JP2015029662A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve game taste by achieving a novel game property using "detection means for starting a specific game".SOLUTION: The pinball game machine includes: storage means capable of storing game balls shot to a game area; first detection means capable of detecting game balls that are not stored in the storage means; and second detection means capable of detecting game balls released from the storage means. An execution mode of a special game to be started when a game ball is detected by the first detection means during a standby state after a result of a variable display of identification information turns out a specific result, is set more advantageous than that when the game ball is detected by the second detection means. This configuration can achieve "the novel game property that makes a player expect a game ball not to be released from the storage means after the result of the variable display of the identification information turns out the specific result". Consequently, this configuration can improve the game taste after the variable display of the identification information turns out the specific result.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine (pachinko machine) that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board on which a game area is formed.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a ball game machine that variably displays identification information such as a special symbol based on establishment of a predetermined start condition. In such a ball game machine, it is common to execute a specific game that is advantageous to the player when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result.

  Further, in recent years, when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the specific game is not started and the standby state is entered, and then the game ball is detected by a dedicated detection means for starting the specific game. A ball game machine that starts a specific game on the condition is also proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2012-5531A

  However, in the ball and ball game machine proposed in Patent Document 1, the specific game can be started at an arbitrary timing after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes the specific result. There is no significant difference from the gameability of a ball game machine, and there is a problem that the “detection means for starting a specific game” installed is not fully utilized for improving the game entertainment.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and aims to improve game entertainment by realizing a new game using “a detection means for starting a specific game”. With the goal.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
Identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on establishment of the predetermined condition;
Standby state generating means for generating a standby state for executing a specific game advantageous for a player based on a result of the variation display of the identification information being a specific result;
Specific game execution means for executing the specific game based on the fact that a game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means in the standby state;
Storage means capable of storing game balls launched in the game area;
With
The storage means, when a predetermined release condition is satisfied, releases the stored game ball to the game area after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes the specific result,
As the detection means, a first detection means that is capable of detecting a game ball that is not stored in the storage means among game balls that have been launched into a game area, and that is unable to detect a game ball released from the storage means; A second detection means that is unable to detect a game ball that is not stored in the storage means among the game balls that are launched into the game area, and that is capable of detecting a game ball released from the storage means;
As the specific game, the first specific game is executed based on the detection of the game ball by the first detection means and the detection of the game ball by the second detection means, and the first specific game is executed. It has the 2nd specific game made into the execution mode disadvantageous for a player rather than the execution mode of this.

  Here, the “detection means (first detection means, second detection means)” of the present invention is a detection sensor for detecting that a game ball has passed through a predetermined gate, or a game ball at a predetermined entrance. It shall include a detection sensor that detects that the ball has entered.

  In such a ball game machine, when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the game ball is released from the storage means, rather than being released from the storage means and detected by the second detection means. However, since it is more advantageous for the player to detect the newly-launched game ball by the first detection means, “after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the storage means It is possible to realize a “new gameability” that is expected to prevent the game ball from being released. As a result, as compared with the conventional ball game machine, it is possible to improve the game entertainment after a specific result is obtained by displaying the variation of the identification information.

In the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention,
The storage means may release the stored game balls when a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the result of the variation display of the identification information has reached a specific result.

  Thus, instead of releasing the game ball in the storage means immediately after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the game ball is released after the delay time elapses. A new game can be realized that aims to detect the game ball by aiming at the first detection means before the time elapses (the game ball in the storage means is released). It is possible to enhance the game entertainment after a specific result.

In the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention,
A delay time determining unit that determines the length of the delay time may be provided.

  The shorter the delay time, the lower the possibility that the game ball is detected by the first detection means before the delay time elapses. Therefore, by providing a case where the long delay time is determined and a case where the short delay time is determined, it is possible to change the sense of tension (degree of difficulty) that causes the game ball to be detected aiming at the first detection means. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment after a specific result is obtained in the variation display of the identification information.

Moreover, in such a ball game machine of the present invention,
The storage means is capable of storing a plurality of game balls,
Release number determining means for determining the number of game balls released from the storage means may be provided.

  When there is no game ball in the storage means, even if the storage means executes the release of the game ball, the game ball is not actually released, so the game ball is detected aiming at the first detection means, It becomes possible to start a specific game (first specific game) advantageous to the player. Then, by providing a case where the number of game balls released from the storage means is large and a case where the number of game balls is small, it is possible to change the ease of disappearance of the game balls in the storage means (the larger the number of game balls released) Since the game balls in the storage means are quickly lost), it is possible to pay attention to the number of game balls released, and to further improve the game entertainment after a specific result is displayed in the variation display of the identification information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve game entertainment by realizing a new game using “detection means for starting a specific game”.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special figure change start process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special figure fluctuation start process of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the example of the big hit determination table. It is the flowchart which showed the process at the time of jackpot start of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the storage apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit effect process of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example in which the game ball discharge | released from the storage apparatus may not be detected by the 2nd big hit start gate. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the storage device which can discharge | release several game balls simultaneously. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the big hit start of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit effect process of 2nd Example. It is the time chart which showed a mode that the big hit game was started with the pachinko machine of 2nd Example.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine called a “seven machine” or “digipachi” will be described.

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. An upper plate part 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. In addition, a locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a ball lending device 13 (so-called CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game balls are thrown into the recesses formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 3). A ball lending button 5b for requesting the lending of game balls, a return button 5c for discharging a storage medium such as an IC card or a magnetic card from the ball lending device 13, and a thrown-out game ball are discharged to the outer edge 5a. Various buttons, such as a discharge button, are provided. Further, an effect button 5d is provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5, and it is possible to reflect the operation on the game effect upon receiving the player's operation on the effect button 5d. In addition, a speaker 5 y is provided at the left end of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launching device unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11, and flows down from above the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and an effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c can be displayed as effect symbols on the display screen. These three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, for example, switch the nine numbers “1” to “9” one after another and execute the variable display. Various background images 27e can be displayed on the background of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the central device 26, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided diagonally to the right of the central device 26. Among these, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with an LED (normal symbol LED) for variably displaying the normal symbol and a plurality of LEDs (first special symbol LED) for variably displaying the first special symbol. The second symbol display device 32 is provided with a plurality of LEDs (second special symbol LEDs) for variably displaying the second special symbol. In the following description, the first special symbol may be abbreviated as “first special figure” and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as “second special figure”. Further, the first special figure and the second special figure of this embodiment correspond to the “identification information” of the present invention. Further, the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 of the present embodiment correspond to “identification information display means” of the present invention.

  A normal symbol left operation gate 36 and a normal symbol right operation gate 37 are provided at the left end and the right end of the game area 11, and inside these gates are operation gate switches 36 s for detecting the passage of a game ball, 37s are provided. Further, lamp wind turbines 24 and 25 are provided between the left and right normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 26. Further, a number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A start port unit 17 is provided below the central device 26. The starter unit 17 is configured by combining two starters up and down, and the first starter port 17a provided on the upper side is a game in which the size of the opening into which a game ball enters is unchanged (constant). It is a entrance where balls can always enter. On the other hand, the second start port 17b provided on the lower side includes a pair of blade pieces 17w that can be opened and closed to the left and right, a start port solenoid 17m (see FIG. 3) that operates the blade pieces 17w, and the like. It is a entrance that changes the possibility of entering a game ball by opening and closing the wing piece 17w. The game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through the passages provided in the respective ones. A first start port switch 17s is provided in a passage inside the first start port 17a, and a game ball that has entered the first start port 17a can be detected. Further, a second start port switch 17t is provided in the passage inside the second start port 17b, and a game ball that has entered the second start port 17b can be detected. The first starting port 17a of the present embodiment has a shape of the central device 26 so that only game balls flowing down the left side (left path) of the central device 26 (decorative accessory) can enter, The arrangement of the obstacle nail 23 in the game area 11 is designed. In addition, the obstacle nail 23 in the game area 11 is arranged in the opened second start port 17b so that the game ball flowing down the right route is easier to enter than the game ball flowing down the left route. Has been.

