JP2011147610A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine allowing a player to suspend a game without a great disadvantage even during a special game state. <P>SOLUTION: When reaching a second point of time, a display 80 for allowing game suspension starts displaying in the lower right corner of a performance display means 15 as a notification of timing allowing the game suspension. The display 80 for allowing the game suspension continues until reaching a third point of time. The second point of time is the time going back by an estimated reaching period from the end of opening of a special symbol start pocket which is closed by closing operation of a first opening/closing plate. The third point of time is the time going back by the estimated reaching period from the end of an interval of the end of a normal electric gimmick opening. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bullet ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board.

A bullet ball game machine is a game in which a game ball is fired from a launching means toward a game board.
On the board surface of the game board, a normal symbol start area (normal symbol start gate, normal symbol start port), a normal symbol display means and a special symbol start port are arranged. When the game ball falling along the board surface of the game board passes (enters) the normal symbol starting area, the normal symbol lottery is executed. Then, the normal symbol display unit starts the normal symbol changing operation, and after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol indicating the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit. If the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is a win, then a special symbol start port opening game in which the special symbol start port is opened in a predetermined manner is executed.

  Further, a special winning opening and special symbol display means are arranged on the surface of the game board. When a game ball falling along the board surface of the game board enters the special symbol start port, a special symbol lottery is executed. Then, the special symbol display means starts the special symbol changing operation, and after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol indicating the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means. If the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a win, then a special winning opening releasing game is executed in which the special winning opening is opened in a predetermined manner.

The launching force of the game ball from the launching means is adjusted by the handle. The handle includes a main body portion fixed to the ball game machine and a rotary gripping portion that can rotate with respect to the main body portion. When the player holds the rotary gripping portion and rotates the rotary gripping portion, the game ball is launched with a firing force corresponding to the rotation amount of the rotary gripping portion.
When the game lasts for a long time, the player may want to interrupt the game for leaving or taking a break. When the player removes his / her hand from the handle to interrupt the game, the rotary gripper returns to its original position, and the launching operation of the game ball by the launching means is stopped.

  Patent Document 1 describes a ball game machine that uses a notification lamp to notify that a game continuation time of a game (normal game) has reached a predetermined time.

JP 2002-282426 A

  For example, if the probability variation mode in which the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is extremely high (for example, 1/1 or a value close to it) is executed after the special prize opening game is finished, After the opening game is executed, the special symbol start opening game is almost executed. In addition, if the probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a relatively high probability, the special symbol start opening game is continuously generated. In this case, it is possible to configure a special game state (a jackpot game) that is advantageous to the player by continuously setting a special symbol start-up opening game by setting the period of one special prize opening opening game short. Conceivable.

Further, not only during the normal game as in Patent Document 1, but also in the special game state, the player may want to interrupt the game.
However, during the special game state, the character for opening and closing the special symbol start opening and the character for opening and closing the special prize opening are frequently opened, and after the interruption of the launch operation, When the opening operation is performed, the number of prize balls acquired by the player is reduced, and the player may be disadvantaged.

Also, when the special game state is advanced on the condition that the game ball enters the special symbol start port at the time of the special symbol start port opening game in the special game state, the special winning opening opening game included in one special game state If the number of games is limited, the player may suffer a disadvantage if the special gaming state progresses during the interruption of the game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of interrupting a game without causing a great disadvantage to the player even in a special game state.

  The invention described in claim 1 is a bullet ball game machine (1) for playing a game using a game ball flowing down the game board (2), and launching means for launching the game ball toward the game board A launch operation means (10) for operating a launch operation of the game ball by the launch means, a normal symbol start area (18, 27) disposed on the game board and allowing the game ball to pass through, A special symbol start opening (21) disposed on the game board and allowing a game ball to enter, special symbol start opening / closing means (23, 36) for opening and closing the special symbol start opening, and the normal symbol start When the game ball passes through the area, the normal symbol lottery execution means (41) for executing the normal symbol lottery with respect to the passing of the game ball and the normal symbol are changed, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed. The normal symbol display means (31) for performing the normal symbol lottery result If the normal symbol hitting the normal symbol display means is stopped, the special symbol start opening is opened by opening and closing the special symbol start opening / closing means in a predetermined manner. A special symbol start opening opening game execution means (41) for executing a game, and the special symbol starting movement opening means for executing the normal symbol display movement on the normal symbol display means and the special symbol start opening opening game execution means. With the symbol start opening game as one unit, a special game state advantageous to the player is configured by repeatedly executing the symbol change operation and the special symbol start opening opening game of a plurality of units. The timing at which the game can be interrupted is such that the player is not disadvantaged even if the launch of the game ball in the special gaming state is stopped, or the disadvantage suffered by the player is small. Notifying the technique's further includes a game interruptible timing notifying means (13,15,17,61), a ball-shooting game machine.

The numbers in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described later, but are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the embodiments. The same applies hereinafter.
According to this configuration, even when the game ball is stopped in the special gaming state, the player does not suffer a disadvantage (the player suffers less disadvantage). Informed. Therefore, the player can interrupt the game without incurring a great disadvantage by releasing his hand from the firing operation means in accordance with the timing notification during the special game state.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the notification period of the game interruption possible timing by the game interruption possible timing notification means starts from the predetermined start time (P2) due to the special symbol start opening opening game, and the special symbol start After the game ball is fired by the launching means from the start of opening the special symbol start opening by the opening operation of the special symbol start opening opening / closing means in the next special symbol start opening opening game executed next to the mouth opening game The game can be interrupted with a predetermined end point (P3) before the first time point (P1) going back to the assumed arrival period (T), which is assumed to be required to reach the special symbol starting point. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the ball game machine is executed during a part or all of the period (S, S0).

In this specification, the “time point before the first time point” may be the first time point or a time point before that.
According to this configuration, the game suspendable period ends before the time point (first time point) in which the assumed arrival period is traced from the start of opening the special symbol start port in the next special symbol start port opening game. And the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted is executed during the entire period or a part of the period during which the game can be interrupted. The game ball fired on the game board before the first time point reaches the special symbol starting port prior to the opening of the special symbol starting port during the next special symbol starting port opening game, and enters the special symbol starting port. Passes around without entering the ball. Therefore, by starting the interruption of the game according to the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted, it is possible to prevent the launched game ball from entering the special symbol start port during the next special symbol start port opening game. .

Depending on the type of the ball game machine, the special game state may progress on condition that the game ball enters the special symbol start port during the special symbol start port opening game. When the number of special symbol start opening games included in one special game state is limited, the player may suffer a disadvantage if the special game state progresses while the game is interrupted.
However, by starting the suspension of the game according to the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted, it is possible to prevent the launched game ball from entering during the next special symbol opening opening game. Even in a ball game machine, it is possible to prevent the special game state from progressing. Therefore, the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined start time point is a second time point that traces back the assumed arrival period from the end of opening of the special symbol start port by the closing operation of the special symbol start port opening / closing means. Also good.
According to this configuration, the game suspendable period starts from the time point (second time point) retroactive to the assumed arrival period from the end of opening the special symbol start port. And the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted is executed during the entire period or a part of the period during which the game can be interrupted. Therefore, if the game is interrupted according to the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted, the opening of the special symbol start port will be completed soon after the launched game ball reaches the special symbol start port. That is, in the special symbol start opening game, the number of game balls entering the special symbol start opening is not affected, and the number of prize balls that can be obtained by the player is not affected.

In addition, as described in claim 4, the predetermined end point is a third point in time that extends from the end of the opening end interval period for the end of the special symbol start opening game to the estimated arrival period. May be.
The special symbol start opening game is terminated when a predetermined discharge confirmation period and an opening end interval period elapse (end) in this order after the special symbol start opening is completed. When the next special symbol opening opening game is executed after the special symbol opening opening game (when there is a normal symbol start memory), the normal symbol display means normal after the opening of the special symbol starting opening The symbol changing operation is started.

According to this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the launched game ball from entering the special symbol starting port during the next special symbol starting port opening game.
In addition, when a plurality of intervals are prepared as the opening end interval period, a point in time that goes back the expected arrival period from the end of the shortest interval period may be used as a reference.

In addition, as described in claim 5, the game interruption possible timing notification means may include an effect display means for executing a predetermined effect related to the game.
The game interruption possible timing notifying means may include a sound generating means (13) for outputting a game-related effect using sound.
Further, the game interruption possible timing notifying means may be a lamp (17) for changing a light emission mode (switching on / off or changing light emission color).

  The invention described in claim 6 is a bullet ball game machine (1) for playing a game using a game ball flowing down the game board (2), and launching means for launching the game ball toward the game board A launch operation means (10) for operating a launch operation of the game ball by the launch means, a normal symbol start area (18, 27) disposed on the game board and allowing the game ball to pass through, A special symbol start opening (21) disposed on the game board and allowing a game ball to enter, special symbol start opening / closing means (23, 36) for opening and closing the special symbol start opening, and the normal symbol start When the game ball passes through the area, the normal symbol lottery execution means (41) for executing the normal symbol lottery with respect to the passing of the game ball and the normal symbol are changed, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed. The normal symbol display means (31) for performing the normal symbol lottery result If the normal symbol hitting the normal symbol display means is stopped, the special symbol start opening is opened by opening and closing the special symbol start opening / closing means in a predetermined manner. A special symbol start opening opening game execution means (41) for executing a game, and the special symbol starting movement opening means for executing the normal symbol display movement on the normal symbol display means and the special symbol start opening opening game execution means. With the symbol start opening game as one unit, a special game state advantageous to the player is configured by repeatedly executing the symbol change operation and the special symbol start opening opening game of a plurality of units. The timing at which the game can be interrupted is such that the player does not suffer any disadvantages or the disadvantages suffered by the player are small even if the launch of the game ball in the special gaming state is stopped. That a predetermined signal further includes signal output means for outputting to the outside of the apparatus, a ball-shooting game machine.

  According to this configuration, a signal relating to the timing during the special gaming state that does not give a disadvantage to the player even if the game ball is stopped (the disadvantage suffered by the player is small) is output to the outside of the machine. Therefore, it is possible to notify the player of the timing. In this case, the player can interrupt the game without incurring a major disadvantage by releasing his hand from the firing operation means in accordance with the timing notification during the special game state.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a special winning opening (22) arranged on the game board and into which a game ball can enter, and special winning opening opening / closing means (25, 37) for opening and closing the special winning opening. ), A special symbol lottery means (41) for executing a special symbol lottery with respect to the game ball when the game ball enters the special symbol start opening, and the result of the special symbol lottery The special winning opening opening / closing means is opened and closed in a predetermined manner to open the special winning opening to execute a special winning opening opening game execution means (41), and the special winning opening opening game execution means (41). After completion of the winning opening game, the probability variation mode execution in which a probability variation mode in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery are higher than the winning probability in the normal mode, respectively. Means (4 And a probability variation restriction for forcibly restricting the execution of the probability variation mode execution means in response to the number of continuous executions of the probability variation mode executed by the probability variation mode execution means reaching a predetermined limit number. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means (41).

  According to this configuration, the probability variation mode in which the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery and the special symbol lottery is high is executed after the special prize opening game is completed. If the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery in the probability variation mode is set to a very high probability (for example, 1/1 or a value close thereto), the special symbol start opening game is followed by the special winning opening game. Will start running. In addition, if the winning probability of the special symbol lottery in the probability variation mode is set to a very high probability (for example, 1/1 or a value close thereto), a game ball at the special symbol starting port during the special symbol starting port opening game. Then, the special prize opening game is started. Therefore, during the probability variation mode, the special prize opening opening game and the special symbol start opening opening game are repeatedly and continuously executed. In addition, during the special symbol start-up opening game, the special symbol start-up opening game is shifted to the next special symbol start-up opening game on condition that the game ball enters the special symbol start opening.

  In addition, a probability variation mode with a so-called limiter is employed in which execution of the probability variation mode is subsequently restricted when a predetermined limit number is reached. Using the probability variation mode, the number of special prize opening opening games included in one special game state is limited. Then, if the game ball launched just before the game is interrupted enters the special symbol start opening during the next special symbol start opening game, then the special winning opening release game is performed, and the special winning opening opening game The remaining number of times may decrease.

  However, by starting the suspension of the game according to the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted, it is possible to prevent the launched game ball from entering during the next special symbol start opening game. In this case, the special prize opening game is not executed thereafter. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the special gaming state from proceeding after the game is interrupted.

