 is increased.

  Therefore, if the big hit gaming timer is started from the time “t0” when the big hit is made, the big hit start production time Ta is counted, and in particular, the big hit start production time Ta is equal to the unit time (6 seconds). ), The subtraction process (steps S722 to S723) is performed even though there is no launch, causing a problem.

  On the other hand, paying attention to the end time in the big hit game, the big hit end effect is made from the time “t2” when the final round is finished, and the big hit section ends when a predetermined time Tb (big hit end effect time) elapses. (See t3 in FIG. 19 and S419 to S422 in FIG. 14).

  Here too, when many players recognize that the big hit game is over, they release their hands from the launching device 32 and stop launching the game ball until the big hit end effect is finished, in order to prevent useless balls. Therefore, as with the above-described reason for the influence on the number of acquired balls in the big hit start effect time Ta, the time counting operation of the big hit gaming timer is terminated when “t2” arrives, The counting will be terminated.

  Of course, from the time of “t0”, the big hit game timer may be operated to perform the subtraction process (steps S722 to S723) based on the timer.

  In this case, in the process of step S721, the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 activates the big hit game timer from the time (t0) when the big hit occurs, and starts the timing operation during the big hit period (step S721). ). The big hit game timer here is a timer that performs a time counting operation during the big hit period.

  Then, every time the unit time (6 seconds) during the big hit comes, the number of shot balls (number of shot loss balls) estimated to be fired within the immediately preceding unit time (6 seconds) is subtotaled. Each time a winning command is received, a subtraction process (steps S722 to S723) for subtracting the number of hitting balls (subtotal hitting loss ball number) from the acquired stored ball number V, which is the previous stored value, An addition process (steps S724 to S725) for adding to the acquired number of balls V, which is a stored value, is performed. In the above addition process, every time a winning command is received during “Big hit game” or every time a winning command is received during “Big hit”, the number of winning balls V is the last stored value V You may add to.

  When the time-counting operation period of the big hit game timer is set to “big hit”, the above subtraction process including the period of “big hit start effect Ta” and “hit hit end effect Tb” is performed regardless of the launch. It will be. For this reason, when the player performs the above-described act of preventing the useless ball within these periods, or when the player can hardly expect winnings within the period (for example, “Big hit start effect Ta” or “Big hit end effect Tb”). May end in a relatively short period of time and no winnings can be expected during this period), etc., etc., the time count operation period of the “big hit game timer” may be smaller than when the “big hit game is in progress” is expected.

  However, when the clocking operation period of the big hit game timer is set to the “big hit” period, there are the following advantages.

  Pay attention to the case of notifying the player of the number of acquired balls. For example, when the number of acquired balls is notified every time a predetermined number described later is exceeded, if the value of the acquired ball counter is smaller than the actual number of acquired balls, the notification is delayed in time. become. That is, the timing at which the value of the acquired ball counter exceeds 4000 shots is more temporal than the timing when the number of balls actually acquired by the player exceeds the predetermined number (here, 4000 shots). Will be late. Therefore, the number of balls actually acquired by the player before the timing at which the notification of exceeding 4000 shots is made has reached 4000 shots.

  When the player finishes the game, the player usually counts the number of balls actually acquired through a ball counter (so-called jet counter) installed in the pachinko parlor. In this example, if it is assumed that the player finished the game at the time of confirming that the player exceeded 4000 shots or immediately after that, and the number of acquired balls was counted with the above ball counter, the result exceeded 4000 shots. The value or a value in the vicinity thereof will be shown. If the result of counting with the ball counter shows a value significantly less than 4000, it not only gives the player distrust, but can also cause trouble with the pachinko parlor. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent such a problem from occurring by delaying the timing at which the value of the acquired ball counter reaches a value exceeding 4000 shots.

  Returning to FIG. 20, when the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 finishes the process of counting the number of acquired balls during the big hit game, it determines whether or not an acquisition display condition described later is satisfied (step S <b> 707). If the acquisition display condition is not satisfied (step S707: NO), this acquired ball count process is terminated.

  According to the specific example of FIG. 19, the gaming state is in the probability variation / short time state (more precisely in the probability variation short time state) through an interval period from the big hit game (t1 to t2) to the big hit end effect Tb (t3 to t3). The process proceeds to t4).

  Therefore, the process proceeds to the probabilistic / short-time state (t3 to t4), so that the determination in step S702 of FIG. 20 is YES, so that the process proceeds to step S706, and “the number of acquired balls during open extension processing” is executed. .

(Counting the number of balls acquired during the extended extension: Fig. 22)
FIG. 22 shows the details of the processing for counting the number of acquired balls during open extension (step S706). In this process of counting the number of acquired balls during the extension of the opening, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol operating section that occurs during the extension of the opening (in the normal symbol probability change short state) has been entered (step S751). Here, the section in which the normal symbol is operating includes not only a section in which the normal symbol is changing, but also a section until the operation of the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is completed when the assist is made. Whether or not the section is in the normal symbol operating state can be known from the normal symbol change command in step S216 of the normal symbol management process in FIG. 8 and the normal symbol stop command in step S210 of the same process in FIG. Further, until the operation of the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is completed, the period is the normal variation winning device operating command in step S262 of the normal variation winning device management process of FIG. 10, and the normal variation winning device operation ends in step S265. You can know by command.

