JP2014008347A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of adjusting the number of trial games within a fixed range when using a fixed number of game media (coin as described above).SOLUTION: A main CPU 101a is configured to acquire a random number value for determining a special pattern indicating a failure at a predetermined ratio in determination of a big win and a small win when the number of entering balls S exceeds the maximum value γ.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in gaming centers such as game centers and casinos, slot machines using coins and medals as shown in Patent Document 1 are widely known. In such a gaming machine, a player inserts a predetermined number of coins to determine the multiplier of one game and start the game. As a result of this start, reels (including those that display reels as images in video slot machines, etc.) start to rotate, and when this reel stops, a specific display mode (for example, specific symbols are aligned) The coins may be paid out according to the Specifically, a winning / losing lottery is performed at the start of the game. As a result of the lottery, if the game is lost, no payout is performed, and if it is a win, a predetermined number of coins (for example, 100 coins) are paid out.

JP 2008-62046 A

  However, in the slot machine as described above, the lottery results are biased such that consecutive loses, consecutive wins, or consecutive wins and wins occur. For this reason, even if a certain number of coins are used, the number of games that can be tried varies depending on the case. For example, one player could play 30 games with 100 coins, while another player could only play 15 games with 100 coins. Often happens. In this way, the number of games that can be tried varies from time to time, so that there is a problem that unfairness is given to the players.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of adjusting the number of games that can be tried within a certain range when a certain number of game media (coins as described above) are used. And

  The invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine including a game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed, the launching means for launching the game ball in the game area, and the game by the launching means. Until a predetermined condition is satisfied, a firing ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls launched into the area, a starting area detecting means for detecting a gaming ball that has entered the starting area provided in the gaming area, An approach ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the start area, and an open state that makes it easier for a game ball to enter the special prize opening provided in the game area, and a closed state that makes it difficult to enter the game area. One lottery result is obtained from a plurality of lottery results including at least a special variable prize device that can be changed and a jackpot that makes the special variable prize device open when the game ball is detected by the start area detecting means. Gain A lottery means for performing a lottery, and when the lottery result by the lottery means is a big hit, a game value giving means for giving a predetermined game value based on the fact that the special variable winning device is in the open state, An approach ball that determines whether or not the number of approach balls counted by the approach ball number counting means reaches a specific number when the number of fire balls counted by the launch ball number counting means reaches a predetermined number When it is determined that the number of approaching balls counted by the number determination means and the number of approaching balls reaches the specific number, the number of firing balls counted by the number of firing balls is the predetermined number Until a new game ball is detected as the number of approaching balls, the lottery result by the lottery means is set at a predetermined rate and the special variable winning device different from the jackpot is in the open state. Is There a lottery result forcing means for a special lottery result, characterized by comprising a.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the lottery result includes at least a losing that the special variable prize-winning device is not in the open state separately from the jackpot, and the lottery result forcing means includes the number of approaching balls When it is determined that the number of approaching balls counted by the counting means has reached the specific number, a new number is required until the number of firing balls counted by the firing ball number counting means reaches the predetermined number. The game system further comprises a forcible acquisition means for making the lottery result lost at a predetermined rate when a game ball is detected as the number of approaching balls exceeding the specific number.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the lottery result forcing means determines that the number of approaching balls counted by the approaching ball number counting means has reached the specific number, the number of firing ball counting means Until the number of shot balls counted by the number reaches the predetermined number, when a new game ball is detected as the number of approaching balls exceeding the specific number, lottery by the lottery means is executed at a predetermined ratio. Further, a lottery non-execution means is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first mode in which entry of a game ball into the starting area is difficult and a second mode in which entry of a game ball into the start area is easier than the first mode. When it is determined that the specific number has not been reached by the variable start variable pitching device and the entering ball number determining means, the starting variable pitching device until the number of approaching balls reaches the specific number And a variable pitching device control means for controlling the golf ball in the second mode.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the variable pitching device control means is in a state in which the starting variable pitching device is controlled to the second mode, and is counted by the approaching ball number counting means. When the number of approaching balls reaches the specific number, the starting variable pitching device is controlled to the first mode.

  According to the present invention, when a certain number of game media (coins as described above) are used, the number of games that can be tried can be adjusted within a certain range.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the glass frame opened. It is the perspective view which looked at the glass frame from the front direction It is a front view of a game board. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the 1st starting port provided in the game board, and an electric chew starting port, (a) The state which the electric chew starting port is closed, (b) The electric chew starting port is open | released It is a figure explaining a state. It is a back view of a game board. It is the elements on larger scale of the back of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows a jackpot determination table. It is a figure which shows a symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows an effect design determination table. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the input control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the starting port detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the big winning opening detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the credit provision setting process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the rate switch button detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the game start button detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the adjustment button detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the launch ball detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the foul ball detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the play start control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the rate switching process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the play end control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol memory | storage determination process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the electric Chu control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the main process in a credit control board. It is a figure which shows the credit update process (1) in a credit control board. It is a figure which shows the credit update process (2) in a credit control board. It is a figure which shows the credit check process in a credit control board. It is a figure which shows an example (1) of the production content in a credit control board. It is a figure which shows an example (2) of the production content in a credit control board. It is a figure which shows the structure of a client server type. It is a figure which shows another form of the start port detection switch input process in the main control board shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Composition of gaming machine)
First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine.

  The gaming machine 100 has a gaming board 2 in which a gaming area 6 in which a gaming ball 500 flows down is formed, and the gaming board 2 is fixed to an outer frame 120. A glass frame 110 is provided on the front side of the game area 6 of the game board 2. The glass frame 110 is rotatably provided with an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6. An outer frame 120 is provided on the back surface of the glass frame 110, and the glass frame 110 and the outer frame 120 are supported by a support stand 130.

A tray unit 4 is formed in the glass frame 110, and a bill insertion slot 21 into which a predetermined amount of bills (for example, 1000 yen) is inserted as a loading medium is inserted into the tray unit 4 to start a game. A game start button 24, a rate switching button 25 for changing the rate in the game (a button for accepting a so-called denomination operation), an effect button 26 that can be operated in various effects in the progress of the game, and the game is ended. A settlement button 27 is provided for settlement of money (or credits acquired) that is sometimes inserted.
In addition, on the glass frame 110, a ticket payout exit 22, a membership card or a guest, where a ticket is paid out at the time of payment (“when the operation accepted by the payment button 27 is a valid operation”). There are provided a card receiving port 23, a sub-monitor 30, and a decorative member 35 (decorative members imitating a plurality of stars) that can be used only for a game arcade such as a card and can insert and discharge house cards.

When a predetermined amount of banknote (for example, 1000 yen) is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 21, at least a predetermined number (for example, 1000) of game balls can be fired in the gaming machine 100. Further, the amount of the inserted bill is displayed on the sub monitor 30 as a credit.
For example, if 1 yen is converted into 1 credit and the value of 1 credit is 1 game ball, when 1000 yen is inserted, “1000” is displayed as the credit held by the player. Each time one game ball is fired, the credit is subtracted as “999, 998,..., 700”.
In addition, when winning a lottery (hereinafter referred to as “winning”) in a jackpot lottery started when the player enters the starting port 9 (see FIG. 5, details will be described later), a predetermined number of credits are given. The credit displayed on the sub monitor 30 is added.
In the example of the image displayed on the sub-monitor 30 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the characters “CREDITS” and the number “10000,00” are displayed on the upper left. That is, it can be recognized from this display that the credit currently held by the player is “10000 credits”. Furthermore, the display “COINS” in the upper right indicates the unit price of one game ball, which will be described later. “BET” indicates the credits consumed in one game and the total number of game balls that can be fired. “WIN” indicates a credit given by winning, and indicates a total number of game balls corresponding to the credit.
For example, “COINS” shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 is “1”, indicating that one game ball is 1 yen, and “BET” being “100” is consumed in one game. The credits to be played are 100 credits, and the total number of game balls that can be fired (corresponding to the predetermined number) is 100. “WINS” of “300,00” indicates that the credit given by winning is 300 credits and that there are 300 game balls corresponding to this credit.

Thus, in this embodiment, game balls are not paid out directly as so-called prize balls (game values given by winning), and game values corresponding to the prize balls are given as credits. Will be. Accordingly, when winning, credit is added as a result. In the present embodiment, the total number of game balls that can be launched is also increased in correspondence with the added credit.
In the present embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that 1 yen is converted into 1 credit and 1 game ball (that is, unit price of 1 game ball = 1 yen = 1 credit). 13 to 33), the conversion ratio (hereinafter referred to as “rate”) can be changed as necessary. For example, in a case where a rate of “a unit price of one game ball = 1 yen = 1 credit” is set, a 1000 yen bill is converted into “1000 credits”. Each time one game ball is fired, a credit corresponding to one game ball is subtracted.
The unit price refers to the value of one game ball with respect to the input amount (for example, 1000JPY, 100HKD, 10USD).
Moreover, although mentioned later for details, the unit price of one game ball can be changed by switching a rate.
In the following, the case where the unit price of one game ball is set to 1 yen = 1 credit will be described. That is, a case where the rate described later is set to “Rate 1” will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sub monitor 30 has a shape (heart shape) imitating a heart mark, and has a liquid crystal display unit 31 in the center thereof. And in this liquid crystal display part 31, it functions as a data display which displays the information about above-mentioned credit. It also functions as an effect display means for displaying or executing effects related to jackpot games and jackpot lotteries.

The ticket paid out from the ticket payout exit 22 is a receipt-like ticket in which information on credits held by the player by the time of payment is recorded, and has been subjected to anti-counterfeiting technology such as an authentication number and a barcode. It is configured so that it can be distinguished from a counterfeit ticket. The “credit held by the player” here includes a credit corresponding to the amount of money inserted and a credit acquired in the game.
The ticket is paid out by driving a ticket payout motor 202a (see FIG. 9) provided inside the gaming machine 100. Although not shown in detail, the ticket payout motor 202a is provided with at least two rollers for sandwiching the ticket. Each time the ticket payout motor 202a rotates in the forward direction for 1 second, the two rollers also rotate to the ticket payout exit 22 side, and one ticket is discharged to the ticket payout exit 22 from between the two rollers. It is comprised so that.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which can read and write money information and the information of credit with the house card inserted into the card receiving port 23. FIG.

  Next, each part of the gaming machine 100 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the gaming machine 100 in a state where the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame 120, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the glass frame 110. FIG. 5 is a front view of the game board 2, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a start port provided in the game board 2. 7 is a rear view (rear view) of the game board 2, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the rear side of the game board 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the glass frame 110 supports a glass plate 112 that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate 112 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110.

  Further, the glass frame 110 is connected to the outer frame 120 via a hinge mechanism portion 111 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 100). The other end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 100) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 120. The glass frame 110 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 112, and can rotate like a door with the hinge mechanism 111 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 120 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame 120 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 110 is also provided with a door opening switch 33 (see FIG. 9) that detects whether or not the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame 120.