  Below the start opening unit 17, a big prize device 31 is provided. The big winning device 31 is composed of a big winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 31e for opening / closing the big winning opening 31d, a big winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 3) for operating the opening / closing member 31e, and the like. Has been. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the special winning opening solenoid 31m is operated to open the opening / closing member 31e, and the special winning opening 31d is opened. As a result, a big hit game (specific game) that is advantageous for a player who enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability of a game ball is started. In addition, a big winning opening switch 31s is provided inside the big winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 31d. It should be noted that the obstacle nail 23 of the game area 11 is placed in the open large winning opening 31d of the present embodiment so that the game ball flowing down the right path is easier to enter than the game ball flowing down the left path. Has been placed. In addition, it is possible to facilitate the entry of game balls flowing down the right route by providing the big winning opening 31d on the right route. In addition, an out port 48 is provided below the special winning device 31, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, the first big hit start gate 50 is provided on the right side of the central device 26, and the second big hit start gate 52 is provided on the left side of the central device 26. Inside the big hit start gates 50 and 52, start gate switches 50s and 52s for detecting the passage of the game ball are provided, respectively. As described later, when a game ball passes through the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52 after the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game balls of the game balls by the start gate switches 50s and 52s corresponding to the big hit start gates 50 and 52 are changed. A big hit game is started based on the detection. In addition, a storage device 60 is provided above the second big hit start gate 52 so that the game balls launched into the game area 11 can be stored and the stored game balls can be discharged into the game area 11. The storage device 60 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “storage unit” of the present invention. The detailed configuration of the storage device 60 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards, but focusing on its functions, the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the winning ball Control of the effect display device 27 is performed under the control of the main control board 200 for controlling the control, the sub-control board 220 for controlling the effect of the game using effects, lamps, sound effects, and the like. It includes an effect display control board 230, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, and a launch control board 260 that controls the game balls. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 represents the direction in which data or signals are transmitted and received.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives game ball detection signals from the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the big prize port switch 31s, the operation gate switches 36s and 37s, the start gate switches 50s and 52s, and the like. When the command is received, commands for instructing various operations determined according to the detection signal from which switch are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces 17w provided in the second start port 17b, and a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, A storage device driving mechanism 60m for discharging a game ball from the storage device 60, a first symbol display device 28, a second symbol display device 32, and the like are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a drive signal toward the start port solenoid 17m, the big prize port solenoid 31m, the storage device drive mechanism 60m, the first symbol display device 28, and the second symbol display device 32, These operations are also controlled.

  An effect display control board 230, a decoration drive board 226, an amplifier board 224, an effect button board 228, and the like are connected to the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and performs a game effect according to the result. That is, a command for designating control contents is transmitted to the effect display control board 230 that performs display control of the effect display device 27, the amplifier board 224 that drives the speaker 5y, and various decorative LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f. A game effect is performed by transmitting a drive signal to the decorative driving board 226 to be driven. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the operation signal of the effect button 5d via the effect button board 228, the CPU 221 performs an effect corresponding to the operation.

  The effect display control board 230 includes an image ROM 234 and a VDP (not shown) in addition to the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the effect display control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 performs control for displaying an effect image corresponding to the received command on the display screen of the effect display device 27. The image ROM 234 stores data of effect images corresponding to various game effects such as symbol variation effects and jackpot game effects (for example, sprite data and moving image data for displaying an image corresponding to a predetermined character). Yes.

  The payout control board 240 manages various kinds of control related to payout of so-called prize balls and rental balls. For example, when the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. Further, when the player operates the ball lending button 5b or the return button 5c provided on the above-described upper plate part 5, the operation signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via a relay terminal plate (not shown). The The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while communicating with the payout control board 240. Furthermore, under the control of the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 transmits a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (launch permission signal) toward the launch control board 260. The launch control board 260 The launch permission signal is received, and various controls for launching the game ball by driving the launcher unit 12 are performed.

B. Overview of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, a player inserts an IC card or a magnetic card into the ball lending device 13 and receives a game ball lending. Then, when the rented game balls are thrown into the recesses of the upper plate part 5 and the launch handle 8 is rotated, the game balls thrown into the upper plate part 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through any of the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 provided on the left and right of the game area 11, the normal symbol LED blinks on the first symbol display device 28, thereby changing the normal symbol. Display is performed. When the normal symbol LED stops in a lighting state after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol LED is hit and the second start port 17b (the start port below the start port unit 17) is predetermined. It will be in the open state only for the open time. On the other hand, when the normal symbol LED stops in an extinguished state, it is out of the normal symbol and the second start port 17b does not open. Whether the normal symbol is a hit or not is determined by the normal symbol hit determination performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. If the game ball passes through any of the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203 as the normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold). After the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the normal symbol variation display is newly performed based on the ordinary symbol hold. You can store up to a maximum of 4 customs hold.

  When a game ball launched into the game area 11 enters the first start port 17a, the first special figure LED blinks on the first symbol display device 28, and the first special figure is displayed in a variable manner. 2 When the ball enters the starting port 17b, the second symbol display device 32 blinks the second special symbol LED and the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbols (first special diagram and second special diagram) are stopped and displayed by turning on the LED of the combination corresponding to the jackpot symbol or the off symbol. Whether the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol is determined by the special symbol big hit determination performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. In addition, when a game ball enters the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b, the first special symbol is suspended until the special symbol variation display based on the ball starts. ) Or the second special symbol hold (second special figure hold) is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203. The first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can each be stored up to a maximum of four.

  Further, in conjunction with the special symbol variation display, the effect display device 27 performs variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. The three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in combinations that are not aligned with the same numbers (separated eyes) when the special symbol is out of place and displayed as a stop symbol, whereas the special symbol is a jackpot symbol. In the case of a stop display, the stop display is performed with a combination that has the same numbers (horizontal eyes).

  In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, after the special symbol (first special diagram, second special diagram) is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52. Then, the big hit game is started. The big hit game is a round game that is closed when a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses by opening the grand prize winning opening 31d, or when a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) enter. It is configured to repeat multiple times. A predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls every time one game ball enters the big prize opening 31d. Therefore, in the big hit game, a large number of game balls are entered into the big prize opening 31d. Thus, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. In addition, as described above, the game ball that flows down the right path is easier to enter the open big winning opening 31d than the game ball that flows down the left path. It is possible to increase the possibility of entering the special winning opening 31d by firing the ball strongly and flowing down the right path (so-called right hit). It should be noted that the special symbol of this embodiment being stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol is equivalent to “the result of the variation display of the identification information is a specific result” of the present invention. In addition, the first big hit start gate 50 and the second big hit start gate 52 of this embodiment correspond to the “detecting means” of the present invention. Furthermore, the jackpot game of this embodiment corresponds to the “specific game” of the present invention.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a low probability and a high probability higher than the low probability are provided as the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (big hit probability). When the big hit game is finished, the big hit probability is set to a high probability until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches a predetermined number of times, so that the big hit game is likely to occur continuously (so-called continuous change) during this time. Furthermore, after the big hit game is over, the opening extension function in which the opening time of the second start port 17b is set longer than usual, and the variation time of the special symbol (the first special figure and the second special figure) is longer than usual. The fluctuation shortening function that is set to be short is activated, and these functions are continued until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number. As described above, since the game ball flowing down the right path is easier to enter the opened second starting port 17b than the game ball flowing down the left path, the opening extension function is in operation. Can increase the possibility of entering the second starting port 17b by right-handing.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in FIG. 4, in the game control process, “Prize ball related process”, “Normal symbol game process”, “Second start opening closing process”, “Special figure hold related process”, “Special symbol game process”, Each process such as “big hit game process” is repeatedly executed. The CPU 201 is configured to perform a game control process based on a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined period. In the first embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 4 msec. That is, the game control process shown in FIG. 4 is executed as a timer interrupt process every 4 msec in the CPU 201. During the game control process, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the switches related to the winning of the game ball (the first starting port switch 17s, the second starting port switch 17t, the big winning port switch 31s, etc.) It detects whether or not a ball has entered. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 240. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m according to the result, thereby actually Process to pay out.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process following the prize ball related process (S50) (S100). This determination is made by detecting whether or not the second start port 17b is open. If the second start port 17b is not in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the second start port 17b is in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S100: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is omitted.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold) exists (whether or not it is “0”). If a general symbol hold exists, a normal symbol hit determination is performed. Here, the common figure hold is for storing a random number value determined per common figure obtained when a game ball passes through one of the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37, and a maximum of four can be stored. ing. Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination performed using the stored normal symbol per-random determination value, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the hit symbol (ordinary symbol LED is lit), or the off symbol (normal It is determined whether or not to stop display when the design LED is turned off. Subsequently, after the normal symbol variation time is set, the normal symbol variation display is started, and when the variation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the start port solenoid 17m is operated to rotate the blade piece portion 17w provided in the second start port 17b to both sides, thereby The starting port 17b is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the second start port 17b is in an open state (S190). And when it is an open state (S190: yes), the process (2nd start port closing process) for making the 2nd start port 17b into a closed state from an open state is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the 2nd starting port 17b is not an open state (S190: no), since it is not necessary to perform a 2nd starting port closing process, it abbreviate | omits.