It is a front view of a ball game machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol-game state corresponding | compatible table. It is a figure which shows the state of the board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 1). It is a figure which shows the state of the board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 2). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of the board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 3). FIG. 4 is a view showing a state of a board surface of the game board in the bullet ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 4). FIG. 5 is a view showing a state of a board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 5). It is a figure which shows the state of the board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 6). FIG. 7 is a view showing a state of a board surface of the game board in the bullet ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 7). It is a figure which shows the display content of the effect display means in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 1). It is a figure which shows the display content of the effect display means in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 2). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing display contents of effect display means in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 3). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing display contents of effect display means in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 4). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display contents of the effect display means in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (No. 5). It is a figure which shows the state of the board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 8). It is a figure which shows the state of the board surface of the game board in the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1 (the 9). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the entrance processing which a main control board performs with respect to the passage of the game ball to a normal symbol start gate, or the entrance of the game ball to a normal symbol start port. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game after the ball entry process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a game when a game ball enters a special symbol start port (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game when a game ball enters the special symbol start port (part 2). It is a figure explaining the command transmitted from a main control board to an effect control board at the time of a special prize opening opening game start. It is a time chart for explaining the first special symbol start opening game and the first special winning opening opening game. It is a time chart for demonstrating the special symbol start opening | release game after the 2nd time and the special winning opening opening game corresponding to it. It is a figure which shows the display content of the effect display means during the display of a game interruption possible display. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control of the display which can interrupt a game by the production control board at the time of the special prize opening opening game start.

Hereinafter, a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2.
The ball game machine 1 includes a game board 2 (see FIG. 2) for playing a game by dropping a game ball launched from a launching device (launching means, not shown) along the board surface, and a game board 2 A front frame 3 having a substantially rectangular shape in front view to be held and a front door 4 covering the entire front surface of the front frame 3 are provided. The front door 4 can be opened and closed with respect to the front frame 3 around the left edge.

  The lower part of the front frame 3 receives and stores an upper plate 5 for storing game balls (pachinko balls) to be launched toward the game board 2 and game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 5. And a lower plate 6 for keeping it. A supply port (not shown) through which game balls overflowing from the upper plate 5 are supplied is formed above the lower plate 6. On the lower surface of the lower plate 6, a discharge port (not shown) for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 6 is formed. This discharge port is normally covered, and when the discharge lever 9 protruding from the lower front of the lower plate 6 is operated to open the discharge port, the game balls in the lower plate 6 are moved downward from the discharge port. To be discharged.

  A handle (launching operation means) 10 for adjusting the momentum of the game ball launched toward the game board 2 is disposed on the right side of the lower plate 6. The handle 10 is rotatably held by the front frame 3. The handle 10 includes a main body portion fixed to the front frame 3 and a rotary gripping portion that can rotate with respect to the main body portion. When the player grips the rotary gripper and the rotary gripper is rotated while the game ball is stored in the upper plate 5, a launching device (not shown) is activated, and the game ball in the upper plate 5 is operated. Are taken into the launching device one by one and fired from the launching device toward the surface of the game board 2.

The front door 4 is formed with, for example, a substantially circular (ellipse having a long axis in the vertical direction) opening 11. For example, the opening 11 is covered with a transparent plate 12 such as a glass plate at the rear, and when the front door 4 is closed, the game board 2 provided behind the opening 11 can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 12. It is like that.
In the upper left portion and the upper right portion of the front door 4, sound generating means 13 including, for example, a speaker for outputting sound is provided. During the game in the bullet ball gaming machine 1, the game atmosphere can be raised by the sound output from the sound generation means 13. The sound generation means 13 generates (outputs) sound having contents corresponding to the display contents of the effect display means 15 described later during the jackpot game (special game state).

  On the board surface of the game board 2, a substantially arc-shaped guide rail 14 for guiding a game ball launched from a launching device (not shown) to the upper left portion of the game board 2 is disposed. A large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged on the surface of the game board 2, and a game ball released from the upper left portion of the game board 2 toward the upper right side along the guide rail 14 is Along the board surface of the game board 2, it falls through a number of obstacle nails.

  In the central part of the game board 2, for example, an effect display means 15 constituted by a liquid crystal display is arranged. The effect display means 15 provides an effect according to the progress of the game during the game. Specifically, a plurality of effect symbols are variably displayed (scrolled) in response to a symbol varying operation of the normal symbol display means 31 described later. In a jackpot game, which will be described later, an effect indicating that a jackpot game is being displayed is displayed. The display screen of the effect display means 15 is surrounded by a frame (not shown). A decorative member 16 having a motif of a catch from the Edo period, such as ten hands, is attached to the front surface of the frame. In addition, an effect lamp (lamp) 17 for exciting the game is arranged at the center in the left-right direction above the effect display means 15 in the frame. The effect lamp 17 is turned on / off in a manner corresponding to the display content of the effect display means 15 during the big hit game.

  A normal symbol start opening (normal symbol start region) in which a game ball falling along the surface of the game board 2 can enter (pass through) immediately below the effect display means 15 on the board surface of the game board 2 and in the center in the left-right direction. 18 is arranged. A normal symbol starter sensor 20 (see FIG. 3) is disposed in the normal symbol starter 19 that defines the normal symbol starter 18. A game ball that has entered the normal symbol start port 18 (a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start region) immediately passes the vicinity of the normal symbol start port sensor 20 immediately after entering the normal symbol start port 18, and The passage is normally detected by the symbol start opening sensor 20. When detecting the game ball, the normal symbol start port sensor 20 outputs a detection signal to a main control board 40 (see FIG. 3) described later. Whether or not to execute a special symbol start port opening game (described later) for opening the special symbol start port 21 described below in a predetermined manner is determined according to the game ball entering the normal symbol start port 18. A normal symbol lottery is executed.

A special symbol starting port 21 and a special winning port 22 are arranged vertically below the normal symbol starting port 18 on the surface of the game board 2. A special winning opening 22 is arranged below the special symbol starting port 21. In other words, the special symbol starting port 21 and the special winning port 22 sandwich the special symbol starting port 21 in the vertical direction.
The special symbol starting port 21 has, for example, a rectangular shape that is long on the left and right, and is formed in a size that allows a plurality (3 to 4) of game balls to enter simultaneously. In relation to the special symbol starting port 21, a first opening / closing plate (special symbol starting port opening / closing means) 23 capable of opening and closing the special symbol starting port 21 is disposed. The first opening / closing plate 23 closes the special symbol start port 21 in a state along the board surface of the game board 2 and can prevent the game ball from entering the special symbol start port 21. The special symbol start port 21 is opened by tilting to the near side about a rotating shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower end edge of the symbol start port 21 and dropped to the special symbol start port 21. The coming game ball can be introduced into the special symbol starting port 21. The game ball that has entered the special symbol starting port 21 falls into a ball collection path (not shown), and is collected into the ball game machine 1 through this ball collection path. A special symbol start port sensor 24 (see FIG. 3) is interposed in the middle of the ball collection path. When the game ball passes through the special symbol start port sensor 24 in the ball collection path (that is, when the special symbol start port sensor 24 detects the game ball), the special symbol start port sensor 24 detects the main control board 40 (FIG. 3). The detection signal is output in response to the reference. When a game ball enters the special symbol starting port 21, a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of prize balls are paid out from a prize ball payout device (not shown). The game balls paid out from the prize ball payout device are supplied to the upper plate 5. Since the first opening / closing plate 23 closes the special symbol starting port 21 in a state along the board surface of the game board 2, when the first opening / closing plate 23 is closed, it is not possible to allow the game ball to enter the special winning opening 22. Can not.

  In addition, a special symbol lottery for determining whether or not to execute a special prize opening opening game in which the special prize opening 22 is opened in a predetermined manner according to the game ball entering the special symbol start opening 21 is executed. Is done. The probability determined to open the special prize opening 22 by the special symbol lottery is a predetermined high probability (1/1) in the probability variation mode to be described later, and a mode that is not the probability variation mode (time reduction mode to be described later or described later). A low probability (for example, 999/1000) set in advance during the normal mode).

  The special winning opening 22 has, for example, a rectangular shape that is long on the left and right, and is formed in a size that allows a plurality of game balls (3 to 4) to enter simultaneously. The special winning opening 22 is formed in substantially the same size as the special symbol starting port 21 in the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the special winning opening 22 are aligned with the left and right ends of the special symbol start opening 21 in the left-right direction. In relation to the special prize opening 22, a second opening / closing plate (special prize opening opening / closing means) 25 for opening and closing the special prize opening 22 is provided.

  The second opening / closing plate 25 closes the special prize opening 22 in a state along the board surface of the game board 2 and can prevent the game balls from entering the special prize opening 22. By tilting forward about a pivot shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of 22, the special prize opening 22 is opened and the game ball falling to the special prize opening 22 is special. It can be introduced into the winning opening 22. The game balls that have entered the special winning opening 22 fall into a ball collection path (not shown) and are collected through the ball collection path into the ball game machine 1. A special prize opening sensor 26 (see FIG. 3) is interposed in the middle of the ball collection path. When the game ball passes through the special prize port sensor 26 in the ball collection path (that is, when the special prize port sensor 26 detects the game ball), the special prize port sensor 26 is connected to a main control board 40 (see FIG. 3) described later. In response, a detection signal is output. When a game ball enters the special winning opening 22, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, three balls) are paid out from a prize ball payout device (not shown). The game balls paid out from the prize ball payout device are supplied to the upper plate 5. The number of prize balls (for example, 3 balls) to be paid out for entering the special winning opening 22 is smaller than the number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) to be paid out for entering the special symbol starting port 21. Is set. Since the second opening / closing plate 25 closes the special winning opening 22 in a state along the board surface of the game board 2, it is not possible to allow a game ball to enter the special winning opening 22 when the second opening / closing plate 25 is closed. .

  In the special prize opening game, the special prize opening 22 is kept until a predetermined short time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, two balls) of game balls enter the special prize opening 22. An operation such as opening a game is defined as one round, and such an operation is performed for a small number of rounds (for example, 2 rounds) with an interval of a predetermined time (for example, 2.0 seconds) (hereinafter referred to as a special prize of this specification). Open mouth game may be expressed as “0.5 seconds × 2R”). Since the opening time of the special prize opening 22 in each round of this special prize opening game is short (for example, 0.5 seconds), in one special prize opening game, a small number of game balls (on average, For example, about 2 game balls enter. Since the number of prize balls to be paid out to the special prize opening 22 is small (for example, 3 balls), there are very few prize balls that a player can acquire in the special prize opening game. In other words, although the special prize opening game is a special symbol profit state, it does not give a large profit directly to the player. The state in which the special prize opening game is executed is referred to as “special profit state”.

  A normal symbol start gate (normal symbol start region) 27 through which a game ball falling along the board surface of the game board 2 can pass is disposed on the right part of the game board 2 (to the right of the effect display means 15). Yes. The game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start gate 27 is detected by a normal symbol start gate sensor 28 (see FIG. 3). When the normal symbol start gate sensor 28 detects a game ball, it outputs a detection signal to a main control board 40 (see FIG. 3) described later. In accordance with the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27, a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to execute a special symbol start port opening game for opening the special symbol start port 21 in a predetermined manner is executed. The That is, the normal symbol lottery is executed both when the game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 and when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 27. The probability determined to open the special symbol start port 21 by the normal symbol lottery is a predetermined high probability (1/1) in the probability variation mode described below and the time reduction mode described below, and the normal mode described below. Inside, a low probability (1/300) determined in advance.

  In the special symbol start opening game, such an operation of opening the special symbol start port 21 once until a predetermined time (for example, 3.0 seconds) elapses is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 2.. Repeated twice with an interval of 0 seconds (hereinafter, the special symbol start opening game of this specification may be expressed as “3.0 seconds × 2 times”). Since the special symbol starting port 21 is formed in a size that allows a plurality of (3-4) game balls to enter simultaneously, and the opening time of the special symbol starting port 21 is 6.0 seconds in total. In this special symbol starting port opening game, it is easy for a game ball flowing down along the surface of the game board 2 to enter the special symbol starting port 21. Therefore, a large number (for example, about 10) of game balls enter in one special symbol start opening game. That is, the number of game balls that enter the special symbol start port 21 or the special winning port 22 is larger in the special symbol starting port opening game than in the special winning port opening game. Then, the number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) to be paid out for entering the special symbol starting port 21 is the number of prize balls (for example, 3 balls) to be paid out for entering the special prize opening 22. ) Is set to be more. As a result, the special symbol start opening game has a higher (higher) profit given to the player than the special prize opening opening game. This special symbol start opening game is executed independently of the special prize opening opening game. The state in which the special symbol start opening game is executed is called “ordinary profit state”.