  In the outer frame 120, a substantially rectangular enclosure space is formed by four sides including an upper side 6a, a lower side 6b, and side sides 6c and 6d, and the game board 2 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tray unit 4 provided in the glass frame 110 is provided with the above-described various buttons (game start button 24, rate switching button 25, effect button 26, and settlement button 27). These buttons are buttons that can be pressed by the player (can be pressed). For example, the effect button 26 is effective when a message for operating the effect button 26 is displayed on the effect display device 13 (described later in FIG. 5). When the player depresses the effect button 26, a further effect is executed according to this operation.
The various buttons may be input means capable of a plurality of types of selection operations represented by a keyboard-type button called a “cross key”.

The tray unit 4 is provided with a tray 40 that stores a plurality of game balls 500 and guides the game balls 500 toward the basket 4b for launching the game balls. A lid 48 is provided above the saucer 40 so as to cover the saucer 40 and prevent the game balls in the saucer 40 from being taken out. The lid portion 48 is made of a transparent plate and can visually recognize whether or not the game ball is stored in the tray 40.
In addition, since the saucer 40 is covered with the lid portion 48 in this way, in this embodiment, it is impossible to insert a game ball from the outside of the gaming machine 100 or take out a game ball from the saucer 40. It has become.
In addition, the tray 40 has a downward slope toward the basket 4 b, and the game ball is sent to the launch rail 42 through a ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface of the glass frame 110. . The launch rail 42 also has a downward slope toward the basket 4b, and a stopper 43 for stopping the game ball is provided above the end of the launch rail 42 on the downward slope side. . For this reason, the game ball 500 delivered from the ball feed opening 41 is stopped at one end of the launch rail 42.
In addition, the launch rail 42 is provided with a launch ball detection switch 42s at a position where the game ball after being launched by the spear 4b passes, and when the game ball is detected by the launch ball detection switch 42s, the launch ball is detected. Counted as a fired ball.

  When the player rotates the operation handle 3, the firing volume 3a (see FIG. 9) including the variable resistor directly connected to the operation handle 3 is also rotated. Here, the hook 4b is directly connected to a firing solenoid 4c (see FIG. 9) formed of a rotary solenoid, and the hook 4b also rotates by rotating the firing solenoid 4c. With the launch intensity corresponding to the launch volume 3a, the kite 4b collides with the game ball 500 stored at the end of the launch rail 42, whereby the game ball 500 is launched toward the game area 6.

  The game balls fired as described above (the game balls 500, hereinafter simply referred to as “game balls”) rise from the launch rail 42 between the rails 5a and 5b shown in FIG. When the piece 5c is exceeded, the game area 6 is reached, and then the game area 6 is dropped. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 6.

  In addition, a first start port 9A through which a game ball can enter is provided at a lower position of the game area 6. The first start port 9A is provided with a start port detection switch 9s (see FIG. 9) for detecting the entrance of a game ball. When this start port detection switch 9s detects the entrance of a game ball, it will be described later. A “hit lottery” is held.

An electric chew starting port 9B is provided directly below the first starting port 9A. The electric chew starting port 9B has a pair of movable pieces 9d, a first mode (see FIG. 6A) in which the pair of movable pieces 9d is maintained in a closed state, and a pair of movable pieces 9d. Is controlled to move to the second mode (see FIG. 6B) in which is opened.
The “electric chew” refers to a tulip-shaped accessory that is called an “electric tulip” that opens and closes electrically. That is, the “electric chew starting port” means a starting port provided with an electric tulip.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the electric chew starting port 9B is controlled to the first mode, the first starting port 9A located immediately above the electric chew starting port 9B becomes an obstacle. Thus, it is impossible or difficult to accept the game ball at the electric chew starting port 9B. Therefore, when the electric chew starting port 9B is controlled to the first mode, the starting port capable of entering a game ball is only the first starting port 9A.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the electric chew starting port 9B is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 9d function as a tray, and the electric chew starting port 9B is connected to the electric chew starting port 9B. It is easy to enter game balls. Therefore, when the electric chew starting port 9B is controlled to the second mode, the starting ports into which a game ball can enter are both the first starting port 9A and the electric chew starting port 9B.

  In other words, when the electric chew starting port 9B is in the first mode, there is almost no opportunity for entering a game ball, and when it is in the second mode, the opportunity for entering a game ball is increased. The electric chute starting port 9B is also provided with the starting port detection switch 9s, and when the detection switch detects the entry of a game ball, the “hit lottery” is performed. As described above, the game ball that has entered the first start port 9A and the game ball that has entered the electric chew start port 9B are also detected by the same start port detection switch 9s. In the case of “mouth 9”, the description will be made assuming that both the first starting port 9A and the electric chew starting port 9B are included.

  The electric chew starting port 9B is in the second mode or the first mode in order to adjust the variation or bias when the number of game balls entering the first starting port 9A varies or biased. Be controlled. Control for making this adjustment will be described later.

A big prize opening 11 is provided further below the first start opening 9A. The special winning opening 11 is normally kept closed by the special winning opening / closing door 11b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. On the other hand, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the special prize opening / closing door 11b is opened, and the special prize opening / closing door 11b functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the special winning opening 11, A game ball can enter the big prize opening 11. The big prize opening 11 is provided with a big prize opening detection switch 11s (see FIG. 9). When the big prize opening detection switch 11s detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined number of credits are awarded.
In the present embodiment, the electric chew starting opening 9B corresponds to an example of the starting variable pitching device of the present invention, and the starting opening detection switch 9s corresponds to an example of the starting area detecting means of the present invention. Further, the special winning opening 11 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the special variable winning device of the present invention.

  The game balls that have not entered any of the first start opening 9A, the electric chew start opening 9B, and the big winning opening 11 are discharged further below the big winning opening 11, that is, at the bottom of the gaming area 6. For this purpose, an out port 12 is provided.

  A decorative member 14 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided at the center position of the game board 2. An effect display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the decoration member 14, and a figure imitating a snowman (two bodies) is provided above the effect display device 13. An effect accessory device 15 is provided. Further, on the right side surface of the effect display device 13, an effect lighting device 16 made of a figure imitating four large and small stars is provided. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 13 is used as a liquid crystal display, but a display device such as a reel made of an annular structure, a so-called 7-segment LED, or a dot matrix may be used.

  The effect display device 13 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, a total of three effect symbols 70 for informing a lottery result to be described later are displayed in three columns and one row, and a combination of specific effect symbols 70 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed. The jackpot is notified as a jackpot lottery result. More specifically, when a game ball enters the start port 9, the three effect symbols 70 are scroll-displayed, and the scrolling is stopped after a predetermined time, and the effect symbols 70 are stopped and displayed. It is. In addition, by displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 70, the player may be given a high expectation that he may win a big hit.

  The effect accessory device 15 provides a player with a sense of expectation depending on the operation mode. As shown in FIG. 5, the effect accessory device 15 can be in a state where two snowmen are in close contact with each other or in a state where they are separated from each other. Various operational feelings are given to the player according to the operation mode of the effect accessory device 15.

  In addition, the lighting device 16 for production gives a player a sense of expectation by a light emitting mode such as lighting or blinking.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a sound output device 18 (see FIG. 9) formed of a speaker. In addition to the effect display device 13, the effect accessory device 15, and the effect lighting device 16, a sound effect is produced. Also try to do.

  A special symbol display device 19 and a special symbol hold indicator 20 are provided at the lower right of the game area 6.

In addition, even if a game ball enters the start port 9 during a special symbol change display or a special game to be described later, if a big winning lottery cannot be performed immediately, The right to draw will be held. More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when a game ball enters the start port 9 is stored as a hold.
For this hold, the upper limit hold number is set to four, and the hold number is displayed on the special symbol hold indicator 20. In addition, when there is one hold, one LED (20a) of the special symbol hold indicator 20 is lit, and when there are two holds, two LEDs (20a and 20b) of the special symbol hold indicator 20 Lights up. Also, when there are three holds, the three LEDs (20a, 20b and 20c) of the special symbol hold indicator 20 are lit, and when there are four holds, the four LEDs of the special symbol hold indicator 20 ( 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d) are lit.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, on the back surface of the game board 2, a game ball that has entered the out port 12 is received by a receiving tray 40 (specifically, a receiving port 40 a provided as an entrance of the receiving tray 40). An out-out guide path 44 for guiding is provided. The out port guide path 44 has a passage-like structure connecting the out port 12 and the receiving port 40a, and a game ball can roll in the passage. In addition, the out-port guide path 44 forms a downward slope from the out-port 12 toward the receiving port 40a, and the game ball guided from the out-port 12 to the out-port guide path 44 is in the out-port guide path 44. It rolls while descending toward the receiving port 40a. This “downhill inclination” has an inclination angle such that the game ball guided from the out port 12 to the out port guide path 44 does not flow backward to the out port 12.
When the game ball launched through the tray 40 by this out-port guide path 44 enters the out-port 12, it returns to the tray 40 again.

Furthermore, on the back side of the game board 2, the entrance ball guide path 45 that guides the game ball that has entered the start opening 9 to the out entrance guide path 44, and the game ball that enters the big prize opening 11 is the out entrance guide path. A winning opening guiding path 46 to be guided to 44 is also provided. In addition, a game ball that has not reached the game area 6 due to a weak launch strength of the game ball (that is, a game ball that has not exceeded the ball return prevention piece 5c) is treated as a foul ball. It merges from the passage 47 to the outlet guidance path 44. As a result, the game balls launched through the tray 40 are all configured to return to the tray 40, and the game balls are configured to circulate in the gaming machine 100.
The start opening detection switch 9s is provided in the ball entrance guide path 45, and the large winning opening detection switch 11s is provided in the winning opening guide path 46. Further, a foul ball detection switch 47s is also provided in the foul ball passage 47, and when a game ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 47s, it is counted as a foul ball.

In this way, the game ball launched toward the game board 2 (game area 6) circulates in the gaming machine 100 and returns to the tray 40. As described above, the tray 40 is a lid portion. 48. Therefore, it is impossible to add a game ball from the outside of the gaming machine 100 or take out the game ball from the gaming machine 100. For this reason, in the gaming machine 100 in the present embodiment, a predetermined number of gaming balls are enclosed in the gaming machine 100, and the gaming proceeds by circulating these gaming balls.
Note that the “predetermined number” here is preferably such that a game ball in a state where it can always be fired is maintained. That is, it is desirable that the state where the game ball is always supplied to at least the tray 40 is always maintained when the launch is performed. Alternatively, even when a situation occurs in which a plurality of (for example, 10 to 20) game balls do not return to the tray 40 due to a clogged ball or the like, there are game balls still stored in the tray 40. It is desirable that the state is maintained.

  Further, on the back surface of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 101, an effect control board 102, a frame control board 103, a power supply board 107, a game information output terminal board 108, and the like are provided. Further, the power supply board 107 is provided with a power plug 50 for supplying power to the gaming machine 100 and a power switch (not shown).

(Internal structure of control means)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the block diagram of the gaming machine 100 of FIG.