  If it is determined that the normal symbol operating section has been entered during the extension of the opening (step S751: YES), the effect control board 24 operates the “normal symbol operating timer” (step S752). When the normal symbol operating section is exited (step S751: NO), the “normal symbol operating timer” is stopped (step S757). The normal symbol operating timer is a timer that is activated (ON) only during the period during which the normal symbol is being extended. For example, if the normal symbol fluctuates for 1 second and is not per assistance, It is released by repeating the operation of continuously operating (clocking operation ON) for 2 seconds, and stopping (timekeeping operation OFF) when 1 second ends and the normal symbol does not change. It is a timer that displays the period of normal symbol operation during extension. Here, the timer focused on the section in which the normal symbol is operating is operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timer focused on only the section in which the normal symbol is fluctuating may be operated. You may operate the timer which paid attention only to the area which the movable member of an apparatus is driving.

  On the other hand, a section in which the normal symbol is activated a plurality of times during the extended extension, that is, a section in which the normal symbol in-operation timer is activated (ON) is monitored every predetermined unit time (for example, 6 seconds). When the period of normal symbol operation is repeated once, twice, three times, etc., the timer operation time of those sections is counted incrementally, for a total time of 6 seconds. It is determined that the monitoring unit time (6 seconds) has arrived at the point of time (even in the middle of the sixth normal symbol operation period).

  Then, each time the time point of the unit time (6 seconds) has elapsed, the number of shot balls (number of shot loss balls) estimated to be fired within the unit time (6 seconds) immediately before is calculated as the subtotal launch ball. It is paid out based on the subtraction process (subtraction process during opening extension: steps S752 to S754) subtracted from the number of acquired balls as the number (subtotal hitting loss ball number) and the number of winning balls won in each winning opening during the opening extension. Addition processing for adding the number of winning balls to the number of acquired balls V (addition processing during open extension: steps S755 to S756) is performed. In the processes of steps S752 to S756, a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning mouth is obtained on condition that a gaming ball wins at each winning mouth during the special gaming state. Add to the number V (addition processing during open extension: corresponding to steps S755 to S756), and based on the addition result, the estimated launch of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time during the special gaming state By subtracting the number of balls (subtraction processing during open extension: corresponding to steps S752 to S754), this corresponds to the second acquired ball number calculation means for counting the current acquired ball number V.

  In detail, the launching device 32 normally has the ability to launch about 100 game balls per unit time (1 minute) under the control of the launch control board 28. The state of “opening extension” being handled now occurs during “probability change / shortening state” (t3 to t4, t7 to t8) or “during shorting state” (t12 to t13). During this state, the special winning opening 40 is closed.

  Therefore, whether the game sphere launched from the launching device 32 becomes an effective sphere that wins a prize opening other than the grand prize opening 40 or becomes an invalid sphere that passes through the game area and exits to the out slot 49. , Either. All invalid balls that have escaped to the out port 49 become lost balls as seen by the player.

  Now, assuming that all the game balls launched from the launching device 32 during normal symbol operation pass through the game area 3a to the out port 49 and become invalid balls that do not win a prize, there is also one during normal symbol operation. If a winning entry is not made, the number of ball losses at launch is at its maximum. The number of hitting ball losses is reduced when there is a winning at each winning opening (upper starting opening 34, lower starting opening 35, general winning opening 43, etc.) during normal symbol operation. If all the hitting balls win the winning opening during normal symbol operation, the number of hitting ball losses is minimized. When a prize is awarded to each prize opening, a predetermined number of winning balls is paid out for each winning ball.

  The fact that the normal symbol is in operation is a situation where a game ball is being fired from the launching device 32 in many cases. In addition, the fact that the normal symbol is in operation includes that the normal symbol is changing. During this period, the normal variable winning device 41 is not operated yet, and the lower start opening 35 is not opened. The lower start port 35 is opened if the normal variation winning device 41 is in operation and is in an auxiliary state. In spite of this situation, if none of them wins the winning slot, the player's number of balls will continue to decrease because the number of balls he has lost exceeds the number of balls he has paid out. If the number of payout balls is below, the player's number of balls will continue to increase.

Therefore, as a method of calculating the number of balls acquired by the player during the extension of the opening, attention is paid to the period during which the normal symbol is operating during the extension of the opening. If the normal symbol does not fluctuate, there is a high possibility that the game ball has not been fired from the launching device 32, and if the normal symbol has fluctuated, the possibility that the game ball has been launched from the launching device 32 is large. is there. Further, if the normal variable winning device 41 is in operation, the lower start opening 35 is opened. During this time, the player attempts to win the lower start opening 35. In this case as well, the game ball is released from the launching device 32. The possibility of being fired is great. Then, as a correction value for the content of the acquired number of balls counter, the number of winning balls paid out by the effective number of the winning balls won by subtracting the number of hitting balls from the acquired number of balls during the normal symbol variation period. Is added to the number of acquired balls. That is, all the award balls paid out by the effective balls are added, and the hitting loss ball number is subtracted from the acquired ball number V as a corrected value. This can be expressed in the following equation by paying attention to the estimated net increase during the open extension.
Total number of winning balls during the extension of the opening-number of hitting loss balls during the normal symbol operation period X = estimated net increase during the extension of the opening (2)

  Here, the maximum value of the launch loss ball number X can be estimated from the ability of the launch device 32 to launch a game ball. In other words, when considering the number of hitting balls as a subtraction item, a method of correcting the number of acquired balls in which 100 shots are subtracted every 1 minute in accordance with a normal evaluation method of the ability of the launching device 32 can be considered.