In the ball game machine 1, a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode, and a normal mode are prepared. The normal mode is a mode that is neither the probability variation mode nor the time reduction mode. In the ball game machine 1, the probability variation mode, the time reduction mode, and the normal mode can be selectively executed.
In the probability variation mode, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a high probability (for example, 1/1), and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is set to a high probability (for example, 1/1). In this ball game machine 1, a so-called probability variation mode with a limiter is employed. Therefore, when the number of times that the probability variation mode is continuously executed (hereinafter also referred to as “probability variation continuous execution number”) reaches a predetermined limit number, the probability variation mode is not executed after the next time, The short time mode or the normal mode is executed. That is, there is a limit on the number of times that the special prize opening game is continuously executed in the probability variation mode.

  In the time reduction mode, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a low probability (for example, 999/1000), and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is set to a high probability (for example, 1/1). In this ball game machine 1, a so-called time reduction mode is employed. Therefore, the time reduction mode is continued until a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) of the fluctuation of the special symbol display means 29 described later in the time reduction mode elapses or until a special symbol lottery is won next. Then, when the number of changes of the special symbol display means 29 passes a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) without winning the special symbol lottery, the normal mode is executed after the next time.

  However, in this embodiment, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery in the time reduction mode is low, but is a very high value (999/1000). There is a very high possibility that the next special symbol lottery will be won without passing the predetermined number of times (100 times). For this reason, the time-saving mode may be the one up to the next time instead of the one in which the number of times is reduced, and in this case, the game performance of the ball game machine 1 is hardly affected.

In the normal mode, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a low probability (999/1000), and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is set to a low probability (1/300).
Then, regardless of whether the game state (mode) of the ball game machine 1 is in the probability variation mode, the time reduction mode, or the normal mode, the game state of the ball game machine 1 is in the special prize opening game. However, it has once shifted to the normal mode.

During the probability variation mode or the short time mode, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery with respect to the entrance of the game ball to the normal symbol start port 18 or the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 is high (1/1). Therefore, special symbol start opening games are frequently executed.
On the other hand, during the normal mode, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery for the entrance of the game ball to the normal symbol start port 18 or the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 is low (1/300). Special symbol opening opening games are rarely executed. In addition, when the first opening / closing plate 23 is in the closed state, it is impossible to allow a game ball to enter the special symbol start port 21, so that it is almost impossible to enter a game ball into the special symbol start port 21 during the normal mode.

  It is desirable that the winning probability when the special symbol lottery is low is extremely high (that is, close to 1/1). Thereby, the special symbol lottery can be almost won regardless of the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 (whether it is in the probability variation mode, the time reduction mode, or the normal mode). When the special symbol start opening game is executed, in most cases, the special winning opening opening game can be executed (generated) thereafter.

In addition, it is desirable that the winning probability at the time of high probability of the normal symbol lottery is 1/1, but even if it is a value other than 1, it may be a value close to 1. In this case, if the normal symbol starting port 18 is entered or passed through the normal symbol starting gate 27, then the special symbol starting port opening game is executed with a very high probability.
In this bullet ball game machine 1, the rotation angle of the handle 10 is normally adjusted, and a game ball is released along the guide rail 14 to the upper left part of the board surface of the game board 2. The game ball that has reached the upper left portion of the board surface of the game board 2 is caused by the obstacle nails planted in the left half (the upper left part, the left part, and the lower left part) of the game board 2 so that the normal design starting port 18 of the game board 2 is reached. It is possible to be guided to the vicinity.

  In addition, the bullet ball game machine 1 can perform a so-called right-handed game (a game in which a game ball is launched toward the right portion of the board surface of the game board 2). Specifically, when the rotation angle of the handle 10 is the maximum angle, the game ball is launched with a very strong momentum. Then, the game ball is released from the upper left portion of the game board 2 along the guide rail 14 diagonally upward to the right. The released game ball passes over the effect display means 15 and reaches the right portion of the board surface of the game board 2.

  The game ball that has reached the right part of the board surface of the game board 2 is led to the vicinity of the normal symbol starting gate 27 on the right part of the game board 2 by the obstacle nails implanted in the upper right part and the right part of the game board 2. It is possible to be removed. In addition, the game ball that has reached the vicinity of the normal symbol start gate 27 is placed near the special symbol start port 21 at the lower part of the game board 2 or the special winning port 22 at the lower part of the game board 2 by the obstacle nail in the vicinity. It is possible to be guided.

In other words, during a right-handed game, the game ball fired on the surface of the game board 2 is led to the vicinity of the normal symbol start gate 27 and at the vicinity of the special symbol start opening 21 or the special prize opening 22 at the lower part of the game board 2. Led to.
In the lower right portion of the game board 2, a special symbol display means 29, a normal symbol hold display means 30, a normal symbol display means 31, a game state display means 32, and a round state display means 33 are provided in an area outside the guide rail 14. It is arranged. These display means 29 to 33 are arranged in a line in this order from the lower right portion of the game board 2 toward the lower left direction.

  The special symbol display means 29 is for displaying the result of the special symbol lottery performed for the game ball entering the special symbol start port 21. The special symbol display means 29 is constituted by, for example, one 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21, the special symbol of the special symbol display means 29 is alternately switched between "8" and "-" at a high speed. The fluctuation is started and stopped after a predetermined time. At this time, if the result of the special symbol lottery is winning (winning), the special symbol display means 29 displays the symbol “1”, the symbol “2”, the symbol “3” or the symbol “4” as the special symbol. When any one (winning symbol) is stopped and the result of the special symbol lottery is out of order, the symbol “-” (out of symbol) is stopped in the special symbol display means 29.

In the ball game machine 1, the symbol changing operation of the special symbol display means 29 for the game ball entering the special symbol start port 21 is not suspended. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 during the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 29, the symbol variation operation of the special symbol display means 29 for the incoming ball is immediately discarded. It has become.
The normal symbol display means 31 is for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 or the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 27. The normal symbol display means 31 is constituted by, for example, one 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 or passes through the normal symbol start gate 27, the normal symbol on the normal symbol display means 31 is alternately switched between “8” and “−” at high speed. By changing, the normal symbol change of the normal symbol display means 31 is started and stopped after a predetermined time. At this time, when the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is a win (winning), that is, when it is determined that the first opening / closing plate 23 is opened and closed and the special symbol starting port 21 is opened in a predetermined manner, When the normal symbol “7” (winning symbol) is stopped on the normal symbol display means 31 and the result of the normal symbol lottery is off, the normal symbol “−” (missing symbol) is displayed on the normal symbol display means 31. Stopped.

  During the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “ordinary symbol variation”), a game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18, or the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 27. In this case, the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 31 for the incoming ball can be suspended up to a predetermined number (for example, four times). The symbol changing operation of the held normal symbol display means 31 is executed in accordance with the reserved order after the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol displaying means 31 being executed is completed. The number of symbol fluctuation operations of the held normal symbol display means 31 is displayed on the normal symbol hold display means 30. The normal symbol hold display means 30 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display, and can represent the number of symbol change operations held on the screen by numbers.

The game state display means 32 is composed of two lamps arranged adjacent to the normal symbol display means 31. Each lamp is configured to be switched on / off. Depending on the combination of lighting / extinguishing of these lamps, it is displayed whether the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 is the probability variation mode, the time reduction mode, or the normal mode.
The round state display means 33 includes three lamps that are arranged adjacent to the game state display means 32 and can be switched on / off. Depending on the combination of lighting / extinguishing of each lamp, the number of executions of the current special prize opening opening game in a series of jackpot games being executed is displayed.

Among the game balls that fall along the board surface of the game board 2, game balls (out balls) that have not entered any of the normal symbol start port 18, the special symbol start port 21, and the special winning award port 22 are games. It is collected in the machine from the out ball collection port 34 formed in the lower part of the board 2.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ball game machine 1 shown in FIG.
The control circuit of the ball game machine 1 has a main control board 40 and an effect control board 60. The main control board 40 is for controlling the basic operation of the game in the ball game machine 1, and stores a CPU 41 that forms the center of control, a random number generator 42 that generates various random numbers, program software, and the like. And a microcomputer including a counter unit 44 that counts various times. The memory 43 is constituted by a ROM or a RAM, for example. Detection signals are input to the main control board 40 from the normal symbol starting port sensor 20, the normal symbol starting gate sensor 28, the special symbol starting port sensor 24, and the special winning award port sensor 26, respectively. The main control board 40 has a first opening / closing plate driving member (special symbol start port opening / closing means) 36 for opening / closing the first opening / closing plate 23, and a second opening / closing operation for opening / closing the second opening / closing plate 25. A plate driving member (special prize opening opening / closing means) 37, special symbol display means 29, normal symbol display means 31, normal symbol hold display means 30, game state display means 32 and round state display means 33 are connected as control targets. .

In the CPU 41 of the main control board 40, a command transmission part 45 for transmitting a command to a command receiving part 65 (included in the CPU 41 of the effect control board 60), which will be described later, of the effect control board 60, performs timing at a predetermined timing A timer 46 and a lottery execution unit 47 for performing various lotteries are included.
The random number generator 42 of the main control board 40 includes a normal symbol per random number generator 48 for generating random numbers used for normal symbol lottery, and a special symbol per random symbol generation for generating random numbers used for special symbol lotteries. And a stop symbol determination lottery random number generation unit 50 that generates a random number used in a stop symbol determination lottery for determining a symbol (stop symbol) to be stopped by the special symbol display means 29.

  The lottery execution unit 47 of the CPU 41 compares the random number values acquired from the normal symbol per random number generation unit 48 of the random number generation unit 42 with a normal symbol per random number table (not shown) stored in the memory 43. Therefore, a normal symbol lottery is performed. Similarly, the lottery execution unit 47 receives the random number values obtained from the random symbol generator 49 for determination of special symbols of the random number generator 42 and the random number generator 50 for stop symbol determination lottery for each special symbol stored in the memory 43. A special symbol lottery and a stop symbol lottery are performed by comparing with a determination random number table (not shown) and a stop symbol determination lottery random table (not shown).

The memory 43 of the main control board 40 includes a normal symbol start storage unit 51, a special symbol start storage unit 52, a special symbol-gaming state correspondence table storage unit 53, a special symbol high probability flag 54, and a general symbol high probability flag 55. It has been.
The normal symbol start storage unit 51 is generated by a normal symbol per-determination random number generation unit 48 that is acquired when a game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 or passes through the normal symbol start gate 27. Stores the value of the random number for determining per ordinary symbol. The normal symbol start storage unit 51 can store the obtained random numbers for determination per normal symbol for up to five times, one of which is used for executing symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31. A maximum of four times (upper limit) can be stored for holding the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31. When a game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 or a game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 27 in a state where the symbol change of the normal symbol display means 31 is not performed and is not held, The normal symbol per-determination random number value acquired for the entry or passage is stored in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 for execution. Then, immediately after that, the normal symbol lottery is executed, and the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 is performed according to the result of the executed normal symbol lottery.

  On the other hand, a game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 or a game to the normal symbol start gate 27 in a state where the normal symbol start determination random number value is already stored in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 for execution. When the ball has passed, the normal symbol per-determining random number value acquired for the incoming or passed ball is stored in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 for holding, and the normal symbol stored for the holding is stored. The number of random numbers for hit determination is counted by a normal symbol hold counter 56 described later (the value of the random numbers for normal symbol determination stored for hold in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 is simply referred to as “normal” hereinafter. Sometimes referred to as “symbol start memory”). The normal symbol per-determining random number value stored in the normal symbol starting storage unit 51 for holding is the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 according to the normal symbol per-determining random number value stored for execution. Is finished, the symbols are sequentially moved up and stored for execution, and the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 corresponding to the values of the reserved random numbers for determining the normal symbols is sequentially executed.

  The special symbol start storage unit 52 stores a result of a special symbol lottery (a random number for determination per special symbol and a random number for special symbol determination lottery) executed for the game ball entering the special symbol start port 21. When a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 in a state where the symbol change of the special symbol display means 29 is not performed and is not held, the special symbol performed for the entrance The lottery result is stored in the special symbol start storage unit 52 for execution. Immediately thereafter, the symbol change of the special symbol display means 29 according to the stored special symbol lottery result (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “special symbol variation”) is performed.

The special figure high probability flag 54 is used for storing whether or not the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high, that is, whether or not the probability fluctuation mode is in progress. ”Is stored, and the value“ 0 ”is stored during the time reduction mode or the normal mode.
The common figure high probability flag 55 is for storing whether the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high, that is, whether the probability fluctuation mode or the short time mode is in effect. A value of “1” is stored during the medium or short-time mode, and a value of “0” is stored during the normal game mode.