The main control board 101 is a main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and inputs various detection signals from the start port detection switch 9s and the like to drive the special symbol display device 19 and the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 11c. The game is controlled, and signal input / output with the credit control board 200 is controlled in accordance with the progress of the game.
In the present embodiment, the main control board 101 includes the firing ball number counting means, the approaching ball number counting means, the lottery means, the game value giving means, the entering ball number determining means, the variable pitching device control means, the lottery of the present invention. This corresponds to an example of a result forcing unit, a forced forcing acquisition unit, or a lottery non-execution unit.

  The main control board 101 includes a main CPU 101a, a main ROM 101b, a main RAM 101c, an input port for main control, and an output port (not shown).

  In the main control input port, the credit control board 200, the frame control board 103, the start opening detecting switch 9s for detecting that the game ball has entered the start opening 9, and the game ball entering the grand prize winning opening 11. A prize winning port detection switch 11s for detecting that the game has started, a game start button detection switch 24s for detecting that the game start button 24 has been operated, a rate switching button detection switch 25s for detecting that the rate switching button 25 has been operated, A settlement button detection switch 27s for detecting that the settlement button 27 has been operated, a launch ball detection switch 42s, and a foul ball detection switch 47s are connected. Various signals are input to the main control board 101 through the main control input port.

  The output port for main control includes a start opening / closing solenoid 9c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 9d of the electric chew starting opening 9B, a large winning opening opening / closing solenoid 11c for opening / closing the large winning opening / closing door 11b, A special symbol display device 19 for displaying symbols, a special symbol holding indicator 20 for displaying the number of reserved balls of the special symbol, and a game information output terminal board 108 for outputting an external information signal are connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.

  The main CPU 101a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 101b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or outputs the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. When a predetermined amount of banknotes (for example, 1000 yen) is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 21, the main CPU 101a passes through the frame control board 103 until at least a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 1000) are fired. Thus, a firing permission signal for allowing the firing control board 106 to fire the game ball is output.

The main ROM 101b stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, the main feature is a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 10) that is referred to when determining whether or not to win a jackpot in a lottery lottery, a symbol determination table (see FIG. 11) that determines a stop symbol of a special symbol, and the like. It is stored in the ROM 101b. Specific examples of these various tables will be described later with reference to FIGS.
Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The main RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 101a, and has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, in the main RAM 101c, a special symbol hold number (U) storage area, a determination storage area, a special symbol storage area, a round game number (R) storage area, a winning prize entry counter (C) storage area, stop symbol data Storage area, production transmission data storage area, special symbol time counter, special game timer counter, special figure special electric processing data storage area, approach ball counter (S) storage area, allowable firing ball counter (KY) storage area, operation permission flag Storage area, rate switching flag storage area, game start flag storage area, settlement permission flag storage area, firing ball counter (H) storage area, foul ball counter (F) storage area, non-permission flag storage area, launch permission data storage area An open flag storage area is provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 108 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 101 to a management device (for example, a management server or a hall computer) in the game hall. The game information output terminal board 108 is connected to the main control board 101 by wiring. The game information output terminal board 108 is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a game hall management device or the like.

  The power supply board 107 is provided with a backup power supply made of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 100, monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 100, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 101. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 101a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 101a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. The effect control board 102 includes a sub CPU 102a, a sub ROM 102b, and a sub RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 101 to the effect control board 102. . The sub CPU 102a executes a program stored in the sub ROM 102b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 101, an effect button detection switch 26s for detecting that the effect button 26 is operated, or an input signal from the timer. It reads out and performs arithmetic processing, and transmits corresponding data to the lamp control board 104 or the image control board 105 based on the processing. The sub RAM 102c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 102a performs arithmetic processing.

The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
Specifically, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board, and an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 70 to be stopped and displayed (FIG. 12). And the like are stored in the sub ROM 102b. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 102a, and has a plurality of storage areas.
Specifically, a command reception buffer, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and the like are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

The frame control board 103 controls error detection and exchange between the main control board 101 and the launch control board.
The frame control board 103 includes a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU reads out a program stored in the payout ROM based on an input signal from the door opening switch 33 or a timer, performs arithmetic processing, and transmits corresponding data to the main control board 101 based on the processing. To do. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.
Further, when a firing permission signal is input from the main control board 101, the input firing permission signal is output to the firing control board 106.

  The lamp control board 104 controls energization of a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect accessory device 15. Moreover, the light emission mode which lights and blinks the illumination device 16 for production is controlled. The lamp control board 104 is connected to the effect control board 102, and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 102.

  The image control board 105 includes an image CPU, an image ROM, an image RAM, and a VRAM (not shown) for performing image display control of the effect display device 13, and an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM. The image control board 105 is connected to the production control board 102 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the production display device 13 and the audio output device 18 are connected to the output side thereof.

The image ROM stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols 70 and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 13, and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102. At the same time, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM to the VRAM, and display control in the effect display device 13 is performed. The image CPU performs various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the effect display device 13, but the background image, effect symbol image, and character image are effect display. The image is superimposed on the display screen of the device 13.
That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data output from the audio output device 18, and the audio CPU reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102 and Audio output control in the output device 18 is performed.

The credit control board 200 controls the exchange with the main control board 101 regarding the progress of the game at the start and end of the game.
When the credit control board 200 receives a predetermined amount of banknotes (for example, 1000 yen, 100 HKD, 10 USD) as an input medium input from the banknote insertion slot 21, a predetermined number (for example, 1000) is received with respect to the main control board 101. (Depending on the selection of the rate, 500, 100, etc.), a game permission signal for permitting the game until the game ball is completely fired is output, a ticket is paid out by driving the ticket payout motor 202a, or the sub monitor 30 To display credit information.

  The credit control board 200 includes a credit CPU 200a, a credit ROM 200b, a credit RAM 200c, and an input / output port (not shown) for credit control. The credit control input / output port is connected to the main control board 101, the bill detection switch 201s, the ticket payout motor 202a, and the sub monitor 30. The credit control input / output port receives a bill insertion signal output from the bill detection switch 201s, a settlement signal output from the main control board 101, and a jackpot signal, and a game permission signal to the main control board 101. Is output. This game permission signal also includes credit information at the time of bill insertion.

  When the banknote detection switch 201s detects that a predetermined amount of banknotes (for example, 1000 yen) is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 21, the banknote detection switch 201s outputs a banknote insertion signal to the credit CPU 200a via the input / output port for credit control.

  When the driving data output from the credit CPU 200a is input via the credit control input / output port, the ticket payout motor 202a drives the motor.

  The credit CPU 200a reads out a program stored in the credit ROM 200b based on various input signals, performs arithmetic processing, and controls to output various signals.

  The credit ROM 200b stores a bill insertion control program, data necessary for various calculations, and a table.

  The credit RAM 200c functions as a data work area when the credit CPU 200a performs arithmetic processing, and has a plurality of storage areas. For example, a credit data storage area for storing data relating to credit information (credit data), an application rate storage area, and the like are provided. In this credit data storage area, as the game progresses, the credit held by the player that increases or decreases is updated and stored as needed.

  Further, the credit CPU 200a causes the sub monitor 30 to display information based on the credit data stored in the credit RAM 200c. As a result, the credit information acquired by the player is displayed on the sub-monitor 30.

When the launch control signal is input from the frame control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3s and the voltage value from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization control of the launch solenoid 4c (excitation solenoid 4c is excited), and the launch rail according to the launch volume 3a is performed. The game ball 500 stored at the end of 42 is launched by the spear 4b, and the game ball is launched toward the game area 6.
Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4c is set to 99 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played in one minute is 99 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid 4c rotates once. That is, the game ball is fired about every 606 ms.
Note that the operation handle 3, the firing volume 3a, the touch sensor 3s, the firing solenoid 4c, and the firing control board 106 in this embodiment correspond to an example of the launching unit of the present invention.

(Various tables)
Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 101b will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11, and then details of various tables stored in the sub ROM 102b will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

(Big hit judgment table)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a jackpot determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not to win a jackpot at the time of “spotter lottery”.

The main CPU 101a refers to the jackpot determination table and determines whether it is “big hit”, “small hit”, or “lost” based on the acquired random number for determining the special symbol. In this table, three special symbol determination random numbers “7”, “33”, and “77” are determined to be big hits, and 600 special symbol determination random values “100” to “699” are small. It is determined to be a hit. The other 397 special symbol determination random numbers are determined to be lost.
Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is 0 to 999, the probability of determining that the jackpot is 1 / 333.3.

(Design determination table)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 11A is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 11B is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a small hit, FIG. Is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of losing.

  When the main CPU 101a determines that it is a big hit, it determines the type of special symbol (stopped symbol data) based on the acquired random number for the big hit symbol with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. To do. For example, according to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11A, if the jackpot symbol random number value is “0” to “32”, “01” (special symbol 1) is determined as stop symbol data, and the jackpot symbol is determined. If the random number value is “33” to “99”, “02” (special symbol 2) is determined as the stop symbol data.

  Further, when the main CPU 101a determines that it is a small hit, with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11B, for example, if the random number for the small hit symbol is “0” to “4” “03” (special symbol A) is determined as the stop symbol data, and “06” (special symbol D) is determined as the stop symbol data if the random number value for the small hit symbol is “50” to “99”.

  Further, when it is determined that the main CPU 101a has lost, the main CPU 101a refers to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11C and determines “00” (special symbol 0) as the stop symbol data.

  Then, at the time of starting the change of the special symbol, an effect designating command is generated as special symbol information based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data). Here, the effect designating command is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE data for identifying the control command classification, and 1 indicating the content (function) of the control command to be executed. It consists of byte data. The same applies to a variation pattern designation command described later.

(Direction design determination table)
FIG. 12 is an effect symbol determination table for determining the combination of effect symbols 70.
FIG. 12A is an effect symbol determination table at the time of jackpot for determining a combination of effect symbols 70 to be stopped and displayed when it is determined to be a jackpot, and FIG. 12B is determined to be a jackpot. It is the effect symbol determination table at the time of a small hit for determining the combination of the effect symbols 70 which are sometimes stopped and displayed.

When it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit, the sub CPU 102a refers to the jackpot time effect symbol determination table shown in FIG. 12A, determines the effect symbol data based on the received effect symbol designation command, and If it is determined, the effect symbol data is determined based on the received effect symbol designation command with reference to the effect symbol determination table at the time of small hitting shown in FIG.
For example, according to the jackpot effect design determination table shown in FIG. 12A, when an effect design designation command (“E0H01H”) indicating the special symbol 1 is received, “7” imitating the number “7”. When a combination of effect symbols with three symbols is determined and an effect symbol designating command (“E0H02H”) indicating special symbol 2 is received, three “3” symbols imitating “3” in numbers are received. The combination of the produced design symbols is determined.
Also, in the case of small hits, when an effect designating command (“E0H03H”) indicating a special symbol A is received, an effect in which three “2” symbols imitating the number “2” are arranged. When a combination of symbols is determined and an effect symbol designating command (“E0H04H”) indicating special symbol B is received, a combination of effect symbols in which three “6” symbols imitating the number “6” are determined. When the effect designating command (“E0H05H”) indicating the special symbol C is received, a combination of effect symbols in which three “8” symbols imitating the number “8” are determined. When an effect designating command (“E0H06H”) indicating the special symbol D is received, a combination of effect symbols is determined such that there is only one “4” symbol imitating a number “4”.