  However, in the correction of subtracting 100 shots every minute, the correction interval is too long and the correction amount is not immediately reflected in the value of the number of acquired balls. For this reason, it is difficult to always keep track of the exact number of hitting balls in real time. In order to immediately reflect the number of hitting balls in the number of acquired balls, it is necessary to repeat the correction of the number of acquired balls at least in a short repetition period in seconds, considering the incidence of hitting balls. .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is made to correspond to “subtract 100 shots as the number of hitting balls every 1 minute”, and as an equivalent process, it is acquired at a short cycle of about 6 seconds. The correction of the number of balls is repeated, and a correction process of “subtract from the number of balls obtained as the number of hitting balls at every 6 seconds” is performed. That is, in the above formula (2), “the number of shot loss balls during the normal symbol operation period” is corrected as “normal symbol operation period (seconds) × launching device launch performance (number of shots / second)”. (Here, since there are 100 launch performances per minute, the number of launches every 6 seconds is 10). If the time interval is about 6 seconds, the number of acquired balls can be corrected in accordance with the ability of the launching device in real time.

  With reference to FIG. 22 again, the number-of-acquisition counting process during the extended extension will be described. In FIG. 22, the effect control board (effect control CPU) 24 first determines whether or not the normal symbol is operating (step S751). When the normal symbol is operating (step S751: YES), the “normal symbol operating timer” is activated (step S752). When the normal symbol is not operating (step S751: NO), the “normal symbol operating timer” Is stopped (step S757).

  Next, during the normal symbol operation, the time during which the normal symbol operation timer is operating is additionally monitored, and the added timer value has passed the correction interval of 6 seconds, which is the unit time of the monitoring. (Step S753). Then, if the timer time of the normal symbol operating timer has passed the correction interval of 6 seconds (step S753: YES), each time a process of subtracting 10 from the acquired number of balls V as the number of shots lost (launch loss) Ball number subtraction processing: subtraction processing during open extension) (step S754). In addition, before 6 seconds have passed (step S753: NO), the process proceeds to step S755 without passing through step S754.

  Next, during the normal symbol operation, each winning opening provided in the game area 3a (the large winning opening 40 is closed, so the upper starting port 34, the lower starting port 35, the normal symbol starting port 37, It is determined whether or not there is a winning ball for the general winning opening 43 (that is, whether or not there is a winning command) (step S755). When a winning command corresponding to winning at each winning opening is received (step S755: YES), processing for adding a value corresponding to the winning ball number information included in the winning command to the acquired ball number V (extension) Medium addition processing) is performed (step S756).

  By the above-mentioned subtraction process during opening extension (steps S751 to S754) and the addition process during opening extension (S755 to S756), the loss of the number of balls launched by the launching device 32 during the open extension (the number of shot loss balls) and the winning The gain of the number of balls paid out by the above (the total number of payouts during the opening extension) is added to the acquired number of balls V. As a result, the value of the number of acquired balls is reduced or increased. It should be noted that the state in which the normal symbol is not in operation despite the above-extended extension period is, for example, the so-called “no change” of the normal symbol because, for example, the player has left the seat to the restroom. This is considered to be a state of “Demo”. Actually, when a demo display command is received, a demonstration effect image is displayed, but this is a concept including the fact that the “variation of normal symbols has stopped”. It means “during demonstration”. Also in this case, it is determined that the normal symbol is not operating in the process of step S751 (step S751: NO), and the normal symbol operating timer is stopped (step S757). Accordingly, the case of “demo” is also processed as one mode when the normal symbol operation is not being performed, and the above-described subtraction process during extension (steps S751 to S754) and the addition process during extension (S755 to S756) are executed. There is no effect on the number of acquired balls.

  According to the specific example of FIG. 19, the gaming state shifts to the second big hit game (t5 to t6) through the interval period of the big hit start effect during Ta from the above probability change / short time state (t3 to t4). The operation of counting the number of acquired balls during the big hit game is the same as that in the first case described above. If it is determined in step S701 in FIG. 20 that the big hit is made (step S701: YES), the process proceeds to step S705. Then, the number-of-acquired ball count process during the big hit game (FIG. 21) is executed.

  In addition, after the second big hit, the process shifts to the probability change / short time state (t7 to t8). The operation of the acquired ball number counting process in the second probability change / short time state (t7 to t8) This is the same as the operation for counting the number of acquired balls during the first probability change / short time state (t3 to t4) described above, and when it is determined in step S702 of FIG. (S702: YES), the process proceeds to step S706, and the above-mentioned acquired number-of-balls counting process during open extension (FIG. 22) is executed.

  Subsequently, according to the specific example of FIG. 19, the gaming state shifts from the above probability change / short-time state (t7 to t8) to the third big hit game (t9 to t10) through the interval period of the big hit start effect Ta. To do. The operation of counting the number of acquired balls during the third big hit game is the same as the case of the first big hit game described above as the acquired number of balls counting process. The operation of counting the number of acquired balls during the time-short state (t12 to t13) following the third big hit game is the same as the operation of counting the number of acquired balls during the first probability change / short-time state (t3 to t4). In the case where it is determined in step S703 in FIG. 20 that the time is being reduced (step S703: YES), the process proceeds to step S706, and the above-mentioned number of balls acquired during open extension process (FIG. 22) is executed. Is done.