  In the second starting port closing process (S200), when any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, the opening time of the second starting port 17b has elapsed, or a prescribed number of games are stored in the second starting port 17b. It is determined whether or not any of the conditions for entering the ball is satisfied, and when any of the conditions is satisfied, a process for closing the opened second start port 17b is performed. The opening time of the second start port 17b is provided with a short time (for example, 0.5 seconds) and a long time (for example, 5 seconds), and the normal opening time is set to a short time. In a state where the open extension function is activated, it is set to a long time. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number, the second start port 17b is left open. 2 The start port closing process (S200) is terminated.

  When the second start port closing process is completed, the special figure reservation related process (S250) is started. In this process, the following is mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 17a. If a game ball has entered the first start port 17a, the number of the first special figure (the number of the first special figure hold) ) Has reached the upper limit of four. If the number of first special figure reservations has not reached four, various determination random numbers (such as jackpot determination random numbers, symbol determination random values, fluctuation pattern determination random values, etc.) are acquired, and the acquired determination random values are The first special figure hold is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203, and “1” is added to the first special figure hold number. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 17b. If a game ball has entered the second start port 17b, the number of the second special figure (the second special figure hold) It is determined whether or not (number) has reached the upper limit of four. If the number of second special figure reservations has not reached four, various determination random numbers (such as jackpot determination random numbers, symbol determination random values, fluctuation pattern determination random values, etc.) are acquired, and the acquired determination random values are The second special figure hold is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203 and “1” is added to the second special figure hold number. When the special figure hold related process is completed in this way, the special symbol game process (S300) described below is started.

C-2. Special design game processing:
5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the special symbol game process of the first embodiment. When starting the special symbol game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not a big hit game is being played (S302). If it is a big hit game (S302: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is not in the big hit game (S302: no), it is determined whether either the first special figure or the second special figure is in the variable display (S304).

  If neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being displayed in a variable manner (S304: no), it is determined whether the first special figure or the second special figure is being finalized (S306). That is, in both the first special figure and the second special figure, until the predetermined time (determined display time) elapses after the fluctuation display is finished, the symbols that are stopped and displayed are decided upon completion of the fluctuation display. Therefore, since the fixed display for maintaining the state where the special symbol is stopped and displayed is performed, it is determined whether or not this fixed display is being executed. As a result, if the first special figure and the second special figure are neither in the variable display nor in the fixed display (S306: no), the process for starting the special symbol fluctuation display (special figure fluctuation start process) is started. (S310).

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the special figure variation start process of the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the special figure variation start process, first, it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number is "0" (S3100). If the number of second special figure hold is not “0” (S3100: no), the second special figure hold stored oldest is read out from the stored second special figure hold (S3102). In the process of S3102, various determination random number values (such as jackpot determination random number value, symbol determination random number value, variation pattern determination random value) stored as the second special figure hold are read.

  On the other hand, if the second special figure hold number is “0” (S3100: yes), it is then determined whether or not the first special figure hold number is “0” (S3104). If the number of first special figure hold is not “0” (S3104: no), the oldest first special figure hold is read from the stored first special figure hold (S3106). In the process of S3106, various determination random number values (such as jackpot determination random number value, symbol determination random number value, variation pattern determination random value) stored as the first special figure hold are read. On the other hand, if the first special figure hold number is “0” (S3104: yes), the second special figure hold number has already been determined to be “0”. Since it is determined that none of the second special figure hold is stored, it is not necessary to start the variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure. Therefore, the special figure variation start process of FIGS. 7 and 8 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

  As described above, in the special figure variation start process, it is first determined whether or not the second special figure hold is stored (S3100), and only when the second special figure hold is not stored (S3100). : Yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure hold is stored (S3104). Therefore, when both the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold are stored, the second special figure hold is always read in preference to the first special figure hold (the second special figure hold). The first special figure hold is read out only when the second special figure hold is not stored.

  As described above, after reading the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold (S3102 or S3106), it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S3108). As described above, there are a low probability and a high probability higher than the low probability as the probability that the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (big hit probability) The high probability flag is a flag that is set to ON when the big hit probability is set to a high probability. The RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned a predetermined address as a storage area for the high probability flag. If the high probability flag is not set to ON (S3108: no), a low probability jackpot determination table is selected (S3120). If the high probability flag is set to ON (S3108: yes) ), A high probability jackpot determination table is selected (S3122). Here, the jackpot determination table is a table in which a determination result of “big hit” or “miss” is set in association with the value of the jackpot determination random number, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the jackpot determination table. FIG. 9 (a) shows a jackpot determination table for low probability, and FIG. 9 (b) shows a jackpot determination table for high probability. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the jackpot determination table for low probability, the “big hit” determination result is set for the values “13, 14” out of the “0 to 599” jackpot determination random numbers. Has been. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, in the jackpot determination table for high probability, “big hit” is given to the values “13 to 32” among the big hit determination random numbers “0 to 599”. Judgment result is set.

  As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the high probability jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 9B is a low probability jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 9A. The determination result of “big hit” is set to more random numbers than the table. In other words, in the jackpot determination table for high probability, a larger number of “random number values (jackpot values) from which a determination result of jackpot can be obtained” ”is set than in the jackpot determination table for low probability. Therefore, when the jackpot determination is performed using the high probability jackpot determination table of FIG. 9B, the jackpot determination is performed using the low probability jackpot determination table of FIG. 9A. However, the determination result of “big hit” is obtained with high probability.

  Subsequently, in the special figure variation start process of FIG. 7, the value of the big hit determination random number read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is referred to with reference to the big hit determination table selected in the process of S3120 or S3122. It is determined whether or not the value corresponds to “big hit” (hit value), that is, whether or not the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3124). As a result, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3124: yes), a process of determining the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed is performed (S3126). This processing is performed while referring to a jackpot symbol determination table (not shown) using the symbol determination random number value read as the first special symbol reservation or the second special symbol reservation. The jackpot symbol determination table is a table in which the correspondence between the symbol determination random number value and the jackpot symbol is set, and is stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 in advance. The jackpot symbol A and the jackpot symbol B are provided in the jackpot symbol of the first embodiment, and in the process of S3126, the symbol (stop) that displays the jackpot symbol associated with the read symbol determination random number value is stopped. Design). Then, the determined jackpot symbol is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a stop symbol (S3128).

  On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (ie, it is a miss) (S3124: no), the missed symbol is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a stop symbol (S3130).