(Description of jackpot type)
In the present embodiment, “big hit” means that the right to execute the big hit game is acquired in the big hit lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the start port 9.
In the “big hit game”, a round game in which the big winning opening 11 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The total opening time of the grand prize opening 11 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29.5 seconds, and if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) enter the big prize opening 11 during this time, one round The game ends. Then, when a game ball enters the special winning opening 11, a specific number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as “allowable firing balls”) that can be launched are given. In addition, a predetermined number of credits are given accordingly. That is, the “big hit game” is a game in which a predetermined number of credits are given each time a game ball enters the big winning opening 11, so that a large amount of credit can be increased.

The “allowable firing ball” includes a game ball set as a game ball that can be launched at the start of the game (when the operation of the game start button 24 is accepted as an effective operation), and ends from the start of the game This is a game ball that can be fired up to.
Specifically, at the start of the game, an initial value is set as a game ball (allowable launch ball) from which “100” game balls can be fired. The ball is decreasing. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the special winning opening 11, the allowable firing balls increase. The number of allowable firing balls is updated and stored in an allowable firing ball counter (KY) storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.
Note that “100” allowable firing balls set at the start of the game are referred to as “initial values of allowable firing balls”.

  In addition, the number of game balls given when a game ball enters the special winning opening 11 is determined in advance based on the selected special symbol (see FIGS. 11 and 18). For example, when the first jackpot (special symbol 1) is won and the first jackpot game is executed, 40 game balls are awarded each time a game ball enters the big winning opening 11. In addition, when the second jackpot (special symbol 2) is won and the second jackpot game is executed, 20 game balls are awarded each time a game ball enters the big winning opening 11.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), in the jackpot game related to the special symbol 1, the number (total number) of game balls given is
“40 (pieces) × 10 (pieces) × 15 (rounds) = 6000 (pieces)”,
In the jackpot game related to the special symbol 2, the number (total number) of game balls given is
“20 (pieces) × 10 (pieces) × 15 (rounds) = 3000 (pieces)”.
In addition, the credits given in association with the above are “the number of game balls given when a game ball enters the big prize opening 11” and “the number of game balls given in the big hit game”. It is calculated by multiplying (total number) by the unit price of one game ball. Details of the jackpot game will be described later.

  In this way, in the jackpot game, a specific number of game balls are given each time a game ball enters the big prize opening 11, and accordingly, credits are also given in multiple times (so-called It is given as “subdivision”). Therefore, it is assumed that the number of game balls (the number of credits associated therewith) to be given each time a game ball enters the big winning opening 11 is determined by lottery or the like. It is possible to pretend to be.

  On the other hand, “small hit” means that in a big win lottery that is performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the starting port 9, a predetermined number of game balls (a predetermined number of credits associated therewith) ) Is acquired. Specifically, in the “small win game”, the big prize opening 11 is not opened, and when the combination of the effect symbols 70 corresponding to the small win shown in FIG. A) a predetermined number of game balls (a predetermined number of credits associated therewith) are awarded.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the number (total number) of game balls given in the small hit game is “5 (pieces)” to “100 (pieces)” compared to the big hit game. Few. For this reason, since it is not beneficial for a player to give a plurality of game balls (the credits associated therewith) given in a small hit game, it is given at a time.

  Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 100 will be described using a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board)
The main process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 107, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101a, and the main CPU 101a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S10, the main CPU 101a performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 101a performs a process of reading a startup program from the main ROM and initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM in response to power-on.

  In step S20, the main CPU 101a performs an effect random number value update process for updating the effect random number value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol.

  In step S <b> 30, the main CPU 101 a performs an initial random number update process for updating the special symbol determination initial random value and the jackpot symbol initial random value. Thereafter, the processes of step S20 and step S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board)
The timer interrupt process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 101, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, in step S50, the main CPU 101a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 101a to the stack area.

  In step S60, the main CPU 101a performs a time control process for updating various timer counters such as a special symbol time counter update process and a special game timer counter update process such as the opening time of the special electric accessory.

In step S70, the main CPU 101a performs a random number update process for updating the special symbol determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random value.
Specifically, each random number value and random number counter are updated by adding “1”. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value in the random number range (when the random number counter makes one revolution), the random number counter is returned to 0, and each random number value is newly updated from the initial random number value at that time. .

  In step S80, as in step S30, the main CPU 101a performs an initial random value update process for updating the initial random number value for special symbol determination and the initial random value for jackpot symbol.

In step S90, the main CPU 101a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 101a detects the start opening detection switch 9s, the big prize opening detection switch 11s, the game start button detection switch 24s, the rate switching button detection switch 25s, the checkout button detection switch 27s, the launch ball detection switch 42s, and the foul ball detection. An input process for determining whether or not there is an input from each switch of the switch 47s is performed.
Specifically, when a detection signal is input from the start port detection switch 9s, a special symbol determination random number value, a jackpot symbol random number value, an effect random number value are acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the special symbol memory. Store in the area. In addition, when a detection signal from the special winning opening detection switch 11s is input, a specific number of allowable firing balls are given. At this time, credit data for giving credits corresponding to the specific number is also created.
In addition, when a detection signal is input from the game start button detection switch 24s, an initial value of an allowable firing ball is set (that is, the number of game balls that can be fired is set to “100”). When a detection signal is input from the rate switch button detection switch 25s, the currently set rate is changed. In addition, when a detection signal is input from the settlement button detection switch 27s, a ticket is paid out based on credit information held by the player.
When a detection signal is input from the shot ball detection switch 42s, the shot ball counter (H) is updated. When a detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 47s, the foul ball counter (F) is updated. If the detection signal is not input from the firing ball detection switch 42s immediately before, the foul ball counter (F) is not added even if the detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 47s. It is also possible to prevent fraud and malfunctions added to. This input / output control process will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S100, when the main CPU 101a receives a game permission signal from the credit control board 200, the main CPU 101a starts an in-tolerance game (a game in which the game ball is permitted to be fired within a range set as an allowable firing ball). A play start control process for setting predetermined data is performed. The play start control process will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

  In step S200, the main CPU 101a performs a play end control process for setting predetermined data for ending the permissible game. The play end control process will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S300, the main CPU 101a performs a special drawing special electric power control process for controlling the jackpot lottery and the special electric accessory. In the special figure special power control process, a big hit game or a small hit game is performed. A predetermined number of credits are also given to the small hit game, and credit data for giving the predetermined number of credits is created. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.

  In step S400, the main CPU 101a performs an electric chew control process for controlling the electric chew starting port 9B to the first mode or the second mode. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S500, the main CPU 101a performs data creation processing. In this data creation process, the main CPU 101a drives a jackpot signal indicating that the jackpot game is controlled, a launch permission signal for permitting the launch control board 106 to launch a game ball, and the start port opening / closing solenoid 9c. Starting port opening / closing solenoid data for driving, large winning port opening / closing solenoid data for driving the large winning port opening / closing solenoid 11c, special symbol display device data for lighting the special symbol display device 19, and special symbol hold indicator 20 A data creation process for the data for the holding display for displaying the light on is performed.

In step S600, the main CPU 101a performs output control processing. In this process, the signal created in steps S90 to S500, that is, a rate switching signal indicating that the rate switching has been accepted, a game start signal indicating that the game start operation has been accepted, and the game is ended. A port output process for outputting a settlement signal indicating that the operation (settlement operation) has been accepted is performed.
Further, a credit data output process for outputting the credit data created in steps S90 and S300 to the credit control board 200 is performed.
Further, a display device output process for outputting the special symbol display device data and the data for the holding display created in step S500 is performed.
Further, command transmission processing for transmitting a command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 101c is also performed.

  In step S700, the main CPU 101a restores the information saved in step S50 to the register of the main CPU 101a.

(Input control processing)
The input control processing of the main control board 101 will be described using FIG.

  First, in step S91, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal from the start port detection switch 9s has been input, that is, whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 9 and makes a big hit determination. The start port detection switch input process for setting predetermined data is performed. The start port detection switch input process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S92, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch 11s has been inputted, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered the big prize opening 11, and responds to this ball entry. Then, a special winning opening detection switch input process for determining a specific number of game balls to be given and a predetermined number of credits associated therewith is performed (see FIG. 17). Further, a counter in the large winning opening entrance counter (C) storage area for counting the game balls won in the winning opening 11 is added and updated.

  In step S93, the main CPU 101a performs rate switching button detection switch input processing for determining whether or not the rate switching button detection switch 25s has input a signal, that is, whether or not the rate switching button 25 has been operated (see FIG. 19). .

Here, the rate in this embodiment includes
[Rate 1 ... 1000 yen throws 1000 game balls allowed] That is, 1 game unit price 1 yen (1000 credits allow 1000 launch balls),
[Rate 2... 1000 yen is allowed to launch 500 game balls] That is, a unit price of 2 yen per game ball (1000 credits and 500 acceptable launch balls),
[Rate 4... 1000 yen is allowed to launch 250 game balls] That is, a unit price of 4 yen per game ball (1000 credits is allowed to fire 250 balls),
[Rate 10 ... 100 yen throws 100 game balls allowed] That is, one game ball unit price 10 yen (1000 credits allow 100 launch balls),
Four rates from “Rate 1” to “Rate 10” are provided.
For example, in “Rate 1”, one game ball is 1 yen (1 credit), and the unit price of one game ball is the lowest. This “rate 1” is called “minimum rate”.
On the other hand, in “Rate 10”, the unit price of one game ball is 10 yen (10 credits), and the unit price of one game ball is the highest. This “rate 10” is called “maximum rate”.
A rate that is one step higher than the minimum rate is “Rate 2”, a rate that is one step higher than “Rate 2” is “Rate 4”, and a rate that is one step higher is the maximum rate.
“N” indicated by “Rate N (N is 1, 2, 4, 10)” is the same as the unit price of one game. For this reason, the “rate” is sometimes called “coin size”.

  In step S94, the main CPU 101a performs a game start button detection switch input process for determining whether or not the game start button detection switch 24s has input a signal, that is, whether or not the game start button 24 has been operated (see FIG. 20). .

  In step S95, the main CPU 101a performs a settlement button detection switch input process for determining whether or not the settlement button detection switch 27s has input a signal, that is, whether or not the settlement button 27 has been operated (see FIG. 21).

  In step S96, the main CPU 101a performs a shot ball detection switch input process for determining whether the shot ball detection switch 42s has input a signal, that is, whether or not a game ball has been shot (see FIG. 22).

  In step S97, the main CPU 101a determines whether the foul ball detection switch 47s has input a signal, that is, whether the fired game ball has returned to the tray 40 again without reaching the game area 6. Detection switch input processing is performed (see FIG. 23).

(Start-up port detection switch input process)
The start port detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S91-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the start port detection switch 9s.
If the detection signal from the start port detection switch 9s has been input, the process proceeds to step S91-2. If the detection signal from the start port detection switch 9s has not been input, the start port detection switch input process ends. To do.