  Returning to FIG. 20, the effect control board 24 determines whether or not the acquisition display condition is satisfied when the winning game number-of-acquisition counting process during the big hit game (FIG. 21) or the number-of-acquisition counting process during the extended extension (FIG. 22) ends. Is determined (step S707). Here, as examples of acquisition display conditions, (b) display at the end of jackpot, (b) display at each time the predetermined number is exceeded, (c) display at the end of the jackpot when the predetermined number is exceeded, (d) button operation Display, (e) Which acquisition display mode is indicated by button operation after completion of the short-time state, and each display condition set in advance is satisfied in the indicated acquisition display mode Determine if you did.

  Although details will be described later, in the case of (a) “display at the end of jackpot”, it is conditional on the arrival of the timing when the jackpot ends. (B) In the case of “display every time a predetermined number is exceeded”, the condition is that the timing exceeds a predetermined number, for example, 4000. (C) In the case of “display when the predetermined number is exceeded at the end of the big hit”, for example, the condition is that the big hit ends and the timing of over 4000 pieces has arrived. (D) In the case of “display by button operation”, it is conditional on the arrival of the timing when the player operates the operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls. (E) In the case of “display by button operation after completion of the short-time state”, the condition is that the player has operated the operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls after the short-time state has ended.

  When the acquisition display condition is satisfied (step S707: YES), the effect control board 24 sets the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data (step S708), and ends the acquired ball number counting process. This acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is determined to have a liquid crystal control command in step S536 of FIG. 17, and is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25 as part of the liquid crystal control command in step S537. Here, although the case where the number of acquired balls is notified by the liquid crystal display device 36 is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration is such that the number of acquired balls is notified using other rendering means such as an LED, a decorative lamp 45, and a speaker 58. It is also good.

  Further, in FIG. 20, when none of the above state of “big hit”, “short state during probability change”, or “short time state” (steps S701 to S703: NO), that is, during the short time state of FIG. When returning to the normal game from t13), the acquired number of balls in the acquired number counter is cleared (step S704), and the acquired number counting process is terminated. Various timers used for the counting process are also cleared by this process. The processing of this step S704 does not shift to the big hit game during the special game, that is, the big hit game lottery means is not drawn by the big hit game lottery means during the special game state, and the period during the special game is ended by the special game end setting means. On the condition that it is done, it corresponds to the acquired ball number clearing means for clearing the acquired ball number V.

(Acquired ball number display processing: FIG. 23)
FIG. 23 shows an acquired ball number display process performed in the liquid crystal control board 25 when the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25.

  The liquid crystal control board 25 constantly monitors whether or not the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data has been received (step S901). When the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is received (step S901: YES), the liquid crystal control board 25 performs an acquisition display process for displaying the acquired number of acquired balls in a predetermined area of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36, Inform the player of the number of balls acquired. Thus, the player can know the total number of balls acquired during the big hit (during the big hit game) and during the opening extension.

[Display of number of acquired balls]
Next, a method for notifying the player of the acquired number of balls V at an appropriate time including during the game will be described.

(A) Display at each end of jackpot game The white circle mark (○ mark) in (A) of FIG. 19 indicates the notification timing of the form in which the above-mentioned number of acquired balls is notified at the end of the big hit game (after the end of the final round). It is a thing. In (a) of FIG. 19, the big hit game is ended, and the number of acquired balls stored and held in the acquired ball number counter is displayed in the sections of t2 to t3, t6 to t7, and t10 to t12, respectively. Become. Specifically, the acquired number of balls is displayed during the production in the big hit end production section Tb. As described above, in the case where the number of acquired balls is notified at the end of a big hit game, the acquisition display condition determined in step S707 of the acquired ball number counting process (FIG. 20) is as shown in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is over (step S811). Whether or not the big hit game has ended can be known from the big hit end display command transmitted after the interval effect time has elapsed from the reception of the open interval display command after closing the big winning opening 40 in the final round. In the case of this example, after the final round is finished, it is displayed before entering a special game (such as a short time state), so the number of acquired balls can be displayed as part of the performance during the big hit.

  When the acquisition display condition is satisfied (step S811: YES), the effect control board 24 sets the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data (step S708), and ends the acquired ball number counting process. In step S536 in FIG. 17, it is determined that there is a liquid crystal control command, and the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25 as part of the liquid crystal control command in step S537. Is displayed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 25 (A-2), the game state transmitted after the jackpot end effect time Tb has elapsed from the reception of the jackpot end display command after the end of the jackpot game, on condition that the jackpot is ended The acquired number of balls may be displayed as an image on the condition that the display command is received (step S812). In this case, although not shown, the notification timing (white circles (◯) in FIG. 19 (a)) is stored in the acquired ball counter after the time t3, t7, t12 when the big hit ends. The number of acquired balls is displayed. In addition, the example (B-2) is effective in the case of a model that does not have the jackpot end effect section Tb as shown in (B-1).

  At time t2 to t3 in FIG. 19, the accumulated value (acquired ball number V) stored in the acquired ball number counter during the first big hit game, for example, about 1500 is displayed. The accumulated value stored and held in the acquired ball number counter may be displayed as it is. However, since this accumulated value is an estimated value, it is preferable to display it as an approximate value. Specifically, when the accumulated value stored in the acquired ball number counter is 1530, for example, “1530” is not displayed as the acquired ball number as it is, but the lower value of the accumulated value of the acquired ball number counter is not displayed. Is rounded down and displayed as “1500”. In addition, the lower value of the accumulated value of the acquired ball counter is not cut off and displayed, but may be displayed in units of 100, 500, 1000, etc. regardless of this. Similarly, the display mode of the number of acquired balls described below is preferably the above display mode.