  When the stop symbol is stored according to the result of the big hit determination as described above, the process (variation pattern determination process) for determining the variation display mode (variation pattern) of the special symbol (first special figure, second special figure) Is started (S3132). Here, the variation display mode of the special symbol is actually repeating the blinking of the first special symbol LED or the second special symbol LED, and the variation pattern of the special symbol is a time period during which the special symbol is variably displayed ( (Variation time). The variation pattern determination process is performed with reference to a variation pattern determination table (not shown) using the variation pattern determination random value read as the first special diagram hold or the second special diagram hold. In the variation pattern determination table, correspondences between a plurality of variation patterns (variation times) and variation pattern determination random values are set. A plurality of variation pattern determination tables are provided according to various conditions such as whether the result of the big hit determination is a big hit or whether the variation reduction function is in operation. Stored in the ROM 202 in advance. In the processing of S3132, the variation pattern associated with the variation pattern determination random value read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is referred to by referring to any fluctuation pattern determination table according to the current condition. Based on the hold, the variation pattern of the special symbol for starting the variation display is determined.

  When the variation pattern determination process (S3132) is thus completed, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination performed in S3124 is based on the second special figure hold (S3134 in FIG. 8). When the jackpot determination is made based on the second special figure hold (S3134: yes), after the second special figure is started to be displayed on the second symbol display device 32 (S3136), the second special figure is displayed. “1” is subtracted from the number of holds (S3138). On the other hand, if the jackpot determination is made based on the first special figure hold (S3134: no), the first symbol display device 28 starts the variable display of the first special figure (S3140), then the first "1" is subtracted from the special figure hold number (S3142).

  After subtracting “1” from the second special figure reservation number or the first special figure reservation number (S3138 or S3142), the type of fluctuation pattern of the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) for which the variable display is started Is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 as a variation start time command (S3144).

  When the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 receives the above-described variation start command, the symbol variation effect (identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) executed by the effect display device 27 based on the variation pattern designation command. The effect pattern from the start of the variable display to the stop display) is selected, and the variable display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is started. Further, based on the stop symbol designation command, a combination of identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is selected.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a change start command to the sub control board 220 (S3144), the special figure change start process shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is terminated, and the CPU shown in FIGS. Return to special symbol game processing. In the special symbol game process, when the process returns from the special figure change start process (S310), the process is ended as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In the above, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is executed, the big hit game is not being played (S302: no), and neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is variably displayed (S304: no). The process when it is determined has been described. On the other hand, although it is not in the big hit game (S302: no), if it is determined that the first special figure or the second special figure is in the variable display (S304: yes), the special symbol (first This corresponds to the case where the fluctuation pattern and the stop symbol of the special figure or the second special figure are determined and the fluctuation display of the first special figure or the second special figure is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S312). Since the fluctuation time of the first special figure or the second special figure is determined in advance according to the fluctuation pattern, a predetermined timer (fluctuation time measuring timer) is started simultaneously with the start of the fluctuation display of the first special figure or the second special figure. It is possible to determine whether or not the variation time has elapsed by setting the variation time to. As a result, if the variation time has not yet elapsed (S312: no), the special symbol game process of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S312: yes), the first special figure or the second special figure during the fluctuation display is set in advance (S3128, FIG. 7). In S3130), a stop display is performed (S314), and a command (symbol stop command) indicating that the special symbol being changed and displayed is stopped is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S316). Then, after setting a time (determined display time) for maintaining the special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the stopped state (S318), it is determined whether or not the set determined display time has elapsed (S320). When the fixed display time has not elapsed (S320: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  After returning to the game control process of FIG. 4 with the first special figure or the second special figure stopped and displayed, the special symbol game process (FIGS. 5 and 6) of S300 is started again. It is determined that the first special figure and the second special figure are not being displayed in a variable manner (S304: no), and then, in determining whether or not the special symbol is being displayed, it is determined that the special display is being displayed ( S306: yes), it is determined again whether the fixed display time has passed (S320). If it is determined that the determined display time has elapsed while repeating such determination (S320: yes), the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) that is stopped and displayed is the “big hit symbol”. Is determined (S322 in FIG. 6). As a result, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the “big hit symbol” (S322: yes), the big hit start time process (S330) described below is started.

C-3. Big hit start processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the big hit start process of the first embodiment. In the big hit start process, first, a command (a big hit symbol stop time command) indicating that the special symbol has been stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S3300). This jackpot symbol stop time command includes information on the type of jackpot symbol that has been stopped (hit symbol A or jackpot symbol B).

  Following the transmission of the big hit symbol stop command, a predetermined waiting time is set (S3302), and it is determined whether or not the set waiting time has elapsed (S3304). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, the first big hit start gate 50 or the second gate until a predetermined waiting time (5 seconds in the first embodiment) elapses. Even if the game ball passes through the big hit start gate 52, the start gate switches 50s and 52s are not detected, and the pass through the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52 is invalidated and the big hit game is executed. It is configured not to. If the standby time has not elapsed (S3304: no), the standby state is maintained until the standby time has elapsed. The configuration in which the passing of the first jackpot start gate 50 or the second jackpot start gate 52 is disabled and the jackpot game is not executed is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, as another aspect, detection is always performed by the start gate switches 50s and 52s, and means for determining whether or not the detection is performed at a predetermined time is added, and based on the determination result The configuration may be such that execution / non-execution of the big hit game is determined.

  If the standby time has elapsed (S3304: yes), it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol B has been stopped (S3306). As described above, the big hit symbol of the special symbol is provided with the big hit symbol A and the big hit symbol B. When the big hit symbol B is stopped and displayed (S3306: yes), the storage mounted in the storage device 60 is performed. The device drive mechanism 60m is operated to start the release drive for releasing the game ball from the storage device 60 (S3308). On the other hand, when not the big hit symbol B but the big hit symbol A is stopped and displayed (S3306: no), the processing of S3308 is omitted and the discharge driving of the storage device 60 is not started.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the storage device 60. As described above, the storage device 60 is provided on the left side (left path) with respect to the central device 26 in the game area 11 (see FIG. 2). As shown in the figure, a receiving port 62 is provided at the upper end of the storage device 60, and if a game ball that is launched into the game area 11 and flows down the left path passes through the receiving port 62, the storage device 60 has an inside. Accepted. In addition, a disc-shaped rotating body 66 is provided at the lower part of the storage device 60, and the gaming machine received inside the storage device 60 is blocked by the rotating body 66. The rotating body 66 rotates in a predetermined direction when the storage device driving mechanism 60m is activated to start the discharge driving. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the rotator 66 is provided with a notch 66a that is one size larger than the game ball. When the rotator 66 rotates, one game ball stored above the rotator 66 is stored. It is taken into the notch 66a and transferred downward as the rotating body 66 rotates.

  A discharge port 64 is provided at the lower end of the storage device 60, and when the game ball taken into the notch 66 a of the rotating body 66 is transferred to the discharge port 64, the second big hit start gate 52 located below is provided. Is released towards In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the second big hit start gate 52 and the obstacle nail 23 are arranged so that all the game balls released from the discharge port 64 of the storage device 60 are detected by the second big hit start gate 52. Has been. Further, the obstacle nail 23 around the second big hit start gate 52 is arranged so that game balls that are not stored in the storage device 60 are not detected by the second big hit start gate 52. The second big hit start gate 52 of the first embodiment corresponds to the “second detecting means” of the present invention, and the first big hit start gate 50 corresponds to the “first detecting means” of the present invention. .

  In the big hit start process of FIG. 10, it is subsequently determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S3310). When a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S3310: yes), the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is terminated and the rotating body 66 is stopped (S3312), and the round game executed during the big hit game is stopped. The number of times (number of rounds) is set to 16 (S3314). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game round is determined depending on whether the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52 is detected. The numbers are different, and if a game ball is detected at the second jackpot start gate 52, 16 round games are performed.

  On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S3310: no), it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S3316). When a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50 (S3316: yes), the number of rounds of the jackpot game is set to eight (S3318). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the number of rounds is set more frequently when the game ball is detected at the second jackpot start gate 52 than when the game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50. It is advantageous to the person. However, when the big hit symbol A is stopped and the release drive of the storage device 60 is not started, the game ball is not detected at the second big hit start gate 52, so the game ball is not detected at the first big hit start gate 50. By being detected, eight round games are performed.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is not detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S3316: no), the process returns to the processing of S3310, and the game ball at either the second big hit start gate 52 or the first big hit start gate 50. The determination whether or not is detected is repeated. In addition, even when the game ball is not stored in the storage device 60 at the time when the release drive of the storage device 60 is started, the release drive is continued until the game ball is detected by the second big hit start gate 50. If the game ball is stored (supplemented) in the storage device 60 before the game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50, the game ball is released toward the second big hit start gate 52 and 16 rounds. A game is performed.