  In step S91-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the data set in the special symbol hold count (U) storage area is less than 4. If the data set in the special symbol hold count (U) storage area is less than 4, the process proceeds to step S91-3, and the data set in the special symbol hold count (U) storage area If it is not less than 4, the start port detection switch input process is terminated.

  In step S91-3, the main CPU 101a adds "1" to the special symbol hold count (U) storage area and stores it.

  In step S91-4, the main CPU 101a adds and updates the counter in the approach ball counter (S) storage area for counting the game balls that have entered the start port 9.

  In step S91-5, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the approaching ball counter (S) (hereinafter referred to as “number of approaching balls S”) exceeds the upper limit value γ. That is, it is determined whether there is a game ball that has entered the starting port 9 beyond a specific value (upper limit γ). At this time, when it is determined that the approaching ball number S does not exceed the upper limit value γ, the process proceeds to step S91-9, and when it is determined that the approaching ball number S exceeds the upper limit value γ, The process moves to step S91-6.

In step S91-7, the main CPU 101a executes a forced lottery process. In this compulsory lottery process, it is a lottery to decide whether or not to forcibly acquire a special symbol determination random number value that will be lost when acquiring the random symbol value for special symbol determination, and this winning lottery process was won In this case, a random symbol value for determining a special symbol that is lost is forcibly acquired.
In this forced lottery process, random lottery (not shown) is performed to determine whether or not forced lottery is successful. In this random number lottery, a forced lottery is won at a predetermined rate (“1/10”).

  In step S91-8, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a forced lottery has been won. At this time, if it is determined that the compulsory lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S91-9. If it is determined that the compulsory lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S91-8.

  In step S91-8, the main CPU 101a acquires a random symbol value for determining a special symbol that causes a loss, and searches for a free storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the special symbol storage area. The special symbol determination random number value acquired is stored in the storage unit. This “random symbol value for determining special symbol for loss” refers to obtaining any random number value for determining special symbol from the range of random numbers for determining special symbol for which the determination result is lost, as shown in FIG. . Therefore, the determination result is always lost when the process of step S91-8 is performed.

  In step S91-9, the main CPU 101a acquires a random number value for determining a special symbol, searches for a free storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the special symbol storage area, and stores it in the free storage unit. The acquired random number for special symbol determination is stored.

  In step S91-10, the main CPU 101a acquires a jackpot symbol random number, searches for a free storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the special symbol storage area, and acquires it in the free storage unit. The jackpot symbol random number value is stored.

  In step S91-11, the main CPU 101a obtains an effect random number value as an effect random number value, and searches for an empty storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the special symbol storage area. The effect random number value acquired is stored in the storage unit, and the start port detection switch input process is terminated.

  As described above, the special symbol determination random number value, the jackpot symbol random value, and the effect random number value are stored in the predetermined storage unit of the special symbol storage area.

(Big prize opening detection switch input processing)
With reference to FIG. 17, the special winning opening detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described.

First, in step S92-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal from the special prize opening detection switch 11s has been input.
When the detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch 11s is input, the process proceeds to step S92-2. When the detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch 11s is not input, the big prize opening detection switch is input. End the process.

  In step S92-2, the main CPU 101a adds and updates a counter in the big winning opening entrance counter (C) storage area for counting the game balls won in the big winning opening 11.

In step S92-3, the main CPU 101a performs a credit grant setting process. In this process, every time the winning prize entrance counter (C) is counted up, a specific number of game balls are given, and credits corresponding to the specific number of game balls given at this time are given. Generate credit data.
Next, this credit setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S92-3-1, based on the selected special symbol, the main CPU 101a counts the number of game balls (specific number) that can be newly launched each time the winning prize entrance counter (C) is counted up. ). At this time, if the winning special symbol is the special symbol 1, the specific number is “40”, and if the winning special symbol is the special symbol 2, the specific number is “20”.

  In step S92-3-2, the main CPU 101a updates the allowable firing ball counter (KY). Specifically, the main CPU 101a updates the value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY) by adding the specific number determined in step S92-3-1.

  In step S92-3-3, the main CPU 101a refers to the currently set rate (hereinafter referred to as “the rate”).

In step S92-3-4, the main CPU 101a sets a “magnification” based on the rate referred to in step S92-3-3.
This “magnification” is based on the unit price of one game ball associated with each rate. For example, if the rate is “Rate 1”, the “Magnification” is set to “1 × (indicated by“ × 1 ”in the drawing)”. Also, if the rate is “Rate 2”, the “magnification” is set to “2 times (indicated by“ × 2 ”in the figure)”, and if the rate is “Rate 4”, “ “Magnification” is set to “4 times (indicated by“ × 4 ”in the drawing)”, and if the rate is “Rate 10”, the “magnification” is “10 times (in the illustration,“ × 10 ”). “)” Is set.

  In step S92-3-5, the main CPU 101a determines a predetermined number of credits (from the magnification set in step S92-3-4 and the specific number determined in step S92-3-1) ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as “grant credit”.

In step S92-3-6, the main CPU 101a generates credit data based on the grant credit and ends the credit grant setting process.
The credit data created in step S92-3-6 is transmitted to the credit control board 200. Then, on the credit control board 200 side that has received the credit data, on the sub monitor 30, a “hit effect” that is an effect of notifying that a large amount of credit is given in the jackpot game is based on the received credit data. Executed.

  FIG. 34A is an effect image showing an example (1) of the jackpot effect on the sub-monitor 30. Here, balloons on which numbers (“10”, “50”, “60”, “80”,...) Are drawn are flying, and some balloons are broken. As shown in FIG. 34 (b), the effect is that each time a game ball enters the big prize opening 11 (specifically, a detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch 11s is input), the balloon breaks. The numbers drawn on the broken balloons are added as credits. With such effects, the number of credits that can be obtained in the jackpot game can be shown randomly.

  Returning to FIG. 17 again, the processing after step S92-4 will be described.

  In step S92-4, the main CPU 101a performs a special lottery. The “special lottery” refers to a lottery for determining whether or not the right to execute the “special jackpot game” can be obtained separately from the jackpot game. In this embodiment, when a special lottery is won, after the jackpot game is over, a jackpot game with the same content as the jackpot game can be executed, or a jackpot game with completely different contents can be executed. It has become. The winning probability in the special lottery is set to a very low probability such as “1/10000”. Also, this special lottery is not performed during the special jackpot game, but is drawn when the start port detection switch 9s is detected. The contents of the special jackpot game may be set on the game hall side or may be selectable by the player.

  This “special jackpot” may be a so-called jackpot (including progressive jackpots, etc.), and if you win a special lottery, you will be given the right to join the jackpot (right to join the jackpot) It may be a thing.

  In addition, if the special lottery is also suggested or notified in the jackpot production, it is possible to increase the fun of the production. FIG. 35A is an effect image showing an example (2) of the jackpot effect on the sub-monitor 30. For example, when a special lottery is suggested or notified in the jackpot effect, the letters “JP CHANCE !!” are displayed when the balloon is broken, as shown in FIG. Thereby, it is possible to give the player a great expectation that not only credits will be added but other game values will be given. Such suggestion or notification is not limited to when a special lottery is won, but may be determined randomly or determined by lottery.

  In step S92-5, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a special lottery is won in step S92-4. If the special lottery has not been won, the main CPU 101a ends the big prize opening detection switch input process.

  In step S92-6, the main CPU 101a turns on a flag (special winning flag) in a special winning flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c. A special jackpot game is executed by turning on the special winning flag (not shown).

(Rate switching button detection switch input processing)
The rate switch button detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S93-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the rate switch button detection switch 25s. At this time, when the detection signal from the rate switching button detection switch 25s is not input, the rate switching button detection switch input process is terminated, and when the detection signal from the rate switching button detection switch 25s is input, The process moves to step S93-2.

  In step S93-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the operation permission flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the operation permission flag is not turned on, the rate change switch detection button input process is terminated, and if it is determined that the operation permission flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S93-3. Move processing. The operation permission flag is turned ON / OFF in an operation permission flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

  In step S93-3, the main CPU 101a turns on the rate switching flag and ends the rate switching button detection switch input process. The rate switching flag is turned on / off in a rate switching flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

(Game start button detection switch input process)
The game start button detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S94-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the game start button detection switch 24s. At this time, if the detection signal from the game start button detection switch 24s is not input, the game start button detection switch input process is terminated, and if the detection signal from the game start button detection switch 24s is input, a step is performed. The processing is moved to S94-2.

  In step S94-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the operation permission flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the operation permission flag is not turned on, the game start button detection switch input process is terminated, and if it is determined that the operation permission flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S94-3. Move processing.

  In step S94-3, the main CPU 101a turns on the game start flag and ends the game start button detection switch input process. The game start flag is turned on / off in a game start flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

(Checkout button detection switch input processing)
The adjustment button detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S95-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal from the settlement button detection switch 27s has been input. At this time, if the detection signal from the adjustment button detection switch 27s is not input, the adjustment button detection switch input process is terminated, and if the detection signal from the adjustment button detection switch 27s is input, step S95-2. Move processing to.

  In step S95-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the settlement allowance flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the settlement permission flag is not turned on, the settlement button detection switch input process is terminated, and if it is determined that the settlement permission flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S95-3. Move. This settlement permission flag is turned ON / OFF in a settlement permission flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

  In step S <b> 95-3, the main CPU 101 a generates a settlement signal for outputting to the credit control board 200 that an operation for settlement of credit has been accepted.

(Launch ball detection switch input processing)
The firing ball detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S96-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal from the firing ball detection switch 42s has been input. At this time, if the detection signal from the launch ball detection switch 42s is not input, the launch ball detection switch input process is terminated. If the detection signal from the launch ball detection switch 42s is input, step S96-2 is performed. Move processing to.

  In step S96-2, the main CPU 101a updates the firing ball counter (H). Specifically, “1” is added to the value of the launch ball counter stored in the launch ball counter (H) storage area provided in the main RAM 101c, and the update is performed. Then, the shot ball detection switch input process is terminated.

(Foul ball detection switch input processing)
The foul ball detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S97-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal from the foul ball detection switch 47s has been input. At this time, if the detection signal from the foul sphere detection switch 47s is not input, the foul sphere detection switch input processing is terminated, and if the detection signal from the foul sphere detection switch 47s is input, step S97-2. Move processing to.

  In step S97-2, the main CPU 101a updates the foul ball counter (F). More specifically, the value of the foul ball counter stored in the foul ball counter (F) storage area provided in the main RAM 101c is updated by adding “1”. Then, the foul ball detection switch input process is terminated.

(Play start control process)
The play start control process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S101, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the operation permission flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the operation permission flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S120, and if it is determined that the operation permission flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a game permission signal for permitting a game is input from the credit control board 200. At this time, if it is determined that the game permission signal is not input, the play start control process is terminated, and if it is determined that the game permission signal is input, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a non-permission flag is turned on. At this time, if it is determined that the non-permission flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S105, and if it is determined that the non-permission flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S104. This non-permission flag is turned on / off in a non-permission flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

  In step S104, the main CPU 101a turns off the non-permission flag.