  At times t6 to t7 in FIG. 19, the number of acquired balls during the first big hit (t0 to t3), the number of acquired balls during the extended extension (t3 to t4), and the second big hit game (t5 to t6) For example, about 3000 balls which are the sum of the number of acquired balls are displayed.

  At times t10 to t12 in FIG. 19, the number of acquired balls during the first big hit (t0 to t3), the number of acquired balls during the extended extension (t3 to t4), and the second big hit (t4 to t7). For example, about 4500 balls, which is the sum of the number of acquired balls, the number of acquired balls during the extended extension (t7 to t8) and the number of acquired balls during the third big hit game (t9 to t10), are displayed.

  However, in addition to this winning ball counter, a “hit winning ball counter” is provided for storing the accumulated value for each jackpot game or jackpot, and the number of acquired balls can be displayed simultaneously or separately. it can. In this way, it is possible to display the number of acquired balls during consecutive hits, during a big hit game, or per big hit, so for example, the number of acquired balls during the current and previous big hit games is displayed separately. be able to. As a result, since the player makes an effort to increase the number of acquired balls for the next jackpot game if the number of acquired balls in the current jackpot game is smaller than the previous game, the player's motivation can be further improved.

(B) Displayed every time a predetermined number is exceeded The white circles (circles) in (b) in FIG. 19 indicate that the number of acquired balls is ranked in advance in a predetermined notification unit (here, 4000 units). The example of notification timing of the form notified every time the number of acquired balls (4000, 8000, 12000,...) Is exceeded is shown. Here, the case where the timing exceeding 4000 pieces occurred during the third big hit game (t9 to t10) is shown.

  FIG. 26 shows a configuration example of a process corresponding to step S707 of the acquired ball count process (FIG. 20) in this embodiment. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of acquired balls exceeds the number obtained by ranking the above 4000 balls as one notification unit, for example, the lowest rank of 4000 (step S821). ) The next display number condition setting is updated to a notification unit (for example, 8000) one rank higher (step S822). The processing in steps S821 to S822 is the acquisition display condition determined in step S707 in FIG.

  When the acquisition display condition is satisfied (step S707: YES), the effect control board 24 sets the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data (step S708), and ends the acquired ball number counting process. In step S536 of FIG. 17, it is determined that there is a liquid crystal control command, and this acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25 as part of the liquid crystal control command in step S537. Is done.

  In FIG. 19, as an example, the value of the acquired ball counter is the first rank division number in about 2/3 (near the end of 10 rounds) in the section of the big hit of the non-probable variation (t9 to t10). The case where the number reaches 4000 is shown. Therefore, at the end of the 10th round, the acquired ball number image such as “Congratulations! 4000 acquired!” Or “Over 4000 acquired!” Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 as the notification information of the acquired ball number.

  However, there is no limit to the number of one notification unit that is a display condition, and it is not 1000 units, 5000 units, or a predetermined number unit, but randomly 1000, 3000, 10000, etc. Can be determined.

  FIG. 24 shows an example in which “Congratulations 4000!” And the character “Fujimaru-kun” are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device.

  Also, the white triangle mark (Δ mark) in (b) of FIG. 19 shows an example of notification timing in a form in which the number of acquired balls is notified in units of 1000 pieces. Each time the accumulated number of acquired balls reaches 1000, an image of acquired balls such as “1000 exceeded!”, “2000 exceeded!”, Etc. is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device. In addition, when a certain upper limit is exceeded, for example, when the number of acquired balls V, which is difficult to achieve normally, is reached, instead of directly displaying the number of acquired balls as described above, the number of acquired balls is changed. Or, together with the number of acquired balls, a premier image such as “Big explosion!” Or “Burning!” May be displayed.

(C) Displayed when the predetermined number is exceeded at the end of the big hit game The white circle mark (○ mark) in (c) of FIG. 19 is held in the acquired number counter (acquired number holding means) every time the big hit game ends. This is an example of notification timing in the form of notification when the acquired number of acquired balls V exceeds a predetermined number (here, 4000 units). In (c) of FIG. 19, the big hit game is over, and the number of acquired balls stored and held in the acquired ball number counter is displayed in the period from t10 to t12. Specifically, the acquired number of balls is displayed during the production in the big hit end production section Tb.

  FIG. 27 shows a configuration example of a process corresponding to step S707 of the acquired ball number counting process (FIG. 20) in this embodiment. That is, the end of the big hit game is monitored (step S820), and if the big hit game ends (step S820: YES), the process proceeds to step S821. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of acquired balls exceeds the number obtained by ranking the above 4000 balls as one notification unit, for example, 4000 balls (step S821). The condition setting is updated to a notification unit (for example, 8000) one rank higher (step S822). The processing in steps S820 to S822 is the acquisition display condition determined in step S707 in FIG.

  When the acquisition display condition is satisfied (step S707: YES), the effect control board 24 sets the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data (step S708), and ends the acquired ball number counting process. In step S536 of FIG. 17, it is determined that there is a liquid crystal control command, and this acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25 as part of the liquid crystal control command in step S537. Is done.