  When the number of rounds of the big hit game is set according to the big hit start gates 50 and 52 in which the game balls are detected in this way (S3314, S3318), the big hit flag is set to ON (S3320). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is being played, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is secured as a storage area for the big hit flag. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the big hit game is being executed according to the set state of the big hit flag.

  Further, when starting the big hit game, if various flags such as the high probability flag, the release extension flag, and the fluctuation shortening puffer are set to ON, the ON flag is set to OFF (S3322). Here, the high probability flag is a flag indicating that the big hit probability is set to a high probability, and the open extension flag is an open extension function (a function for setting the open time of the second start port 17b longer than usual). ) Is a flag indicating that it is in operation, and the variation shortening flag is a flag indicating that the variation shortening function (function for setting the variation time of the special symbol to be shorter than usual) is in operation. These flags are set anew when the big hit game ends.

  When the flag setting process for starting the big hit game is finished in this way (S3320, S3322), a command indicating that the big hit game is started (a big hit game start command) is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S3324). This jackpot game start command includes information on which of the first jackpot start gate 50 and the second jackpot start gate 52 has been detected. When receiving the jackpot game start command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes an effect corresponding to the jackpot game. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits the jackpot game start command, the jackpot start process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIGS. 5 and 6. In the special symbol game process, when the process returns from the big hit start process (S330), the process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In the above, the process when the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) stopped and displayed in the special symbol game process of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is a big hit symbol (S322: yes) has been described. On the other hand, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is not a big hit symbol, that is, if it is a missed symbol (S322: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S334). The high probability flag indicates that the jackpot probability is set to a high probability, and when the jackpot game ends as described above, the jackpot probability is high until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches a predetermined number. Is set. When the high probability flag is set to ON (S334: yes), “1” is subtracted from the high probability counter (S336), and it is determined whether or not the high probability counter has become “0” (S338). ). The high probability counter is a counter in which the number of remaining fluctuations until the high probability setting of the big hit probability is finished, and “1” is subtracted every time the special symbol fluctuation display is finished. As a result, when the high probability counter becomes “0” (S338: yes), the high probability flag is set to OFF to end the high probability setting of the big hit probability (S340).

  On the other hand, if the high probability flag is not set to ON in the determination of S334 (S334: no), the processing of S336 to S340 is omitted, and the high probability counter is set to “0” in the determination of S338. If not (S338: no), since the high probability setting of the big hit probability is continued, the processing of S340 is omitted.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S342). The variation shortening flag is a flag indicating that the variation shortening function is in operation. As described above, after the big hit game is finished, the variation shortening function and the release extension function are activated, and the special symbol variation count is a predetermined number of times. Until it reaches. When the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S342: yes), “1” is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S344), and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter has become “0” (S346). ). The fluctuation shortening counter is a counter in which the remaining number of fluctuations until the fluctuation shortening function is stopped (terminated) is set, and “1” is subtracted every time the variation display of the special symbol is finished. As a result, when the fluctuation shortening counter becomes “0” (S346: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag and the opening extension flag are set to OFF in order to stop the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function (S348).

  On the other hand, if the fluctuation reduction flag is not set to ON in the determination of S342 (S342: no), the processing of S344 to S348 is omitted, and in the determination of S346, the fluctuation reduction counter indicates “ When it is not “0” (S346: no), the fluctuation shortening function and the open extension function are continued, and the process of S348 is omitted.

  When processing relating to the setting of the high probability flag, fluctuation shortening flag, and release extension flag is thus performed, a gaming state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S350). Here, the gaming state designation command is a command for designating a gaming state determined according to the setting of a high probability flag, a variable shortening flag, an opening extension flag, or the like to the sub-control board 220. When the game state designation command is transmitted, the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In the game control process shown in FIG. 4, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S380). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is being played. Therefore, when the big hit flag is set to ON (S380: yes), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the big hit game process described below (S400). On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not set to ON (S380: no), the jackpot game process (S400) is omitted and the process returns to the top of the game control process.

C-4. Jackpot game processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the big hit game process. Since the jackpot game process is executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the jackpot game (specific game) is performed. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “specific game execution means” of the present invention. ing. When starting the big hit game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The big prize opening 31d is closed as long as the big hit game is not started, and immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is closed. Accordingly, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of round games (number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S404).

  Naturally, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of rounds has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), and it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S406). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is closed between the round game and the round game. Immediately after the big hit game is started, it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has elapsed (S406: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened to start the round game (S408). Then, the big hit game process shown in FIG. 12 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 4, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the big hit game process (S400) is started again. . At this time, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the closing condition for the special winning opening 31d is satisfied. In a round game, after a special winning opening 31d is opened, when a predetermined opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d, the special winning opening 31d is closed. Therefore, it is first determined whether or not a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the special winning opening 31d was opened (S412). If the opening time has elapsed (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S412). S416). On the other hand, if the opening time has not elapsed (S412: no), it is then determined whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have entered the special winning opening 31d (S414). When the game ball enters (S414: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). On the other hand, when a predetermined number of game balls have not entered the grand prize opening 31d (S414: no), the closing condition for the big prize opening 31d is not satisfied, so The jackpot game process shown in FIG. 12 is ended while the game is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 4 is being repeatedly executed, whether a predetermined opening time elapses after the big prize opening 31d is opened (S412: yes), or a predetermined number of game balls in the big prize opening 31d Is entered (S414: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416), and one round game is completed.

  Then, when the big hit game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the big winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the predetermined number of round games have ended (S404). . As described above, the number of round games (number of rounds) performed during the big hit game is determined by either the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol. It depends on whether or not is detected. Therefore, in the process of S404, it is determined whether or not the round game has been performed for the number of rounds set according to the big hit start gates 50 and 52 in which the game ball is detected. If all the round games have not ended (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S406: yes), the special winning opening 31d is again opened and a new one is opened. A round game is started (S408). On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of round games have ended (S404: yes), the big hit flag is set to OFF in order to end the big hit game (S418). Then, after transmitting a command indicating the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot game end command) to the sub-control board 220 (S420), processing relating to the setting of the high probability flag, the fluctuation shortening flag, and the release extension flag is performed as follows. Do.

  First, a high probability flag is set to ON in order to increase the big hit probability (S422). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the big hit game is over, regardless of the type of the big hit symbol that is stopped (big hit symbol A or big hit symbol B), the big hit probability until the number of changes of the special symbol reaches 100 times. Is set to a high probability. Therefore, when the high probability flag is set to ON, “100” is set to the high probability counter (S424).

  Subsequently, in order to operate the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function, the fluctuation shortening flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON (S426). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the fluctuation shortening function and the release extension function are activated after the big hit game is finished, and if the big hit symbol A which is stopped and displayed is the big hit symbol A, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches 200 times. If it is a big hit symbol B, it continues until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches 100 times. Therefore, when the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON, the number of times corresponding to the type of the jackpot symbol that has been stopped is set in the fluctuation shortening counter (S428). Since the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON or OFF at the same timing, only one of the flags may be set and the one flag may be used in place of the other flag. Good.

  When various flags are set in this way, a gaming state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S430), and the big hit gaming process is terminated. When the big hit game process is finished and the game control process shown in FIG. 4 is resumed, the process returns to the top of the process, and the series of processes after the above-mentioned prize ball related process (S50) are repeated.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands related to the effects of the game toward the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines specific effects based on the received command, thereby various effects using the effect display device 27, the speaker 5y, various LEDs, and lamps 4b to 4f. Control is performed. Hereinafter, a process (big hit effect process) performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 to control an effect related to the big hit game will be described.