  In step S105, the main CPU 101a turns on the operation permission flag and ends the play start control process.

  Next, the rate switching process of the main control board 101 in step S120, which is executed when it is determined in step S101 that the operation permission flag is ON, will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S121, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the rate switching flag is turned on. At this time, if it is determined that the rate switching flag is not turned on, the rate switching process is terminated, and if it is determined that the rate switching flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the rate is the maximum rate, that is, whether or not it is “Rate 10”. At this time, if it is determined that it is not the “maximum rate”, the process proceeds to step S124, and if it is determined that it is the “maximum rate”, the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, the main CPU 101a selects “minimum rate”, that is, “rate 1”.

  In step S124, the main CPU 101a selects a "rate that is one step higher" than the set rate. For example, if the set rate is “Rate 1”, “Rate 2” is selected, and if the set rate is “Rate 2”, “Rate 4” is selected and set. If the rate is “rate 4”, “rate 10” is selected.

In step S125, the main CPU 101a stores the rate selected in step S123 or step S124 in the rate storage area provided in the main RAM 101c. Thereby, the rate selected in step S123 or step S124 is set as the rate. That is, rate switching is accepted.
In this embodiment, “Rate 1” is set as the initial value as the rate. Therefore, from the time when the gaming machine 100 is turned on until the rate is switched in the rate switching process, the game is performed after “Rate 1” is set.

  In step S126, the main CPU 101a turns off the rate switching flag.

  In step S127, the main CPU 101a generates a rate switching signal for outputting to the credit control board 200 that the rate has been switched, and ends the rate switching process.

  Returning to FIG. 24 again, the processing after step S106 will be described.

  In step S106, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the game start flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the game start flag is not turned on, the play start control process is terminated, and if it is determined that the game start flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the main CPU 101a sets an “initial value” to the allowable firing ball counter (KY). Specifically, “100” is stored in an allowable firing ball counter (KY) storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

  In this embodiment, even when any of “Rate 1” to “Rate 10” is set, the initial value of the allowable firing ball is set to “100” at the start of the game. That is, in step S107, “100” is set as the initial value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY).

  In step S108, the main CPU 101a sets the firing permission data in a firing permission data storage area provided in the main RAM 101c in order to permit the firing control board 106 to fire the game ball.

  In step S109, the main CPU 101a turns off the game start flag.

  In step S110, the main CPU 101a turns on the game running flag. This game running flag is turned ON / OFF in the game running flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c.

  In step S111, the main CPU 101a turns off the operation permission flag. When the operation permission flag is turned off in step S109, operations on the game start button 24 and the rate switching button 25 are not accepted. That is, even if an operation is performed on each of the buttons 24 and 25, the operation accepted at this time is not determined as a valid operation, and is treated as an invalid operation. In other words, when the operation permission flag is OFF, it means that the rate cannot be switched and the game is started (that is, a new or additional setting of an allowable firing ball). Is impossible.

  In step S112, the main CPU 101a turns off the settlement permission flag. When the settlement permission flag is turned OFF in step S112, an operation to the settlement button 27 is not accepted. In other words, even if the adjustment button 27 is operated, the operation accepted at this time is not determined to be a valid operation and is treated as an invalid operation. In other words, when the settlement permission flag is OFF, it is a state where it is impossible to settle the credit.

  In step S113, the main CPU 101a generates a game start signal for outputting to the credit control board 200 that the operation for starting the game has been accepted, and ends the play start control process.

(Play end control process)
The play end control process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a game non-permission signal for not permitting a game from the credit control board 200 has been input. At this time, if it is determined that the game non-permission signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S203. If it is determined that the game non-permission signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the main CPU 101a turns on the non-permission flag.

  In step S203, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the game execution flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the game running flag is not turned on, the play end control process is terminated. If it is determined that the game running flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S204. Move.

  In step S204, the main CPU 101a calculates a value calculated as a result of subtracting the value of the foul ball counter (F) from the value of the shot ball counter (H), that is, a game ball (hereinafter, “ The total number of effective firing balls (hereinafter referred to as “effective firing balls”) is set to the same value as the allowable firing ball counter (KY) stored in the allowable firing ball counter (KY) storage area. It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not all of the allowable firing balls have been fired. At this time, when it is determined that the value of the number of effective firing balls (HF) is not the same as the value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY), the play end control process is terminated, and the number of effective firing balls ( If it is determined that the value of (HF) is the same as the value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY), the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the main CPU 101a clears the firing permission data. In step S205, the emission is stopped by clearing the emission permission data.

  Note that the method for stopping the launch based on the play end control process is not limited as long as the game ball is not launched even if the player operates the operation handle 3. For example, the detection by the touch sensor 3 s is invalidated. Alternatively, a method of not reading the voltage value of the firing volume 3a may be used.

  In step S206, the main CPU 101a turns off the game running flag.

  In step S207, the main CPU 101a turns on the settlement permission flag. When the settlement permission flag is turned ON in step S207, when an operation to the settlement button 27 is accepted, it is determined that the accepted operation is a valid operation and is treated as a valid operation. Become. In other words, the case where the settlement allowance flag is ON is a state in which credits can be settled.

  In step S208, the main CPU 101a determines whether the non-permission flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the non-permission flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S210, and if it is determined that the non-permission flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the main CPU 101a turns on the operation permission flag. When the operation permission flag is turned ON in this step S209 and the operation to the game start button 24 and the rate switching button 25 is accepted, it is determined that the accepted operation is an effective operation and is effective. It will be treated as an operation. In other words, the case where the operation permission flag is turned on is a state in which the rate can be switched, and starting the game (that is, setting an allowable firing ball newly or additionally) It is possible.

  In step S210, the main CPU 101a clears the firing ball counter (H) and the foul ball counter (F). The main CPU 101a also clears the approach ball counter (S). Then, the play end control process ends.

(Special Figure Special Electric Control Process)
With reference to FIG. 27, the special figure special power control process of the main control board 101 will be described.

In step S301, the main CPU 101a loads the special figure special electricity processing data value, refers to the branch destination address from the special figure special electric treatment data loaded in step S302, and stores the special symbol memory if special figure special electric treatment data = 0. The process proceeds to the determination process (step S310). If the special symbol special electric processing data = 1, the special symbol variation process (step S320) is performed. If the special graphic special electric processing data = 2, the special symbol stop processing (step The process moves to S330). If the special figure special electric processing data = 3, the process moves to the big hit game process (step S340). If the special figure special electric treatment data = 4, the small hit game process (step S350) is executed. If the special figure special electric processing data = 5, the special big hit game processing (step S360) is transferred.
This “special drawing special electricity processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing as will be described later, so that the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed. .

  In step S <b> 310, the main CPU 101 a performs a special symbol memory determination process for determining a special symbol for jackpot lottery and stop display. Specifically, this will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the special symbol variation process of step S320, the main CPU 101a performs a process of determining whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed.
Specifically, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special symbol variation time determined in step S310 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0?), And the special symbol variation time has not elapsed. Is determined, the special symbol variation process is terminated while the special symbol special electric processing data = 1 is held, and the next subroutine is executed.
If it is determined that the special symbol variation time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display data is cleared, and the special symbol determined in step S310 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 19. As a result, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 19, and the player is notified of the jackpot determination result.
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 1 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 2 to prepare for the transition to the special symbol stop processing, and the special symbol variation processing ends.

In the special symbol stop process in step S330, the main CPU 101a performs a process of determining the special symbol that is stopped and displayed.
Specifically, the main CPU 101a first determines whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol. If it is determined that the symbol is a big hit symbol, the special symbol special power processing data = 2 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 3 to prepare for the jackpot game processing, and the special symbol stop processing is terminated.
Also, if it is not determined to be a jackpot symbol, the special symbol special electricity processing data = 2 is set to the special symbol special electric treatment data = 0, the preparation for moving to the special symbol memory judgment processing is performed, and the special symbol suspension processing is finished. To do.

In the big hit game process of step S340, the main CPU 101a performs the process of driving the big prize opening / closing solenoid 11c and opening the big prize opening 11.
Specifically, the main CPU 101a outputs driving data for the special prize opening / closing solenoid 11c to open the special prize opening / closing door 11b, and sets an opening time of 29.5 seconds in the special game timer counter. The grand prize opening opening / closing door 11b is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds. When a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 11 during this opening (for example, the big winning opening entering counter = 10?) Or when the maximum opening time elapses (special gaming timer counter = 0), The output of the driving data of the mouth opening / closing solenoid 11c is stopped, and the special winning opening opening / closing door 11b is closed. Thereby, one round game is completed. This round game control is repeated 15 times.
When this round game is played 15 times in total, if the special winning flag is not turned ON, the special figure special electricity processing data = 3 is set to special figure special electric treatment data = 0, and the process proceeds to the special symbol memory determination process. Make preparations and finish the jackpot game process.
On the other hand, when the special winning flag is ON, the special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 5, preparation for moving to the special big hit game processing is performed, and the big hit game processing is ended. .

  In the small hit game process of step S350, the main CPU 101a gives a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the small hit symbol as an allowable firing ball (see FIG. 11B). The main CPU 101a also creates credit data for granting a predetermined number of credits corresponding to the predetermined number of game balls given at this time. After that, the special figure special electric processing data = 4 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 0, and preparation for moving to the special symbol memory determination process is made, and the small hit game process is ended.

  In the special jackpot game process of step S360, the main CPU 101a causes the jackpot game that has been performed until just before to be executed again or a jackpot game with completely different contents is executed. Then, when the jackpot game ends, the special figure special power processing data = 5 is set to the special figure special power processing data = 0, and preparations for shifting to the special symbol memory determination process are made, and the special jackpot game processing is ended.

(Special symbol memory judgment process)
The special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 310-1, the main CPU 101 a determines whether or not a special symbol variation display is being performed. If the special symbol variation display is in progress (special symbol time counter ≠ 0), the special symbol storage determination process is terminated. If the special symbol variation display is not in progress (special symbol time counter = 0), step 310 is performed. The process is moved to -2.

In step S310-2, when the special symbol is not changing, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special symbol reservation number (U) storage area is 1 or more.
When the main CPU 101a determines that the special symbol reservation number (U) storage area is “1” or more, the main CPU 101a proceeds to step S310-3, and when the special symbol reservation number (U) storage area is not one or more. Ends the special symbol memory determination process.

  In step S310-3, the main CPU 101a subtracts “1” from the value stored in the special symbol hold count (U) storage area and stores it.

  In step S310-4, the main CPU 101a performs a shift process on the data stored in the special symbol reservation storage area corresponding to the special symbol reservation number (U) storage area subtracted in steps S310-2 to S310-3. . Specifically, each data stored in the first to fourth storage units in the special symbol storage area is shifted to the previous storage unit. Here, the data stored in the first storage unit is shifted to the determination storage area (the 0th storage unit). At this time, the data stored in the first storage unit is written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit), and the data already written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit) is stored in the special symbol hold storage. It will be erased from the area. As a result, the special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random value, and effect random number used in the previous game are deleted.