  Although not shown, as shown in FIG. 25 (A-2), the fact that the game state display command transmitted after the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed after the jackpot end display command has been received after the jackpot end display command has been received. The acquired number of balls may be displayed as an image as a condition. In this case, although not shown, the notification timing (the white circle mark (◯) in FIG. 19) is the acquired ball stored and held in the acquired ball counter at time t12 when the big hit ends. The number will be displayed.

  Here, (c) in FIG. 19 is different from the above (b) because the position of the white circle (o) is within t9 to t10 during the big hit game as in the case of (b) above. It is a point which exists on t10-t12 of the big hit end production area Tb. As can be seen from this, in this example, even if the accumulated value of the number of acquired balls exceeds a predetermined number (4000 units) determined in advance as a notification unit, it is not immediately displayed at that time, and a big hit game is being played. Or it waits for the arrival of the time when the big hit is over and displays it. In FIG. 19, the accumulated value of the number of acquired balls reaches 4000, which is one notification unit, near the end of 10 rounds during the big hit (t9 to t10) of the non-probable variation symbol. Therefore, when the big hit game is over (t10), the number of acquired balls such as “Congratulations 4000!” And “Out of 4000!” Is displayed on the LCD as broadcast information. Display on the device screen.

(D) Display by button operation FIG. 19 (d) shows the acquisition that the player has acquired the latest held content held in the acquired ball number counter when the operation button for displaying the acquired ball number is operated. This is an example of notification as the number of balls V. As an operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls, the frame effect button 13 may be used by pressing it under a predetermined condition, or a dedicated operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls may be provided. good.

  FIG. 28 shows a configuration example of a process corresponding to step S707 of the acquired ball number counting process (FIG. 20) in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, as the acquisition display condition determined in step S707 of the acquired ball number counting process (FIG. 20), as shown in FIG. 28, whether or not the operation button for displaying the acquired ball number is operated. It will be judged (step S841).

  In (d) of FIG. 19, during the big hit game (t1 to t2, t5 to t6, t9 to t10), the probability change / short time state (t3 to t4, t7 to t8), the short time state (t12 to t13), the big hit The operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls is operated in any section of Tb (t2 to t3, t6 to t7, t10 to t12) during end production, and Ta (t4 to t5, t8 to t9) during big hit start production This indicates that the latest stored content stored and held in the acquired ball number counter is notified as the acquired ball number V. In the case of this form, it can be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device at a timing when the player wants to know the number of acquired balls. As a display mode, the acquired number of balls at the time when the button is operated may be displayed, or a display mode that implies that the acquired number of balls exceeds a predetermined value may be used. Specifically, when the operation button is operated when the number of acquired balls V is relatively small, for example, when the number of acquired balls V is 0 to 499, the display of “Acquiring the number of acquired balls” is displayed. In the case of 999, “500 breakthrough!” Is displayed, and in the case of 1000-1500, “1000 breakthrough!” Is displayed. In this example, the number of acquired balls less than 4000, which is the notification unit of (C) above, can also be displayed.

(E) Displayed by button operation after completion of the time-short state FIG. 19 (e) shows the acquired number-of-balls holding means when the operation button for displaying the acquired number of balls is operated at an arbitrary time after the completion of the time reduction state. This is an example in which the latest held content, that is, the total number of balls acquired during the immediately preceding consecutive resort is notified as the acquired number of balls V acquired by the player.

  FIG. 29 shows a method of counting the number of acquired balls in this form. Here, the number of acquired balls is stored at the end of a short time, and the stored number of acquired balls can be displayed by operating an operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls during a normal game. Since steps S701 to S703, S705, and S706 are the same as those already described, the description is omitted to avoid duplication.

  If it is not a big hit, not probabilistic / short-time state, or short-time state, it is determined that the game is in a normal game, and the number of acquired balls stored in the acquired ball number counter until the end of the current short-time end, for example, 4500 Are stored in the RAM (step S841). Thereafter, the number of acquired balls (4500) stored and held in the acquired ball number counter is cleared (step S842). Therefore, the acquired ball number counter in this example includes the first acquired ball number counter (first acquired ball number storage means) during the big hit and the open extension (during the short time state, short state during the probability change), and the current short time A second acquired ball number counter (second acquired ball number storage means) that stores the acquired ball number until the end is included.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls has been operated (step S843). When the operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls is operated and the acquisition display condition is satisfied (step S843: YES). The acquired ball number display liquid crystal data for displaying the acquired ball number (4500) stored in the RAM is set (step S844), and the acquired ball number counting process is ended.

  In step S536 of FIG. 17, it is determined that there is a liquid crystal control command, and this acquired ball number display liquid crystal data is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 25 as part of the liquid crystal control command in step S537. Is done. That is, an acquired ball number image such as “4500 breakthrough!” Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device as the notification information of the acquired ball number.

  In (e) of FIG. 19, during the big hit game (t1 to t2, t5 to t6, t9 to t10), the probability change / short time state (t3 to t4, t7 to t8), the short time state (t12 to t13), An operation button for displaying the number of acquired balls is displayed in any section of Tb (t2 to t3, t6 to t7, t10 to t12) during the big hit end effect, and Ta (t4 to t5, t8 to t9) during the big hit start effect. It shows that the latest held content held in the acquired ball number holding means can be notified as the acquired ball number V by operating. In this case, as indicated in FIG. 29, for example, when the operation button for displaying the number of balls is operated, the processing in step S844 is a big hit (t1-t2, t5-t6, t9-t10). ), During the probability change / short-time state (t3 to t4, t7 to t8), or during the short-time state (t12 to t13), the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data for displaying the number of acquired balls being counted at that time Will be set. Also, during the normal game, the acquired ball number display liquid crystal data for displaying the acquired ball (the value of the acquired ball counter at the end of the current short time) during the last big hit and the short time state (t9 to t13) is displayed. Will be set.