C-5. Jackpot presentation processing:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the big hit effect process performed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. This jackpot effect process is started when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a jackpot symbol stop command (S3300 in FIG. 10) transmitted from the main control board 200. In the big hit effect process, first, a discharge possibility effect (notification effect) indicating whether or not the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is started is executed (S500). As described above, even if the game ball passes through the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52 until the predetermined waiting time has elapsed after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the big hit symbol, the passing Is set to be invalid and the big hit game is not started. The release propriety effect is performed over this waiting time, and finally the result of whether or not the storage device 60 is driven to release is shown. As such a release allowance effect, for example, the roulette is displayed on the effect display device 27, and the roulette is rotated by dividing the area into “with discharge drive” and “without discharge drive”, so that the standby time has elapsed. Then, you may make it stop in either area | region.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is started (S502). As described above, if the special symbol stopped and displayed is the big hit symbol B, the release drive of the storage device 60 is started, whereas if the special symbol is the big hit symbol A, the release drive of the storage device 60 is not started. In addition, the jackpot symbol stop time command transmitted from the main control board 200 includes information on which of the jackpot symbol A and the jackpot symbol B is stopped and displayed, so the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 It can be determined whether or not the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is started based on the big hit symbol stop command. And when discharge | release drive of the storage device 60 is started (S502: yes), the effect which makes a player pay attention to the storage device 60 is performed (S504). This effect is performed, for example, by displaying an arrow directed toward the storage device 60 on the effect display device 27.

  On the other hand, when the release driving of the storage device 60 is not started (S502: no), the game ball is not detected at the second big hit start gate 52, and therefore the game ball is detected aiming at the first big hit start gate 50. An effect instructing to be performed is executed (S506). This effect is performed by, for example, displaying on the effect display device 27 that the first big hit start gate 50 is aimed, such as “Aim at the big hit start gate by right-handed!”.

  When the effect is executed according to whether or not the storage device 60 is driven to release, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game start command (S3324 in FIG. 10) transmitted from the main control board 200 is received (S508). If the jackpot game start command has not been received (S508: no), the process waits until the jackpot game start command is received.

  If a big hit game start command is received (S508: yes), it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S510). As described above, the jackpot game start command includes information on which of the first jackpot start gate 50 and the second jackpot start gate 52 has been detected. When a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50 (S510: yes), the jackpot effect A is started in response to the jackpot game in which eight round games are performed (S512). On the other hand, when a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S510: no), the big hit effect B is started corresponding to the big hit game in which 16 round games are performed (S514). Note that the jackpot effect A and the jackpot effect B have different aspects such as a video (such as an appearing character or a story) displayed on the effect display device 27 or a music flowing from the speaker 5y.

  When the big hit effect A or the big hit effect B is started according to the big hit start gates 50 and 52 in which the game balls are detected in this way, whether or not the big hit game end command (420 in FIG. 12) transmitted from the main control board 200 is received. Is determined (S516). If the jackpot game end command has not been received (S516: no), the process waits until the jackpot game end command is received. Thereafter, when the jackpot game end command is received (S516: yes), the jackpot effect is terminated (S518), and the jackpot effect process in FIG. 13 is terminated.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, after the special symbol (the first special diagram and the second special diagram) is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the game ball is released from the storage device 60. The big hit that is started when the second big hit start gate 52 is detected and when the game ball is not released from the storage device 60 and the newly launched game ball is detected by the first big hit start gate 50 Since the mode of the game is different, it is possible to realize a new game that makes the player pay attention to whether or not the game ball is released from the storage device 60 (whether or not the release drive of the storage device 60 is started). it can. As a result, as compared with the conventional pachinko machine 1 in which the big hit game is simply started by detecting the game ball at the big hit start gate after the big hit symbol stop display, the game after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. It is possible to improve the interest.

  In particular, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the game ball released from the storage device 60 is detected by the second big hit start gate 52 rather than the game ball not stored in the storage device 60 being detected by the first big hit start gate 50. Since the number of rounds in the big hit game is large and advantageous to the player, it is expected that the game ball is released from the storage device 60 (the release drive of the storage device 60 is started). Thus, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game ball is not released immediately from the storage device 60, but is released after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. At the same time, using this waiting time, an effect on whether or not release is possible is executed. As a result, it is possible to increase expectation for the release of the game ball from the storage device 60 (further increase whether or not the game ball is released), and further increase the game entertainment after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. It is possible to improve.

  In addition, only the game balls flowing down the left path can enter the first start port 17a of the start port unit 17, and the storage device 60 is provided in the left path. It is possible to store the game balls in the storage device 60 as the game progresses by launching the game balls so as to flow down the left path in a normal state where the shortening function is not activated (so-called left-handed). Become. Further, even when the opening extension function and the fluctuation shortening function are in operation, it is possible to store the game balls in the storage device 60 as the game progresses by left-handed. Thereby, it can suppress that the game ball in the storage apparatus 60 runs short in a game progress process.

  The pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the following modifications may be made.

  For example, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment described above, all the game balls released from the discharge port 64 of the storage device 60 are detected by the second big hit start gate 52, but not all. There is no need. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the game ball released from the storage device 60 may not be detected by the second big hit start gate 52. In the example shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of obstacle nails 23 (distribution portions) are arranged between the discharge port 64 of the storage device 60 and the second jackpot start gate 52, and the game released from the discharge port 64. When the ball hits the obstacle nail 23, the ball is divided into the case where it is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 and the case where it is not detected. Further, at the lower part of the storage device 60 shown in FIG. 14, there is a roof portion 68 that prevents the game balls flowing down the left path without being stored in the storage device 60 from being detected by the second big hit start gate 52. The outlet 64 is provided so as to sandwich it from both sides. According to such a configuration, even if a game ball is released from the storage device 60 after the stoppage display of the big hit symbol (even if the release driving of the storage device 60 is started), it is not necessarily detected by the second big hit start gate 52. However, it is possible to increase the sense of tension until the game ball is actually detected at the second jackpot start gate 52, so that it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. Become.

  Further, in the storage device 60 shown in FIG. 11, the game balls stored therein are discharged one by one. However, a plurality of game balls may be released simultaneously. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a storage device 60 that can discharge a plurality of game balls simultaneously. In the lower part of the storage device 60 shown in FIG. 15, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 70 are provided instead of the rotating body 66, and the pair of opening / closing members 70 are in a horizontal state so that the bottom of the storage device 60 is disposed. The game ball formed and received inside the storage device 60 is blocked (stored). When the release drive of the storage device 60 is started, the pair of opening / closing members 70 rotate downward about the outside, and the stored game balls are released all at once toward the second big hit start gate 52 below. Is done. However, a plurality of obstacle nails 23 are provided between the opening / closing member 70 and the second big hit start gate 52, and the second big hit start gate 52 is detected when the released game ball hits the obstacle nail 23. It is divided into a case and a case where it is not detected. In this way, the greater the number of game balls stored in the storage device 60, the more likely the game balls are detected at the second jackpot start gate 52. Therefore, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. By paying attention to the number of game balls stored in the game, the expectation that a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 can be changed.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the release drive of the storage device 60 is started when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, but the player can operate the release. A button may be mounted, and when the player operates the release button after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the release drive of the storage device 60 may be started. However, if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is the jackpot symbol A, the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is not started even if the release button is operated. In this way, the player can grasp the presence / absence of the release drive of the storage device 60 (whether or not the game ball is released) only after operating the release button. A feeling can be imparted.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, whether or not to start the discharge driving of the storage device 60 is associated with the type of the big hit symbol (whether the big hit symbol A or the big hit symbol B), In addition to the lottery for determining the symbol, a lottery for determining whether or not to start the discharge drive of the storage device 60 may be performed. However, if the presence / absence of release driving is determined in association with the type of jackpot symbol as in the first embodiment, the burden of game control can be reduced compared to the case where a lottery for determining the presence / absence of release driving is performed separately. it can.