In step S310-5, the main CPU 101a performs a jackpot lottery process based on the special symbol determination random number value written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit) of the special symbol hold storage area in step S310-4. Do.
In the jackpot lottery process, the main CPU 101a refers to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 10 and determines whether or not the special symbol determination random number value is a “big hit” or “small hit”.

In step S310-6, the main CPU 101a performs a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed.
In this special symbol determination process, the main CPU 101a refers to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11A when the main CPU 101a is determined to be a big hit as a result of the jackpot lottery. The symbol data for the big hit symbol is determined based on the numerical value, and when it is determined that the jackpot symbol is determined, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. The stop symbol data is determined. If it is determined that the game is lost, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11C is referred to determine the stop symbol data of the lost symbol. Thereafter, the determined stop symbol data is set in the stop symbol data storage area.

In step S310-7, the main CPU 101a performs a variation pattern determination process for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol.
In this variation pattern determination process, the main CPU 101a refers to a variation pattern determination table (not shown), based on the jackpot lottery result, the special symbol type, the number of special symbol reservations (U), and the obtained random number for presentation. Determine the variation pattern. Then, the main CPU 101a sets a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S310-8, the main CPU 101a sets a variation time (counter value) based on the variation pattern determined in step S310-7 in the special symbol time counter. The special symbol time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S60.

  In step S310-9, the main CPU 101a performs a variable display start process for setting special symbol variable display data for causing the special symbol display device 19 to perform special symbol variable display (LED blinking). Thus, when the special symbol variation display data is set, special symbol display device data for turning on or blinking the LED is appropriately created in step S500, and the created data is output in step S600. Thus, the variation display of the special symbol display device 19 is performed. This special symbol variation display is continuously performed for the variation time set in step S310-8.

  In step S310-10, the main CPU 101a sets the special symbol special processing data = 1 to move the processing to the special symbol variation processing shown in step S320, and ends the special symbol storage determination processing.

(Electric Chu control process)
The electric Chu control process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S401, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the open flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the releasing flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S406. If it is determined that the releasing flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S402.

In step S402, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the number of effective firing balls (HF) has exceeded a specified value α.
At this time, if it is determined that the number of effective firing balls (HF) does not exceed the specified value α, the electric Chu control process is terminated, and the number of effective firing balls (HF) reaches the specified value α. If it is determined that the number has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S403.
The prescribed value α in the present embodiment is set to a value that is half of “100” set as the initial value of the allowable firing ball. That is, the specified value α is 100 (pieces) / 2 = 50 (pieces).

In step S403, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the approach ball counter (S) (number of approach balls S) updated in the approach ball counter (S) storage area is less than the upper limit value γ. At this time, when it is determined that the approaching ball number S is equal to or greater than the upper limit value γ, the electric Chu control process is terminated, and when it is determined that the approaching ball number S is less than the upper limit value γ, a step is performed. The process moves to S404.
The upper limit value γ in the present embodiment is set to “10”.

  In step S404, the main CPU 101a starts energizing the start port opening / closing solenoid 9c. As a result, the electric chew starting port 9B is opened and controlled to the second mode.

  In step S405, the main CPU 101a sets the open flag to ON, and ends the electric chew control process. This open flag is a flag that is referred to when the electric chew starting port 9B is controlled to the second mode, and is turned ON / OFF in the open flag storage area provided in the main RAM 101c. is there.

  In step S406, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the approaching ball number S is equal to or greater than the upper limit value γ. If it is determined that the approaching ball number S is not equal to or greater than the upper limit value γ, the process proceeds to step S409. If it is determined that the approaching ball number S is equal to or greater than the upper limit value γ, the process proceeds to step S407. Move processing to.

  In step S407, the main CPU 101a turns off the releasing flag.

  In step S408, the main CPU 101a stops energization of the start port opening / closing solenoid 9c. Thereby, the electric chew starting port 9B returns to the first mode, and it becomes impossible or difficult to enter the game ball again.

In step S409, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the effective firing ball number (HF) is equal to the value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY). That is, it is determined whether or not all the permitted firing balls have been completely fired into the game area 6 (whether or not all the permitted firing balls have been completely killed). At this time, when it is determined that the number of effective firing balls (HF) is equal to the value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY) (that is, when it is determined that all of the allowable firing balls have been terminated), When the process proceeds to step S407 and it is determined that the number of effective firing balls (HF) has not yet been equal to the value of the allowable firing ball counter (KY), the start opening / closing solenoid 9c is energized. The electric chew control process is terminated while holding.
That is, after the electric chew starting port 9B is opened and controlled to the second mode, the electric chew starting port is continued until the approaching ball number S reaches the upper limit value γ or all the allowable firing balls are cut off. 9B will continue to be controlled in the second mode.

  Next, processing executed by the credit CPU 200a in the credit control board 200 will be described. In the present embodiment, the credit CPU 200a executes at least a main process (FIG. 30) that is executed when the power is turned on.

(Main processing of credit control board 200)
The main process of the credit control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 107, a system reset occurs in the credit CPU 200a, and the credit CPU 200a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S1000, the credit CPU 200a performs an initialization process. In this process, the credit CPU 200a reads the activation program from the credit ROM 200b and initializes a flag stored in the credit RAM 200c in response to power-on.

In step S2000, the credit CPU 200a is stored in the credit RAM 200c by receiving a bill insertion signal from the bill detection switch 201s, receiving a game start signal from the main control board 101, a rate switching signal, a settlement signal, credit data, and the like. Credit update processing (described later with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32) for updating the “credit remaining amount” is performed.
The “credit remaining amount” here is stored in the credit RAM 200c when the above-described bill insertion signal is input or when a game start signal, a rate switching signal, a settlement signal, credit data, or the like is received. Credits are referred to below as “cumulative credits”.

  In step S3000, the credit CPU 200a performs a credit settlement process (to be described later with reference to FIG. 33) for settlement of the accumulated credits stored in the credit RAM 200c by receiving the settlement signal from the main control board 101.

  In step S4000, the credit CPU 200a outputs drive data for driving the ticket payout motor 202a until the payout timer set with a predetermined time reaches zero. As described above, each time the ticket payout motor 202a rotates in the forward direction for 1 second, one ticket is discharged from the ticket payout outlet 22.

  In step S5000, the credit CPU 200a outputs a game permission signal for allowing the start of the game to the main control board 101 and a game disapproval signal for not permitting the start of the game, and tickets the accumulated credits at the time of settlement. Output control processing to output as data is performed. In this output control process, data for displaying credit information and various game information on the sub monitor 30 is also output.

(Credit update process)
The credit update process of the credit control board 200 will be described using FIG. 31 and FIG.

  First, in step S2010, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not a bill insertion signal has been input. That is, it is determined whether or not the player has inserted a bill into the bill insertion slot 21. At this time, if it is determined that the bill insertion signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S2050. If it is determined that the bill insertion signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S2020.

  In step S2020, the credit CPU 200a converts the inserted bill amount (amount) into credits. The credit converted at this time is called input credit.

  In step S2030, the credit CPU 200a determines whether credits remain. Specifically, it is determined whether there is a cumulative credit stored in a cumulative credit storage area provided in the credit RAM 200c. At this time, if it is determined that there is no cumulative credit, the process proceeds to step S2110, and if it is determined that there is a cumulative credit, the process proceeds to step S2040.

  In step S2040, the credit CPU 200a adds the inserted credit converted in step S2020 to the cumulative credit.

  In step S2050, the credit CPU 200a determines whether credit data has been received. At this time, if it is determined that no credit data has been received, the process proceeds to step S2080. If it is determined that credit data has been received, the process proceeds to step S2060.

  In step S2060, the credit CPU 200a calculates a grant credit based on the credit data. Specifically, the credit data is decoded, and the grant credit (the grant credit) corresponding to the credit data is determined.

  In step S2070, the credit CPU 200a adds the granted credit to the cumulative credit. When there is no cumulative credit, the cumulative credit is “0”. At this time, the granted credit is added to “0”.

  In step S2080, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not a game start signal has been input. That is, it is determined whether or not the game start button 24 has been operated. At this time, if it is determined that the game start signal is not input, the process proceeds to step S2200. If it is determined that the game start signal is input, the process proceeds to step S2090.

  In step S2090, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not the game permission flag is turned on. This game permission flag is turned ON / OFF in a game permission flag storage area provided in the credit RAM 200c. At this time, if it is determined that the game permission flag is not turned on, the credit update process is terminated, and if it is determined that the game permission flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S2100.

  In step S2100, the credit CPU 200a subtracts the bet credit from the cumulative credit. This bet credit is a credit corresponding to an initial value (100 game balls) of allowable firing balls set at the start of the game.

  In step S2110, the credit CPU 200a updates the cumulative credit calculated as a result of addition and subtraction in steps S2040, S2070, and S2100 as a new cumulative credit.

  In step S2120, the credit CPU 200a generates a credit update command. Based on the credit update command generated at this time, data for displaying the updated credit information on the sub-monitor 30 is output in the output control process of step S5000.

  In step S2200, the credit CPU 200a determines whether a rate switching signal is input. At this time, if it is determined that the rate switching signal has not been input, the credit update process is terminated, and if it is determined that the rate switching signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S2210.

  In step S2210, the credit CPU 200a changes the “applied rate” based on the input rate switching signal. This “applied rate” is stored in an applied rate storage area provided in the credit RAM 200c, and corresponds to the “related rate” described above (see FIG. 25, etc.). Specifically, the application rate is switched (the application rate is changed) by performing the same processing as the processing from step S122 to step S125 in the rate switching processing of FIG. 25 described above. For example, when a rate switching signal is input in a state where “rate 1” is stored in the application rate storage area, “rate 2” is stored in the application rate storage area.

  In step S2220, the credit CPU 200a sets a bet credit based on the application rate. The bet credit set at this time is called the bet credit.

In step S2230, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not the cumulative credit is equal to or greater than the bet credit. At this time, if it is determined that the accumulated credit is not equal to or greater than the bet credit, the process proceeds to step S2270. If it is determined that the accumulated credit is equal to or greater than the bet credit, the process proceeds to step S2240. .
When it is determined in step S2230 that the accumulated credit is not equal to or greater than the bet credit, the initial value (100 gaming balls) of the allowable firing balls set when the game start signal is input (at the start of the game). This means a case where only a predetermined number of credits that are insufficient for the cumulative credits are left.

  In step S2240, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not the game permission flag is turned on. At this time, if it is determined that the game permission flag is ON, the credit update process is terminated, and if it is determined that the game permission flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S2250.

  In step S2250, the credit CPU 200a turns on the game permission flag.

  In step S2260, the credit CPU 200a generates a game permission signal and ends the credit update process. The game permission signal generated at this time is output to the main control board 101 in the output control process of step S5000.

  In step S2270, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not the game permission flag is OFF. At this time, if it is determined that the game permission flag is OFF, the credit update process is terminated, and if it is determined that the game permission flag is not OFF, the process proceeds to step S2280.

  In step S2280, the credit CPU 200a turns off the game permission flag.