The counter unit 44 includes a normal symbol hold counter 56, a current continuous number counter 57, and an allowable number counter 58. The normal symbol hold counter 56 counts the number of random numbers for determination per normal symbol stored in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 for holding.
Both the current continuous number counter 57 and the allowable number counter 58 are both the probability variation continuous execution number in which the probability variation mode is continuously executed, in other words, the number of times that the special prize opening game is continuously executed in the probability variation mode. Is to count. The current continuous number counter 57 counts the number of times of the probability variation mode that has been continuously executed (occurred) up to the present time (the number of special prize opening games that have been continuously executed up to the present in the probability variation mode). The allowable number counter 58 counts the number of times of the probability variation mode in which execution is allowed continuously thereafter (the number of special prize opening games allowed to be executed continuously in the probability variation mode thereafter). Both are different.

The count values of the counters 56, 57, 58 are stored in a storage area (not shown) provided in the memory 43. In the initial state, the value of the current continuous number counter 57 is set to “0”, and the value of the allowable number counter 58 is set to a predetermined limit number (for example, 30).
On the other hand, the effect control board 60 is for controlling the effect display means 15, the sound generation means 13, and the effect lamp 17, and includes a CPU 61 that forms the center of control and a memory 63 that stores various data. Has a computer. The memory 63 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The effect display means 15, the sound generation means 13, and the effect lamp 17 are connected to the effect control board 60 as control targets.

  The CPU 61 of the effect control board 60 includes a command receiving unit 65 that receives a command from the command transmission unit 45 included in the CPU 41 of the main control board 40, a display control unit 66 that controls the display operation of the effect display means 15, and sound generation. A voice control unit 67 that controls the output operation of the means 13, a lamp control unit 68 that controls turning on / off of the effect lamp 17, and a lottery execution unit 69 that performs various lotteries are included.

Display data, sound data, and lamp control data for effects are stored in the memory 63 of the effect control board 60. Further, the memory 63 stores display data for displaying the game interruptible display 80.
At the time of the big hit game, the display control unit 66 controls the display operation of the effect display unit 15 based on the display data stored in the memory 63. The voice control unit 67 controls the output operation of the voice generation unit 13 based on the voice data stored in the memory 63. Further, during the big hit game, the lamp control unit 68 controls the lighting / extinguishing of the effect lamp 17 based on the lamp control data stored in the memory 63.

When the special symbol lottery is won, four types of symbols, “1”, “2”, “3” or “4”, are prepared as special symbols displayed on the special symbol display means 29.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the special symbol-game state correspondence table.
In the special symbol-game state correspondence table, the type of the determined special symbol and the probability status of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery after the special winning opening opening game corresponding to each special symbol (each winning probability is shown). Whether it is a high probability or a low probability), that is, the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 after the special prize opening opening game is finished (whether it is a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode or a normal mode) Yes. Then, the probability variation continuous execution count (the number of times the special prize opening game is continuously executed in the probability variation mode) that the probability variation mode continuously executes reaches a predetermined limit number (for example, 30 times). The game state of the ball game machine 1 is different between when the limiter is activated and when the limiter is not activated where the number of times of continuous execution of probability variation has not yet reached the predetermined limit number.

  First, the case where the limiter is not operated will be described. When symbol “2”, symbol “3”, or symbol “4” is selected, the special symbol lottery winning probability and the normal symbol lottery winning probability are both won after the special prize opening game ends. High probability until. That is, the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 after the end of the special prize opening opening game becomes the probability variation mode. When the symbol “1” is selected, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is low after the special winning opening opening game is finished, but the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high. That is, the game state of the ball game machine 1 after the special prize opening opening game ends becomes the time reduction mode. As described above, the time reduction mode is a so-called time reduction mode. That is, it is a time reduction mode that can be continued until the predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) of the variation of the special symbol display means 29 in the time reduction mode elapses or until the next special symbol lottery is won.

  When the limiter is not operated, in other words, the symbol “2”, the symbol “3”, and the symbol “4” are so-called probability variation symbols, and the symbol “1” is a so-called time-short symbol. In the symbol determination lottery performed simultaneously with the special symbol lottery when the limiter is not operated, the selection probability of the symbol “1” (hereinafter referred to as “selection probability”) is 2%, and the selection probability of the symbol “2” is 50%. The selection probability of the symbol “3” is 40%, and the selection probability of the symbol “4” is 8%.

  Next, the operation when the limiter is activated will be described. When symbol “1”, symbol “3” or symbol “4” is selected, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is low after the special prize opening game is over, but the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high. become. That is, the game state of the ball game machine 1 after the special prize opening opening game ends becomes the time reduction mode. When the symbol “2” is selected, after the special winning opening opening game is finished, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery are both in a low probability state. That is, the game state of the ball game machine 1 after the special prize opening opening game ends is in the normal mode.

  In this limiter operation, in other words, symbol “1”, symbol “3” and symbol “4” are so-called short-time symbols, and symbol “2” is a so-called normal symbol. In the symbol determination lottery performed simultaneously with the special symbol lottery when the limiter is activated, the selection probability of the symbol “1” is 2%, the selection probability of the symbol “2” is 50%, and the selection probability of the symbol “3” is 40%, and the selection probability of the symbol “4” is 8%. That is, after the special winning opening opening game at the time of the limiter operation, the time reduction mode is executed with a probability of 50%, and the normal mode is executed with a probability of 50%. The selection probability of each symbol in the symbol determination lottery is common when the limiter is activated and when the limiter is not activated.

  The special symbol-gaming state correspondence table defines not only the correspondence between the special symbol and the gaming state, but also the correspondence between the special symbol, the gaming state, and the special prize opening game. In the table shown in FIG. 4, regardless of which special symbol is selected, the special winning opening opening game to be executed is the special winning opening opening game of the common mode (in this embodiment, “0.5 Special prize opening opening game of “2R per second”), it is not necessary for the special winning opening opening game corresponding to each special symbol to be in common. The mode of the special winning opening opening game corresponding to a special symbol may be different from the mode of the special winning port opening game corresponding to another special symbol.

  In the mode in which the normal symbol lottery has a high probability, that is, in the time reduction mode or the probability variation mode, the normal symbol lottery is frequently won. The game characteristics of the ball game machine 1 are that the game state of the ball game machine 1 is continuously maintained in the probability variation mode (or either the short time mode), so that the special symbol start opening game is continuously executed. This is to acquire a large amount of game balls. As described above, the special symbol start opening game and the special prize opening game are continuously executed for a predetermined period, thereby forming a series of jackpot games advantageous to the player.

  In order to shift from the state in which the ball game machine 1 is in the normal mode to the probability variation mode or the short time mode, first, it is necessary to open the special symbol start port 21 by winning a normal symbol lottery with a low probability of winning. There is. Next, it is necessary to win a special symbol lottery. Since the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery in the normal mode is low (1/300), even if the game ball passes to the normal symbol start gate 27 or the game symbol passes to the normal symbol start port 18 Ordinary symbol lottery is rarely won.

  When the normal symbol lottery is won, a special symbol start opening game is executed. When a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 during the special symbol start port opening game, a special symbol lottery is executed. Since the winning probability at the low probability of the special symbol lottery is extremely high (999/1000), the special symbol lottery is almost always won. At this time, the symbol (symbol “1”, symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means 29. Thereafter, a special prize opening game (0.5 seconds × 2R) is executed.

  When the symbol displayed on the special symbol display means 29 is a probability variation symbol (symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”), the probability variation mode is executed after the special winning opening opening game is ended. . That is, the normal mode shifts to the probability variation mode. In this ball game machine 1, since the probability that the probability variation symbol is stopped and displayed is 98%, the probability variation mode is almost always executed after the special prize opening game is completed.

  In the probability variation mode, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to be extremely high (1/1), so that the special symbol lottery is won. Then, after the special symbol display means 29 is hit and the symbol (symbol “1”, symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”) is stopped and displayed, the special prize opening game (0.5 seconds × 2R) Is executed. If the symbol displayed on the special symbol display means 29 is a probable variation symbol (symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”), the probability variation mode is executed again after the special prize opening game is completed. The Since the selection rate of the probability variation symbol is extremely high (98%), the probability variation mode is continuously executed after the transition to the probability variation mode. As a result, once the normal symbol lottery is won, the probability variation mode is continuously executed thereafter.

  In this ball game machine 1, it is easy to enter a game ball into the special symbol start port 21 in the special symbol start port opening game, and the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is extremely high (high probability = 1/1). Therefore, in most cases, the special winning opening opening game is executed (generated) with the execution of the special symbol start opening opening game. And since the probability variation mode with a high winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is continuously executed (even if the short-time mode is executed, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high) is continuous. The start opening game and the special prize opening game are repeatedly executed. Therefore, the special symbol start opening game is continuously executed, and the special winning opening opening game is continuously executed. The special symbol start opening game and the special winning opening opening game are executed independently of each other.

  In this embodiment, a special symbol start-up opening game and a special winning opening opening game that are successively executed are included in a series of jackpot games. That is, whether or not to execute a series of jackpot games is determined by whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won. A series of jackpot games is started by executing the first special symbol opening opening game (after the normal symbol lottery in the normal mode). In this jackpot game, the special symbol start opening game and the special prize opening opening game basically correspond one-to-one.

  A series of jackpot games can be ended by setting the probability variation mode to be executed continuously to a probability variation mode with a limiter. That is, when the probability variation continuous execution number reaches a predetermined limit number (for example, 30 times), the limiter is operated, and after the special prize opening game is finished, the time reduction mode or the normal mode is executed instead of the probability variation mode. . In the ball game machine 1, this series of jackpot games cannot be ended unless the execution of the probability variation mode is forcibly restricted.

  The series of jackpot games includes a plurality of (for example, 30) special symbol start opening games and a plurality of (for example, 30) special prize opening opening games. In this jackpot game, the special symbol start-up opening game and the special prize opening opening game have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the progress status is determined in the probability variation mode, that is, in the probability variation mode. This can be expressed based on the number of special winning opening opening games that are successively executed (how many special winning opening opening games are played).

  For convenience, one game unit period is from the start of the special prize opening game to the start of the next special prize opening game. A series of jackpot games includes a plurality of consecutive game unit periods (for example, 30 sets). The Nth game unit period starts with the start of the Nth special prize opening game, and ends with the start of the next (N + 1) th special prize opening game.

However, the first set of game unit periods starts from the start of normal symbol variation (possible even during normal symbol lottery). Then, after the first special prize opening game, the game ends with the start of the second special prize opening game. Further, the game unit period of the final (for example, 30) set ends at the end of the special prize opening game included in the game unit period.
Since the end timing of a series of jackpot games is defined by the probability variation continuous execution count, the progress status in a series of jackpot games is a probability variation continuous execution count, in other words, a special execution that is continuously executed in the probability variation mode. This can be expressed based on the number of winning opening opening games (the number of special winning opening opening games). And in this series of jackpot games, it is premised that the special symbol start opening game and the special winning opening opening game are basically performed one-on-one, so that the special symbol start opening from the start of the jackpot game The progress status during the jackpot game can be expressed based on the number of times the game is executed (the number of special symbol start opening games), that is, the number of game unit periods (number of sets).

Then, when the time reduction mode is executed after the series of jackpot games is completed, the special prize opening game is executed and the probability variation mode is executed shortly as will be described later. That is, in this case, after a series of jackpot games are completed, a series of jackpot games are generated again.
5A to 5N are schematic views showing the state of the board surface of the game board 2. 5H to 5L of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5N show the normal symbol starting port 18 (normal symbol starting gate 27), the special symbol starting port 21, the special winning opening 22, the special symbol display means 29, and the normal symbol display means 31. The illustration is omitted, and only the display content of the effect display means 15 is displayed.

  When the RAM of the ball game machine 1 is cleared, the game state of the ball game machine 1 is in the normal mode. Then, the game by the player is started while the game state of the bullet ball gaming machine 1 is in the normal mode. When the player rotates the handle 10, a game ball is launched from a launch device (not shown) toward the board surface of the game board 2. The game ball launched onto the board surface of the game board 2 falls along the board surface. At this time, for example, a game ball is launched toward the left part (left half) of the board surface of the game board 2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the game ball falling on the board surface of the game board 2 passes through the normal symbol start gate 27, the normal symbol lottery by the main control board 40 is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the game ball falling on the board surface of the game board 2 enters the normal symbol start port 18, the normal symbol lottery by the main control board 40 is executed. Then, in response to the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 or the entry of the game ball to the normal symbol start port 18, the change of the symbol is started in the normal symbol display means 31 and the effect display means 15. Is switched from a standby screen (not shown) to a symbol variation screen (see FIG. 5A), and on this symbol variation screen, a plurality of effect symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom (at a high speed in FIG. 5A). The scrolled effect design is not shown, and the start of the first game unit period).