  Further, the storage device 60 is not limited to one, and a plurality of storage devices 60 may be provided in the game area 11. In that case, a jackpot start gate corresponding to each storage device 60 may be provided, and the mode (number of rounds, effects, etc.) of the jackpot game may be varied according to the jackpot start gate where the game ball is detected. It should be noted that from which storage device 60 the game ball is released may be associated with the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed, or may be determined by lottery separately. In this way, in addition to “whether or not the game ball is released from the storage device 60”, the player is paid attention to “which storage device 60 will be released”, and the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. It becomes possible to enhance the later game entertainment.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the number of rounds in the big hit game is greater when the game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 than when the game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50. Although it was advantageous to many players, it is not always necessary to make a difference in profit. For example, in a jackpot game that is started when a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50, ten round games are performed, and in a jackpot game that is started when a game ball is detected at the second jackpot start gate 52 As five or fifteen round games are played, the number of rounds may be approximately the same on average even if a game ball is detected at any of the big hit start gates 50 and 52. Even in this case, the big hit effect is different by executing different big hit effects when the game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 and when the game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52. Can be made.

D. Control contents of the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, the game balls released from the storage device 60 are detected at the second jackpot start gate 52, rather than the game balls not stored in the storage device 60 being detected at the first jackpot start gate 50. Was more advantageous to the player. On the contrary, the game ball that is not stored in the storage device 60 is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50, rather than the game ball released from the storage device 60 is detected at the second jackpot start gate 52. It may be advantageous to the player. Below, 2nd Example which becomes disadvantageous for a player when a game ball is discharge | released from the storage apparatus 60 is demonstrated. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

D-1. Big hit start processing:
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the big hit start process of the second embodiment. In the big hit start process of the second embodiment, when a big hit symbol stop time command indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S3330), the stopped big hit symbol is displayed. It is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol A (S3332). When the jackpot symbol A is stopped and displayed (S3332: yes), the delay time is set to 10 seconds (S3334). When the jackpot symbol B is stopped and displayed (S3332: no), the delay time is set to 30. Seconds are set (S3336). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when the delay time has elapsed since the special symbol was stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is executed. The delay time differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped (whether the jackpot symbol A or the jackpot symbol B), and the jackpot symbol B has a longer delay time setting than the jackpot symbol A. Yes. Note that the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the second embodiment that determines the delay time based on the type of jackpot symbol corresponds to the “delay time determination means” of the present invention.

  When the delay time is set according to the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed, it is determined whether or not the set delay time has elapsed (S3338). If the delay time has not yet elapsed (S3338: no), it is next determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S3340). When a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50 (S3340: yes), the number of rounds of the jackpot game is set to 16 (S3342). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, as in the standby time according to the first embodiment, the detection by the start gate switches 50s and 52s after the stop display of the big hit symbol is disabled (no detection is performed). If the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the detection of the game ball by the start gate switches 50s and 52s is valid even before the delay time has elapsed.

  On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S3340: no), it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S3344). If the delay time has not elapsed, since the game ball is not released from the storage device 60, it is determined that the game ball is not detected at the second big hit start gate 50 (S3344: no), and then the storage device 60. It is determined whether or not the discharge driving has been executed (S3346). If the delay time has not yet elapsed, it is determined that the discharge drive of the storage device 60 has not been executed (S3346: no), and the process returns to S3338 to determine whether the delay time has elapsed. In the second embodiment, the period from when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol until the game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 or the second big hit start gate 52 is “standby state” of the present invention. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that determines whether or not a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50 or the second jackpot start gate 52 corresponds to the “standby state generating means” of the present invention. Yes.

  And when delay time passes (S3338: yes), the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is performed (S3348). In the process of S3348, a release drive for releasing one game ball from the storage device 60 is executed. In the storage device 60 shown in FIG. 11, the game is performed by rotating the rotating body 66 by 180 degrees. One ball is released, and all the released game balls are detected at the second big hit start gate 52. If no game ball is stored in the storage device 60, the game ball is not released even if the release drive is executed in S3348. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the discharge driving of the storage device 60 is executed after the delay time corresponding to the type of the big hit symbol has elapsed. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, a case where the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is not executed may be provided. For example, in addition to the jackpot symbol A and B, a jackpot symbol C may be provided, and when the jackpot symbol C is stopped and displayed, the discharge drive of the storage device 60 may not be executed. Alternatively, when the big hit symbols A and B are stopped and displayed, it may be determined by lottery whether or not the discharge driving of the storage device 60 is executed.

  When the release drive of the storage device 60 is executed, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S3344). If a game ball is detected at the second jackpot start gate 52 (S3344: yes), the number of rounds of the jackpot game is set to eight (S3350).

  On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S3344: no), it is determined whether or not the discharge driving of the storage device 60 has been executed (S3346). If the delay time has elapsed and the release drive of the storage device 60 has been executed (S3346: yes), the game ball is not stored when the release drive of the storage device 60 is executed, and the game ball is not stored. Applicable if not released. In this case, returning to the processing of S3340, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50. If a game ball is detected (S3340: yes), the number of rounds of the jackpot game is set to 16. Times (S3342).

  When the number of rounds of the big hit game is set according to the big hit start gates 50 and 52 in which the game balls are detected in this way (S3342 and S3350), the big hit flag is set to ON (S3352). If various flags such as a high probability flag, an open extension flag, and a fluctuation shortening flag are set to ON, the ON flag is set to OFF (S3354). Further, when a jackpot game start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S333356), the jackpot start process shown in FIG. 16 is terminated, and the special symbols shown in FIGS. Return to game processing. The jackpot game start command includes information on which of the first jackpot start gate 50 and the second jackpot start gate 52 has been detected.

D-2. Jackpot presentation processing:
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the big hit effect process of the second embodiment. This big hit effect process is started when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives a big hit symbol stop command (S3330 in FIG. 16) transmitted from the main control board 200. In the jackpot effect process of the second embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is the jackpot symbol A (S520). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the delay time from when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol to when the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is executed is set. When the symbol is stopped and displayed, the delay time is set to 10 seconds, and when the jackpot symbol B is stopped and displayed, the delay time is set to 30 seconds. An effect of counting down until the delay time elapses is executed using the effect display device 27 and the like. The big hit symbol stop command transmitted from the main control board 200 includes information about which of the big hit symbol A and the big hit symbol B is stopped and displayed. Therefore, when the jackpot symbol A is stopped and displayed (S520: yes), the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes a countdown effect of 10 seconds (S522). On the other hand, when the big hit symbol B is stopped and displayed (S520: no), a countdown effect of 30 seconds is executed (S524).

  When the countdown effect is executed according to the type of the jackpot symbol displayed in a stopped state, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game start command (S3356 in FIG. 16) transmitted from the main control board 200 is received (S526). If the jackpot game start command has not been received (S526: no), the process waits until the jackpot game start command is received.

  If a big hit game start command is received (S526: yes), it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S528). The jackpot game start command includes information on which of the first jackpot start gate 50 and the second jackpot start gate 52 has been detected. When a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 (S528: yes), the big hit effect A is started (S530). This jackpot effect A includes an effect indicating that a game ball is detected at the first jackpot start gate 50 before the delay time elapses (before the game ball is released from the storage device 60). On the other hand, when a game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 (S528: no), the big hit effect B is started (S532). The jackpot effect B includes an effect indicating that the game ball has not been detected by the first jackpot start gate 50 until the delay time elapses (the passage has not been made in time). Note that the jackpot effect A and the jackpot effect B have different aspects such as a video (such as an appearing character or a story) displayed on the effect display device 27 or a music flowing from the speaker 5y.

  When the big hit effect A or the big hit effect B is started according to the big hit start gates 50 and 52 in which the game balls are detected in this way, whether or not the big hit game end command (420 in FIG. 12) transmitted from the main control board 200 is received. Is determined (S534). If the jackpot game end command has not been received (S534: no), the process waits until the jackpot game end command is received. Thereafter, when a jackpot game end command is received (S534: yes), the jackpot effect is terminated (S536), and the jackpot effect process in FIG. 17 is terminated.