  In step S2290, the credit CPU 200a generates a game non-permission signal and ends the credit update process. The game non-permission signal generated at this time is output to the main control board 101 in the output control process of step S5000.

(Credit settlement process)
The credit settlement process of the credit control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S3100, the credit CPU 200a determines whether or not a settlement signal has been input. That is, it is determined whether or not the settlement button 27 has been operated. At this time, if it is determined that no settlement signal is input, the credit settlement process is terminated, and if it is determined that a settlement signal is input, the process proceeds to step S3200.

  In step S3200, the credit CPU 200a generates ticket data using the current cumulative credit stored in the cumulative credit storage area as a credit at the time of settlement.

  In step S3300, the credit CPU 200a sets a predetermined time in the payout timer counter. This predetermined time is set to 1000 ms, for example. This is because in the present embodiment, one ticket is paid out every time the ticket payout motor 202a rotates in the forward direction for 1 second. The payout timer is updated by subtracting one every 4 ms in a ticket timer interrupt process (not shown). For this reason, the payout timer = 0 after 1000 ms elapses.

  In step S3400, the credit CPU 200a generates a ticket payout signal. As a result, the ticket is paid out from the ticket payout exit 22.

  Next, the outline of the effect control board 102 will be briefly described.

  When the effect control board 102 receives the command transmitted from the main control board 101, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 102 occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer.

  Then, the sub CPU 102a in the effect control board 102 analyzes the received command and generates various data corresponding to each command in the timer interrupt process of the effect control board 102 performed every 2 ms. Thereafter, the generated various data is transmitted to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104.

  Specifically, when the sub CPU 102a receives the variation pattern designation command from the main control board 101, the sub CPU 102a refers to the effect pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM 102b and, based on the received variation pattern designation command, the effect display device 13. And an effect pattern for causing the sound output device 18, the effect lighting device 16, and the effect accessory device 15 to execute a predetermined effect. Then, effect data corresponding to the determined effect pattern is generated, and the effect data is transmitted to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104.

  When the sub CPU 102a receives the effect symbol designation command from the main control board 101, the effect symbol designation command indicating the jackpot is referred to the effect symbol designation table shown in FIG. Based on the command, effect design data is determined. Then, the determined effect design data is transmitted to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104. Thereby, the combination of the specific effect symbols 70 is stopped and displayed on the effect display device 13. Even in the case of an effect symbol designating command indicating a loss, an effect symbol determining table at the time of losing is stored (not shown), and the effect symbol determining table at the time of losing so as not to be a combination of specific effect symbols 70. It is configured.

  Next, the outline of the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104 will be briefly described.

  In the image control board 105, when the data from the effect control board 102 is received, the voice CPU reads the voice output device control program from the voice ROM and controls the voice output in the voice output device 18, and the image CPU reads from the image ROM. The program is read, and the image display on the effect display device 13 is controlled based on the received effect command.

  Also in the lamp control board 104, when the data from the effect control board 102 is received, the effect accessory device operation program is read based on the received data to control the operation of the effect accessory device 15, and the received effect. The effect lighting device control program is read out based on the data for control, and the effect lighting device 16 is controlled.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the ratio of the number S of approaching balls to the number of effective firing balls (HF) increases, the portion exceeding the upper limit γ is lost at a predetermined rate. I have to. Thereby, when a certain number of game balls are used, the number of effective lotteries can be adjusted within a certain range. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a period of forcible loss occurs or a situation in which a bias that forcibly continues the loss occurs. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the substantial jackpot probability without changing the jackpot probability.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the credit grant setting process (see FIGS. 17 and 18), when the allowable firing ball counter (KY) is updated, that is, when the big winning opening entrance ball counter (C) is updated. Although the allowable number of firing balls is also increased, it is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt a mode in which one game is finished by finishing firing “100” game balls, which is the initial value of the allowable firing balls. In the case of adopting such a form, in the process of step S92-3-2 of the credit grant setting process (see FIG. 18), the value of the allowable firing ball (KY) counter is not updated. And it is sufficient. As a result, one game is completed by firing “100” permissible launch balls, and only credits are added (added) if a big or small win is won during that one game. It is possible to provide a game form to be played. Even in such a game form, the same effect as the present embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although demonstrated by the structure (what is called stand-alone type) which consists of the gaming machine 100 single-piece | unit, it is not restricted to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 36, a client server type including a plurality of gaming machines 100 and a server 600 (such as a central management device) may be used. In this way, it is possible to reserve jackpots from a plurality of gaming machines 100, so that it is possible to provide a jackpot with a very high payout compared to the stand-alone type.

In the present embodiment, when the number of approaching balls S exceeds the upper limit value γ, a forced lottery is performed, and when the forced lottery is won, a special symbol determination random number value that is forcibly lost is acquired ( However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, when it is determined in step S91-7 that the forced lottery has been won, the special symbol determining random value, the jackpot symbol determining random value, and the effect random number are not acquired. Also good.
In this case, since each of the random numbers described above is not acquired, in the jackpot lottery process (see step S310-5 in FIG. 28) in the special symbol memory determination process, the jackpot and the jackpot determination itself are not performed. Become. As a result, a result (determination result) that forcibly obtains the same effect as the loss can be derived. In this case as well, on the production side, the same kind of production as when the number of approaching balls S does not exceed the upper limit value γ is performed by determining the variation pattern of the special symbol or increasing the number of reserves. It is desirable to do so. Thereby, it is possible to entertain the game without causing the player to feel the disadvantage that the jackpot lottery is not performed in spite of having entered the starting port 9.
FIG. 37 shows an example of another form of the start port detection switch input process shown in FIG. 16, and the same processes as those in each step in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In this embodiment, regardless of the mode of the electric chew starting opening 9B, if the number of approaching balls S exceeds the upper limit value γ, the forced lottery is executed for the amount exceeding the upper limit value γ. Absent. For example, on the condition that the electric chew starting port 9B is in the second mode, if the number of approaching balls S exceeds the upper limit γ, the forced lottery may be executed for the excess.

  In the present embodiment, a description has been given of a configuration in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in the gaming machine 100 and the game proceeds by circulating the enclosed game balls, but the present invention is not limited thereto. . For example, a configuration in which a game ball can be added from outside the gaming machine or a game ball can be discharged outside the gaming machine may be employed.

  In the present embodiment, banknotes (or money coins) are used as the input medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, tokens used in gaming machines such as medals and coins, monetary information and point information stored in information recording media (for example, IC cards and IC coins) may be used.

  In the present embodiment, in the big hit game or the small hit game, the predetermined number of credits are given in response to the granting of the allowable firing ball, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a prize such as an article or a ticket that can be exchanged for this prize. The same applies to special jackpots.

  In the present embodiment, the special lottery is performed in response to the game ball entering the special winning opening 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be performed at the time of entering the starting port 9 or at the time of jackpot lottery. In addition, even if it is performed at the time of entering the starting port 9 or at the time of jackpot lottery, by performing the effects of FIG. 22 etc., it may appear as if a special lottery is being performed during the jackpot game Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the number of game balls to be given for each of the big hits and the small hits is determined in advance as “6000”, “3000”, “100”, but is not limited thereto. For example, a predetermined range (upper limit or lower limit) is provided for the number of game balls to be given, such as “3000 to 5000”, “10 to 500”, and “upper limit is up to 8000”, and lottery is performed among them. The number of game balls to be given may be determined. Further, the number of game balls to be completely given without providing the predetermined range may be made random. Further, the number of game balls to be given may be determined so that the total number of game balls given in the jackpot game is not necessarily completely random, but the total number of game balls given in the final game always matches.

2 gaming board 3 operation handle 3a firing volume 3s touch sensor 4c firing solenoid 6 gaming area 9A first starting port 9B electric chew starting port 9s starting port detection switch 11 large winning port 11s large winning port detection switch 11b large winning port opening / closing door 11c Large winning opening / closing solenoid 12 Out port 21 Bill insertion port 22 Ticket payout port 24 Game start button 24s Game start button detection switch 25 Rate switch button 25s Rate switch button detection switch 27 Settlement button 27s Settlement button detection switch 30 Sub monitor 42s Launch ball Detection switch 44 Out-port guideway 45 Entrance entrance guideway 46 Winner entrance guideway 47s Foul ball detection switch 100 Game machine 101 Main control board 101a Main CPU
101b Main ROM
101c Main RAM
106 Launch control board 108 Game information output terminal board 200 Credit control board 200a Credit CPU
200b Credit ROM
200c Credit RAM
201s bill detection switch 202a ticket dispensing motor

Claims (5)

A gaming machine having a gaming board in which a gaming area where gaming balls flow down is formed,
Launching means for launching a game ball into the game area;
A firing ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls fired to the gaming area by the launching means;
A start area detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered a start area provided in the game area;
Entry ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the starting area until a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A special variable winning device that can be changed to an open state that makes it easy to enter a game ball in a special winning opening provided in the game area, and a closed state that makes it difficult to enter the game,
Lottery means for performing a lottery to obtain one lottery result from a plurality of lottery results including at least a jackpot for bringing the special variable prize-winning device into the open state by detecting a game ball by the starting area detecting means;
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a big hit, a game value giving means for giving a predetermined game value based on the special variable winning device being in the open state;
An approach ball that determines whether or not the number of approach balls counted by the approach ball number counting means reaches a specific number when the number of fire balls counted by the launch ball number counting means reaches a predetermined number Number determination means;
When it is determined that the number of approaching balls counted by the approaching ball number determining means has reached the specific number, until the number of firing balls counted by the firing ball number counting means reaches the predetermined number When a new game ball is detected as the number of approaching balls, the lottery result by the lottery means at a predetermined ratio, the special variable winning device different from the jackpot is not put into the open state A lottery result forcing means,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: In the lottery result, apart from the jackpot, the special variable prize-winning device includes at least a loss that is not brought into the open state,
The lottery result forcing means is:
When it is determined that the number of approaching balls counted by the approaching ball number counting means has reached the specific number, until the number of firing balls counted by the firing ball number counting means reaches the predetermined number The apparatus further comprises a forcible acquisition means for determining that the lottery result is lost at a predetermined rate when a new game ball is detected as the number of approaching balls exceeding the specific number. The gaming machine described in 1. The lottery result forcing means is:
When it is determined that the number of approaching balls counted by the approaching ball number counting means has reached the specific number, until the number of firing balls counted by the firing ball number counting means reaches the predetermined number The system further comprises lottery non-execution means that does not execute the lottery by the lottery means at a predetermined ratio when a new game ball is detected as the number of approaching balls exceeding the specific number. The gaming machine according to 1. A first variable entry device capable of changing to a first mode in which entry of a game ball into the starting region is difficult and a second mode in which entry of the game ball into the start region is easier than the first mode; ,
A variable for controlling the starting variable pitching device to the second mode until the number of approaching balls reaches the specific number when it is determined by the approaching ball number determining means that the specific number has not been reached. A pitching device control means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The variable pitching device control means includes:
When the starting variable pitching device is controlled in the second mode and the number of approaching balls counted by the entering ball number counting means reaches the specific number, the starting variable pitching device The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the game machine is controlled to the first mode.

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