  During the normal mode, since the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is low (1/300), the normal symbol lottery is rarely won. After elapse of a predetermined fluctuation time (for example, 15 seconds), the symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display means 31. Note that the fluctuation operation of the normal symbol display means 31 based on the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 and the entry of the game ball to the normal symbol start port 18 can be suspended up to “4” in total. Yes.

  When the normal symbol lottery is won, that is, when it is determined that a series of jackpot games are executed, the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display means 31 as shown in FIG. 5B. Next, the effect display means 15 displays a screen that encourages a so-called right-handed game (right-hand suggesting effect screen; see FIG. 5B). The screen shown in FIG. 5B is a combination of an image simulating the board surface of the game board 2 in a right-handed game and a message display “Please make a right-handed”.

  In the ball game machine 1 after the start of the jackpot game, after the jackpot game is started (in other words, after winning the normal symbol lottery in the normal mode), the game ball launched on the board of the game board 2 is a special symbol start. It is desirable to gather at the mouth 21. By guiding the game ball to the right part of the board surface of the game board 2, a large number of game balls can pass through the normal symbol start gate 27 and a large number of game balls can enter the special symbol start port 21. Is possible. Therefore, the player performs a right-handed game (a game in which a game ball is launched toward the right portion of the board surface of the game board 2) in accordance with the instruction on the screen shown in FIG. Then, the player continues to perform a right-handed game during a series of jackpot games.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first opening / closing plate 23 is opened and closed, and the special symbol start opening opening game is executed. At this time, the effect display means 15 displays a screen (see FIG. 5C) that prompts the user to aim at the special symbol start port 21. The screen shown in FIG. 5C is a combination of an image imitating the board surface of the game board 2 with the special symbol start opening 21 open and a message display “Please insert a ball”.

  When a game ball enters the open special symbol starting port 21, a special symbol lottery is executed. Since the winning probability of the special symbol lottery during the normal mode is extremely high (999/1000), in most cases, the special symbol lottery is won. Further, in response to the game ball entering the special symbol start port 21, the symbol of the special symbol display means 29 starts to fluctuate. Furthermore, 10 prize balls are paid out for one game ball entering the special symbol starting port 21.

  Then, after the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 5D, one of the symbols (symbol “1”, symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”) stops when the special symbol display means 29 is hit. In addition to the display, a screen for notifying that a series of jackpot games has occurred is displayed on the effect display means 15. On the screen of the effect display means 15 shown in FIG. 5D, a large message “Burning Chain Bonus” is displayed. That is, the first performance is executed. In addition, after the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means 29, the second opening / closing plate 25 is opened and closed, and a special winning opening opening game is executed (the first special winning opening is released in a series of big hit games). Execution of the game). When the symbol displayed on the special symbol display means 29 is a probability variation symbol (symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”), the probability variation mode is executed after the special winning opening opening game is ended. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 5E, when the normal symbol start storage unit 51 has the normal symbol start memory, the normal symbol lottery is executed shortly after the special winning opening opening game is finished, and the normal symbol display means 31 displays the symbol. And the effect display means 15 displays a screen (see FIGS. 5E to 5G) for introducing the appearing character.
In the probability variation mode, since the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high (1/1), the normal symbol lottery is always won, and as shown in FIG. 5F, the special symbol start opening game is executed. Then, when a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 during the special symbol start port opening game, the special symbol lottery is executed, and the variation of the symbol in the special symbol display means 29 is started. In the probability variation mode, since the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high (1/1), the special symbol lottery is always won, and as shown in FIG. Execution of the second special prize opening game in the jackpot game (start of the second set of game unit period).

  From the start of the second set of game unit periods (start of the second special prize opening game) to the end of the fourth set of game unit periods (start of the fifth special prize opening game) (Initial process) is performed on the effect display means 15. The screens included in the early stage effects include the screens shown in FIGS. 5E to 5G and the screen for explaining the game content shown in FIG. 5H. The screen shown in FIG. 5H has a message “The burning chain bonus continues until the fire goes out!”.

  From the start of the 5th game unit period (start of the 5th special prize opening game) to the end of the 29th game unit period (start of the 30th special game opening game), effect display means The middle stage effect (middle stage process) is displayed at 15. Examples of the screens included in the middle stage effect include the screens shown in FIGS. 5I, 5J, and 5K. In the middle stage production of the ball game machine 1, a plurality of production scenarios with motifs of catches from the Edo period are prepared, and the production patterns included in the production scenario determined by the production scenario decision lottery are displayed.

  Then, when the 30th set of game unit periods is started (start of the 30th special prize opening game), the effect display means 15 displays the effect of the end game (end game process). This final stage production includes a screen (not shown) for notifying the end of a series of jackpot games. Then, the screen shown in FIG. 5L is displayed at the final part of the special prize opening opening game. The screen shown in FIG. 5L has a message indicating the number of acquired game balls, “Burning chain bonus completed! Acquired xxxxxx × both!”.

  Then, after the end of the 30th game unit period (after the end of the 30th special prize opening game), that is, after the end of a series of jackpot games, the short-time mode is executed with a probability of 50%, and a probability of 50% In normal mode. When the short-time mode is executed after a series of jackpot games, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery in the short-time mode is high (1/1), so the execution of the special symbol start opening game is started. The After the jackpot game ends, a series of jackpot games are executed again with a probability of 50%. This subsequent jackpot game is referred to as “revival jackpot game”. When the short-time mode is executed after the series of jackpot games is completed, a screen for notifying the revival jackpot game shown in FIG. 5M is displayed on the effect display means 15.

  Thereafter, the special symbol start opening game is started, and the special symbol lottery is executed based on the game ball entering the special symbol start port 21 during the special symbol start opening game. Then, when the special symbol lottery is won, a screen indicating that the revival jackpot game shown in FIG. On the screen shown in FIG. 5N, a message “continuation of burning” is displayed. Thereafter, the first set of game unit periods is started. Then, in the second to fourth sets of game unit periods, the effects of the early stage effects (screens shown in FIGS. 5E to 5G) are displayed on the effect display means 15. Further, during the game unit period of the fifth to 29th sets, the middle stage effect (the screens shown in FIGS. 5I, 5J and 5K) is displayed on the effect display means 15. Further, in the 30th game unit period, the final stage effect (the screen shown in FIG. 5L) is displayed on the effect display means 15.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ball entry process performed by the main control board 40 for the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 or the entrance of the game ball to the normal symbol start port 18.
During the game by the bullet ball game machine 1, the main control board 40 monitors whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start gate 27 based on the presence / absence of an input signal from the normal symbol start gate sensor 28. (Step S1). Further, the main control board 40 monitors whether or not a game ball has entered the normal symbol starting port 18 based on the presence / absence of an input signal from the normal symbol starting port sensor 20 (step S2).

  When a game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 27 or a game ball enters the normal symbol start port 18 (YES in step S1 or YES in step S2), the main control board 40 reads the normal symbol hold counter. 56 count values are confirmed (step S3), and if the count value (the number of holdings) has not reached “4” (NO in step S3), the normal symbol per random number generator 48 determines the normal symbol per symbol. A random number is acquired (step S4). The main control board 40 stores the random number for normal symbol determination in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 (step S5), and increments (+1) the count value of the normal symbol hold counter 56 (step S6). The process for entering the symbol starting port 18 or passing to the normal symbol starting gate 27 is terminated.

On the other hand, if the count value of the normal symbol holding counter 56 is “4” (YES in step S3), the normal symbol starting gate 18 or the normal symbol starting gate is stored without storing the random number for determining the normal symbol. The processing for the passage to 27 is terminated.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the game flow after the ball entry process shown in FIG.
When the random number for determining the normal symbol is stored in the normal symbol start storage unit 51 (YES in step S11), the main control board 40 confirms the value of the normal symbol high probability flag 55 (step S12), A symbol lottery determination is performed (steps S13 and S15).

  When the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 is in the probability variation mode or in the short-time mode, that is, when a value of “1” is stored in the usual high probability flag 55 (YES in step S12), The main control board 40 makes a normal symbol hit determination using a high probability (1/1) determination criterion (step S13). After the normal symbol lottery, the main control board 40 sets the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 31 to, for example, 0.6 seconds (step S14), and starts the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 (step S14). S17). Further, the main control board 40 gives a control command to the effect control board 60. In response to this control command, the effect control board 60 starts the symbol variation of the effect display means 15. Specifically, on the symbol variation screen (see FIG. 5A), a plurality of effect symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom at high speed (in FIG. 5A, effect symbols that are scroll-displayed at high speed are not shown).

  On the other hand, when the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 is in the normal mode, that is, when a value of “0” is stored in the usual figure high probability flag 55 (NO in step S12), the main control board In step S15, normal symbol per unit determination is performed using a determination criterion of low probability (1/300). After the normal symbol lottery, the main control board 40 sets the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 31 to, for example, 15 seconds (step S16), and starts the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 (step S17). . Further, the main control board 40 (the command transmission unit 45) transmits a normal symbol variation pattern command to be described later to the effect control board 60 (the command reception unit 65) (step S18). Furthermore, the main control board 40 (the command transmission unit 45) transmits a normal symbol designation command to be described later to the effect control board 60 (the command reception unit 65) (step S19). In response to receiving the normal symbol variation pattern command, the effect control board 60 causes the effect display means 15 to start an effect such as symbol variation. For example, if it is before the start of the jackpot game, the symbol change screen (see FIG. 5A) is displayed on the effect display means 15, and a plurality of effect symbols are scroll-displayed at a high speed from top to bottom on the symbol change screen. (In FIG. 5A, the effect symbols scroll-displayed at high speed are not shown).

  After the lapse of the variation time set in step S14 or step S16 (YES in step S20), the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 is stopped and the stopped symbol is displayed (step S21). Moreover, the main control board 40 (its command transmission part 45) transmits the normal symbol stop command mentioned later to the production control board 60 (its command reception part 65) (step S22). When the effect display means 15 is in scroll display (see FIG. 5A), the effect control board 60 stops displaying the combination of effect symbols on the effect display means 15 when receiving the normal symbol stop command.

  If the result of the normal symbol lottery is out of place (NO in step S23), the out-of-order symbol “-” is displayed as the stop symbol, and then the main control board 40 enters the game symbol into the normal symbol start port 18. Alternatively, the process for passing the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 is terminated. In this case, the effect control board 60 causes the effect display unit 15 to stop display the combination of the effect symbols that are out of alignment.

  On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is won (YES in step S23), the main control board 40 displays the winning symbol “7” as the stop symbol and notifies the player that the normal symbol lottery has been won. In this case, the effect control board 60 stops and displays the winning effect combination on the effect display means 15. Next, the effect control board 60 displays the screen shown in FIG. 5B on the effect display means 15. Thereafter, the main control board 40 opens the first opening / closing plate 23 to open the special symbol start port 21 for 3.0 seconds, and repeats the opening of the special symbol start port 21 twice (special symbol start port). Open game, step S24). Thereafter, the processing for entering the game ball into the normal symbol start port 18 or passing the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 27 is finished.

  In the special symbol start opening game, the opening time of the special symbol start opening 21 depends on whether the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high, that is, whether it is in the probability variation mode or the short time mode. It may be different. Further, for example, during the normal mode, the opening time of the special symbol start port 21 in the special symbol start port opening game may be set shorter than in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are flowcharts showing the game flow when a game ball enters the special symbol starting port 21.
During a game by the ball game machine 1, the main control board 40 monitors whether or not a game ball has entered the special symbol start port 21 based on the presence or absence of an input signal from the special symbol start port sensor 24. (Step S31).

  When a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 (YES in step S31), the main control board 40 does not store a random number in the special symbol start storage unit 52 (NO in step S32). A random number for special symbol determination is acquired from the random number generator 49 for determination of hit (step S33). Further, the main control board 40 obtains a stop symbol determination lottery random number from the stop symbol determination lottery random number generator 50 (step S34). After that, the main control board 40 stores (stores) the special symbol per-determination random number and the stop symbol determination lottery random number in the special symbol start storage unit 52 (step S35).

Thereafter, after confirming the value of the special figure high probability flag 54 (step S36), the main control board 40 performs a special symbol lottery determination and a stop symbol type determination (steps S37, S38, S39). .
When in the probability variation mode, that is, when a value of “1” is stored in the special figure high probability flag 54 (YES in step S36), the main control board 40 has a high probability (1/1). The special symbol hit determination is performed using the determination criterion (step S37).

On the other hand, when in the time reduction mode or the normal mode, that is, when the value of “0” is stored in the special figure high probability flag 54 (NO in step S36), the main control board 40 has a low probability. A special symbol hit determination is performed using the (999/1000) determination criterion (step S38).
In the determination of the type of the stopped symbol in step S39, the main control board 40 determines the special symbol random number acquired in the processing in step S34 and the symbol selection ratio described in the special symbol-game state correspondence table shown in FIG. Based on the above, one special symbol is selected from four types of special symbols (symbol “1”, symbol “2”, symbol “3” or symbol “4”). In this case, the selection probability of the symbol “1” is 2%, and the selection probability of the symbol “2” is 50%. The selection probability of the symbol “3” is 40%, and the selection probability of the symbol “4” is 8%.