  FIG. 18 is a time chart showing how a big hit game is started in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment. As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment, a delay time is set when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, and when this delay time elapses, the discharge drive of the storage device 60 is executed. Yes. FIG. 18A shows a case where a game ball is not detected at the first big hit start gate 50 before the delay time elapses. In this case, the game ball released from the storage device 60 is detected by the second jackpot start gate 52, so that the jackpot game with eight rounds is started.

  On the other hand, FIG. 18B shows a case where a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50 before the delay time elapses. In this case, when a game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50, a big hit game with 16 rounds is started, and no game ball is released from the storage device 60. Even if the delay time elapses, if the game ball is not stored in the storage device 60 at that time, the game ball is not released from the storage device 60. Therefore, after the delay time elapses, the game is played at the first big hit start gate 50. By detecting the ball, a big hit game with 16 rounds is started.

  Thus, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the game ball is not released from the storage device 60 and is newly launched rather than the game ball being released from the storage device 60 and detected by the second jackpot start gate 52. Since it is more advantageous for the player to detect the played game ball at the first jackpot start gate 50 because the number of rounds in the jackpot game is more advantageous to the player, it is expected that the game ball will not be released from the storage device 60. It is possible to improve the game entertainment after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game ball is not released immediately from the storage device 60 but the game ball is released after a delay time elapses. ing. As a result, a new game is realized that “the game ball is aimed at the first big hit start gate 50 before the delay time elapses (the game ball is released from the storage device 60)”. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the length of the delay time differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped (whether the jackpot symbol A or the jackpot symbol B). The shorter the delay time, the lower the possibility that a game ball will be detected by the first big hit start gate 50 before the delay time elapses. It is possible to change the sense of tension (difficulty level) for detecting the game ball aiming at the gate 50, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the gaming interest after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, by executing the delay time countdown effect, it is possible to enhance a sense of urgency until the delay time elapses.

  Further, as described above, since the storage device 60 is provided on the left path, in the state where the opening extension function and the fluctuation reduction function are operating, the player hits the right and enters the game ball into the second start port 17b. If the game is progressed with the ball, the game ball is not newly stored in the storage device 60. Then, when the game balls in the storage device 60 run out, the game balls are not released even after the release drive of the storage device 60 is executed, so the first time is not limited by the delay time. A game ball is detected aiming at the big hit start gate 50, and a big hit game (16 round games) advantageous to the player can be started. In this way, by configuring the game board surface so that it is possible to provide “a state where no game balls are stored in the storage device 60”, it is possible to reduce the feasibility of disadvantageous big hit games, It is possible to further enhance interest.

  Further, after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, even if the player dares not aiming at the first big hit start gate 50 and does not detect the game ball, the second game ball released from the storage device 60 after the delay time has passed. Since the big hit game (eight round games) is started by being detected by the big hit start gate 52, the big hit game is not started for a long period after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed (the game is not performed). The effect of improving the operating rate of the pachinko machine 1 can also be obtained.

  The pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment has been described above. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the following modifications may be made.

  For example, not all the game balls released from the storage device 60 as shown in FIG. 11 have to be detected by the second big hit start gate 52, but are released from the storage device 60 as shown in FIG. The game balls may be distributed according to whether they are detected at the second big hit start gate 52 or not. As a result, even if the game ball is not detected by the first big hit start gate 50 before the delay time elapses (the passage is not made in time), the game ball released from the storage device 60 is released from the second big hit start gate 52. Since it is not always detected at this point (the possibility that it is not detected remains), it can be expected that the game ball is not detected at the second big hit start gate 52.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment described above, the delay time is made different in association with the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed (whether the jackpot symbol A or the jackpot symbol B), but the jackpot symbol is determined. In addition to the lottery, a lottery for determining the delay time may be performed. However, if the delay time is set in association with the type of jackpot symbol as in the second embodiment, the burden of game control can be reduced compared to the case where the lottery for determining the delay time is performed separately.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment described above, only one game ball is released from the storage device 60 after the delay time elapses. However, in the case of the storage device 60 that can store a plurality of game balls. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 may determine the number of game balls to be released by lottery. In this case, even if a plurality of game balls pass through the second big hit start gate 52, only the first pass may be valid and the subsequent passes may be invalidated. As described above, when there are no more game balls in the storage device 60, the game balls are detected by aiming at the first big hit start gate 50 without being limited by the delay time thereafter, which is advantageous to the player. The big hit game can be started. If the number of game balls to be released from the storage device 60 is determined by lottery, the ease of disappearance of the game balls in the storage device 60 can be changed (the more game balls to be released, the more the number of game balls to be released). Since the game balls in the storage device 60 are quickly lost), it is possible to further improve the game entertainment after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed by paying attention to the number of game balls released. In this case, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that determines the number of game balls released corresponds to the “number of discharge determination means” of the present invention.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described about this invention, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, the number of rounds of the big hit game in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above may be set as follows. First, in the big hit effect that is started when the game ball is detected at the first big hit start gate 50, eight or sixteen round games are performed, and the game ball is detected at the second big hit start gate 52 and started. Even in the big hit game, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which “the distribution ratio is different between 8 times and 16 times” at each of the big hit start gates 50 and 52 by performing 8 or 16 round games. In the first embodiment, “8 times and 16 times are set at a ratio of 80:20” for the detection of the game ball at the first big hit start gate 50, and the game at the second big hit start gate 52 is set. For the detection of the sphere, “8 times and 16 times may be set at a ratio of 20 to 80”. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, “8 times and 16 times are set in a ratio of 20 to 80” for the detection of the game ball at the first big hit start gate 50, and the game at the second big hit start gate 52 For the detection of a sphere, “8 times and 16 times may be set at a ratio of 80:20”.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port 17a, first game port) provided on the game board are used. 2) A pachinko machine that gives a player a profit (game value) as a result of a game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the game balls entering the start opening 17b, the big prize opening 31d, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives gaming profits in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. For example, when a game ball is entered into various winning holes, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the ball is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that gives a game profit (game value) to a player. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiments can be obtained. . As a pachinko machine of the type in which game profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again.

  The present invention can be used for a ball game machine used in a game hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (bullet ball machine), 11 ... gaming area,
17a ... first start port, 17b ... second start port,
23 ... Obstacle nail, 26 ... Central device,
27 ... production display device, 28 ... first symbol display device (identification information display means),
31d ... Grand prize opening, 32 ... Second symbol display device (identification information display means),
50 ... first big hit start gate (first detection means),
52 ... second big hit start gate (second detection means),
60 ... Reserving device (reserving means),
200 ... main control board,
201 ... CPU (standby state generation means, specific game execution means, delay time determination means, release number determination means),
220 ... Sub-control board,
221: CPU.

Claims (4)

Identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on establishment of the predetermined condition;
Standby state generating means for generating a standby state for executing a specific game advantageous for a player based on a result of the variation display of the identification information being a specific result;
Specific game execution means for executing the specific game based on the fact that a game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means in the standby state;
Storage means capable of storing game balls launched in the game area;
With
The storage means, when a predetermined release condition is satisfied, releases the stored game ball to the game area after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes the specific result,
As the detection means, a first detection means that is capable of detecting a game ball that is not stored in the storage means among game balls that have been launched into a game area, and that is unable to detect a game ball released from the storage means; A second detection means that is unable to detect a game ball that is not stored in the storage means among the game balls that are launched into the game area, and that is capable of detecting a game ball released from the storage means;
As the specific game, the first specific game is executed based on the detection of the game ball by the first detection means and the detection of the game ball by the second detection means, and the first specific game is executed. A second ball game machine characterized in that it has a second specific game which is an execution mode which is more disadvantageous to the player than the execution mode of. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The storage device releases the stored game ball when a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result. A ball game machine according to claim 2,
A bullet ball game machine comprising delay time determining means for determining the length of the delay time. A bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The storage means is capable of storing a plurality of game balls,
A bullet ball game machine comprising discharge number determining means for determining the number of game balls discharged from the storage means.

Images