JP2010082130A - Big winning port device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of opening/closing a big winning port provided on a game board at high speed. <P>SOLUTION: Obstructing parts 94b obstructing take-in of a game ball from a lower side of big winning port holes 94a are aligned and erected along the lower side of the big winning port holes 94a. In a rotating member 91 rotatably supported to a big winning port device 9, locations corresponding to the obstructing parts 94b at the time of rotations around a rotation center shaft are notched, and opening parts 91a being allowed to pass through the obstructing parts 94b are formed. The rotating member 91 is connected to an operation member, and a big winning port 94 is opened after the opening parts 91a on the lower side of the rotating member 91 pass through the obstructing parts 94b when the lower side of the rotating part 91 rotates in one direction from the lower side to an upper side of the big winning port holes 94a on a front face side of the game board. In the operation member allowing the rotating member 91 to turn, a driving gear connected to a rotary shaft of a driving motor, an intermediate gear engaged with the driving gear, and a driven gear connected to a shaft part of the rotating member 91 so as to be engaged with the intermediate gear are used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a big prize opening device of a gaming machine, and more particularly to a big prize opening device that opens and closes a big prize opening during a special game performed according to a lottery result when a game ball enters a start opening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Therefore, if the number of rounds in the short win game is the same as the number of rounds in the long hit game, it is considered unnecessary to inform the player of the number of round games executed, but the long win game is awarded to the player. Since the goal is to pay out the ball, the number of rounds cannot be reduced. After all, in order to make the number of rounds in the game per long and the game per short, it is necessary to match the number of rounds in the game per short with the game per long game. It is necessary to increase the number of times, that is, to open and close the large winning opening (opening / closing door) at high speed.

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

  Specifically, the open / close door opens and closes when a pin-shaped locked portion (supported portion) is supported by a bifurcated locking portion of the operation member so as to rotate or reciprocate. Is formed larger than the diameter or width of the locked portion, and a certain amount of clearance is secured between the locked portion and the supported portion. The relationship between the locking portion 96a of the operation member 96 and the locked portion 91c of the open / close door 91 in the conventional prize winning unit 94 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 shows an open state of the door 91, and FIG. 6 shows a closed state.

JP 2001-46693 A (paragraphs 0042-0055, FIGS. 6-8) JP 2001-327687 A (paragraphs 0007 to 0013, FIGS. 3 to 8) JP 2002-35386 (paragraphs 0029 to 0052, FIGS. 3 and 4)

  When the locked part of the door and the locking part of the operating member are locked with a clearance as described above, the locked door is locked when the operating member moves a distance exceeding the clearance. After the operation member is stopped by opening and closing the opening and closing door by engaging with the part, the opening and closing door is opened and closed excessively by the clearance. Therefore, when the operating member reciprocates, the opening and closing door opens and closes behind the operating member. Therefore, even if the operating member is reciprocated at high speed, it is not possible to cause the opening and closing door to follow the operating member and open and close at high speed. Is possible.

  In view of the above background, the present invention proposes a big prize opening device that enables opening and closing of a big prize opening at high speed.

The big prize opening device according to claim 1 opens a big prize opening having a big prize opening hole facing the game board in the case of a big hit, and a game ball is opened from the big prize opening hole. In the grand prize opening device provided with an open / close portion that can be switched between an open state that allows reception toward the back side of the game board and a closed state that closes the big prize opening and prevents the reception of game balls,
The big prize opening hole is formed on a base plate arranged on the front surface of the game board, and the opening / closing portion is disposed on a lower side of the big prize opening hole, from the lower side of the big prize opening hole. A blocking portion for blocking the reception of a game ball, and a rotating member that is rotatably supported at both ends in the width direction and opens and closes from the big prize opening hole to the front side of the game board by a rotating operation. An operating member that rotates the rotating member in a rotating direction from the lower side to the upper side of the prize winning hole on the front side of the game board by a rotating motion, and the rotating member rotates A position corresponding to the blocking portion is notched at the time of rotation around the axis, and an opening that allows the blocking portion to pass is formed, and the operation member rotates the rotating member at least once in the rotation direction. And multiple consecutive big winning mouths A structure requires that the opening and closing operation is possible.

The lower side of the big prize opening is the area sandwiched between the lower side of the big prize opening and the rotation center axis of the rotating member. The upper side of the big prize opening is the upper side of the big prize opening. And the rotation center axis of the rotating member. There are cases where the blocking portion is arranged along the lower side of the big prize opening hole, and there are cases where the blocking portion is placed along one vertical side on the lower side of the big prize opening hole.
When the blocking part is lined up along the lower side of the prize winning hole (when the blocking part extends in the vertical direction), the height of the blocking part is a game ball from the upper side of the winning prize hole. It is possible to accept the game ball from the lower side of the big prize opening hole, and the height distance that prevents the game ball from being received. On the other hand, when the blocking part is installed horizontally along the vertical side of the winning prize opening hole (when the blocking part extends in the horizontal direction), the protruding distance of the blocking part is the lower side of the winning line opening hole. Acceptance of game balls from is regarded as a protruding distance to prevent.

  The rotating member rotates simultaneously with the operating member by being connected to or integrated with the operating member, and opens and closes the special prize opening. The rotating direction of the rotating member is limited only to the direction in which the lower side of the rotating member is directed from the lower side to the upper side of the prize winning hole on the front side of the game board. That is, the rotation direction of the rotation member is only the rotation direction in which the lower side of the rotation member rotates from the back side to the front side of the game board, and the prize is awarded after the opening on the lower side of the rotation member passes through the blocking part. Mouth open. The state in which the rotating member opens the winning prize opening means that the opening on the lower side of the rotating member protrudes from the winning prize opening hole to the front side of the game board and passes the blocking part below the winning prize opening hole. The game ball can be taken into the back side of the game board from the gap (area) formed by the upper side of the rotating member and the upper side of the prize winning hole. In this case, the game ball that has fallen from above along the game board is taken into the back side of the game board from the gap between the upper side of the rotating member and the upper side of the big prize opening hole, and then the big prize opening detection unit Be guided to. Further, at this time, a gap is also formed between the upper side of the rotating member and the lower side of the big winning hole, and from this gap, the blocking portion prevents the game ball from being taken in.