[Modification]
In the above-described extension ball number counting process during opening extension (FIG. 22: Steps S751 to S756), a normal symbol is operated as a method of estimating the number of game balls (launching loss ball number) fired during the opening extension. The section to be monitored was determined by focusing on the period. In other words, a normal symbol operating timer that operates during normal symbol operation and performs a timekeeping operation is provided, and the cumulative value of the operating time that the timer is measuring is monitored. A process of subtracting 10 pieces from the ball (launching ball number subtraction process) was performed.

  However, if the special symbol does not fluctuate, there is a high possibility that the game ball has not been fired from the launcher 32. If the special symbol fluctuates, the launch loss ball count subtraction process is highly likely to occur. Focusing on the assumption that the possibility that the ball has been launched is large, instead of monitoring the normal symbol operation described above, a special timing operation that operates only during fluctuation of the special symbol It is also possible to provide a symbol variation timer, monitor the accumulated value of the operating time being counted by the timer, and replace the process of subtracting 10 from the number of acquired balls every 6 seconds. Also in this case, an effect similar to that in the case of monitoring the normal symbol operation can be obtained.

  In addition, the above-mentioned launch loss ball number subtraction process pays attention to the period during which either or both of the above-mentioned variation of the normal symbol and the variation of the special symbol are fluctuating, and both the normal symbol and / or the special symbol. A variable-fluctuation timer is provided that operates only during the period in which the time fluctuates and performs a timekeeping operation, monitors the accumulated value of the operating time that the timer is measuring, and takes into account the launch performance of the launcher. It can be replaced with a process of subtracting a predetermined number (for example, 10) from the number of acquired balls every time (for example, 6 seconds) elapses. In addition, a normal symbol fluctuation timer that operates only during the period when the normal symbol is fluctuating and performs a timing operation, and a special symbol fluctuation timer that operates only during a period when the special symbol is fluctuated and performs a clock operation. And the accumulated values of the operating times counted by these timers are separately monitored, and each time the accumulated value of the normal symbol variation timer exceeds the first predetermined time, the first predetermined time is determined from the number of acquired balls. A process of subtracting the second predetermined number from the number of acquired balls may be performed every time the second predetermined time elapses after the cumulative value of the special symbol changing timer has elapsed. In this case, the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number, or the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be the same value or different values. .

  Furthermore, in step S751, instead of checking whether or not the normal symbol is changing, it is determined whether or not a demonstration display command for demonstration production has been received, and during the period when the demonstration production is not being performed. A timer that operates only for the timer and performs a timing operation is provided, and the accumulated value of the operation time that the timer counts is monitored, and every time 6 seconds elapses, the process is replaced with a process of subtracting 10 from the number of acquired balls. You can also.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of types of jackpot games and special games are set, the acquired ball count processing operation may be changed according to the mode of these games. Specifically, the number-of-acquisition counting process during the jackpot game is executed or not executed according to the mode of the big hit game, or the number-of-acquisition counting process during open extension is executed or not executed according to the mode of the special game. Also good.

  The present invention is useful for a ball game machine that reports the number of acquired balls acquired by a player.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface side of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the game board surface of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control part of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main process of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process by the side of the main control of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the normal symbol management process of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the normal symbol management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the normal fluctuation winning device management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the normal variation winning device management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the special symbol management process of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the special symbol management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the special fluctuation winning device management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the special fluctuation prize-winning apparatus management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the side of the production control of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process by the presentation control side of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the presentation control side of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process by the side of the production control of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is the timing figure which showed the specific example of the game form of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the number-of-acquisition ball count process by the production | presentation control side of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the number-of-acquisition ball count process in the big hit game by the production control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the number-of-acquisition ball count process during opening extension on the effect control side according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the acquired ball number display process by the side of the liquid crystal control concerning this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of an image which displays the number of acquired balls with a character on the liquid crystal display device of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a partial flowchart which showed one specific example (displayed every end of jackpot) which judges the acquisition display conditions in the acquisition ball number counting process of this invention. It is the partial flowchart which showed the other specific example (displayed whenever the number of acquired balls exceeds a predetermined number) which judges the acquisition display conditions in the acquired ball number counting process of this invention. It is the partial flowchart which showed the other specific example (displayed when the number of acquisition exceeds a predetermined number at the time of big hit game completion) which judges the acquisition display conditions in the acquisition ball number count process of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the other specific example (displayed when a button operation is carried out from the start of a big hit game until it returns to a normal game) which judges the acquisition display conditions in the acquisition ball number counting process of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the other specific example (displayed when a button operation is carried out from the start of a big hit game until it returns to a normal game) which judges the acquisition display conditions in the acquisition ball number counting process of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
3a gaming area,
4 outer frame,
5 Guide rail,
6 Glass door frame,
7 Front operation panel
8 Upper tray unit,
9 Top saucer,
11 Ball rental button,
12 Card eject button (return button),
13 Frame production button,
14 Ball release button,
15 Launch control handle,
16 Back mechanism board,
17 game ball storage tank,
18 Tank rail,
19 game ball dispensing device,
21 External terminal board,
22 Terminal board case 23 Transparent case (sub control board case),
24 production control board,
25 LCD control board,
26 Transparent case (main control board case),
27 Main control board,
28 Transparent case (payout control board case),
29 payout control board,
30 Transparent case (power supply board case),
31 power supply board,
32 launcher,
33 Launch control board,
34 Upper start (first special symbol start)
35 Lower starting port (second special symbol starting port),
36 Liquid crystal display device (image display device),
37 Normal design starting port,
38 Special symbol display device,
39 Normal symbol display device,
40 Grand Prize Winners,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
42 Special variable winning device,
43 General prize opening,
44 Windmill,
45 Decorative lamp,
46 Side lamp,
47 Movable wing pieces,
48 Center decoration,
49 Out mouth,
55 game relay board,
56 Production I / F board
57 Liquid crystal I / F substrate,
58 Speaker.