  Then, the main control board 40 starts the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 29 (step S40). On the special symbol display means 29, a stop symbol (special symbol) is stopped and displayed after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in step S41). When the result of the special symbol lottery is a win, the special symbol display means 29 displays one of the symbols “1”, “2”, “3” or “4” (step S42). If the lottery result is out of place, the special symbol display means 29 displays the symbol “-” (out of symbol) (step S42).

  If the result of the special symbol lottery is a win (YES in step S43), the main control board 40 (the command transmission unit 45) starts the special winning opening opening interval with respect to the effect control board 60 (the command reception unit 65). A command (F0 ?? H), limiter designation 1 command (F6 ?? H. Allowable number designation command) and limiter designation 2 command (F7 ??? H. Current continuous number designation command) are transmitted (steps S44, S45). Further, the main control board 40 executes a special winning opening opening game (step S46).

  In the special winning opening opening game in step S46, the special winning opening until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of gaming balls enter the special winning opening 22. An operation such as opening 22 is defined as one round, and such an operation is performed for a small number of rounds (for example, 2 rounds) with an interval of a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) (special prize opening opening game) .

After the end of the special winning opening opening game, the game state of the ball game machine 1 is a special symbol-game state correspondence table and a stop symbol (stopped on the special symbol display means 29 at the start of the special winning opening opening game ( It is determined based on the type of special symbol.
At this time, if the value of the current continuous number counter 57 has not reached the limit number (for example, 30) (or the value of the allowable number counter 58 has not reached 0), the special symbol when the limiter is not activated-game state When the correspondence table is referenced and the value of the continuous number counter 57 has reached 30 (or the value of the allowable number counter 58 has reached 0), the special symbol-game state correspondence table at the time of the limiter operation is Referenced.

  When the probability variation mode is executed after the end of the special prize opening game (YES in step S47), that is, when the limiter is not activated and the stop symbol for starting the special prize opening game is “2”. When the symbol is “3” or “4”, the special figure high probability flag 54 is set to “1”, and the common figure high probability flag 55 is set to “1”. Then, the value of the current continuous number counter 57 is incremented (+1), and the value of the allowable number counter 58 is decremented (−1) (step S49).

  In addition, when the short time mode is executed after the special winning opening opening game is finished (NO in step S47 and YES in step S48), that is, the stop pattern for starting the special winning opening opening game is the symbol “1”. If there is, or if the limiter is activated and the stop symbol for starting the special prize opening game is the symbol “3” or the symbol “4”, the special symbol high probability flag 54 is set to “0”. The usual high probability flag 55 is set to “1”. Then, the value of the current continuous number counter 57 is reset to “0” and the value of the allowable number counter 58 is reset to the original value (for example, “30”) (step S50).

  Further, when the normal mode is executed after the special winning opening opening game is finished (NO in step S47 and step S48), that is, when the limiter is activated and the special winning opening opening game starts, the stop pattern is “2”. ", The special figure high probability flag 54 is set to" 0 "and the normal figure high probability flag 55 is set to" 0 ". Then, the value of the current continuous number counter 57 is reset to “0”, and the value of the allowable number counter 58 is reset to the original value (for example, “30”) (step S51).

Thereafter, the main control board 40 ends the process for entering the game ball into the special symbol start port 21.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a control command transmitted from the main control board 40 (the command transmission unit 45) to the effect control board 60 (the command reception unit 65) at the start of the special prize opening opening game.

  The control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte mode data and 1-byte event data. In each control command, the mode data and event data are transmitted and received individually in succession. The mode data is for designating the outline portion of the production content, and has a hexadecimal 2-digit value. The event data is for designating a specific part of the production content, and has a value of 01 to 7F (2 hexadecimal digits). Also, the letter “H” added to the end of each data (mode data, event data) shown in FIG. 9 is a subscript, and is meant to mean a hexadecimal number.

  Of the two-digit values of the mode data of the ball game machine 1, the first one-digit value is set to “A”, “B”, “E” or “F” (FIG. (Only the data with the previous one digit of “A”, “B”, or “F” out of the two digits of data) Therefore, the value of the most significant bit when the mode data is represented by a bit string is “0”. Further, the first one digit value of the two digits of the event data is set to any one of “0” to “7”. Therefore, the value of the most significant bit when the mode data is represented by a bit string is “0”. Therefore, the presentation control board 60 only determines the most significant bit of the control command (data) received from the main control board 40, and determines whether the control command (data) is mode data or event data. Can be determined.

  At the start of normal symbol variation, a normal symbol variation pattern command is transmitted from the main control board 40 to the effect control board 60 as a control command. The normal symbol variation pattern command is a command for notifying the effect control board 60 of the variation pattern executed by the normal symbol display means 31. The effect control board 60 starts to display a predetermined effect display (such as the scroll display shown in FIG. 5A) on the predetermined effect display means 15 based on the normal symbol variation pattern command. The mode data of the normal symbol variation pattern command at the time of loss has a value of “A0” (H of “A0H” is a subscript. The same applies hereinafter). The mode data has a value of “A2”. The event data has a value based on the type of variation pattern of the symbol.

  At the start of normal symbol variation, a normal symbol designation command is also transmitted from the main control board 40 to the effect control board 60 as a control command. The normal symbol variation pattern command is used to notify the effect control board 60 of the type of symbol (whether the symbol is a winning symbol or a symbol that is not included) finally displayed on the normal symbol display means 31. It is a command. The mode data of this normal symbol designation command has a value of “B0”. The event data of the normal symbol designating command at the time of disconnection has a value of “03” (H of “03H” is a subscript. The same applies hereinafter). The event data has a value of “04”.

Furthermore, a normal symbol stop command is transmitted from the main control board 40 to the effect control board 60 as a control command at the timing when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped in the normal symbol display means 31. In the normal symbol designation command, the mode data value is “BE” and the event data value is “01”.
At the start of the special prize opening game, three control commands, a special prize opening opening interval command, a limiter designation 1 command, and a limiter designation 2 command, are transmitted from the main control board 40 to the effect control board 60 as control commands. The All mode data of the special winning opening opening interval command has a value of “F0” (H of “F0H” is a subscript; the same applies hereinafter). All the mode data of the limiter designation 1 command have a value of “F6”. All the mode data of the limiter designation 2 command have a value of “F7”.

  The special prize opening opening interval command is a command for instructing the production control board 60 to execute production control corresponding to the special prize opening opening game. The event data of the special prize opening opening interval command is the type of special symbol (design “1”, symbol “2”, symbol “3”, or symbol “4”) when the special prize opening opening game is executed. )). Also, the event data has different values depending on the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 before the special winning opening opening game is executed (that is, whether it is the probability variation mode, the short time mode, or the normal mode). have.

  The limiter designation 1 command is a value of the allowable number counter 58, that is, the number of probability variation modes that are continuously allowed to be executed thereafter (a special prize opening game that is allowed to be executed continuously thereafter in the probability variation mode). ) Is notified to the effect control board 60. The event data value of the limiter designation 1 command indicates the allowable number of times of the probability variation mode.

  The limiter designation 2 command indicates the number of times the probability variation mode has been continuously executed by the current continuous number counter 57 up to the present time (the number of special winning opening opening games that have been continuously executed in the probability variation mode). The notification control board 60 is notified. The event data value of the limiter designation 2 command indicates the number of times of the probability variation mode executed continuously.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are time charts for explaining the control by the main control board 40 from the start of symbol change in the normal symbol display means 31 to the end of the special prize opening opening game. FIG. 10 shows a case where a special symbol start opening game and a special winning opening release game are each in a series of jackpot games, and FIG. 11 shows a special symbol start opening game and a special winning opening in a series of jackpot games. The case where the open game is the second or later is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 10A, when an input signal from the normal symbol start gate sensor 28 or the normal symbol start port sensor 20 is detected during the normal mode, the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 detects the normal symbol display means. 31 symbol variations are started (common symbol variations shown in FIG. 10A). After the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 is executed for a predetermined variation time (for example, 15 seconds), the predetermined stop symbol (ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed for, for example, 0.5 seconds (shown in FIG. 10A). Common figure). As a result, the normal symbol is fixedly displayed. Thereafter, a special symbol start opening opening game (special drawing start opening shown in FIG. 10 (a)) is started with a public power release start interval (for example, 5.0 seconds) interposed therebetween.

  During the period of the general electric power release opening (for example, 5.0 seconds), the effect display means 15 displays a screen shown in FIG. 5B (a screen that encourages a so-called right-handed game (right-hand suggesting effect screen)). Specifically, after the normal symbol confirmation display on the normal symbol display means 31, the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 transmits a normal symbol stop command (see FIG. 9) to the effect control board 60. A special symbol start opening opening game is started after the end of the public power release start interval (for example, 5.0 seconds).

  In the special symbol start opening game, for example, the special symbol start opening 21 is opened twice, for example, with an interval of 1.0 second in between. From the start of the first opening (first half, for example, 3.0 seconds) in the special symbol start opening game, the end of the second opening (second half, for example, 3.0 seconds) at the special symbol starting opening 21. The period until is 7.0 seconds including an interval of 1, 0 seconds. The opening time of the special symbol start port 21 in the special symbol start port opening game is 6.0 seconds in total. In a special symbol opening opening game, it is easy to enter a game ball. When a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21, an input signal from the special symbol start port sensor 24 is detected.

  After the elapse time of the special symbol starting port 21, the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 controls the first opening / closing plate 23 to close the special symbol starting port 21. After the special symbol start port 21 is closed by the first opening / closing plate 23, the main control board 40 waits, for example, for 2.0 seconds to confirm the discharge. As described above, the special symbol start port sensor 24 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the special symbol start port 21. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the special symbol start port 21 is waited for a predetermined discharge confirmation period (for example, 2.0 seconds) so that the special symbol start port sensor 24 can reliably detect the game ball. .

Then, after the elapse of the predetermined discharge confirmation period, for example, after waiting for the elapse of a 5.0-second normal power release end interval (open end interval), the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 is based on the start memory of the next normal symbol. The normal symbol change operation is started by the normal symbol display means 31 (see FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A).
On the other hand, referring to FIG. 10B, when an input signal from the special symbol start port sensor 24 is detected during the special symbol start port opening game, the main control board 40 changes the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 29. Is started (figure variation shown in FIG. 10B). After the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 29 is executed for a predetermined variation time (for example, 0.6 seconds), a predetermined stop symbol (special symbol) is stopped and displayed for 0.5 seconds (FIG. 10B). Special figure shown). As a result, the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. Thereafter, a special prize opening game is executed.

  Specifically, after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed, after the elapse of a predetermined special winning opening opening start interval (for example, 1.0 second), the second opening / closing plate 25 is driven to open the special winning opening 22. The In the special prize opening game, the operation of opening the special prize opening 22 for 0.5 seconds is defined as one round, and for example, two rounds are performed with an interval of 2.0 seconds in between. And after completion | finish of each round, ie, after the special winning opening 22 is obstruct | occluded by the 2nd opening-and-closing board 25, the main control board 40 waits for 2.0 second, for example for discharge | emission confirmation. As described above, the special prize opening sensor 26 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the special prize opening 22 so that the game balls that have entered the special prize opening 22 can be reliably detected by the special prize opening sensor 26. This is to wait for a predetermined discharge confirmation period (for example, 2.0 seconds). After the end of the discharge confirmation period corresponding to the later round, the special winning opening opening game is ended after the elapse of the special winning opening opening end interval (0.5 seconds). After the first special payout opening game is completed, the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is selectively executed (in most cases, the probability variation mode).

In this embodiment, the interval period between the opening and closing of the special winning opening 22 before and after the special winning opening 22 in the special winning opening opening game coincides with the above discharge confirmation period (the discharge confirmation period after the first round).
With reference to Fig.11 (a), the 2nd special symbol start opening game is demonstrated. When the normal symbol start storage unit 51 has the normal symbol start memory, the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 causes the normal symbol display means 31 to start the normal symbol changing operation based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. At this time, since the state of the ball game machine 1 is the probability variation mode or the short time mode (probability variation mode in most cases), the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 31 is executed for a short variation time (for example, 0.6 seconds). After being performed (the normal pattern variation shown in FIG. 11A), a predetermined stop symbol (ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed for 0.5 seconds, for example. As a result, the normal symbol is fixedly displayed (the universal symbol shown in FIG. 11A). Thereafter, for example, a special symbol start opening opening game is executed with a public power release start interval of 0.1 seconds (for example, the special figure start opening shown in FIG. 11A). The second and subsequent special symbol start opening games are similar to the first special symbol start opening game described above. Then, after the elapse of a predetermined discharge confirmation period (for example, 2.0 seconds) in the special symbol opening opening game, the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 waits for the elapse of the general electric power release end interval (open end interval). The normal symbol display means 31 is caused to start the normal symbol changing operation based on the start memory of the next normal symbol (the result of the normal symbol lottery). In FIG. 11 (a), a case where a power transmission opening end interval (1) (the power transmission opening end interval with the shortest period) described below is selected as the power transmission opening end interval is taken as an example.