  When the big prize opening is opened, the game ball that has dropped from above may collide with the rotating member and bounce or may not be guided to the back side of the game board. Therefore, when the opening has an opening width that prevents the game ball from passing downward (Claim 2), the momentum of the dropped game ball is absorbed by the bending deformation of the rotating member in which the opening is formed. . Furthermore, as compared with the case where the opening is not formed, the formation of the opening can reduce the weight of the rotating member and also reduce the air resistance when the rotating member rotates. In particular, when the opening is formed in the radial direction of the rotation center axis of the rotating member, when the game ball rolls toward the back side of the game board, the bottom of the game ball is dropped into the opening. This ensures the directionality and stability of the rolling game ball.

The state in which the rotating member closes the prize winning opening means that even if the rotating member protrudes from the prize winning hole to the front side of the game board, the gap between the upper side of the rotating member and the upper edge of the prize winning hole is A state in which the game ball cannot be taken into the back side, and a state where the rotating member does not protrude from the big prize opening hole to the front side of the game board, that is, is located on the back side of the big prize opening hole (Immerse ) Say the state. In this case, the game ball that has fallen from above along the game board falls downward without being taken into the back side of the game board from the big prize opening hole.
That is, the rotating member rotates only in the rotation direction where the lower side of the rotating member is directed from the back side to the front side of the game board and rotates 180 degrees (half rotation). State. At that time, the lower side of the rotating member rotates only in the rotating direction from the back side to the front side of the game board, so that the rotating member does not reversely rotate after half-turning in one direction to open or close the prize winning opening. .
Further, the rotating operation of the rotating member may be performed continuously according to the gaming state or may be performed discontinuously.

  The operation member may be a part of the drive device that rotates by turning the power on and off, but is basically connected to the drive device and rotated by the drive device. When rotating the rotating member, it is suitable to use a motor (stepping motor) that transmits the rotational motion of the shaft to the rotating member. In this case, a driving device (solenoid) for rotating the operation member is not necessarily required, but may be used to supplement the rotation of the rotating member by the motor.

  In the present invention, since the big prize opening hole is directly opened and closed by the rotating operation of the rotating member, it is possible to open and close the big prize opening at high speed by reducing the time required for one rotation of the rotating member. Specifically, when a motor (such as a stepping motor or servo motor) is used as the driving device, the rotation control (rotation angle, rotation speed) of the motor is set to a certain number of pulses (basic step angle) and its frequency. It is possible to rotate (open / close) the rotating member (large winning opening) at a high speed by controlling with the property. “High-speed opening and closing” means that rotation (opening and closing) is performed many times (for example, 15 times) in a few seconds.

  When there is a certain clearance between the rotary member and the open / close door constituting the open / close device as in the prior art, when the operating member is reciprocated once, the open / close door behaves due to inertia. Since there is a tendency to open and close late, there is a limit in reducing the time required to open and close the door. Even if the speed of the operation member is increased, the opening / closing door cannot follow the speed, so the speed of the operation member is limited. For example, even if the operation member is stopped when the opening / closing door is opened, the opening / closing door does not stop immediately, so when the operation member is moved in the closing direction of the opening / closing door, the opening / closing door moves in the closing direction. A time difference occurs.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, the number of rotations (opening / closing) of the rotating member increases according to the rotation speed of the operating member, and the rotating member (large winning opening) can be rotated (opened / closed) at high speed. In contrast to the method, the time required to open and close the big prize opening once is shortened, and it becomes possible to open and close the big prize opening faster than the conventional method.
Since the operating member is a mechanism for directly operating the rotation (opening / closing) of the rotating member, the prize winning opening device of the present invention does not cause a delay due to inertia even when the speed of the operating member is increased. Therefore, there is no problem with the time difference between opening and closing of the rotating member (large winning opening) relative to the rotation of the operating member.

  By enabling the rotation member to open and close the prize winning opening at a high speed, the time required for opening and closing the prize winning opening can be greatly reduced compared to the conventional method in rotating (opening and closing) the rotation member a predetermined number of times. . As a result, it is possible to rotate (open and close) (for example, 15 rounds) the rotating member (large winning opening) many times in a few seconds. Since it can be opened and closed many times in a few seconds, the number of opening and closing of the big prize opening by the rotating member becomes the same as the game per long, and the display of the round lamp can be turned off. In addition, apparently, the player cannot distinguish between the short hit state and the small hit state, so that the player is not lost the incentive to continue the game.

  Since the opening / closing of the special prize opening is performed by a rotating member that rotates at high speed, the special prize opening can be opened and closed many times in a few seconds. As a result, since it is possible to prevent the short hit state and the small hit state from being distinguished, it is possible to eliminate the grounds for the player to lose the incentive to continue the game.

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

  1 to 4 show that a big winning hole 94 having a large winning hole 94a opened facing the game board 101 is opened in the case of a big hit, and many game balls are played from the big winning hole 94a. An example of the configuration of the big prize opening device 9 provided with an opening / closing portion 90 which is in an open state in which it can be received toward the back side of the board 101 or in a closed state in which the big prize opening 94 is closed to prevent the reception of game balls is shown. .

  First, the entire gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. An operation handle 113 having a launching unit 292 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is disposed below the gaming board 101 of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. After rising between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaching the upper position of the game board 101, the game area 103 is dropped. In the game area 103, in addition to a plurality of nails (not shown) for dropping the game ball in an unspecified direction, a windmill and a entrance for changing the fall direction of the game ball are arranged.

  In the central portion of the game area 103, for example, a symbol display unit 104 using a liquid crystal display (LCD) is arranged. A first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball is disposed below the symbol display unit 104, and a second start having a pair of movable pieces 120a (shown in FIG. 10) below the first start port 105. A mouth 120 is arranged. The second starting port 120 makes it difficult to receive a game ball when the pair of movable pieces 120a are closed, and makes it easier to receive the game ball than the first starting port 105 when the pair is open.

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

  In the lower right of the symbol display unit 104, a first special symbol display 84 for displaying a lottery result by a first special symbol lottery means 300 described later, and a second special for displaying a lottery result by a second special symbol lottery means 320. A symbol display 86 is arranged. On both of these indicators 84 and 86, special symbols are variably displayed, a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a lottery result triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting port is displayed. The A plurality of LEDs are used for both indicators 84 and 86, and the LEDs blink as the special symbols change display starts, giving the player the impression that the lottery is currently being drawn. After a predetermined time has elapsed, an LED set in advance according to the lottery result is turned on and the lottery result is notified to the player.