Claims (8)

A special symbol start port arranged in a game area where game balls launched from the game ball launcher flow down,
A big hit game lottery means for drawing whether or not to make a big hit to shift to a big hit game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, on condition that a game ball wins at the special symbol start opening,
A special symbol display device for variably displaying a special symbol for notifying the lottery result by the jackpot game lottery means, and for stopping and displaying the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result;
A special variable winning device arranged in the gaming area and configured to be able to open and close a grand prize opening;
A jackpot for controlling the execution of the jackpot game by opening and closing the jackpot of the special variable prize winning device according to a predetermined pattern on the condition that the special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device Game control means;
Predetermined prize balls for each winning ball promised for each winning mouth, provided that a gaming ball wins a winning opening arranged in the gaming area including the large winning opening and the special symbol starting opening Prize ball payout means for paying out numbers,
In a ball game machine comprising special game generating means for generating a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state after the big hit,
A predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning opening is added on condition that a gaming ball wins at each winning opening during the jackpot game, and the result of the addition is calculated based on the result of the addition. A first acquired ball number calculating means for counting the current acquired ball number V by subtracting the estimated number of hit balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time of the game period;
Under the condition that a game ball wins at each winning mouth during the special gaming state, a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning mouth is added to the obtained ball number V, By subtracting the estimated number of hitting balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time during the special gaming state from the result of addition, the second number of acquired balls that counts the current number of acquired balls V Computing means;
An acquired ball number notifying means for notifying the player of the acquired ball number V;
A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising: In the case where the jackpot is lottery by the jackpot game lottery means during the special game state,
The first acquired number-of-balls calculating means has a predetermined number of winning balls for each winning ball promised for each winning mouth, on condition that a gaming ball wins each winning mouth during the current big hit game. The number is added to the number of acquired balls V immediately before the big hit game transition, and the estimated number of hit balls of the game ball launching device calculated based on the elapsed time of the big hit game is subtracted from the added result. By counting the current number of acquired balls V,
The second acquired number-of-balls calculating means is based on the number of winning balls promised for each winning mouth on condition that the gaming balls win each winning mouth during the special gaming state after the big hit this time. The predetermined number of winning balls is added to the number of acquired balls V immediately before the special game state transition after the current big hit, and the result of the addition is calculated based on the elapsed time during the special game state after the current big hit. Subtracting the estimated number of hitting balls of the game ball launching device to count the current number of acquired balls V,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein: Further, a special game end setting means for ending the special game state on condition that a predetermined end condition is satisfied,
Clear the acquired number of balls to clear the acquired number of balls V on the condition that the special game state is ended by the special game end setting means without the big win being drawn by the big hit game lottery means during the special game state Means.
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The second acquired ball number calculating means monitors the elapsed time of the period in the special game state in a predetermined unit time, and the game ball launching device within the unit time every time the unit time arrives 4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the current number of acquired balls V is counted by subtracting the estimated total number of hitting balls from the added result. 5. further,
A normal symbol start port arranged in the game area;
Auxiliary game lottery means for performing a lottery as to whether or not to shift to an auxiliary per game that is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state, on condition that a game ball has won at the normal symbol start port,
A normal symbol display device for variably displaying a normal symbol for notifying a lottery result by the auxiliary game lottery means, and for stopping and displaying a normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result;
An ordinary variable winning device that is arranged in the game area and configured so that the special symbol starting port can be opened and closed or expanded by a movable member;
Auxiliary for controlling the execution of the auxiliary per game by driving the movable member of the normal variation winning device according to a predetermined pattern on the condition that the normal symbol indicating the auxiliary hit is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device. A hit control means,
The second acquired ball number calculating means calculates the game ball launch calculated based on an elapsed time of at least one of the normal symbol variation display period and the period during which the movable member of the ordinary variation winning device is driven. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the total number of hit balls of the device is the estimated total number of hit balls.   6. The bullet ball game according to claim 5, wherein the special game state is a game state advantageous to a player in which the operating state of the movable member of the normal variation winning device is higher than the normal game state. Machine.   2. The acquired number-of-balls notifying means notifies the predetermined number as the acquired number of balls V acquired by the player every time when the acquired number of balls V exceeds a predetermined number. The ball game machine according to any one of to 6.   The acquired number-of-balls notification means reports the predetermined number as the acquired number of balls V acquired by the player on condition that the acquired number of balls V at the time of the end of the big hit game exceeds a predetermined number. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein:

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