  In the second and subsequent special symbol opening opening games, there are multiple types of public power release end intervals (for example, three types; general power release start interval (1) (for example, 0.5 seconds), general power release start interval (2) (for example, 1.0 seconds) or a public power release start interval (3) (for example, 1.5 seconds)). Specifically, the main control board 40 selectively determines one of the three types as the normal power release end interval in relation to each special symbol start opening game. Then, the main control board 40 executes the selected utility power release end interval. For this reason, the period of the opening period for the opening of the public train differs for each special symbol opening opening game.

  In the second and subsequent special symbol start-up opening games, when an input signal from the special symbol start-up sensor 24 is detected during the special symbol start-up opening game, as shown in FIG. The board 40 starts the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 29. After the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 29 is executed for a predetermined variation time (for example, 0.6 seconds) (the special symbol variation shown in FIG. 11B), the predetermined stop symbol (special symbol) is 0.5. The display is stopped for 2 seconds. Thereby, the special symbol is confirmed and displayed (special symbol confirmation shown in FIG. 11B). Thereafter, a special prize opening game is executed. This special prize opening game is the same as the first special prize opening game.

As described above, the special symbol start port 21 is formed in a size that allows a plurality (3 to 4) of game balls to enter simultaneously. Therefore, in each special symbol start opening game, a game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 shortly after the start of the special symbol start opening game.
However, at the start of the first special symbol start-up opening game, it is possible that the game ball does not flow to the special symbol start-up port 21 since the right-handed game has started. In this case, it is conceivable that the game ball does not enter the special symbol start port 21 even after a certain period of time has elapsed after the start of the special symbol start port opening game.

  In the bullet ball game machine 1, the period for the opening of the second special symbol start-up opening game is set to 0.1 seconds, whereas the first special symbol starting-open opening game is set for the first time. The period of the opening start interval is set to 5.0 seconds. Therefore, the start timing of the special symbol start port opening game can be delayed until the flow to the special symbol start port 21 is completed. Then, immediately after the start of the special symbol start port opening game, the game ball can enter the special symbol start port 21.

  In the first special winning opening opening game, the right-hand suggesting effect screen (see FIG. 5B) is displayed on the effect display means 15 during the opening period of the electric train opening (5.0 seconds) (see FIG. 10B). Right-hand suggestion period shown in a)). Therefore, the player plays a right-handed game according to the right-handed instruction. Then, the game balls flowing down the game board 2 can be collected around the special symbol start opening 21 when the general electric release start interval (5.0 seconds) has elapsed, that is, when the special symbol start opening 21 starts to open. it can.

In the second and subsequent special symbol opening opening games, a plurality of types (for example, three types, for example, 0.5 seconds, 1.0 seconds, or 1.5 seconds) of public power release end intervals having different periods are prepared. Yes.
If the period of the opening period of the regular electric train is constant, the period from the end of the opening and closing movement of the special symbol starting port 21 to the start of the opening and closing operation of the special symbol starting port 21 in the next special symbol starting port opening game Becomes constant. Therefore, a player who has played a game several times on the bullet ball game machine 1 can know the time from the end of opening the special symbol start port 21 to the opening of the next special symbol start port 21. Then, it becomes possible to launch the game ball at such a launch timing that the launched game ball reaches the special symbol start port 21 when the special symbol start port 21 is opened.

  The handle 10 is provided with a projecting stop button (not shown) that can be pushed in. By pushing this firing stop button, a game ball is not fired from a launching device (not shown) regardless of the rotational operation of the handle 10. The player presses the launch stop button to stop the launch of the game ball, and the launch timing such that the game ball reaches the special symbol start port 21 when the special symbol start port 21 is opened. Thus, the game ball can be launched by releasing the pushing operation of the firing stop button. Such an operation is called “stopping”. If this stopping is performed, the consumption of the game ball is suppressed, and there is a possibility that the sales of the game store in which the ball game machine 1 is installed may decrease.

  However, in the ball game machine 1, the period (length) of the public power release end interval in each special symbol start opening opening game is not constant (indefinite). Therefore, the period (length) from the end of opening the special symbol start port 21 to the start of opening the special symbol start port 21 in the next special symbol start port opening game is not constant (undefined). Therefore, the game ball cannot be launched aiming at opening of the special symbol start port 21. Thereby, the stop hit by the player can be prevented.

When the final special prize opening game is finished, the series of jackpot games is finished. The presence / absence of the special winning opening opening end interval in the final special winning opening opening game or its mode is the type of the special symbol corresponding to the special winning opening opening game (symbol “1”, symbol “2”, symbol “3”). Or, based on the pattern “4”).
By the way, during the jackpot game, the first opening / closing plate 23 frequently opens, and if the first opening / closing plate 23 opens after the firing operation is interrupted, the number of prize balls that the player acquires decreases, and the player May suffer disadvantages.

Also, after the launch operation is interrupted, if the launched game ball enters the special symbol start port 21 during the special symbol start port opening game, then the special winning port opening game is executed, and the jackpot game is put forward one by one. There is also a risk of progress.
In this embodiment, during the jackpot game, even when the game can be interrupted, that is, when the game is interrupted, the game can be interrupted in association with the normal symbol display means 31 in the normal symbol display means 31. A game possible interruption timing notification for notifying that the player does not suffer any disadvantage is notified. Specifically, a game interruption possible display 80 is displayed on the effect display means 15. This game interruptible display 80 starts to be displayed at a timing at which the player does not suffer a disadvantage even if the launch of the game ball during the jackpot game is stopped.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the display contents of the effect display means 15 during the display of the game interruption possible display 80. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of control of the display 80 for enabling interruption of the game by the effect control board 60 (CPU 61) at the start of the special prize opening opening game.
As described above, during the jackpot game, the effect display means 15 displays screens (FIGS. 5A to 5N) for various effects. The game interruptible display 80 is displayed in a small size in the lower right corner of the effect display means 15 during the display of the screen for this effect. In this embodiment, the display 80 indicating that the game can be interrupted can be exemplified by a character display indicating that “the game can be interrupted and the user can go to the toilet”.

With reference to FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 13, the display control of the game interruption possible display 80 during a jackpot game will be described. The game interruption possible display 80 is executed in association with the special symbol start opening game. In this embodiment, it is executed in relation to the second and subsequent special symbol opening opening games.
When the command reception unit 65 of the CPU 61 of the effect control board 60 receives the normal symbol variation pattern command from the command transmission unit 45 of the CPU 41 of the main control board 40 (YES in step S61), the clocking unit built in the CPU 61 ( Time measurement starts (not shown) (step S62).

  Then, when the CPU 61 determines that the second time point P2 to be extended next has been reached by the time counting by the time measuring unit (YES in step S63), the CPU 61 displays the display 80 of the game interruption possible at the lower right corner of the effect display means 15. Is started (step S64). Thereafter, the CPU 61 displays the display of the game interruption possible display 80 on the effect display means 15 until the CPU 61 determines that the third time point P3 to be extended has been reached (NO in step S65). Let it continue. When the third time point P3 is reached (YES in step S65), the game interruptible display 80 is deleted from the effect display means 15 (step S66), and the process for displaying this game interruptable display 80 returns. Is done. After that, when the normal symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 31 is started (when the command receiving unit 65 receives the normal symbol changing pattern command from the command transmitting unit 45), the display of the game interruption possible display 80 is performed. Is started again, and time measurement by a time measuring unit (not shown) is started again.

  In this embodiment, even if the game is interrupted (even if the game ball is not fired during the jackpot game), the game interruption possible timing notification is made during the entire game interruption possible period S in which the player does not suffer any disadvantage. Has been done. That is, the game interruptible period S is a period from the second time point P2 to the third time point P3, and the period during which the game interruptable timing notification is performed is the entire period of the game interruptable period S.

The second time point P2 is a time point that goes back the expected arrival period T from the end of opening the special symbol start port 21 by the closing operation of the first opening / closing plate 23. The assumed arrival period T is a period (for example, 2.0 seconds) that is assumed for a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) to reach the special symbol start port 21 after launch.
In addition, the third time point P3 is assumed to be the shortest normal power release end interval (in this embodiment, the normal power release end interval (1) of 0.5 seconds), and the expected arrival from the end. This is the time when the period T is traced back. That is, the game interruption possible period S is a period from the second time point P2 to the third time point P3.

  In this embodiment, the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted”) is assumed from the start of the game interruptable period S, that is, from the end of opening the special symbol start port 21. It starts from the second time point P2 going back the arrival period T. Therefore, if the game is interrupted according to the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted, the opening of the special symbol start port 21 will be completed soon after the launched game ball reaches the special symbol start port 21. That is, in the special symbol start opening game, the number of game balls entering the special symbol start port 21 is not affected, and the number of prize balls that the player can acquire is not affected.

  Further, in this embodiment, the notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted is notified at the end of the game interruptable period S, that is, at the third time point P3 that goes back to the expected arrival period T from the end of the general power release end interval (1). finish. The game balls fired on the game board 2 before the third time point P3 reach the special symbol starting port 21 prior to the opening of the special symbol starting port 21 during the next special symbol starting port opening game, The symbol starting port 21 passes the surroundings without entering the ball. Therefore, by starting the interruption of the game according to the display of the game interruption possible display 80, it is possible to prevent the launched game ball from entering the special symbol start opening 21 during the next special symbol start opening opening game. Can do. Therefore, there is no possibility that the special prize opening game will be performed thereafter. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the remaining number of special symbol start opening games included in the jackpot game from decreasing.

After the game is interrupted, the special symbol start-up opening games are sequentially executed by the number of results of the normal symbol lottery (starting storage number) stored in the normal symbol start storage unit 51. Then, until the game is resumed (until the game ball fired on the game board 2 passes through the normal symbol start port 18 or the normal symbol start gate 27), the ball game machine 1 is in a standby state.
As described above, in the jackpot game (special game state), the player can be notified of the game interruption possible timing at which the player does not suffer any disadvantage even if the launch of the game ball is stopped. Therefore, the player can interrupt the game without suffering a disadvantage by releasing his hand from the handle 10 in accordance with the timing notification during the jackpot game.

  In each special symbol opening opening game, if the end of the game interruption possible period S is uniformly taken as the time when the expected arrival period T is traced back from the end of the main power release end interval, the length of the main power release end interval is different. The period from the end of opening the special symbol start port 21 to the end of the game interruption possible display 80 is also different. And in this case, when the time point which traced the estimated arrival period T from the end of each power train opening end interval is the third time point P3, the special symbol start opening 21 is opened as the length of the power train opening end interval becomes longer. The period from the end to the end of the game interruptible display 80 also becomes longer. That is, the length of the interval between the opening and closing of the special symbol start opening 21 and the end of the game interruption possible display 80 is known, so that the length of the normal power release end interval is known, and the start of the special symbol start opening 21 in the next special symbol start opening opening game. There is a risk that the player will know the timing. For this reason, there is a risk that the player will make a stop as described above.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the shortest duration of the general power release end interval (the general power release end interval (1)) is executed regardless of which one is selected. Then, the time point that goes back the expected arrival period T from the end is set as the third time point P3. Therefore, the period from the end of opening of the special symbol start port 21 to the end of the game interruption possible display 80 is constant, regardless of which normal power release end interval is selected. Thereby, the player does not know the start timing of the special symbol start port 21 in the next special symbol start port opening game. Therefore, the stop by the player can be prevented.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be implemented in other forms.
For example, not only the second and subsequent special symbol start-up opening games but also the first special symbol start-up opening game may be notified of the timing at which the game can be interrupted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the start of the game interruption possible period S0 is the estimated arrival period from the end of opening the special symbol start port 21 by the first opening / closing plate 23 in the first special symbol start port opening game. It is the second time point P2 that goes back from T, and the end of the game interruption possible period S0 is the third time point P3 that goes back from the expected arrival time period T from the end of the general electric power release end interval (for example, 5.0 seconds). . The first special symbol start-up opening game's opening interval (for example, 5.0 seconds) is the second or later opening interval (for example, 0.5 seconds, 1.0 seconds, 1.5 seconds). Therefore, the game interruption possible period S0 (the period from the second time point P2 to the third time point P3) is longer than the game interruption possible period S described above.