  If a game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right to display the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as “reserved ball”) reserved by the entry is reserved. Is done. The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90.

  If a game ball enters the winning gate 106 during the special symbol variation display, the normal symbol lottery means 360 will perform a lottery. The normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is displayed on both the indicators 84 and 86. Located in the vicinity. The right of the normal symbol change display obtained by the game ball entering the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol change display, that is, the number of reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 92.

  The symbol display unit 104 starts a variation display of a plurality of decorative symbols when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120, and stops the variation of the decorative symbols after a predetermined time elapses. . If a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is prepared at the time of stoppage, it means that the right to execute the jackpot game (long win game) is acquired, and then the jackpot game (long hit game) is started. When the big hit game (long win game) is started, the rotation member 91 in the big prize opening device 9 serving as an opening / closing unit located below the gaming area 103 performs a predetermined number of operations for opening the big prize opening 94 for a predetermined time ( (For example, 15 times) The prize ball corresponding to the entered game ball is paid out repeatedly.

  The opening / closing part 90 of the special prize opening device 9 is configured so that the rotary member 91 having a rectangular shape in front view is operated in one direction from the lower side to the upper side of the special prize opening hole 94a on the front side of the game board. After the rotation, the opening 91a on the lower side of the rotating member 91 passes through the blocking portion 94b, and the special winning opening 94 is opened. The rotating member 91 is horizontal (substantially flush) with the plate surface of the base plate 95, as shown in FIG. 9A, during normal operation (when rotation is stopped by rotation control of the drive motor 92a described later). As a result, the upper side of the special winning hole 94a is closed to prevent the game ball from being received on the back side of the game board 101. When the big hit game is started, the rotating member 91 opens the top prize opening 94 by opening the upper side of the big prize opening hole 94a as shown in FIG. 9 (b) by the rotation control of the drive motor 92a. Do (open state). When the big prize opening 94 is opened, as will be described in detail later, a game ball is taken in through a gap between the upper side of the rotating member 91 and the upper side of the big prize opening hole 94a and guided to the back side of the game board 101. . Further, even when the special winning opening 94 is opened, the blocking portion 91a prevents the game ball from being taken in on the lower side of the special winning opening 94a.

  On the outer periphery of the game board 101, a frame member 110 is formed so as to surround the game area 103 and project from the game board 101 to the player side. A plurality of lights are provided on the upper and lower sides of the frame member 110. An effect light 111 (lamp unit) having 112 is installed. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine 1, and light is driven by a motor (not shown) in the effect light 111 so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. The irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction. Each light 112 can be rotated in the direction of light rotation by another motor in the effect light 111 so that the irradiation position can form a circle with respect to the gaming machine 1 and irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine. Yes.

  Below the frame member 110, a receiving tray unit 119 to which game balls lent out from a lending device (not shown) is supplied is installed, and an operation handle 113 is arranged. The operation handle 113 protrudes from the game board 101 to the player side, and is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launch unit 292.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the launching portion 292 to launch a game ball. The firing instructing member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player, and gives a firing ball firing instruction to the launching portion 292 when operated directly by the player. The operation handle 113 incorporates a sensor or the like that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  On the upper side and the side of the symbol display unit 104 (right side of the drawing in FIG. 7), effects for the effect (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115 and 116 are arranged. The director 115 is driven by a solenoid, for example, and the director 116 is driven by a motor. By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, the directors 115 and 116 can each have their own movements, and the stage effect is enhanced.

  Under the frame member 110, a chance button 117 for receiving an operation by the player is arranged. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in the case of a specific reach effect during the game.

  The frame member 110 incorporates a speaker 277 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) that outputs a production effect sound or a sound that informs fraud. The speaker 277 has a function capable of outputting high, medium, and low sound areas, and outputs a high sound, medium sound, and low sound in a well-balanced manner during normal production, but there was an irregularity or the like during special production described later. In such a case, control is performed so that the high sound region is output high so that it can be heard well around.

Here, a configuration example of the special winning opening apparatus 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. The special prize opening device 9 includes an opening / closing part 90, a base plate 95 mounted on the front surface of the game board 101, and a box-shaped case 96 supported on the back surface of the base plate 95. The base plate 95 is formed with a large winning hole 94 a that allows a game ball to be received from the front side to the back side of the game board 101. The special prize opening hole 94 a guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the game board 101 and drops it toward the special prize opening detection unit 224.
In addition, the opening / closing portion 90 is arranged along the lower side of the big prize opening hole 94a, and can accept a game ball from the upper side of the big prize opening hole 94a, and the game from the lower side of the big prize opening hole 94a. A blocking portion 94b that blocks the acceptance of the ball and both ends in the width direction are rotatably supported by the support portion 95a on the back surface side of the base plate 95, and appear to the front side of the game board 101 from the big prize opening hole 94a by the rotating operation. A rotating member 91 that opens and closes the prize winning opening 94, and an operating member 92 that rotates the rotating member 91 by a rotating motion.

The blocking portions 94b are arranged at intervals to block the passage of game balls, and allow the reception of game balls from the upper side of the big prize opening hole 94a, from the lower side of the big prize opening hole 94a. Receiving game balls has a height distance to prevent. Accordingly, the reception of the game ball from the lower side of the big prize opening hole 94a, that is, the area sandwiched between the lower side of the big prize opening hole 94a and the rotation center axis Z of the rotary member 91 is the rotational movement of the rotary member 91. Regardless, it is always blocked.
If the above-mentioned requirements are satisfied, the number of blocking portions 94b, the outer shape, the cross-sectional shape, the height distance, etc. are arbitrary.

The rotating member 91 is a rotating body having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and outward shaft portions 91b and 91b formed at both ends in the width direction are provided via support portions 96a and 96a of the case 96 serving as the back surface of the base plate 95. It is supported rotatably. That is, the rotation center axis Z of the rotating member 91 is disposed on the back side of the base plate 95 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The rotation member 91 is notched at a position corresponding to the blocking portion 94b when rotated about the rotation center axis Z, and an opening 91a that allows passage through the blocking portion 94b is formed. The opening 91a has an opening width that prevents the game ball from passing downward. Further, the opening 91a is formed by dropping the bottom of the game ball when guiding the game ball taken from the gap formed by the upper side of the special winning hole 94a toward the back side of the game board 101. The directionality and stability of the rolling game ball are ensured. Furthermore, the opening 91a reduces the weight of the rotating member 91 and the air resistance when the rotating member 91 rotates as compared with the case where the opening 91a is not formed. Moreover, the moment when the dropped game ball collides with the rotating member 91 is weakened by the opening 91a.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, flanges 91c and 91c as flywheels for averaging the shaft torque and stabilizing the rotation of the rotating member 91 are provided at both ends in the width direction of the rotating member 91. May be.
The prize winning opening device 9 is a unit in which the rotating member 91 and the operating member 92 are combined into one unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotating member 91 and the operating member 92 are individually connected to the game board. 101 may be arranged.
Further, the special winning opening 94 in the present embodiment is an area formed by the upper side of the rotating member 91 and the upper side of the special winning opening 94 a that protrudes from the special winning opening 93 a to the front side of the game board 101. .

  The case 96 has a shape and dimensions that can accommodate the opening / closing portion 90, the special winning opening detection portion (detector) 224, and the like, and the base plate 95 provided on the front surface of the case 96 is exposed on the front surface of the game board 101. Then, it is installed on the back of the game board 101 and fixed. The inside of the case 96 is partitioned into a plurality of regions for housing the components of the opening / closing part 90 by a partition wall or the like.

The operation member 92 is configured such that a drive gear 92c connected to a rotation shaft 92b of a drive motor 92a as a drive source is connected to the rotation member 91 via an intermediate gear 92d supported by a case 96 so as to mesh with the drive gear 92c. By meshing with a driven gear 92e connected to one shaft portion 91b, the rotary member 91 is rotated to open and close the big prize opening 94 (large prize opening hole 94a). The operating member 92 has a lower side on the front side of the game board 101 in the direction from the lower side to the upper side of the prize winning hole 94a, and an upper side of the rotary member 91 on the back side of the game board 101. The direction is from the upper side to the lower side of the winning opening 94a. Thus, after the opening 91a on the lower side of the rotating member 91 passes through the blocking portion 94b, the game ball is scooped up from the gap between the upper side of the rotating member 91 and the upper side of the prize winning hole 94a. It can be taken into the back side.
A stepping motor is used as the drive motor 92a, but a servo motor can also be used.

Here, the case where a normal motor (for example, a DC motor) is used as the drive motor 92a will be described. An annular flange 92f is provided on the side of the driven gear 92c. The flange 92f is a light blocking body, and an equidistant hole serving as a slit that allows light from a light emitting portion of a transmissive photosensor 92g described later to pass through the light receiving portion is formed in the peripheral surface thereof. One of the equally distributed holes is an origin detection slit that is set so that the light incident time is longer than that of the other holes by being expanded in diameter compared to the other holes. A transmissive photosensor 92g composed of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion is disposed at a position sandwiching the equally spaced holes of the flange 92f from the left and right sides. Further, the uniform hole and the origin detection slit are provided in synchronization with the position of the rotating member 91, and the rotational position of the flange 92f can be detected according to the light incident time that has passed through the uniform hole and the origin detection slit. The rotation of the rotating member 91 is accurately performed with high accuracy.
If the gear ratio between the drive gear 92c and the driven gear 92e is 1: 1, the drive gear 92c may be provided with a flange 92f and a photosensor 92g.

Note that a reflective photosensor may be used instead of the transmissive photosensor. By using a normal motor, cost can be reduced as compared with the case of using a stepping motor or a servo motor. Even in this case, each member constituting the special prize opening device 9 may be individually arranged on the back side of the game board 101.
When the rotating member 91 is rotated at a high speed, the time required for 1/4 rotation is 0.1 second.
The configuration example of the special prize opening device 9 when a normal motor is used as the drive motor 92a has been described above.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 4 (a), when the rotating member 91 is stopped, the big prize opening 94 is closed, and the upper side of the rotating member 91 and the upper side of the big prize opening hole 94a are A gap for taking in the game ball is not formed between the two, and the big prize opening 94 is completely closed. Assuming that the rotation member 91 shown in FIG. 4A is a reference (0 degree), the rotation member 91 is rotated at least 90 degrees to open the big prize opening 94, and the upper side of the rotation member 91 and the big prize opening hole 94a are opened. It is necessary to be able to take in the game ball from the gap with the upper side (see FIG. 4B).
When the rotating member 91 is rotated at a high speed, the time required for 1/4 rotation is 0.1 second.

As shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the winning prize opening 94 is opened by the rotation of the rotating member 91, the upper side of the rotating member 91 projecting from the winning prize opening hole 94a to the front side of the game board 101 and the winning prize opening hole. The game ball is taken into the back side of the game board 101 from the gap formed by the upper side of 94a. In this case, the game ball that has dropped from above along the game board 101 is taken into the back side of the game board 101 from the gap between the upper side of the rotating member 91 and the upper side of the prize winning hole 94a, The winning opening detection unit 224 is guided to.
On the other hand, even when the big winning opening 94 is closed by the rotation of the rotating member 91, that is, even when the upper side of the rotating member 91 is on the front side of the game board 101, the upper side of the rotating member 91 and the big winning hole 94a. A state in which a gap for taking in a game ball is not formed on the back side of the game board 101 between the upper side of the game board 101 or the upper side of the rotating member 91 is positioned on the back side of the game board 101 as shown in FIG. In this state, the game ball that has fallen from above along the game board 101 falls downward without being taken into the back side of the game board 101 from the big winning hole 93a.

  The rotation control of the drive motor 92a according to a command from the main control board 201, which will be described later, may be performed at two step angles or at one step angle for opening / closing the special winning opening 94 by the rotating member 91. . When the opening / closing of the big prize opening 94 is performed at one step angle, it is used when the opening / closing operation of the rotating member 91 is executed 15 times in several seconds. The opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 at this high speed is as follows. As a result of the big hit lottery, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 performs the short hit game control in the short hit gaming state and the small hit gaming state. The opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is repeated, for example, a plurality of times per second, specifically several times to several times, for example, by operating the means 341 or the small hit game control means 345. It is.

  The rotating member 91 normally closes the big prize opening 94 so that the game ball cannot pass through normally, and the result of the lottery performed when the game ball enters or passes through one of the start ports. When the execution of the special game state is determined based on this, the rotary member 91 is rotationally moved in a direction protruding forward from the game board 101 from the big prize opening hole 93b to functionally open the special prize opening 94.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 10 shows the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. As shown here, the control means 200 mainly includes a main control board 201, a sub control board 202, a prize ball control board 203, and a lamp control board 206. It is composed of a plurality of control boards.

  The main control board 201 controls the basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1 in a state where the power is turned on, and performs the basic processing accompanying the progress of the game content based on the program stored in the ROM 201b. A CPU 201a to be executed, a RAM 201c functioning as a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a, and the like are provided. The main control board 201 performs a jackpot lottery when the game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, and relates to the effects stored in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result. Select a command.

  On the input side of the main control board 201, a first start port detecting unit 221 that detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 and a game ball that has entered the second start port 120 are detected. A second start opening detection unit 225, a gate detection unit 222 that detects that a game ball has passed through the winning gate 106, a normal winning port detection unit 223 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning port 107, A big prize opening detecting unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered the big prize opening device 9 is connected.

  An accessory operating device 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201. In the present embodiment, the accessory actuating device 231 is configured by a drive motor 92a that rotates the rotating member 91 and a second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b that opens and closes the second start port 120 (see FIG. 11). ).

  The accessory actuating device 231 is controlled by the main control board 201 and energizes the drive motor 92a to rotate the rotating member 91 in the big hit game (long hit game, short hit game) to open the big prize opening 94, and The second start port 120 is opened and closed by energizing the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b by winning the normal symbol.

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

  When the sub-control board 202 is in a state in which the power is turned on, when receiving a command related to the effect transmitted from the main control board 201, the sub-control board 202 performs a lottery based on the command to produce the effect background pattern, reach An effect such as an effect pattern and an appearing character is determined and the determined effect is controlled. The symbol display unit 104 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the decorative symbol effect is developed in the symbol display unit 104 according to the contents determined by the lottery. The sub control board 202 is also provided with a VRAM 202 d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  At normal times, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display and variation processing, and character image display processing, and reads necessary image data from the ROM 202b to the VRAM 202d. Write. The background image, the symbol image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the symbol display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 202d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. Let

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

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

  A prize ball control board 203 is connected to the main control board 201 so as to be able to transmit in both directions. In the state where the power is turned on, the prize ball control board 203 operates the program stored in the ROM 203b to execute the prize ball control process, and the data of the data during the calculation process of the CPU 203a. A RAM 203c functioning as a work area is provided, and prize ball control is performed based on a program stored in the ROM 203b.

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

  In the state where the power is supplied to the stand, the winning ball control board 203 is provided with respect to the payout unit 291 with respect to each of the winning holes (first starting port 105, second starting port 120, normal winning port 107). The payout number corresponding to the game ball entered into the big winning opening 94) is controlled. The launcher 292 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid (not shown) that launches a game ball, and the like, and launches a game ball for gaming. When the game operation is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 292, the prize ball control board 203 drives the solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, and enters the game area 103 of the game board 101. Send out a game ball.

(Functions of main control board and sub control board)
FIG. 11 schematically shows a functional configuration of the control means 200 for controlling the progress of the game. As shown here, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 mainly includes a first special symbol lottery means 300 and a first special symbol display control as means for functioning when a game ball enters the first starting port 105. Means 301, first special symbol variation control means 302, and first random number determination means 303 are provided.

  The ROM 201b is a second special symbol lottery means 320, a second special symbol display control means 321, a second special symbol variation control means 322, a second special symbol lottery means 320, and a second special symbol variation control means 322 as means for functioning when a game ball enters the second start port 120. Random number determination means 323 is provided. The ROM 201b also has a long hit game control means 340, a short hit game control means 341, a high probability game control means 342, a short-time game control means 343, a normal game control means 344, and a small hit game control means as means for controlling the progress of the game. 345, an effect execution command transmission means 333 is provided. Further, the ROM 201b includes a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, and a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 as means for functioning when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. I have.

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

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

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

  The long hit game control means 340 receives the long hit game execution right as a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120. Control the progress of the hit game. The “long hit game” in the present embodiment is a kind of jackpot game, and is a game in which a round game in which the rotating member 91 is opened and closed is played a total of 15 times.

  The rotation operation of the rotation member 91 is performed by a drive motor 92a. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the long hit game, the rotation member 91 is rotated to control the drive motor 92a so as to open the special winning opening 94. Round game is started. When the big prize opening detection unit 224 detects that a predetermined number (9) of game balls have entered the big prize opening 94, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the drive motor 92a (for example, Stepping motor rotation control), and the round game ends.

Even if a predetermined number of game balls have not entered the big prize opening 94, when the predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses after the rotating member 91 opens the big prize opening 94, the rotating member 91 becomes the big prize opening 94. The drive motor 92a is controlled so as to be closed.
When one of these two conditions is satisfied, the rotary member 91 closes the special winning opening 94, and the round game is ended.

  When a predetermined time (2 seconds) elapses after the rotary member 91 closes the big prize opening 94, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 so that the rotary member 91 opens the big prize opening 94 again. The drive motor 92a is controlled. Thereby, the second round game is started. In this manner, the opening / closing operation (rotation operation) of the grand prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is repeated 15 rounds. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 94, a prize ball corresponding to the winning ball is paid out 291. Paid out by. Thus, in the long hit game, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  When the short hit game control means 341 acquires the right to execute the short hit game as a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, Control the progress of the short hit game. The “short hit game” in the present embodiment is a kind of jackpot game, and is a game in which the rotary member 91 opens and closes (rotates) 15 times as in the above “long hit game”, and the round game is executed 15 times. It is. However, in the “short hit game”, the maximum opening time of the rotating member 91 is set shorter than the “long hit game”.

  The opening / closing operation (rotating operation) of the rotating member 91 in the “short hit game” state is performed by the drive motor 92a as in the long hit game. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the short hit game control means 341 to control the short hit game, first, the round game is started by controlling the drive motor 92a so as to open the rotating member 91. However, in the “short hit game” state, the rotation member 91 is controlled to repeat opening and closing 15 times at a predetermined interval (short time). Therefore, the time for which the rotating member 91 is in the open state is extremely short compared to the game per long game, and the possibility that the game ball enters the big prize opening 94 is extremely low compared to the game per long game.

  In the “short hit game”, since the rotating member 91 returns to the closed state in an instant, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the special winning opening 94 (the rotating member 91) is opened. In this way, the “short win game” is aimed at improving the playability and the interest rather than paying the player a prize ball. However, even in the “short win game”, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 94, a winning ball corresponding to the winning game is paid out.

  The high-probability game control means 342 controls the game to a high-probability game state in which the game is progressed in a state where the winning probability of the big hit (including long win and short win) is higher than that in the normal game state. The high probability game state is executed after the long hit game or the short hit game is completed.

  Specifically, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105 or the second start opening 120, the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 acquires a winning random number. Then, the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323 determines the acquired hit random number based on a predetermined table. At this time, in a normal gaming state (including a short-time gaming state that is not a high-probability gaming state, hereinafter referred to as a low-probability gaming state), a hit random number is determined based on a special symbol normal hour hit determination table. In the probabilistic gaming state, a hit random number is determined based on the special symbol high probability hourly determination table. In the special symbol high probability hourly determination table, the number (type) of random numbers for determining that the jackpot is larger than the special symbol normal hour determination table. The determination and type of jackpot will be described later in detail.

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

  When the game ball passes the winning gate 106, a normal symbol lottery is performed. The normal symbol lottery is performed by the CPU 201a operating the normal symbol lottery means 360 to randomly extract random numbers when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106. The random numbers obtained in this way are determined based on the normal symbol normal hour determination table in the normal gaming state (including the high-probability gaming state that is not the short-time gaming state). Is determined based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table.

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

  Also, in the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to the normal gaming state. That is, when the game ball passes the winning gate 106, random numbers are acquired and the acquired random numbers are determined. At this time, the player is informed whether the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win or a loss. A predetermined time is required until notification. The time required for notifying the player of the result of the normal symbol lottery is set shorter in the short-time game state than in the normal game state, and in the short-time game state, the normal symbol lottery results are played one after another. And the second start port 120 is frequently opened. In this way, the short-time gaming state makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting port 120, so that the game state progresses in a state where the right of the big hit lottery can be obtained without spending much of the game ball. That is.

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

  As a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the small hit game control means 345 acquires the right to execute the small hit game. Control the progress of the small hit game. In the small hit game, as in the short hit game, the round opening / closing operation (rotation operation) of the big winning opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is performed for 15 rounds. In the small hit game, the number of times the big winning opening 94 (rotating member 91) is opened, the release time, and the release timing are exactly the same as or similar to the “short win game”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Each random number acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the determination table used when determining the acquired random number are as shown in FIG. FIG. 12A shows an example of a jackpot winning probability and a winning random number, and FIG. 12B shows an example of the type of game value given when winning a jackpot, its winning probability, and a design random number. FIG. 12C shows an example of the presence / absence of a reach effect, its appearance probability, and a reach random number.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, one winning random number is acquired from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. In the low probability gaming state, the hit random number is determined based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. According to the special symbol normal hour hit determination table, the two random numbers 7 and 317 are determined to be big hit. Is done. On the other hand, in the high-probability gaming state, the hit random number is determined based on the special symbol high-probability hourly determination table. According to this special symbol high probability per hour determination table, 7, 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 317, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, Twenty random numbers 547 and 577 are determined to be big hits.

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

  In the present embodiment, a “small hit” is provided separately from the “big hit” described above, and the winning of the “small win” is also determined by a random number. The “small hit” in the present embodiment is to acquire the right to execute the “small hit game” in which the momentary opening operation of the rotating member 91 is performed 15 times, as in the short hit game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), regardless of the game state, when the winning random number is 50 or 100, the small hit game in which the rotating member 91 (big prize opening 94) is opened for 15 rounds. Will be executed. The small hit game is controlled by the CPU 201a operating the small hit game control means 345. Further, as will be described in detail later, this small hit game is not intended for paying out a prize ball, and the player recognizes that the gaming state has shifted to the high probability gaming state, as will be described later. It is provided for the purpose of making it difficult.

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

  “Per probability with a short time with high probability” is a game to which three game values are given. When winning this “long chance with short time with high probability”, as the first game value, the rotation member 91 (large winning prize opening 94) is controlled to rotate (open / close control) for 15 rounds, and the condition that one round ends is set. A long hit game is executed in which a predetermined number (9) of game balls enter or a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses. As a result, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. When the long hit game ends, the game progresses in the high-probability gaming state as the second gaming value, and the game advances in the short-time gaming state as the third gaming value. As a result, the player can win a large amount of prize balls, and after winning the prize balls, can reduce the consumption of the game balls and realize a big win again early. The short-time gaming state, which is the third gaming value given here, continues until the jackpot is won.

“Regular per short time” is a game to which two game values are given. This “per length with a short time” is different from the above “per length with a short time with a high probability” in that the winning probability of the jackpot becomes a low-probability gaming state after the end of the long-game. Further, in the “per length with normal time saving”, the time-short gaming state after the end of the long winning game ends when a special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).
As described above, in the present embodiment, after the end of the long hit game in which a large amount of prize balls can be obtained, the long win in which the game progresses in the high probability game state where the winning probability of the big win is high, There is provided a long win in which the game progresses in a low-probability gaming state in which the winning probability is low.

  “Short hit with short time with high probability” is a game that progresses in a high-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of winning the jackpot is high after the rotating member 91 repeats the operation of opening the big winning opening 94 for 15 rounds. If you win this “short win with high probability”, you will not be able to win a lot of prize balls immediately by opening the rotating member 91, but since the subsequent gaming state will be a high probability gaming state, There is a high possibility of winning a large number of prize balls in the game. In addition, if you win the “short win with high probability short-time”, the game ball will be in the high-probability gaming state at the same time as the winning or after the short win game, and will be in the short-time gaming state. Cost consumption can be reduced.

  “Short win with normal time” is a low-probability gaming state in which the rotating member 91 repeats the action of opening the grand prize opening 94 for a moment (opening the big prize opening 94) for 15 rounds, and then the winning probability of the big hit is low It is a game that progresses. However, since the subsequent gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state in the same manner as the above “short chance with short time with high probability”, it is possible to reduce the consumption of gaming balls only for a predetermined number of times. In the normal game state, if the “short win with normal time” is won, the game value that enables execution of the short time game is only given thereafter, but in the high probability game state, If the player wins the “short win with normal time”, there is a demerit that the win probability of the jackpot will fall from a high probability to a low probability.

  In the present embodiment, both the “short hit with normal time” and “short win with high probability” have the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 and the second start after shifting to the short game state. The opening / closing operation of the mouth 120 is the same. Also, as will be described later, the production contents are the same for “short win with normal time” and “short win with high probability”. Therefore, for the player, after the short hit game (15-round opening / closing operation of the rotating member 91) is completed, it is determined whether the jackpot winning probability is high or low. It has become very difficult. In this way, the reason for providing "short win with normal time" is whether the winning probability of jackpot is high probability or low probability when it becomes short-time game state after the short win game ends, This is to make the player have doubts.

  “Short per hit without short time with high probability” is the same as “Short per hit with short time with high probability”. It is a game that shifts to a high probability gaming state (so-called latent probability changing state). However, this “high probability short-time short win” is different from the above “high probability short-time short win” in that the short-time game is not started after the short win game ends. Even when this “high probability short / short short win” is won, it is not possible to immediately acquire a large amount of prize balls by opening the rotating member 91, in other words, opening the big prize opening 94. In addition, since it does not become a short-time gaming state thereafter, the consumption of the game ball is higher than “short hit with high probability short-time”. However, since the subsequent gaming state is a high-probability gaming state, there is a high possibility of winning a large number of prize balls by winning the long game in subsequent games.

  “Normal short time short hit” is a game that progresses in a normal game state after the rotating member 91 repeats 15 rounds of opening the big winning opening 94 for a moment. In other words, even if the “normal short-time short win” is won, neither the high-probability gaming state nor the short-time gaming state is entered. Moreover, since it is impossible to obtain a large amount of prize balls by opening the rotating member 91 for 15 rounds, the player is hardly given the game value due to the big win.

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

  In the present embodiment, in order to raise a suspicion about the fact that the winning probability of jackpot is high due to the winning of “high probability short / short short win”, Is provided with a “small hit”. However, since this “small hit” is not a kind of big hit, the small hit game is started when the hit random number (50, 100) is acquired instead of the symbol random number. The “small hit game” also repeats 15 rounds of the operation in which the rotating member 91 opens the big winning opening 94 for a moment as in the case of winning the “normal short no short win”. However, this “small hit” is different from the above “normal short no hit short” in that the gaming state does not change at all after the opening / closing operation of the rotating member 91. In other words, if you win the “Short hit without normal time” in the high probability gaming state, the gaming state becomes the normal gaming state after the short winning game ends, but even if you win the “small hit” in the high probability gaming state Thereafter, the high-probability gaming state continues.

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

  Even when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second random number determination means 323.

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

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a storage area related to the holding ball. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol holding storage unit 401 detects that the game ball is detected by the first start port detector 221. Random numbers (hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers) acquired based on the fact are stored in association with the order in which game balls are detected as reserved balls. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Each of the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d has a hit random number storage area, a design random number storage area, and a reach random number storage area, as shown in FIG. 13C. have. The winning random number storage area stores the winning random number, the symbol random number storage area stores the symbol random number, and the reach random number storage area stores the reach random number. As described above, when a reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol display control unit 301 to determine the number of reserved balls that are reserved as the first special symbol. Displayed on the hold indicator 88.

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

  When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401, 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order. That is, when the reserved ball is retained in both the first special symbol storage unit 401 and the second special symbol storage unit 402, the retained ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 has priority. Digested. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the reserved balls are retained in the first storage area 401 a to the third storage area 401 c of the first special symbol storage unit 401, and the fifth special symbol storage unit 402 It is assumed that a reserved ball is reserved in the storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b.

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

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), it is assumed that three reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 that performs non-priority processing. In this case, the three reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 are digested successively in the order indicated by the dotted lines in the figure. However, when the first reserved ball is digested, in other words, when the first special symbol variation display is performed, the reserved ball is stored in the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 to which priority processing is performed. Is retained (when the ball enters the second starting port 120), the reserved ball is interrupted, and the reserved balls are digested in the order indicated by the solid line in the figure.

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

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

  Next, the control when a game ball enters the starting port will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, first, the first start port detector 221 or the second start port detector 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120.

(Step S301)
Then, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 operates a variation determination program (not shown) to determine whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variation manner. At this time, if it is determined that the special symbol is not in a variable display, the special symbol based on the incoming ball is immediately displayed, so that the fluctuation start process of FIG. 16 described later is performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S502)
As described above, when an effect dedicated to a long hit game is started, the CPU 201a activates the long hit game control means 340, and sends a control signal to the drive motor 92a so that the rotating member 91 opens the big prize opening 94. As a result, the rotating member 91 opens the grand prize opening 94, and a game ball can enter the big prize opening 94.

  A round start signal is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub-control board 202 simultaneously with sending the control signal to the drive motor 92a. When the sub control board 202 receives the round start signal, the CPU 202a operates the effect control means 502 to control the effect for each round. For example, in the symbol display unit 104, a movie dedicated to a long game is already displayed, and a message such as “start one round” is displayed together with this movie.

(Step S503) (Step S504) (Step S505)
In step S502, when the rotary member 91 opens the special winning opening 94, the time counter provided on the main control board 201 starts measuring time. Then, when the predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the drive motor 92a so that the rotating member 91 closes the big prize opening 94 (step S505). Similarly, when the special winning opening detection unit 224 detects the entry of a predetermined number (9) of game balls, the driving motor 92a is controlled so that the rotating member 91 closes the special winning opening 94. Accordingly, within a predetermined time after the rotary member 91 opens the big prize opening 94 and while the number of detected game balls of the big prize opening detection unit 224 is less than the predetermined number, steps S503 and S504 are performed. This control is repeated, and the special winning opening 94 is maintained in the open state.

(Step S506)
Then, in step S505, the drive motor 92a is turned on so that the rotary member 91 closes the big prize opening 94 by elapse of a predetermined time or by the big prize opening detecting unit 224 detecting a predetermined number of game balls. When controlled, the CPU 201 a activates the game control means 340 per long and counts and stores “1” in the round number storage means 405. The count value stored in the round number storage means 405 is used to determine how many rounds of the game per game have been played.

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

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

(Step S509)
In addition, when the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is performed a predetermined number of times (15 rounds), the long winning game is ended, and the CPU 201a activates the long winning game control means 340 so that the sub-control board 202 is long. A winning game end signal is transmitted. Then, when the sub control board 202 receives the long hit game end signal, the CPU 202b activates the effect control means 502 to perform an ending effect related to the so-called long hit game end.

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

  On the other hand, in the case of winning a short win, the “short win game” is controlled as shown in FIG.

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

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

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

(Step S602)
As described above, when the special effect for the short hit game is started, the CPU 201a operates the short hit game control means 341 to control the drive motor 92a so that the rotating member 91 opens the special winning opening 94 (step S602). However, in this short win game, since the opening time of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is set to be as short as 0.1 seconds, the rotating member 91 is in a closed state immediately after the big winning opening 94 is opened for a moment. Return to.

(Step S603)
In step S602, when the drive motor 92a is controlled so that the rotating member 91 opens the special winning opening 94, the time counter provided on the main control board 201 starts measuring time.

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

(Step S605)
Further, the CPU 201 a operates the short hit game control means 341 to determine the count value stored in the round number storage means 405. If the count value is not 15, the processes in steps S602 to S604 are repeated. Note that the time until the process of step S602 is repeated is the predetermined time (1.5 seconds). That is, in the short hit game, the time during which the rotating member 91 opens the special winning opening 94 is set to 1.5 seconds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S702)
As described above, at the same time as the special effect for the small hit game starts, the CPU 201a operates the small hit game control means 345 to intermittently energize the drive motor 92a. That is, the small hit game control means 345 is programmed to perform energization for 0.1 second to the drive motor 92a 15 times with an interval of 1.5 seconds. Therefore, when the CPU 201a activates the small hit game control means 345, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is continuously performed 15 times.

  Although the control method for the small hit game is different from the control method for the short hit game, the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is the same in the short hit game and the small hit game. Is set. Therefore, not only the production as described above, but also whether the small winning game is being executed or whether the short winning game is being executed even if the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 94 by the rotating member 91 is seen. Cannot be attached by a player.

  Next, the effect control performed during the special symbol variation display will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, when the special symbol variation start process is performed, an effect execution command is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 (step S412 in FIG. 16). In the present embodiment, when the sub control board 202 receives the effect execution command, the effect related to either the “normal effect mode” or the “probability change suggestion effect mode” is executed.

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

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

(Step S801)
When the sub control board 202 receives the effect execution command, the CPU 202a operates a predetermined program to determine whether or not the probability variation suggestion flag is stored in the probability variation suggestion flag control means 503. Here, the case where the probability variation suggestion flag is stored is a case where either “short win game” or “small hit game” is performed before the special symbol change start processing (FIG. 18). Step S601b, Step S701b of FIG. 19).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(A) is a perspective view when a rotation member closes a big prize opening, (b) is a perspective view when a rotation member opens a big prize opening. (A) is the perspective view which showed the state of the rotation member and the operation member when the rotation member closed the big prize opening, (b) the state of the rotation member and the operation member when the rotation member opened the big prize opening FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a big prize opening device showing a state when a rotary member having a flange closes the big prize opening. (A) is a plan view of the big prize opening device when the rotating member closes the big prize opening, and (b) is a plan view of the big prize opening device when the rotating member opens the big prize opening. (A) is a side view of the big prize opening device showing a state when the rotating member closes the big prize opening, and (b) is a big winning mouth apparatus showing a state when the rotating member opens the big prize opening. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the conventional big prize opening unit when opening and closing a door. It is the perspective view which showed the conventional big prize opening unit when the opening / closing door is closed. It is the front view which showed the structural example of the gaming machine. (A) is the enlarged view which showed the 1st starting opening and the 2nd starting opening part in FIG. 7, (b) is the enlarged view which showed a mode that the 2nd starting opening was open | released. (A) is the enlarged view which showed the big winning opening part in FIG. 7, (b) is the enlarged view which showed a mode that the big winning opening was open | released. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. (A)-(c) is the figure which showed an example of the determination table which determines the random number acquired when a game ball enters a starting port, and this random number. (A)-(c) is a conceptual diagram of a 1st special symbol reservation storage means and a 2nd special symbol reservation storage means. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the digestion order of holding | maintenance. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board | substrate at the time of a holding ball having entered into the starting port. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process of the special symbol in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a game per long. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a short hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a small hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process in a sub control board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Grand prize opening device 90 ... Opening / closing part 91 ... Rotating member, 91a ... Opening part, 91b ... Shaft part, 91c ... Flange 92 ... Operation member, 92a ... Drive motor, 92b ... Rotating shaft, 92c ... Drive gear, 92d ... Intermediate gear, 92e ... driven gear, 92f ... flange, 92g ... photo sensor 94 ... big prize opening, 94a ... big prize opening hole, 94b ... blocking part 95 ... base plate 96 ... case, 96a ... support part

Claims (2)

A large winning opening having a large winning opening opened facing the game board is opened in the case of a big hit, and a game ball can be received from the large winning opening toward the back side of the gaming board. In the grand prize opening device provided with an openable / closable portion that can be switched between an open state to be closed and a closed state that closes the special prize opening and prevents the reception of game balls
The big prize opening hole is formed in a base plate arranged on the front surface of the game board,
The opening / closing part is
A blocking portion disposed on the lower side of the grand prize opening hole, and for preventing the game ball from being received from the lower side of the big prize opening hole;
Both ends in the width direction are rotatably supported, and a rotating member that opens and closes from the big prize opening hole to the front side of the game board by opening and closing the big prize opening,
An operating member that rotates the rotating member in a rotating direction from the lower side to the upper side of the prize winning hole on the front side of the game board by the rotational movement of the lower side of the gaming board;
A position corresponding to the blocking portion is notched at the time of rotation around the rotation axis in the rotating member, and an opening that allows passage through the blocking portion is formed.
The prize winning opening device is characterized in that a plurality of consecutive prize winning opening / closing operations can be performed by rotating the rotating member at least once in the rotation direction by the operation unit. 2. The big prize opening device according to claim 1, wherein the opening portion has an opening width that prevents the game ball from passing downward.

Images