Furthermore, the end of the game interruption possible period S, S0 related to each special symbol start opening game can be further delayed. In this case, the end of the game interruption possible period S, S0 is a first time point P1 that goes back to the assumed arrival period T from the start of opening the special symbol start port 21 by the first opening / closing plate 23 in the next special symbol start port opening game. If it is before.
Furthermore, the start of the game interruption possible period S, S0 may be earlier than the second time point P2. For example, it may be when the special symbol start opening 21 is opened (after the public power release start interval). Then, the game interruption possible timing is notified during the game interruption possible periods S and S0, and when the game is interrupted according to the notification, the game ball launched immediately before the game interruption reaches the special symbol starting port 21. In addition, the open state of the special symbol start port 21 continues for a predetermined period. That is, the number of game balls that enter the special symbol start port 21 decreases due to the interruption of the game. However, even in this case, it is possible to prevent the player from entering the special symbol starting port 21 in the open state during the next special symbol starting port opening game by notifying the timing at which the game can be interrupted. Such notification can reduce the disadvantage suffered by the player due to the interruption of the game.

The notification of the game interruption possible timing may be performed using the effect lamp 17. In this case, in each special symbol start opening game, when the second time point P2 is reached, the effect lamp 17 is turned on, and when the third time point P3 is reached, the effect lamp 17 is turned off. It may be.
The notification of the timing at which the game can be interrupted can also be performed using the sound generating means 13.

  Further, the CPU 61 of the effect control board 60 outputs a predetermined control signal to the outside of the machine via an external output terminal board (signal output means, not shown) at the beginning and end of the notification of the game interruption possible timing. It may be a thing. In this case, for example, a ball lending device, a ball counter, or a game information display device associated with the ball game machine 1 on a one-to-one basis is used to notify the game interruptable timing using these control signals. Can be made.

Further, it is not necessary to notify the timing at which the game can be interrupted during the entire game interruptable periods S and S0, and it may be performed only during a part of the game interruptable periods S and S0. Further, a plurality of game interruption possible timing notifications may be performed continuously (intermittently) in one game interruption possible period S, S0.
In addition, when a specific public power release end interval is selected, a game interruption possible timing notification may be performed. For example, when the public power release start interval (3) having the longest time is selected, the game interruptable timing notification may be performed.

  Further, whether or not the game interruption possible timing notification can be executed may be determined based on the progress status of the jackpot game. For example, the game interruptable timing notification may be performed in accordance with the fact that a predetermined number of special symbol start-up opening games / special prize opening opening games have passed (the probability variation continuous execution count has reached a predetermined number). In addition, a game interruption possible timing notification may be performed in response to the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the jackpot game.

  Moreover, you may make it perform game alerting | reporting timing notification based on player operation. For example, when an effect button 70 (see FIG. 1) is operated by the player, the game is interrupted (in synchronization with the operation of the effect button 70 or after the operation of the effect button 70) in the game interruption possible period S. Possible timing notification may be performed. The effect button 70 is for performing operations related to the effect, and is connected to the effect control board 60 so as to be communicable and arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate 5.

  In addition, the ball game machine 1 may be provided with an ON / OFF setting function for setting ON / OFF of the game interruption possible timing notification for setting ON / OFF of the game interruption possible timing notification. Thereby, the necessity / unnecessity of the notification can be set for each ball game machine 1. It should be noted that ON / OFF of a plurality of ball game machines 1 installed in the game store may be set collectively.

Further, the effect lamp 17 is not limited to the configuration provided on the board surface of the game board 2, and an effect lamp for raising the game atmosphere may be provided on the front surface of the front door 4.
The counter is not limited to a configuration in which a plurality of counters are provided for counting the number of times of continuous execution of the probability variation that the probability variation mode continuously executes (the number of times that the special prize opening game is continuously executed in the probability variation mode). It is sufficient that at least one is provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the first opening / closing plate 23 and the second opening / closing plate 25 have been described as being controlled by the main control board 40, but these opening / closing boards 23, 25 are connected to the effect control board 60. It may be controlled based on a control command given from the main control board 40 to the effect control board 60.
The electric block diagram shown in FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the main control board 40 and the effect control board 60 are directly connected, but the two boards 40, between the main control board 40 and the effect control board 60, A relay board that relays transmission / reception of 60 control commands may be interposed.

  Further, although the sound generation means 13 has been described as being controlled by the effect control board 60, it may be controlled by a sound control board provided separately from the effect control board 60. This sound control board may be connected to the main control board 40 and control the sound generating means 13 based on a control command given from the main control board 40, or may be connected to the effect control board 60 to produce effects. The sound generation means 13 may be controlled based on a control command given from the control board 60.

  Furthermore, although it has been described that the effect lamp 17 is controlled by the effect control board 60, the effect lamp 17 may be controlled by a lamp control board provided separately from the effect control board 60. This lamp control board may be connected to the main control board 40 and control the effect lamp 17 based on a control command given from the main control board 40, or may be connected to the effect control board 60 for effect control. The effect lamp 17 may be controlled based on a control command given from the substrate 60.

  Further, in the ball game machine 1, it is desirable that the profit state given to the player in the special symbol start opening game is higher than the profit state given to the player in the special prize opening game. When the number of winning balls for entering the special symbol starting port 21 is the same as the number of winning balls for entering the special winning port 22 or less than the number of winning balls for entering the special winning port 22 The number of game balls entering the special symbol start opening 21 in one special symbol start opening game is larger than the number of game balls entering the special prize opening 22 in one special winning opening opening game. You may set so that it may increase. Also, the number of game balls entering the special symbol start opening 21 in one special symbol start opening game is the same as the number of game balls entering the special prize opening 22 in one special winning opening opening game. If it is set to be less than the number of game balls entering the special prize opening 22 in one special prize opening opening game, the number of prize balls for entering the special symbol starting hole 21 However, the number of prize balls for entering the special prize opening 22 may be increased. Of course, the number of winning balls for entering the special symbol starting port 21 is larger than the number of winning balls for entering the special winning port 22, and the special symbol starting in one special symbol starting port opening game is started. It goes without saying that the number of game balls entering the mouth 21 may be set to be larger than the number of game balls entering the special prize opening 22 in one special prize opening opening game.

  The special symbol starting port 21 may be one in which a plurality of game balls cannot enter at the same time (that is, only one game ball can enter each). Then, in relation to the special symbol start port 21, instead of the first opening / closing plate 23, a pair of blades are provided, the closed state where the tip portions of the blades approach each other, and the tip portions of the blades are mutually connected. An electric tulip accessory provided so as to be openable and closable between the separated and expanded states may be provided. Furthermore, the number of special symbol starting ports 21 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. Further, the special symbol starting port 21 may be arranged at a position away from the special winning port 22 on the board surface of the game board 2.

  The special winning opening 22 may be one in which a plurality of game balls cannot enter at the same time (that is, only one game ball can enter at a time). Then, in relation to the special prize opening 22, instead of the second opening / closing plate 25, a pair of blades are provided, the closed state in which the tips of the blades approach each other, and the tips of the blades are separated from each other. An electric tulip accessory provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the expanded state may be provided. Furthermore, the number of the special winning opening 22 is not limited to one and may be two or more.

  Further, the normal symbol starting area is not limited to the configuration in which the normal symbol starting gate 27 and the normal symbol starting port 18 are provided, and the normal symbol starting gate 27 may be provided. The structure which provides only one start port 18 may be sufficient. Alternatively, a configuration in which a total of three or more normal symbol start gates 27 and / or normal symbol start ports 18 may be provided.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ball game machine 2 Game board 10 Handle (launching operation means)
13 Voice generation means 15 Production display means 17 Lamp means (lamp)
18 Normal symbol start area (Normal symbol start area)
21 Special design starting port 22 Special prize opening 23 First opening / closing plate (Special design starting port opening / closing means)
25 Second opening / closing plate (Special prize opening opening / closing means)
27 Normal symbol start gate (Regular symbol start area)
31 Normal symbol display means 36 First opening / closing plate driving member (special symbol start opening / closing means)
37 Second opening / closing plate driving member (special prize opening opening / closing means)
41 CPU (ordinary symbol lottery execution means, special symbol start opening release game execution means, special symbol lottery means, special winning opening release game execution means, probability variation mode execution means, probability variation restriction means)
61 CPU (game interruption possible timing notification means)
P1 1st time point P2 2nd time point P3 3rd time point S Game suspendable period S0 Game suspendable period T Assumed arrival period

Claims (7)

A ball game machine that uses a game ball flowing down the game board to play a game,
Launching means for firing a game ball toward the game board;
Launch operation means for operating the launch operation of the game ball by the launch means;
A normal symbol starting area disposed on the game board and through which a game ball can pass;
A special symbol starting port disposed on the game board and capable of entering a game ball;
Special symbol start opening and closing means for opening and closing the special symbol start opening;
A normal symbol lottery executing means for executing a normal symbol lottery for the passage of the game ball when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start area;
Normal symbol display means for changing the normal symbol and displaying the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery;
When the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win, after the normal symbol hitting the normal symbol display means is stopped, the special symbol start port opening / closing means is opened and closed in a predetermined manner to open the special symbol start port. A special symbol start opening opening game execution means for executing a special symbol start opening opening game to be opened,
The symbol variation operation of a plurality of units and the symbol variation operation of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display means and the special symbol start opening opening game executed by the special symbol start port opening game execution means as a unit. The special symbol start opening game is repeatedly executed, so that a special game state advantageous to the player is configured.
A game interruption possible timing notifying means for notifying a player of a game interruption possible timing at which the player does not suffer a disadvantage even when the game ball is stopped in the special game state or the player suffers a small disadvantage. Further including a ball game machine.   The game interruption possible timing notification by the game interruption possible timing notification means starts at a predetermined start time resulting from the special symbol start opening opening game, and is executed next time after the special symbol start opening opening game. When it takes from the start of opening of the special symbol start port by the opening operation of the special symbol start port opening / closing means in the symbol start port opening game until the game ball reaches the special symbol start port after being launched by the launching means. The ball game according to claim 1, wherein the game is executed during a part or all of a period in which the game can be interrupted, which ends at a predetermined end point before a first time point that is assumed to be an assumed period. Machine.   3. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined start time is a second time that goes back from the assumed arrival period from the end of opening of the special symbol start port by the closing operation of the special symbol start port opening / closing means. .   The ball game according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the predetermined end time is a third time that goes back from the assumed arrival period from the end of the opening end interval period for the end of the special symbol start opening game. Machine.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the game interruptable timing notification means includes effect display means for executing a predetermined effect related to the game. A ball game machine that uses a game ball flowing down the game board to play a game,
Launching means for firing a game ball toward the game board;
Launch operation means for operating the launch operation of the game ball by the launch means;
A normal symbol starting area disposed on the game board and through which a game ball can pass;
A special symbol starting port disposed on the game board and capable of entering a game ball;
Special symbol start opening and closing means for opening and closing the special symbol start opening;
A normal symbol lottery executing means for executing a normal symbol lottery for the passage of the game ball when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start area;
Normal symbol display means for changing the normal symbol and displaying the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery;
When the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win, after the normal symbol hitting the normal symbol display means is stopped, the special symbol start port opening / closing means is opened and closed in a predetermined manner to open the special symbol start port. A special symbol start opening opening game execution means for executing a special symbol start opening opening game to be opened,
The symbol variation operation of a plurality of units and the symbol variation operation of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display means and the special symbol start opening opening game executed by the special symbol start port opening game execution means as a unit. The special symbol start opening game is repeatedly executed, so that a special game state advantageous to the player is configured.
A signal output means for outputting a predetermined signal relating to the timing at which the game can be interrupted to the outside of the machine so that the player does not suffer any disadvantage even if the game ball is not fired in the special game state or the player suffers less disadvantage. Further including a ball game machine. A special winning opening arranged on the game board and allowing a game ball to enter;
A special prize opening and closing means for opening and closing the special prize opening;
A special symbol lottery means for executing a special symbol lottery with respect to the game ball when the game ball enters the special symbol start port;
When the result of the special symbol lottery is a win, the special prize opening opening game is executed by opening and closing the special prize opening opening / closing means in a predetermined manner to open the special prize opening opening game. Means,
After the end of the special prize opening game, the probability variation for executing the probability variation mode in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery are higher than the winning probability in the normal mode, respectively. Mode execution means;
Probability variation limiting means for forcibly restricting execution of the probability variation mode execution means in response to the number of continuous executions of the probability variation mode executed by the probability variation mode execution means reaching a predetermined limit number. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: