JP4543159B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball machine that launches a game ball toward a game board surface and plays a game.

  Various gaming machines are known as gaming machines that play a game by firing game balls onto the surface of the gaming board. Among these gaming machines, a so-called pachinko machine is provided with a plurality of winning holes on the surface of the game board. When a gaming ball enters one of the winning holes, the gaming ball is paid out as a winning ball. Can be received. In addition, among these winning holes, the winning holes called “big winning holes” are closed in a normal gaming state, but when a predetermined condition is met, the winning holes are opened and the game balls can be easily entered. It is now possible to win many prize balls.

  Among the pachinko machines described above, in the so-called “digital patrick” pachinko machine, in order to open the big winning opening, a game ball is inserted into a specific winning opening called “starting opening” and a plurality of symbols are displayed. After starting the variable display of the symbols with a possible symbol display device, it is necessary to stop and display the symbols with a predetermined winning symbol. For this reason, the player strongly expects that a winning ball will be opened as a result of winning the game ball at the starting port, starting the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device, and stopping the winning symbol as a result. It is normal to play games. The state in which the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device is called “big hit”.

  However, even if the symbol change is started in the symbol display device, the probability that a big win will not occur is not so high, and there may be a situation in which the game must be continued without opening the big prize opening. If such a situation often occurs, the player may lose interest in the game, so a technique for attracting the player's interest in the game has been proposed by performing various effects to make the big hits happen. (For example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).

JP 2000-30070 A JP 2002-143457 A

  However, none of the proposed technologies actually increases the probability of jackpots, but simply produces an effect that makes the player think that a jackpot will occur. Not too much. For this reason, there is a possibility that the player will eventually realize that it is merely a presentation, and there is a problem that it is difficult to attract interest in the game for a long time.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and is capable of reliably attracting a player's interest in a game even if a big hit does not occur for a long time. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface,
A starting port that can be switched between a normal state in which a game ball is less likely to enter and an open state in which the game ball is more likely to enter than the normal state;
A large winning opening that can be switched between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter and an open state in which a game ball can enter,
A symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a variable manner after the game ball has entered the start opening, and then stopping and displaying the symbol at any symbol;
When a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, special game executing means for executing a special game for bringing the large winning opening in the closed state into the open state;
After the end of the special game, probability changing means for setting the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means is higher than normal.
An opening time extending means for extending a time for opening the start opening after the special game is completed;
According to the winning symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, after-hit game control means for controlling the operation of the probability changing means and the opening time extending means after the special game is ended,
With
The special game execution means includes
When the probability variation winning symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol by the symbol display means, it is easy to enter the game ball into the grand prize opening by opening the special winning opening for the first opening time. First special game execution means for executing the first special game;
When a specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol by the symbol display means, the special winning opening is opened only for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, so that Second special game execution means for executing a second special game in which entry of a game ball is difficult compared to the first special game;
Comprising
The hit after game control means,
When the first special game in which the probability variation per symbol in the symbol display unit is executed in response to that stop-displayed is finished, probability variation per running the game to actuate the probability change means and the opening time extension means Post-game execution means;
Wherein the specific per symbol is the second special game to be executed in response to that stop-displayed is finished, the display specific per symbol is stopped became execution timing of the second special play in the symbol display unit When the operating state of the opening time extending means when being operated is in operation, a game for operating the opening time extending means and the probability varying means is executed, and the execution timing of the second special game is A game that activates only the probability varying means without activating the opening time extending means when the operating state of the opening time extending means when the specified winning symbol is stopped is displayed. A specific after-game executing means for executing
It is characterized by including.

In such a gaming machine of the present invention, “ probable variation winning symbol” and “ specific winning symbol” are set as winning symbols that can be displayed by the symbol display means. When a game ball enters the start port, the symbol display means starts displaying the symbol variation and then stops and displays the symbol at any symbol. At this time, if the stop symbol is displayed with “ probability per symbol”, the first special game that makes it easy to enter the game ball into the big prize opening by opening the big prize opening for the first opening time. When the first special game is executed, a game is started in which the probability of stopping the winning symbol is changed to a higher probability than usual, and the time during which the start port is opened (opening time) is extended. The On the other hand, when the display is stopped with “ special winning symbol”, the game ball enters the game winning opening by opening the game winning opening only for the second opening time shorter than the first opening time. Although the second special game that is difficult compared to the first special game is executed, and after the end of the second special game, the probability of stopping the winning symbol is changed to a higher probability than usual, In the opening time of, the game is started while being maintained in the state before the “ specific per symbol” is stopped and displayed. In other words, if the operating state of the opening time extension means when the specific winning symbol that triggered the execution of the second special game is stopped is displayed, after the end of the second special game, When the game has been changed to a higher probability of stopping the symbol, and the game has been started with the opening time of the start port extended, and the specific per symbol that triggered the execution of the second special game is stopped and displayed. If the operating state of the opening time extension means is not in operation, after the end of the second special game, the probability of stopping the winning symbol is changed to a higher probability than usual, but the opening time of the starting port is A non-extended game is started. For this reason, when the “ specific winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the probability of stopping the winning symbol can be changed to a higher probability than usual so that the player does not notice it.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the probability that the symbol displayed in a variably manner is hit and stopped at the symbol can be switched to a high probability without being noticed by the player. For this reason, for example, even when performing an effect that predicts the occurrence of a big hit, by switching to a high-probability state without being noticed by the player, it becomes possible not to end the effect as a mere effect, and the effect gets tired of the player There is no fear of being taken away. As a result, even if a state where the winning symbol does not stop continues for a long time, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the game.

The above-described special game executing means is configured to execute the first special game by the first special game executing means when the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol by the symbol display means. When the first special game executed when the symbol display means stops and displays the normal winning symbol is finished, the post game control means activates the opening time extension means without activating the probability varying means. the normal game execution means after per running the, it may be configured further comprising.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the gaming machine of the first reference invention (hereinafter referred to as “reference invention 1”) disclosed by reference in this specification adopts the following configuration. is doing. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface,
An opening that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which it is more difficult to enter the ball than the open state;
Constructed separately from the starting port, a prize winning port that can be switched between the open state and the normal state,
A symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a variable manner after the game ball has entered the start opening, and then stopping and displaying the symbol at any symbol;
When a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, a special prize opening means for opening the special prize opening in a predetermined operation state;
Probability changing means for setting the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means after the operation of the special prize opening means is higher than normal.
An opening time extending means for extending the time for the start opening to be in an open state after the operation of the special winning opening opening means;
Game state control means for controlling the state of the game by operating the special winning opening opening means, the probability changing means, and the opening time extending means according to the winning symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol display means; With
The symbol display means is provided with a predetermined normal symbol, a predetermined probability variation symbol, and a predetermined specific symbol as the winning symbol,
In the big prize opening opening means, as an operating state of the big prize opening,
A first operation state in which an operation of opening in a predetermined manner is repeated a predetermined number of times;
A second operation state in which an operation of opening a game ball for a period shorter than the predetermined mode and repeating the operation for a number of times less than the predetermined number of times is provided. And
The gaming state control means includes
When the symbol display means stops displaying the normal winning symbol, the first prize opening means is operated in the first operation state, and the opening time extension means is operated after the operation is completed. After the normal hit of the game start means,
When the symbol display unit stops displaying the probability change symbol, the special winning opening unit is operated in the first operation state, and after the operation is completed, the probability varying unit and the opening time extending unit are operated. A game start means after probability change to operate
The special winning opening opening means is operated in the second operating state when the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, and the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed after the end of the operation. And a first specific post-hit game starting means for operating the probability varying means while maintaining the operating state of the opening time extending means.

  In the gaming machine of the reference invention 1, in addition to “normal winning symbol” and “probability changing winning symbol”, “specific winning symbol” is set as a winning symbol that can be displayed by the symbol display means. When a game ball enters the start port, the symbol display means starts displaying the symbols in a variable manner, and then stops and displays any symbol. At this time, if the stop symbol is displayed with either the “normal winning symbol” or the “probable variation symbol”, the special winning opening operates in the first operating state, but if the “special winning symbol” is stopped and displayed. Is operated in the second operating state of the special winning opening. Here, the first operation state is an operation state in which the operation of opening the special winning opening in a predetermined manner is repeated a predetermined number of times. The second operation state is an aspect in which a game ball is less likely to enter than the predetermined mode performed in the first operation state, and the special winning opening is opened for a period shorter than the predetermined mode. This is an operation state in which the operation is repeated a smaller number of times than the number of repetitions in the first operation state. Naturally, when the special winning opening is operated in the second operation state, the operation is completed in a shorter time than in the case of operation in the first operation state. In addition, when the display is stopped with either “normal hit symbol” or “probable hit symbol”, at least the time that the start port is open (opening time) is extended, whereas “specific hit symbol” When the stop display is performed, the opening time of the start port remains the same as before the stop display. For this reason, when the “specific winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the player is not aware of this, and the probability of stopping the winning symbol is changed to a higher probability than usual.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the reference invention 1, the probability that the symbol displayed in a variably displayed state is stopped by the symbol can be switched to a high probability without being noticed by the player. For this reason, for example, even when performing an effect that predicts the occurrence of a big hit, by switching to a high-probability state without being noticed by the player, it becomes possible not to end the effect as a mere effect, and the effect gets tired of the player There is no fear of being taken away. As a result, even if a state where the winning symbol does not stop continues for a long time, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the game.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the gaming machine of the second reference invention (hereinafter referred to as “reference invention 2”) disclosed by reference in this specification adopts the following configuration. is doing. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface,
An opening that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which it is more difficult to enter the ball than the open state;
Constructed separately from the starting port, a prize winning port that can be switched between the open state and the normal state,
A symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a variable manner after the game ball has entered the start opening, and then stopping and displaying the symbol at any symbol;
When a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, a special prize opening means for opening the special prize opening in a predetermined operation state;
Probability changing means for setting the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means after the operation of the special prize opening means is higher than normal.
An opening time extending means for extending the time for the start opening to be in an open state after the operation of the special winning opening opening means;
Game state control means for controlling the state of the game by operating the special winning opening opening means, the probability changing means, and the opening time extending means according to the winning symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol display means; With
The symbol display means is provided with a predetermined normal symbol, a predetermined probability variation symbol, and a predetermined specific symbol as the winning symbol,
In the big prize opening opening means, as an operating state of the big prize opening,
A first operation state in which an operation of opening in a predetermined manner is repeated a predetermined number of times;
A second operation state in which an operation of opening a game ball for a period shorter than the predetermined mode and repeating the operation for a number of times less than the predetermined number of times is provided. And
The gaming state control means includes
When the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, the special winning opening opening means is operated in the first operation state, and after the operation is finished, any of the winning symbols is stopped and displayed. Second post-hit game starting means for disabling the opening time extending means until
When the symbol display means stops the probability variation winning symbol, the special winning opening opening means is operated in the first operation state, and after the operation is finished, any of the winning symbols is stopped and displayed. A post-probability game starting means for operating the probability varying means and the opening time extending means until
When the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, the special winning opening opening means is operated in the second operation state, and after the operation is finished, the probability varying means is operated, As for the operating state of the opening time extending means, there is provided a second specific after-hit game starting means for setting an operating state determined according to the winning symbol immediately before the specific winning symbol. To do.

  In the gaming machine of the reference invention 2, similarly to the gaming machine of the reference invention 1, the winning symbols stopped and displayed by the symbol display means include “normal winning symbol”, “probable winning winning symbol”, “specific winning symbol”. A “design” is provided. When the symbol display means stops display with “normal winning symbol” or “probable variation winning symbol”, the big prize opening operates in the first operating state, but when the symbol winning symbol stops with “specific winning symbol” Is operated in the second operating state of the special winning opening. In addition, in the second gaming machine, when “normal winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the opening time of the starting port is not extended until the next winning symbol is stopped and displayed, When “design” is stopped and displayed, the opening time of the start port is extended until the next winning symbol is stopped and displayed. When the “specific winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the opening time of the start port is set in a manner that is determined according to the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed immediately before that.

  As described above, even if the special winning opening operates in the second operation state, the operation ends in a short time, unlike the case where it operates in the first operation state. For this reason, even if the “special winning symbol” is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means and the special winning opening is activated, it is difficult for the player to notice that. Moreover, as for the opening time of the start port, when “normal hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, the opening time is not extended until one of the following hit symbols is stopped and displayed. When the symbol is stopped and displayed, the opening time is extended until any of the following winning symbols is stopped and displayed. Then, when the “specific winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the start port is opened according to the mode determined according to the winning symbol displayed immediately before. Here, the “mode determined according to the hit symbol displayed immediately before” is, for example, if the hit symbol immediately before “specific hit symbol” is “probable hit symbol”, the probability varying means and the opening time extending means are If the previous winning symbol is “normal winning symbol”, the probability variation means and the opening time extension means are inactive, and further immediately before the “specific hit symbol”. When the symbol displayed in a stopped state is also “specific per symbol”, the probability varying means is in operation. Thus, since the operating state of the opening time extension means after the “specific hit symbol” is stopped and displayed is an operating state determined according to the hit symbol displayed immediately before, Even if the “success symbol” is displayed in a stopped state, the player is difficult to notice that the big prize opening has been activated in the second operating state. You will not notice that it was stopped. For this reason, also in the second gaming machine, by stopping and displaying the “specific hit symbol”, the probability of stopping the hit symbol can be changed to a higher probability than usual without the player noticing. As a result, for example, even in the case where an effect that predicts the occurrence of a hit is performed, it is possible not to end with a mere effect, and there is no risk that the effect will be bored by the player. And even if the state where the winning symbol does not stop continues for a long time, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the game.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the reference invention 1 or the reference invention 2, not only the symbol variable stop display but also the effect that displays a symbol for a predetermined special effect is possible, and the following conditions are satisfied. If established, an effect using the special effect design may be performed. In other words, when the specific winning symbol is stopped or displayed, or when the predetermined effect condition is satisfied when neither the probability changing means nor the opening time extending means is in operation, the effect using the special effect design It is also good to do. Here, the predetermined effect conditions can be set, for example, the number of times that the symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed with the symbol out of place, and various other conditions.

  In this way, when the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed (as a result, the probability of stopping the winning symbol is high) and when the predetermined performance condition is satisfied (the stopping probability of the winning symbol is a normal state). An effect using the same special effect design is started. However, it is difficult for the player to distinguish in which case the special effect design is started. For this reason, even if the probability of stopping the winning symbol is normal, the player will play the game with the expectation that the winning symbol will soon be stopped and displayed, greatly increasing the interest in the game. Can do. In addition, if the effect by the special effect design is started when the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed, since the probability of stopping the winning symbol is in a high probability state, the player is bored with the effect. There is no fear of it.

  Further, in the various gaming machines described above, the game state including at least the presence / absence of the operation of the probability changing means and the presence / absence of the operation of the opening time extending means may be stored as game state information. Then, when a game ball enters the start opening, the stored game state information may be output to the symbol display means together with a signal for starting symbol variation display.

  In this way, even if the supply of power suddenly stops during a game due to a power failure or the like, the game state information is output at the stage where the game is resumed and the symbols are variably displayed. For this reason, it is preferable that the display content of the symbol display means can be matched with the operating state of the probability changing means, the opening time extending means, etc. at a relatively early stage after the game is resumed.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-1-1. Special design game processing:
C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
C-2. Production control processing:
C-2-1. Outline of production control process:
C-2-2. Specific production mode entry judgment processing:
C-2-3. Specific production mode end determination processing:
D. Variations:
D-1. First modification:
D-1-1. Special symbol game processing in the first modification:
D-1-2. Special electric accessory game processing in the first modification:
D-2. Second modification:
D-3. Third modification:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 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 gaming 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 opening 4a is formed in a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 arranged on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (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 ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion 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 gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. 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 portion 6, and when the player rotates the launching 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. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

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.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, a variable winning device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the gaming area 11, and between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, there are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passing of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the game ball is likely to enter is in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering is small.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the variable winning device 18 provided below the central device 26, a large winning device 31 is provided substantially in the center. This special winning device 31 is composed of a special winning opening 31d that opens substantially in a substantially rectangular shape, a special winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the special winning opening 31d, and the like. The special winning opening 31d is in an open state when a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied. As a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and is a special gaming state advantageous to the player. A gaming state is started. Note that a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, 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 the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured by using light emitting diodes (LEDs), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b lights green light. It is possible to do. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7 segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. In addition, the symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs. The display contents of the symbol display device 28 having such a configuration will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the screen configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. ing. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced. Furthermore, in the effect display device 27, in addition to the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and the background symbol 27d, a special effect symbol for performing a predetermined special effect can be displayed. Detailed contents of various effects performed by the effect display device 27 will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub control board 220 that controls the control of the game using symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and the details of the effect display device 27 under the control of the sub control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs general control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, a launch control board 260 that controls control related to the launch of game balls, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Also, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201 and RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown, and mounted on other control boards such as ROM, PIO, and sub-control board 220 mounted on the main control board 200. The CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., are not shown.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing a large winning opening 31d, and The symbol display device 28 for displaying the fluctuation stop of the normal symbol and the special symbol is connected via the relay terminal board, and signals are output to these various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Thus, the operation is also controlled.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A game effect is produced by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 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 the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the symbol display on the symbol display device 28 is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display portion 28a and the right normal symbol display portion 28b. The left normal symbol display unit 28a is configured to be able to light red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 28b is configured to be able to light green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 28a and 28b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 6A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 6B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 6D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is turned off. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, if the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is in an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In the present embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 6C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c (see FIG. 3).

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in an open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display sections 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol “A” or “Y” is displayed on the left special symbol display unit 30a, and the comma “.” Is displayed on the right special symbol display unit 30b. Further, “A” and “Y” in the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” In the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display 12 types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped and displayed in any state.

  Among the 12 types of display modes shown in FIG. 7, a combination of red “Y” and red “comma” (hereinafter, this combination is expressed as “red Y-red dot”), and The combination of orange “Y” and red “comma” (that is, “orange Y-red dot”) is an off symbol, and the remaining 10 combinations of symbols are hit symbols. After the special symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28, when the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a winning symbol, a so-called special gaming state is started and a gaming state in which the special winning opening 31d is opened in a predetermined manner ( Round) is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol fluctuation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol fluctuation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of stored special symbols is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c (see FIG. 3).

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, “specific hit symbol” is provided in addition to “normal hit symbol” and “probability hit symbol” as hit symbols. In FIG. 7, “ordinary winning symbol” is surrounded by a broken line, “probable variation winning symbol” is surrounded by a solid line, and “specific winning symbol” is surrounded by a one-dot chain line. When the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “normal winning symbol” or “probable winning symbol”, the special gaming state is started and the round in which the special winning opening 31d opens in a predetermined manner is 15 Repeat until round. As described above, since the game ball can easily enter when the special winning opening 31d is in the open state, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls before the 15th round is completed. Such a game state is a so-called “big hit” state. Further, even after the special game state is ended, the opening time of the start port 17 is extended for a while, so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 17. In addition, when the winning symbol is “probable variation winning symbol”, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed again is set to a high value. A gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state). In this way, when the “ordinary winning symbol” or “probable hitting symbol” is stopped and displayed, the player can proceed with the game very advantageously, so the game is strongly desired that these winning symbols are stopped and displayed. It is normal to do.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “specific per symbol”, the special gaming state is performed for two rounds. It should be noted that the number of rounds when the “specific hit symbol” is stopped and displayed is smaller than the number of rounds when the “normal hit symbol” or “probable variation symbol” is stopped and displayed (15 in this embodiment). If the number of times is not limited to two rounds, it may be three rounds, four rounds, or the like. Further, in the round that is performed when the “specific winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the special winning opening 31d is opened only for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds). For this reason, even if the “special winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the special game state ends without particularly acquiring a prize ball. After the special game state is finished, no major control that makes the player particularly advantageous is performed except that the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is set to a high probability state. In other words, the opening time of the start port 17 is only maintained in the state where it is stopped and displayed with the specific winning symbol. Also, the symbol variation time is not particularly shortened. Eventually, when the “specific symbol” is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28, the game is continued without the player noticing that the special game state has been reached, and only the probability of hitting the special symbol is cut with a high probability. It will be in a changed state.

  In this way, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed in which symbol greatly influences the gaming state. However, it is not always easy to determine whether the 12 types of special symbols shown in FIG. 7 correspond to “normal hit symbol”, “probable hit symbol”, “specific hit symbol”, or “outlier symbol”. Absent. Therefore, in accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 also performs the effect of causing the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be displayed with the change stopped.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 8 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at “normal hit symbol”, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number, In the case of stopping at “symbol”, the display is stopped with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the “specific hit symbol”, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination that is not aligned with the same symbol, and stopped at the “off symbol”. When doing so, the three symbols are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not match the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and the respective display symbols are displayed. The timing for confirmation is also set the same. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and become a so-called big hit state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol with the two character symbols stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, and it is possible to increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It has become.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are not aligned with the same symbol in the effect display device 27, it is not limited to mere “displacement”. Since the game is stopped and displayed with “special hit symbol”, the game state may be switched to the probable change state. However, since the special symbols of the symbol display device 28 are set to similar symbols, it is difficult to distinguish between the “specific hit symbol” and the “off symbol”, and the symbol display device 27 is stopped and displayed. The character design is also the same in that the three symbols are not aligned and is difficult to distinguish. In addition, the special game state performed after “specific hit” is completed in a very short time without obtaining a prize ball, and the opening time of the start port 17 is maintained. It is exactly the same as the “out” state. Therefore, the game is continued in a state where only the probability of occurrence of the big hit is switched to a high probability without realizing that the player has become “specific hit”. In this way, if the occurrence probability of a big hit can be switched to a high probability state without being noticed by the player, for example, after performing an effect that predicts the occurrence of a big hit, the jackpot is actually generated with a high probability As a result, even if the state where the big hit state does not occur continues for a long time, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest to the game.

  In the above description, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 are described as those corresponding to the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28. However, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 do not necessarily have to correspond to the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28. For example, for the same special symbols. Different combinations of character designs may be displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing how various control boards including the main control board 200, the symbol display device, and the like realize the above-described control, paying attention to functions. As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 includes a “gaming state control unit” that controls the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, a “probability variation unit” that sets the probability of jackpot occurrence to a high probability state, and a start port 17. There are provided an “opening time extending portion” for extending the opening time, a “big winning port opening” for opening the special winning port 31d, and the like. These represent functions implemented by various devices including the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In addition, in the game state control unit, a “after-normal hit game start unit” for starting a normal hit game, a “post-challenge game start unit” for starting a probable change game, and a “specific” for starting a specific hit game There is also a “after-hit game start section”. Furthermore, the special winning opening 31 can open the special winning opening 31d in two operation states of “first operation state” and “second operation state”. Here, the “first operation state” is an operation state in which the operation for opening the special winning opening 31d in a predetermined manner is repeated up to 15 rounds, and the “second operational state” is a state in which the special winning opening 31d is very small. This is an operation state in which the operation of opening for a short time is repeated for two rounds.

As shown in FIG. 9, a “game state control unit”, a “game start unit after normal hit”, a “game start unit after probability change”, a “specific hit after” provided in the main control board 200. The “game start section”, “probability variation section”, “opening time extension section”, and “big prize opening opening section” are respectively “gaming state control means”, “game execution means after normal hit”, “probability hit section” in the present invention, respectively. It constitutes one aspect of the “after game execution means”, “specific game after game execution means”, “probability variation means”, “opening time extension means”, and “large winning opening opening means”. In addition, the symbol display device 28 for displaying the fluctuation stop display of the normal winning symbol, the probability variation symbol, the specific winning symbol, and the off symbol symbol (and the effect display device when the effect display device 27 performs display in conjunction with the symbol display device 28). 27) constitutes one aspect of the “symbol display means” in the present invention.

When the “normal winning symbol” is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27, the “after-normal winning game start portion” provided in the “gaming state control portion” starts operating. This “normal winning after game start section” has a function of operating the “large winning opening opening” in the first operation state, and operating the “opening time extension section” after the operation ends. As a result, after the special winning opening 31d performs the opening operation up to 15 rounds, a gaming state is achieved in which the opening time of the start opening 17 is extended. As will be described in detail later, as the operation mode of the “normal winning after game start portion”, any winning symbol is stopped and displayed after the “large winning opening opening” is activated in the first operating state. It is also possible to adopt a modification example in which the “opening time extension portion” is inactivated until it is done. Therefore, in the following, when the term “game start part after normal hit” is simply referred to, it means that the opening time is extended after “normal hit”, while the opening time after “normal hit”. Those that operate in a non-extended manner are referred to as “modified after-hit game start portion” for distinction. Therefore, in the following specification, "after normal per game start unit" is you corresponds to "normal hit after game execution means" in the present invention.

Further, when the “probability change symbol” is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27, the “game start portion after probability change” provided in the “game state control unit” is activated, and “ The “large winning opening” is operated in the first operation state, and after the operation is finished, the “opening time extension unit” and the “probability variation unit” are operated. As a result, the opening time of the start port 17 is extended after the grand prize winning port 31d performs the opening operation up to 15 rounds, and a gaming state (high probability state) in which a big hit is likely to occur is obtained. In the present embodiment, such a game state may be referred to as a “game state after probability change”. In addition, the “game start section after probability change” in the following specification corresponds to the “game execution means after probability change” of the present invention.

Further, when the “specific winning symbol” is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27, the “after-specific winning game start portion” provided in the “gaming state control portion” starts operating. The “after-specific-game-starting unit” operates the “large winning opening” in the second operation state, and operates the “probability varying unit” after the operation ends. As a result, a game state (high probability state) in which a big hit is likely to occur after the large winning opening 31d is opened for only a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) for two rounds. The opening time of the start port 17 is maintained as it is when the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed. As an aspect of setting the opening time of the start port 17, as described above, in addition to an aspect of setting the same time as the opening time when the specific hit symbol is stopped and displayed, It is also possible to set it according to which winning symbol is stopped and displayed immediately before the specific winning symbol. Therefore, in the following, when the term “specific hit after game start section” is simply used, the opening time of the start port 17 is set to the same time as the opening time when the specific hit symbol is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, a game in which the opening time is set according to the winning symbol stopped and displayed immediately before the specific winning symbol is referred to as a “modified after-hit game starting portion”. Therefore, in the following specification, "game start unit after a certain per" is you corresponds to "game execution means after per specific" in the present invention.

  On the other hand, when the “off symbol” is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27, the “gaming state control unit” does not operate any after-hit game starting unit, and the game is left as it is. Will continue. In the present embodiment, such a gaming state may be referred to as a “normal gaming state”.

  As described above, the symbol display device 28 (when the display of the effect display device 27 corresponds to the symbol display device 28, the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27) stops at “normal hit symbol” or “probable variation symbol”. If it is displayed and the game state is “after-normal game state” or “post-challenge game state”, the special winning opening is activated in the first operation state, and the 15-round special game state And you can win many prize balls. Further, after the special gaming state is finished, the opening time of the start port 17 is extended by the function of the opening time extension unit. In addition, before the start of the special game state, the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 are also stopped and displayed in the same symbol after reaching the reach state. For this reason, the player can surely recognize that the game state is “a game state after a normal hit” or “a game state after a positive change”. Note that the case where the opening time extension function or the time reduction function does not operate after the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “normal hit symbol” will be described in detail later as a modified example.

  On the other hand, the symbol display device 28 (when the display of the effect display device 27 corresponds to the symbol display device 28, the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27) are stopped and displayed at “specific per symbol”, and the game When the state becomes the “after-specific game state”, the special winning opening is operated in the second operation state, and the special game state is finished in a very short time. Further, after the special game state is over, the opening time of the start port 17 is kept in the same state as when the specific hit symbol is stopped and displayed, and only the probability of occurrence of the big hit is switched to the high probability state. Yes. Of course, even if the jackpot occurrence probability is switched to a high probability state, the player does not immediately notice this. In addition, since the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 are not stopped and displayed in the same symbols before the start of the special game state, after all, The game is continued without realizing that the hit has occurred and the jackpot probability has switched to a high probability state. In the case where the gaming state after the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with the “specific hit symbol” is determined depending on the hit symbol before the “specific hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, a modified example will be given later. explain in detail.

  In this way, the gaming state of “game after specific hit” is shifted from the “normal gaming state” without being noticed by the player, and a gaming state that can make the probability of occurrence of big hit a high probability state. It has become. Accordingly, after generating a specific hit, for example, if an effect is made to give a sense of the occurrence of a big hit, then it is possible to actually generate the big hit with a high probability. In addition, even when an effect is made to predict the occurrence of a big hit when in a normal gaming state, the player cannot distinguish whether the current gaming state is a “post-hit gaming state” or a “normal gaming state”. Therefore, it is expected that a big hit will actually occur, and it becomes possible to attract the player's interest to the game.

  In the following, details of the control executed centering on the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220 in order to realize such effects will be described in detail.

C. Game machine control contents:
The progress of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 is controlled by the main control board 200. Various effects performed as the game progresses are controlled by the sub-control board 220 under the control of the main control board 200. In the following, first, the game control process performed on the main control board 200 to advance the game will be described, and then the effect control process performed on the sub-control board 220 in order to produce an effect in accordance with the progress of the game. Will be described.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 10 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 the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a normal electric player game process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric player game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. 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 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out the game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to winning a game ball (such as the start port switch 17s or the big prize port switch 31s) among various switches connected to the main control board 200. To do. If a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed.

  When the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200 is added, the payout control board 240 interprets the contents of the command. And according to the result, a drive signal is output to the payout motor 109m mounted in the payout device 109, and the process of actually paying out the winning ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball number designation command (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed (S100). ). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36 or whether or not the number of normal symbols held (see FIG. 3) is set. Then, if the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 36 or if the number of normal symbols held is set, it is determined that the normal symbol game processing is performed (S100: yes). It is determined that the process is not performed (S100: no). In addition, when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of normal symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  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 skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is correct, and it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 6C) or the other symbols to be stopped and displayed. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol, and when the normal symbol hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. . In the normal symbol game processing, the normal symbol variation stop display is performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, the processing for operating the normal electric accessory is performed. When the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17 rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in an open state.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S190). If it is in operation (S190: yes), a process for stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electric accessory stopping process) is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S190: no), it is not necessary to perform the ordinary electric accessory stopping process, and the process is skipped.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory stop process, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has passed (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, the start port 17 is in an open state, but when a predetermined time has elapsed, the pair of blade pieces are restored to the normal state in which they are upright again. Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing. Note that the normal electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the start port 17) is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 1.5 when the opening time extending function described later is operated. Extended to seconds.

  On the other hand, when a prescribed number of game balls enter the opening 17, the start port 17 returns to the normal state even if the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped, and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated. On the contrary, when it is determined that there is no predetermined number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the game control process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game process is started after returning from the ordinary electric accessory stop process (S300). Such a determination is made as to whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17, whether or not a special symbol holding number (see FIG. 3) is set, and whether or not the condition device is operating. Do by detecting. Here, the condition device is a device that is a condition for the continuous action device to operate, and the special symbols are “normal hit symbol”, “probable hit symbol”, and “specific hit symbol” shown in FIG. It is a device that starts operation when any stop is displayed. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting a game (so-called special game) in which the special winning opening 31d is continuously opened. Then, it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed if the game ball has entered the start port 17 or if the number of special symbols to be held is set and the condition device is not in operation (S300: yes). In other cases, it is determined that the special symbol game process is not performed (S300: no). In addition, when a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of special symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed as a result of the above determination (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S320). On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped.

C-1-1. Special design game processing:
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, since the display time for the player to confirm the stop symbol is provided for a while after the change display of the special symbol is finished, it is determined whether or not the display time is during the display time. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol has elapsed (S324: no), the number of reserved special symbols is “0”. Is determined (S326). If the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate, it is determined whether or not the probability of jackpot occurrence is in a high probability state (probability variation state) (S328). The probable change state is the following after the special game is over when the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 stops at either the “probable per symbol” or “specific per symbol” shown in FIG. Will continue until the special game starts. From this, in S328, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. A determination is made (S330). On the other hand, if the probability change is not in progress (S328: no), whether or not the special symbol is correct is determined with the probability of jackpot set to a normal value (S332).

  The special symbol determination is made by referring to the following determination table. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to in order to determine whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the success / failure determination table includes a probability change table shown in FIG. 14B and a non-probability change table shown in FIG. 14A. The special symbol success / failure determination random number is stored in association with one of the “normal hits”, “probability hits”, “specific hits”, and “out”. Further, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, the probability change success / failure determination table has a higher probability of winning than the non-probability change success / failure determination table. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 and stored in the RAM 202 on the main control board 200. In S328 to S332 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. With reference to the special symbol, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined, and if the probability change is not in progress, the special symbol is determined with reference to the determination table in FIG. As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S338).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) for setting a variation pattern of a special symbol in the special symbol game process. When the special symbol variation pattern setting process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a positive hit (S3381). If it is a probability variation (S3381: yes), a variation pattern of the stop symbol and the special symbol for probability variation is determined (S3383). As shown in FIG. 7, since four patterns are set as the probability variation winning symbols, one of the symbols is determined by lottery, and a plurality of types of variation patterns are set. One variation pattern is determined by lottery. Next, in preparation for opening the special prize opening in the special electric accessory game process to be described later, the opening time of the special prize opening (large prize opening opening time) and the number of continuous operations of the accessory continuous operation device are set to standard values, respectively. The setting is made (S3385).

  On the other hand, when the result of the determination is not a positive hit (S3381: no), it is determined whether or not the normal hit is obtained (S3387). And when it is judged that it was a normal hit (S3387: yes), by performing lottery, any one stop symbol and special symbol change from the five normal hit symbols shown in FIG. After the pattern is determined (S3389), the opening time of the big winning opening (large winning opening opening time) and the number of continuous operations of the accessory continuous operating device are set to standard values (S3385).

  In the present embodiment, the standard values described above, that is, the big winning opening opening time set at the time of probability variation or normal hit and the number of continuous operations of the accessory continuous operation device are set to 30 seconds and 15 times, respectively. .

  If the result of the determination is not a normal hit (S3387: no), it is next determined whether or not it is a specific hit (S3391). And when it is judged that it was a specific hit (S3391: yes), a specific hit symbol and a special symbol fluctuation pattern are determined (S3393). As shown in FIG. 7, since only one specific hit symbol is set, if the determination result is a specific hit, the stop symbol can be determined without performing a lottery. Further, since only one special symbol variation pattern is set for a specific hit, it can be determined without performing a lottery.

  Once the stop symbol and special symbol variation pattern for specific hits are determined in this way, the opening time of the special winning opening (large winning port opening time) and the number of continuous operations of the accessory continuous operating device are set to the values for specific hits. (S3395). In this embodiment, the opening time of the special winning opening at the specific hit is set to about 0.2 seconds and the number of continuous operations is set to 2 times.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the determination is not a specific hit (S3391: no), since the result is neither “probable hit”, “normal hit”, or “special hit”, the result of the success / failure is “excluded”. Therefore, it is only necessary to determine a stop symbol and a variation pattern for removal. However, in the case of “disappearing”, there are a case where it is disengaged after the reach effect and a case where it disengages without reaching the reach effect. Therefore, before determining the stop symbol and the variation pattern, first, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a reach effect is to be performed (S3397). Then, depending on the presence or absence of the reach effect, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined by lottery (S3399).

  When the special symbol stop symbol and the variation pattern are determined according to the determination result by performing the above-described processing, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. Return to symbol game processing.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns from the special symbol variation pattern setting process, after starting the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S340), the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the number of special symbol reservation (S342). ). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the twelve kinds of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. Also, when the special symbol variation display is started, the number of special symbols held is decremented by 1, so 1 is subtracted from the data of the number of special symbols held stored in the RAM on the main control board 200. It is.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subtracts 1 from the number of special symbol reservations, after outputting a change pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S344), it outputs a special symbol stop information designation command (S346). . The variation pattern designation command output here is a command for designating the special symbol variation pattern determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. The special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol determined together with the variation pattern.

  The variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 on the sub-control board 220 side receives these commands and acquires the special symbol variation pattern and the special symbol stop symbol, after determining the effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on these information, Various effects are performed. The process (effect control process) performed on the sub control board 220 will be described later.

  As described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol of the special symbol, and sends the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command corresponding to these to the sub control board. When output is directed to 220, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is fluctuating in the process of S322 immediately after the special symbol game process is started (S322: yes), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the stop are already stopped. It is considered that the symbol has been determined and the change in the special symbol has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a symbol design command for the character design that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S350). The special symbol that is variably displayed in the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed (S352). Then, after setting a display time (stop display time) in which the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is displayed as it is (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has elapsed. (S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 13). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is any one of the normal hit symbol, the probability variation hit symbol, and the specific hit symbol shown in FIG. 7 (that is, the hit symbol). In S358 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the symbols stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 are those winning symbols.

  When the stop-displayed symbol is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), the condition device and the accessory continuous activation device are activated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device which becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device which will be described later, and is activated when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the above-mentioned probability variation per symbol, normal per symbol or specific per symbol. This is a device that starts the special winning opening 31d. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. The details will be described with reference to another drawing. By operating the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. It will be started and a special game will be started.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. The time reduction function is a function for shortening the time for which the symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are operating, these functions are stopped (S364). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not being changed (S362: no), it is checked whether the time is short (S368), and if it is short (S368: yes), the time reduction function is stopped. (S370). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory also works. Therefore, when the time reduction function is stopped in S364 or S370, After the function opening time extension function is also stopped (S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 10 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 is neither probabilistic nor short (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed. .

  As described above, the processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes) has been described. If it is not the symbol to be activated (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S372). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability variation state is set to continue until the next special gaming state occurs. Therefore, if it is determined that the current gaming state is a probability variation state (S372: yes), the special symbol game processing shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exited while maintaining the probability variation state, and the game of FIG. Return to control processing.

  If it is determined in S372 that the current gaming state is not being changed (S372: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S374). If it is determined that the time is short (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S378). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time reduction state is set to continue until the next special game state occurs or the special symbol rotates a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times). Therefore, if the current gaming state is short (S374: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of changes in the special symbol has reached a predetermined number (S378). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time-shortening function is stopped (S380), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S366), and then FIG. 12 and FIG. The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 10 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 10 is resumed. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S378: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the game control process of FIG. 10 is resumed.

C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 10, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts a so-called special game by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a part of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a special game state will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The “special electric accessory” referred to in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is opened, a game ball enters with a high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls enter, but becomes open again when a predetermined closing time elapses. The “container continuous operation device” referred to in this specification is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the special game ends. Such a gaming state is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the special electric accessory game process is started, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The special winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the special winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the special game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S404). In the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 15, the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory is set to 15 times for “probable change” or “normal hit” and to 2 for “specific hit”. . The special electric accessory is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. When a special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory is activated a predetermined number of times and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. . Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), whether or not the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number, in other words, a predetermined number of rounds is determined. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (S404).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special game is started, the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is the time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has passed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After having been made (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 10, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball-related process (S50), the special electric equipment game process (S400) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 10 once is about 4 msec. Accordingly, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is also executed about every 4 msec. When the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S406 and the process is ended as it is. However, when the second round of processing is performed after about 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. Then, if the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. Return to the game control process. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Since it is considered that the special winning combination game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is left open, the game control process shown in FIG. 10 is resumed.

  While the game control process of FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes in FIG. 16) or a predetermined number of games in the special winning opening 31d. The ball enters (S412: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all rounds have not ended (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the big prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have been completed (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped to end the special game (S416).

  In the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 15, the opening time of the big prize opening at the “specific hit” is set to an extremely short time of about 0.2 seconds. The continuous operation number (that is, the number of rounds) of the continuous operation device is set to an extremely small number of two. For this reason, even if the condition device is activated due to the special symbol being stopped and displayed at the specific winning symbol, the special game will be ended only by repeating the operation of opening the special winning opening 31d twice. become. Furthermore, as described above, when the “specific hit” occurs, the effect display device 27 does not stop and display the three character symbols all together, so that it is difficult to distinguish from the stop symbol at the time of “out”. Yes. For these reasons, the player continues the game without noticing that a “special hit” has occurred and a special game has been played.

  When the special game is completed as described above, an appropriate function is selected from the probability changing function, the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory, and the time-shortening function according to the stop pattern that has caused the special game to start. Process to operate. That is, when the stop symbol is “probability per symbol”, all the functions of the probability variation function, the opening time extension function, and the time reduction function are activated. When the stop symbol is “normal hit symbol”, the opening time extension function and the time reduction function are activated, and when the stop symbol is “specific hit symbol”, only the probability changing function is activated. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIG.

  First, whether or not the special symbol stop symbol that caused the condition device to operate (ie, the stop symbol that caused the special game to start) was a "probable per hit symbol" or a "specific hit symbol" Is determined (S418). If it is neither of them (S418: no), it is considered that the condition device has been activated by the “normal winning symbol”, so that the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S428), and the time reduction function is After the operation is started (S430) and the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is finished, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the stop symbol which activated the condition device is either “probable per symbol” or “specific per symbol” (S418: yes), after starting the probability variation function (S420) Further, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is “specific hit symbol” (S422). And when it is not a specific hit symbol (S422: no), since the special game is started by the probability variation hit symbol, after starting the opening time extension function and the short-time function of the ordinary electric utility ( S428, S430), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special game has been started with the “specific symbol” (S422: yes), when the probability changing function or the opening time extension function is activated when the “specific symbol” is stopped and displayed. As long as the opening time extension function and the time reduction function are activated, the special electric accessory game process is terminated. Corresponding to this, when the special game is started by the “special winning symbol” (S422: yes), it is determined whether or not the probability changing function was activated at the start of the operation of the condition device (S424). ) When the probability changing function is in operation (S424: yes), after operating the opening time extension function and the time shortening function (S428, S430), the special electric machine game process shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. Exit.

  On the other hand, when the probability changing function is not in operation (S424: no), it is determined whether or not the opening time extension function is in operation at the start of the operation of the condition device (S426). If the opening time extension function is in operation (S426: yes), the opening time extension function and the time reduction function are operated (S428, S430), and then the special electric accessory shown in FIGS. The game process ends. On the other hand, if the opening time extension function is not active (S426: no), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is terminated without operating the opening time extension function and the time reduction function. Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  FIG. 18 depends on the type of winning symbol that causes the condition device to be activated and the gaming state when the winning symbol is stopped and displayed (that is, whether or not the probability changing function and the opening time extending function are activated). It is explanatory drawing which showed collectively a mode that a gaming state switched. Paying attention to whether or not the probability changing function is activated and whether or not the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the gaming state in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is classified into four gaming states as shown in FIG. Can do. In other words, the “normal gaming state” in which neither the probability variation function nor the opening time extension function is activated, and the “normal gaming state after the normal hit” in which the probability variation function is not activated but the opening time extension function is activated, The probability change function is activated, but the opening time extension function is not activated, and the game state after probability change and the opening time extension function are both activated. There are four gaming states. In order to avoid complicated explanation, the “normal gaming state” will be referred to as the first mode, the “normal gaming state after gaming” will be referred to as the second mode, and the “specific gaming game state” will be referred to below. This may be referred to as the third mode, and the “gaming state after probability change” may be referred to as the fourth mode.

  When the “normal winning symbol” is stopped and displayed when the gaming state is the normal gaming state, it is determined as “no” in S418 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, and the opening time extension function (and the time shortening function) is activated. Is started (S428, S430), the gaming state is switched to the normal gaming state (second mode). In addition, when the “probability change symbol” is stopped and displayed, “yes” is determined in S418 and “no” is determined in S422, and the probability change function and the opening time extension function (and the time reduction function) start operating. (S420, S428, S430), the gaming state is switched to the gaming state (fourth mode) after probability change. Further, when the “specific symbol” is stopped and displayed in the normal gaming state, it is determined as “yes” in S418, “no” in S424, and “no” in S426, and only the probability changing function starts to operate. Therefore (S420), the gaming state is switched to the after-specific gaming state (third mode). In the upper left corner of FIG. 18, the state in which the gaming state is switched to the normal gaming state (first mode) and the gaming state is switched according to the type of the winning symbol to be stopped is shown. ing.

  In the upper right corner of FIG. 18, when the game state is a normal after-hit game state (second mode), a state in which the game state is switched according to the type of the winning symbol to be stopped is shown. Yes. When the stop symbol is “normal winning symbol” or “probable variation winning symbol”, in the same way as the normal gaming state (first mode) described above, if it is “normal winning symbol”, the gaming state after the normal hit (second If the mode is “probable hit symbol”, the game state after the probability change (fourth mode) is switched. On the other hand, when the display is stopped at the “specific symbol” in the second mode, it is determined as “yes” in S418 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 and “yes” in S426. The opening time extending function (and the time shortening function) is activated, and the gaming state is switched to the gaming state (fourth mode) after the probability change.

  In the following, the specific after-hit gaming state (third mode) shown in the lower left corner of FIG. 18 and the probable after-hit gaming state (fourth mode) shown in the lower right corner are also normal if they are “normal hit symbols”. If the game state after hit (second mode) is “probability change symbol”, the game state is switched to game state after probability change (fourth mode). In addition, when the “specific hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, “yes” is determined in S424 in the flowchart of FIG. 17, so the probability changing function and the opening time extension function (and the time shortening function) are activated, and after the probability change Switch to gaming state (fourth mode).

  As described above, in the special electric accessory game processing of the present embodiment, not only the type of the winning symbol that is stopped but also the gaming state when the winning symbol is stopped (that is, the probability changing function and the opening time extension). The gaming state is changed from the first mode to the fourth mode by activating a function selected from the probability changing function, the opening time extending function, and the time shortening function according to whether or not the function has been activated. The game is played while switching between the four states.

  In the above description, the game states are classified into four game states by paying attention to whether or not the probability changing function is activated and whether or not the opening time extension function is activated. However, when the opening time extension function is activated, the time shortening function is also generally activated. Therefore, the gaming state may be classified by paying attention to whether or not the probability changing function is activated and whether or not the time-shortening function is activated. In this case, the determination in S426 of the flowchart of FIG. 17 is based on “whether or not the time shortening function was activated when the conditional device was activated” rather than “whether or not the opening time extension function was activated when the conditional device was activated”. You can do it.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 can advance the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. As the game progresses, various commands such as a special symbol variation pattern designation command, a stop information designation command, and a symbol stop command are output to the sub-control board 220. The sub-control board 220 produces an effect based on the command thus output. In this way, the main control board 200 performs an effective presentation on the sub control board 220 in synchronism with the game progressing while switching to the four game states described above, even if the big hit state does not occur for a long time. Thus, it becomes possible to reliably attract the player's interest in the game. Hereinafter, a process (effect control process) in which various commands output from the main control board 200 are received and the sub control board 220 performs a game effect will be described.

C-2. Production control process:
C-2-1. Outline of production control processing:
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect control processing performed by the sub-control board 220 in order to produce a game. This process is a process that is automatically started by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220 after power is supplied to the sub control board 220 after completion of a predetermined initial operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  In the effect control process, first, it is determined whether or not a special symbol variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1002). Here, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is a command that is set in the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 15 and designates the variation pattern. This command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 when the determination is made.

  If it is determined that the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S1002: no), the process waits until the command is received. On the other hand, if a variation pattern designation command has been received (S1002: yes), it is next determined whether or not a special symbol stop information designation command has been received (S1004). Here, the special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. This command is output continuously. If it is determined that a special symbol stop information designation command has not been received (S1004: no), the process stands by while repeating this determination until a command is received.

  When the special symbol stop information designation command is received (S1004: yes), the variation display of the character symbol of the representation display device 27 is started and various sound effects are output in a manner corresponding to the variation pattern designation command. Is started (S1006). In addition, when the variation pattern designation command is received, a more specific production content may be determined by performing lottery on the sub-control board 220.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines in which symbol the changing character symbol is to be stopped based on the special symbol stop information designation command (S1008). That is, in the special symbol stop information designation command, whether the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “normal hit symbol”, “probable variation symbol”, “specific hit symbol”, or “outlier symbol”. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 performs a process of determining the stop symbol of the character symbol while matching with the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 based on such information. Here, the character symbol is determined to be a symbol that matches the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28. However, the character symbol is not necessarily matched with the special symbol on the symbol display device 28. It may be determined separately.

  In this way, when the character symbol starts to change and the stop symbol is determined, it is determined whether or not the current effect state is the “specific effect mode” (S1010). Here, the “specific effect mode” is a special effect state that is started when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the “specific symbol”. In addition, as described later, the “specific effect mode” may be started even when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “off symbol”. Therefore, during the “specific effect mode”, the player is given an impression that the gaming state may be a high probability state, and the player's sense of expectation for the big hit can be enhanced. Since the “specific effect mode” is an effect state started by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220, it can be easily determined whether or not the current effect state is the “specific effect mode”.

  And when it is judged that it is not in specific production mode (S1010: no), the process (specific production mode entry judgment processing) which judges whether specific production mode is started is started (S1100). On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific effect mode is being performed (S1010: yes), a process for determining whether or not to end the specific effect mode (specific effect mode end determination process) is performed (S1200). Details of the specific effect mode entry determination process and the specific effect mode end determination process will be described later.

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a symbol stop command has been received (S1012). If the symbol stop command has not been received (S1012: no), the process waits until the command is received. If the symbol stop command is received (S1012: yes), the effect display device 27 stops and displays the character symbol that is being variably displayed. .

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 repeatedly executes the effect control process as described above, and issues various commands such as a special symbol variation pattern designation command, a special symbol stop information designation command, and a symbol stop command from the main control board 200. Upon receipt, control is performed based on the command to determine specific contents of the effect, start the effect, and end the effect. For this reason, the main control board 200 can perform the above-described game control process, determine the contents of the game, and output various commands to the sub-control board 220, so that it is possible to produce effects according to the progress of the game. It has become. In the following, the contents of the specific effect mode entry determination process (S1100) for determining whether or not to start the specific effect mode, and the specific effect mode end determination process (S1200) for determining whether or not to end the specific effect mode. Then, the reason why it is possible to attract the player's interest in the game even if the state where the jackpot does not occur (normal game state) continues for a long time by performing such control will be described.

C-2-2. Specific production mode entry judgment processing:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not to start the specific effect mode (specific effect mode entry determination process). When determining whether or not to start the specific effect mode, first, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the special symbol performed on the main control board 200 is “specific hit” (S1102). As described above with reference to FIG. 19, the specific effect mode entry determination process is performed after receiving the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command from the main control board 200, so that by interpreting these commands, It can be easily determined whether or not the determination result is a specific hit.

  As described above, the character symbol corresponding to the “specific hit symbol” is different from other hit symbols, and a combination of predetermined character symbols in which three symbols are not aligned (for example, “1”, “2”, “4”). ”,“ 1 ”,“ 3 ”,“ 5 ”, etc.).

  And when it is judged that the special symbol's success / failure determination result is “specific hit” (S1102: yes), after starting the specific effect mode (S1110), the specific effect mode entry determination process shown in FIG. 20 is performed. The process returns to the effect control process of FIG. The contents of effects performed in the specific effect mode will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol winning / failing determination result is not “specific hit” (S1102: no), it is determined whether or not the determination result is “going out” (S1104). If it is not “displacement” (S1104: no), the process returns to the effect control process of FIG. 19 without starting the specific effect mode. On the other hand, if the determination result is “out” (S1104: yes), a lottery is performed as to whether or not to start the specific effect mode (S1106). If the lottery is a win (S1108: yes), the specific effect mode is started (S1110), and the process returns to the effect control process of FIG. On the contrary, if the lottery is off (S1108: no), the process returns to the effect control process of FIG. 19 without starting the specific effect mode.

  As described above, the “specific effect mode” is an effect that is started when the determination result of the special symbol performed on the main control board 200 is “special hit”, but when the determination result is “out”. Is an effect that can occur with a certain probability. Here, since the character symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of a specific hit is set to a symbol that is confused with the character symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of losing, when the “specific effect mode” is started, the player It is not possible to distinguish whether or not is due to “specific hits”. For this reason, even if the jackpot state does not occur for a long time (when the normal gaming state continues for a long time), it is possible to attract the player's interest in the game. This point will be described in detail with reference to another drawing.

C-2-3. Specific production mode end judgment processing:
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not to end the specific effect mode (specific effect mode end determination process). This process is a process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in the effect control process described above with reference to FIG.

  When the specific effect mode end determination process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the previously determined character symbol stop symbol is a symbol corresponding to the “probable change per symbol” (S1202). That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 19, the specific effect mode end determination process is a process executed after a stop symbol is determined based on a special symbol stop information designation command during execution of the specific effect mode. From this, it is determined whether or not the determined character symbol is a symbol corresponding to the “probable hit symbol”.

  If it is determined that the character symbol to be stopped and displayed is not the symbol corresponding to the “probable variation symbol” (S1202: no), it is next determined whether or not it is the symbol corresponding to the “normal symbol symbol” (S1204). ). If it is determined that the symbol to be stopped and displayed is either “probable variation symbol” or “normal symbol” (S1202: yes or S1204: yes), the specific effect mode is ended (S1206). ), The specific effect mode end determination process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol to be stopped and displayed is not a symbol corresponding to the “normal winning symbol” (S1204: no), it is determined whether or not it is a symbol corresponding to the “specific winning symbol” (S1210). . When it is determined that the symbol to be stopped is “specific symbol”, that is, when a specific symbol is generated during the specific performance mode (S1210: yes), the current gaming state is the second mode or the third mode. It is determined whether or not it is in a mode (normal after-game state or specific after-game state, see FIG. 18) (S1212). For this determination, a special symbol stop information designation command transmitted from the main control board 200 and a screen for notifying the player of the game state (probability change state, short time state, etc.) after the special game is ended on the effect display device 27. This is possible by always grasping the current gaming state on the side of the sub-control board 220 based on a screen designation command or the like transmitted from the main control board 200 for display. As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the mode is the second mode or the third mode (S1212: yes), the specific effect mode is terminated (S1213), and the “probable promotion effect” is executed (S1214). The specific effect mode end determination process shown in FIG. The probability change promotion effect in S1214 is an effect for notifying the player that the game state has changed to the probability change state. Thereby, the player can obtain the certainty that “a big hit will occur soon” from the expectation that “a big hit may occur” in the specific performance mode.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current mode is not the second mode or the third mode (S1212: no), the current gaming state is the first mode or the fourth mode (the normal gaming state or the gaming state after the probable change, see FIG. 18). It will be. In this case, after notification that the “specific effect mode” is continuously performed (such as displaying the characters “continue”) (S1215), the specific effect mode end determination process shown in FIG. 21 is ended. . In this way, by notifying that the “specific effect mode” is continuously performed, if the current gaming state is the first mode, the player expects that “a big hit may occur”. If the current gaming state is the fourth mode, it is possible to continue the game that is probable while maintaining the expectation that “big hit will occur soon”. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol to be stopped and displayed is not the symbol corresponding to the “specific hit symbol” (S1210: no), since it does not correspond to any hit symbol, the determined character symbol is It is considered to be a symbol corresponding to the “disconnected symbol”. Therefore, in this case, it is determined whether or not the number of symbol fluctuations (that is, the number of times of success / failure determination) since the start of the specific mode effect has reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, 25 times) (S1216). If the number of symbol fluctuations has reached the upper limit (S1216), the determination result is kept off while in the specific effect mode, so the specific effect mode is terminated (S1218). On the other hand, if the number of symbol fluctuations has not yet reached the upper limit value (S1216: no), the specific effect mode end determination process shown in FIG. 21 is ended while continuing the specific effect mode, and the effect control process of FIG. Return.

  As described above, the specific effect mode performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is when the determination result of the special symbol performed on the main control board 200 is “specific hit” (that is, in FIG. 20). S1102: yes) is started, but even if the result of the determination is “miss”, if the lottery is won (that is, S1108 of FIG. 20: yes), the process is started. Once the specific performance mode is started, the special symbol winning / failing determination results are “probable hit”, “normal hit”, “specific hit” (“specific hit” indicates that the gaming state is the second mode or the third mode. The specific effect mode is maintained until one of the winning modes is selected or the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches the upper limit value. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since such a specific effect mode is performed, even if the “big hit” state does not occur for a long time, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the game. . This point will be described below.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the contents of a game that is performed from the start of the specific effect mode to the end thereof. In FIG. 22 (a), when the special symbol is determined to be “specific hit” (that is, the gaming state becomes the gaming state after the specific hit shown in FIGS. 9 and 18), the specific effect mode is set. Shown when started. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “specific per symbol”, as described above with reference to FIG. 15, in the main control board 200, the opening time of the special winning opening 31 d is extremely short (for example, about 0.2 seconds). Is set to 2 (so-called number of rounds) (S3395 in FIG. 15), and as a result, the special gaming state to be performed is completed in a very short time. On the other hand, on the sub control board 220, as described above with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the specific effect mode is started almost simultaneously with the start of the variation of the symbol (S1110), and the effect display device 27 displays the following effect screen. Is displayed.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen displayed on the effect display device 27 during the specific effect mode. As shown in the drawing, during the specific effect mode, an effect screen is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the effect display device 27 so that an enemy character appears and a battle with a friend character is started. In addition, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed small in the lower right corner of the screen. These enemy characters and teammate characters constitute one aspect of the “special effect design” of the present invention. These special effects symbols are displayed on the sub-control board 220. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 constitutes one aspect of the "effect display means" of the present invention.

  As described above, when the specific effect mode is started, an effect that an enemy character and an ally character appear on the screen of the effect display device 27 is performed. On the other hand, in the lower right corner of the liquid crystal screen, the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed. After variably displayed, it is stopped. A special game in which the special winning opening 31d opens following the symbol stop display is started, but as described above, the special game at the time of occurrence of a specific hit ends in a very short time. In addition, when the “specific hit” occurs, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed are set to be confused with the symbols that are stopped and displayed when the player is removed. You do not notice that a condition has occurred.

  When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “specific symbol”, the main control board 200 activates the probability changing function in the above-described special electric accessory game process (S420 in FIG. 17), and the player remains unaware. The game proceeds by switching to a state where a “big hit” is likely to occur (that is, a high probability state). For this reason, when the specific effect mode is started by “specific hit”, the “big hit” is generated with high probability when the game ball enters the start port 17 and the variation display of the special symbol is started. become. As described above with reference to FIG. 17, even after the occurrence of “specific hit”, the opening time of the start port 17 and the variation time of the pattern remain in the state before the occurrence of “specific hit”. Despite being in a state, the player does not notice that a “specific hit” has occurred. That is, when the game state when the special symbol is “specific hit symbol” and is stopped and displayed is the normal game state (first mode), the opening time of the start port 17 and the symbol variation time are “specific hits”. The state before the occurrence, that is, the state where the opening time extension function and the time shortening function do not operate is maintained as it is, so that the starting time 17 and the special symbol change time are in the normal gaming state despite the high probability state. Is kept in the same state. For this reason, the player does not notice that the “special hit” has occurred, or that the gaming state has shifted from the normal gaming state (first mode) to the after-hit gaming state (third mode). It will be.

  And, if the result of determining whether the special symbol is good or bad, the game is continued while maintaining the specific performance mode, but the winning decision probability is set to a high probability. Become. In the example shown in FIG. 23A, when the first specific hit is included after the start of the specific performance mode, a “big hit” (“normal hit” or “probable hit”) occurs in the fourth symbol variation. Yes. If a “big hit” occurs, the enemy character shown in FIG. 23 performs an effect of falling and ends the specific effect mode (S1206 or S1212 of FIG. 21). 27c is stopped and displayed in a hit mode (S1208 or S1214).

  On the other hand, as described above with reference to FIG. 20, the specific effect mode may be started even when the determination result of the special symbol is “exclusion”. FIG. 22B shows a case where the specific effect mode is started when it is determined that the special symbol is “off”. Also in this case, the enemy and teammate characters as shown in FIG. 23 appear and the specific effect mode is started. However, since the result of the special symbol determination is “out”, the state illustrated in FIG. In contrast, the special winning opening 31d is not opened. Further, in this case, the effect of determining whether or not the game is successful is not set to a high probability state, and an effect in which the enemy character and the teammate character are simply fighting as shown in FIG. 23 is performed.

  When the specific performance mode is started by “going out” determination, the probability of success / failure determination of the special symbol remains set to the normal probability, so the result of the determination of success / failure may be a hit, or the number of symbol changes without being hit May reach the upper limit. If the upper limit value is reached without hitting (S1216: yes in FIG. 21), the effect of the ally character shown in FIG. 23 is performed to end the specific effect mode (S1218). The character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a detached manner (S1220). Of course, there is a case where the winning probability is a normal probability, so in this case, after performing the effect that the enemy character falls and finishing the specific effect mode (S1206 or S1212 in FIG. 21), the three character designs 27a , 27b, 27c may be stopped and displayed in a hit state (S1208 or S1214). FIG. 22C illustrates a case where the specific performance mode started by the “departure” determination is ended by the occurrence of “big hit” (“normal hit” or “probable hit”).

  As described above, the specific effect mode illustrated in FIG. 23 is started when the determination of whether or not the special symbol is “specific hit” or “out”. Here, since the specific winning symbol is set to a symbol that is confused with the off symbol, it is difficult for the player to determine which of the validity determination modes is started. Of course, if the movement of the special winning opening 31d is watched, the special winning mode 31d will be open for a moment when it is started by "specific hit", so the specific effect mode is in any pattern. Although it is possible to determine whether the game has started, in the effect display device 27, as shown in FIG. 23, the enemy character and the teammate character are displayed before the special winning opening 31d is opened (before the start of the special game). Since the effect that appears is performed, the player pays attention to the display content of the effect display device 27, and does not notice that the special winning opening 31d is open for a moment. When “specific win” occurs in the normal gaming state (first mode) and the specific performance mode is started, the winning probability is set to the high probability state (the gaming state after the specific hit (third mode) Therefore, if the special symbol can be variably displayed, a “big hit” will occur with a high probability.

  However, in the normal gaming state (first mode), when the “special hit” is reached, the opening time extension function and the time shortening function do not operate, so that the player is in the normal gaming state after the specific effect mode is started. Whether the state (first mode) or the specific after-hit gaming state (third mode) cannot be determined from the appearance of the gaming machine (the operation mode of the start port 17 or the pattern variation mode). For this reason, when the specific effect mode is started, the player expects that a “big hit” will occur with a high probability if the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and causes the game ball to enter the start opening 17. You will be crazy about it. As a result, even if the “hit” has not occurred for a long time (even if the normal gaming state has continued for a long time), it is possible to reliably attract the player's interest in the game.

D. Modified example:
Various modifications exist in the gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, these modified examples will be briefly described.

D-1. First modification:
When attention is paid to the operating state of the opening time extending function for extending the opening time of the start port 17, the above-described embodiment is as follows. First, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “normal hit symbol” or “probable hit symbol”, the opening time extension function is activated. Further, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “specific per symbol”, the operation state of the opening time extension function when the specific per symbol is stopped and displayed is taken over as it is. That is, if the “specific hit symbol” is stopped while the opening time extension function is activated, the opening time extension function is activated, and conversely, the “specific hit symbol” is not activated while the opening time extension function is not operating. When is displayed in a stopped state, the opening time extension function is inactive.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “normal hit symbol”, the opening time extension function is deactivated, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “specific hit symbol”, immediately before that The operating state of the opening time extension function may be determined according to which winning symbol is stopped and displayed. Even in this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the player can hardly notice the occurrence of the specific hit, so that it is possible to attract the player's interest in the game for a long time. Hereinafter, such a first modification will be described.

D-1-1. Special symbol game processing in the first modification:
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special symbol game process performed in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the special symbol game process performed in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification. The special symbol game process performed in the first modified example is a process performed in place of the special symbol game process (S320) in the game control process described above with reference to FIG. Further, the processing content is the processing (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) performed for setting the variation pattern of the special symbol with respect to the special symbol game processing (S320) described above with reference to FIGS. The point that the contents are different from the point that the time shortening function or the opening time extension function does not operate after the so-called normal hit is greatly different, but the other points are the same. Hereinafter, the special symbol game process (S500) performed in the first modified example will be briefly described focusing on these differences.

  As shown in FIG. 24, when the special symbol game process of the first modification is started, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S502), and if not changing (S502: no), It is determined whether or not it is during the stop symbol display time (S504), and whether or not the number of special symbols to be retained remains (S506). If the display time of the stop symbol has passed (S504: no), and the number of special symbols on hold remains (S506: yes), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in probabilistic change (S508). Then, whether or not the special symbol is successful is determined with the winning probability corresponding to each state during the probability change or the non-probability change (S508, S510, S512). Next, in response to the obtained determination result, special symbol variation pattern setting processing is started (S514).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol variation pattern setting process performed in the first modification. The special symbol variation pattern setting process of the first modified example is that the opening time and the number of continuous operations for the big prize opening are not set with respect to the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. Although different, the other points are the same. Further, such processing is performed in the first half of the special symbol game processing, but the processing of the first half of the special symbol game processing of the modified example shown in FIG. 24 is the same as the special symbol game processing described above with reference to FIG. Only the content of the special symbol variation pattern setting process is different from the process of the first half. The contents of the process for setting the special symbol variation pattern will be briefly described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the first modified example is started, first, the determination result of the special symbol is determined (that is, the determination result that is performed immediately before the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 26 is performed). Is determined whether or not there is a probability variation (S5140). If it is not a positive hit (S5140: no), it is determined whether or not it is a normal hit (S5144). If it is not a normal hit (S5144: no), it is next determined whether or not it is a specific hit (S5148). In this way, when the special symbol winning / failing determination result is one of probability variation, normal hit, or specific hit, after determining the stop symbol and variation pattern of the special symbol according to each hit mode (S5142). , S5146, S5150), the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the modification shown in FIG. 26 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination is not any hit mode (S5148: no), the presence or absence of reach is determined (S5152), and then the stop pattern and fluctuation pattern are determined according to the presence or absence of reach. Thereafter, the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the modification shown in FIG. 26 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  As described above, when the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined, the variation of the special symbol is started (S516), the number of reserved special symbols is subtracted by one (S518), and then the sub-control board 220. A variation pattern designation command and a special symbol stop information designation command are output toward (steps S520 and S522).

  On the other hand, if it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S502 in FIG. 24) performed immediately after the special symbol game process of the modified example is started (S502 in FIG. 24), S502: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has passed (S524). When it is confirmed that the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S524: yes), a symbol stop command is output to the sub-control board 220, the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the stop symbol display time is set. (S526, S528, 530). Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the set display time has elapsed (S532: yes), the second half of the special symbol game process of the modified example shown in FIG. 25 is started.

  When the process of the second half of the special symbol game process of the modified example is started, first, the special symbol that is displayed in a stopped state activates the condition device (that is, one of the probability variation symbol, the normal symbol, or the specific symbol) It is determined whether or not (S534). And when it is not the operation | movement symbol of a condition apparatus (S534: no), in the special symbol game process of a modification, a process is complete | finished as it is and it returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the operating symbol of the condition device (S534: yes), it is determined whether or not the symbol is a specific hit symbol (S536). And when it is not a specific hit symbol, that is, when it is a probability change symbol or a normal symbol (S536: no), the operation number of the accessory continuous operation device (continuous operation number) is set to the standard number (this embodiment). Is set to 15 times) (S540), and conversely, if the symbol is a specific hit (S536: yes), after setting the number of continuous operations to the number of specific hits (two in this embodiment) ( S538), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is started (S542). As a result, the special winning opening is opened and the special gaming state is started.

  Also in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, during the special game, the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the opening time extending function of the ordinary electric accessory are not operated. Therefore, when the special device is started by operating the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device (S542), it is subsequently determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S544). If the probability change is in progress (S544: yes), after stopping the operation of the probability change function, the time reduction function, and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory (S546, S548), the special symbol game process of the modified example Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in the process of being probable (S544: no), the probabilistic change function, the time reduction function, and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory are not in operation, so that the special symbol game process of the modified example is continued To the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the game control process returns from the special symbol game process, the special electric accessory game process is subsequently started. As described above with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, in the special electric game game process, the special game (in accordance with the opening time of the special winning opening set in the special symbol game process and the number of continuous operations of the special electric game ( The so-called big hit state) is started. However, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, after the special game started by the normal hit, the time-shortening function and the opening time extension function are not activated, which is different from the above-described special electric accessory game process. ing. Also, the operating state of the opening time extension function after the end of the special game by the specific hit is also different from the above-described special electric accessory game process. Below, the content of the special electric accessory game process performed with the game machine 1 of a 1st modification is demonstrated.

D-1-2. Special electric accessory game processing in the first modification:
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special electric accessory game process in the first modification. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special electric accessory game process in the first modification. The special electric accessory game process performed in the first modification is a process performed in place of the special electric accessory game process (S400) in the game control process described above with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 27 and 28.

  The process of the first half part shown in FIG. 27 is exactly the same as the process of the first half part of the special electric accessory game process described above with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, only the outline will be described. First, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S602). If the game is being opened (S602: yes), it is confirmed that the opening time of the big prize opening has elapsed or that a specified number of game balls have entered the big prize opening, and the big prize opening is closed (S610). , S612, S614). Next, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory has been operated for a predetermined number of continuous operations (S604). If it is not operated (S604: no), the special prize opening is opened again (S608), and a predetermined When the opening time elapses or a specified number of game balls enter, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening is closed and the number of continuous operations has been reached (S610, S612, S614, S604). If it is determined that the number of continuous operations has been reached while repeating these operations (S604: yes), after stopping the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device (S616), a special example of the modification shown in FIG. The second half of the electric game process is started.

  In the latter half of the process, an appropriate function is selected from the probability variation function, the time shortening function, and the opening time extension function depending on whether the symbol that activated the condition device was a probability variation per symbol, a normal per symbol, or a specific per symbol. The process which selects and operates is performed. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 28, when the latter half of the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the symbol for which the condition device has been operated is a probability variation symbol or a specific symbol (S618). In the special electric accessory game process of the modified example, when it is determined that the operation symbol of the condition device is neither the probability variation symbol nor the specific symbol (that is, the normal symbol) (S618: no). The special electric accessory game process is terminated without operating any of the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the opening time extending function, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. As a result, in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, after the normal winning symbol is stopped and the special game is performed, at least until the next winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the probability variation function, the time shortening function, and the opening time extension are extended. The game is played without any of the functions being activated.

  On the other hand, when the operation symbol of the condition device is a probability variation symbol or a specific symbol (S618: yes), after the activation of the probability variation function is started (S620), it is determined whether or not the activation symbol is a specific variation symbol. (S622). If it is determined that the symbol is not a specific winning symbol (that is, a probability winning symbol) (S622: no), the opening time extension function and the time shortening function are started (S628, S630). On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol is a specific winning symbol (S622: yes), it is determined whether or not there is a winning symbol stopped and displayed immediately before the specific winning symbol (S624). And, when there is no winning symbol that is stopped and displayed immediately before the specific winning symbol (S624: no), that is, when the specific winning symbol is the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed for the first time after the gaming machine 1 is turned on. Then, the special electric accessory game process of the modification shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 is terminated without activating the opening time extension function and the time reduction function.

  On the other hand, if there is a winning symbol stopped and displayed immediately before the specific winning symbol (S624: yes), it is next determined whether or not the winning symbol is a “normal winning symbol” (S626). As a result, if the winning symbol stopped and displayed just before the specific winning symbol is a normal winning symbol, the special electric game game process of the modified example is terminated without operating the time reduction function or the opening time extension function. To do.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning symbol stopped immediately before the “specific winning symbol” is not the “normal winning symbol” (S626: yes), the opening time extension function is activated ( S628) After the operation of the time saving function is started (S630), the special electric accessory game process of the modification shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 is ended. That is, the fact that the winning symbol immediately before “specific hit symbol” is not “normal hit symbol” is either “probable hit symbol” or “specific hit symbol”. And if it is “probable hit symbol”, when “special hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, the probability changing function, opening time extension function, and time shortening function have been activated, so the special gaming state for the specific hit has ended. Later, the probability changing function, the opening time extending function, and the time shortening function are operated. In addition, if the winning symbol that was previously stopped is “specific symbol”, the probability variation function was activated when the later “specific symbol” was stopped and displayed. After the special game state is completed, the probability changing function, the opening time extending function, and the time shortening function are activated. In the special electric utility game process of the modified example, when the specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the opening symbol extending function and the shortening function are provided according to the winning symbol with reference to the winning symbol stopped and displayed immediately before that. After the operation, the process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process described above.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the first modification described above, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal winning symbol, the probability changing function, the opening time extension function, and the time reduction function are activated after the special gaming state ends. The game is continued with no play. On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed at the probability change symbol, the game is continued with the probability variation function, the opening time extension function, and the time reduction function activated after the special game state ends. Furthermore, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific winning symbol, after the special gaming state is finished, the operating state of the opening time extension function and the short-time function is determined according to the winning symbol stopped and displayed before that. . In other words, when the winning symbol stopped before the specific winning symbol is a normal winning symbol, the opening time extension function and the time shortening function do not operate according to the normal winning symbol, and only the probability variation function operates. Set to state. In addition, if the winning symbol stopped before the specific winning symbol is a probability variation symbol, the probability variation function, opening time extension function, and time reduction function are all activated according to the probability variation symbol. Is done. Therefore, even if a specific hit occurs, the operating state of the opening time extension function and the short-time function does not change before and after that, so the player is not aware of the occurrence of the specific hit, while the player does not know, The probability of hitting can be switched to a high probability state. As a result, for example, even in the case where an effect that predicts the occurrence of a hit is performed, it is possible not to end with a mere effect, and there is no risk that the effect will be bored by the player. And even if the state where the winning symbol does not stop continues for a long time, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the game.

D-2. Second modification:
In the above-described embodiments, the specific effect mode is described as being determined as whether or not the special symbol is determined to be “special hit” or “out of”, and is started before or after the accompanying symbol variation. However, the timing for starting the specific effect mode is not limited to such timing, and may be started when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  For example, a level gauge may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 27, and the specific effect mode may be started when the value of the level gauge reaches a predetermined value. FIG. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the level gauge 27 g is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27. In the illustrated example, the gauge value is displayed in the form of a bar graph in the upper left corner of the screen. The gauge value increases, for example, by a certain amount each time a game ball enters the start port 17, and when the gauge value reaches “FULL” (or exceeds a predetermined value), the specific performance mode starts. You may be made to do.

  In this way, it is possible to determine from the display of the level gauge 27g whether or not the specific performance mode is likely to be started. In other words, when the specific performance mode is started, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the so-called big hit can be greatly increased. Alternatively, the specific effect mode is started when the number of changes in the special symbol reaches a predetermined value), so it is difficult for the player to determine whether or not the specific effect mode is likely to be started. On the other hand, if the specific effect mode is started when the gauge value displayed on the level gauge 27g reaches a predetermined value, whether or not the specific effect mode is likely to be started by continuing the game for a while. Can be easily determined. As a result, if the level gauge 27g has reached a certain value, the player will think that the specific effect mode will be started a little more, and from the stage before actually starting the specific effect mode. It is possible to greatly enhance the interest of the player.

  When such a level gauge 27g is displayed, if a specific hit occurs, the specific effect mode can be started even if the gauge value does not reach a predetermined value (for example, FULL). Anyway. In other words, if the gauge value does not reach a predetermined value when the specific hit occurs in the normal gaming state (first mode), even if the specific hit occurs, the display of the effect display device 27 is started without starting the specific effect mode. It is possible that the state is set to the same state as the normal gaming state (first mode), and then the gaming state is shifted to the third mode when the value of the level gauge 27g reaches a predetermined value without generating a big hit. It is good also as starting the specific production mode which suggests that there exists property. In this way, since the specific effect mode is not started even though the value of the level gauge 27g is low, the reliability of the level gauge 27g with respect to the specific effect mode can be increased. As a result, if the display of the level gauge 27g reaches a certain value, it becomes possible to make the player's interest more intensely toward the game, and the value of the level gauge 27g reaches a predetermined value and the specific effect mode. If is started, the player's sense of expectation for the big hit can be greatly increased, as in the above-described embodiment.

D-3. Third modification:
In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that a special symbol variation pattern designation command, a special symbol stop information designation command, and a symbol stop command are output from the main control board 200 every time the special symbol variation display is performed. explained. However, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 9, the probability changing function, the opening time extending function of the ordinary electric accessory, and the time shortening function are all activated (see FIG. 18 (the game state of the fourth mode shown in FIG. 18), the state where the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory are activated (the game state of the second mode of FIG. 18), the state where only the probability changing function is activated ( The gaming state in the third mode in FIG. 18) and the state in which no function is activated (the gaming state in the first mode in FIG. 18) can be taken.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification described above, the opening time extension function and the time shortening function do not operate after normal hitting, so the three modes corresponding to the first mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode shown in FIG. Can take a gaming state.

  Therefore, the current game state is stored in the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and a command indicating the current game state is sent to the main control whenever a special symbol change display is performed. It is good also as outputting from the board | substrate 200. FIG. The RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 constitutes one aspect of the “game state information storage unit” of the present invention.

  In this way, if the command indicating the gaming state is output at the time of special symbol variation display, even if the power supply suddenly stops due to a power failure etc. during the game, the game is resumed and the special symbol variation display Since this command is output at the time, it is possible to return the gaming state to the state at the time of occurrence of power interruption at a relatively early stage after the game is resumed.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given assuming that “probable hit” and “specific hit” are distributed according to whether the special symbol is appropriate or not. Instead, if the result of the special symbol's success / failure determination is “probable hit”, when determining the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to that “probable hit” by lottery, It is also possible to assign “probable hits” and “specific hits” by determining one of the “specific hits” symbols. In other words, in the above-described embodiment, “probable hit” and “specific hit” are distributed according to the special symbol determination random number, but the special symbol determination random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determination result Thus, “probable hit” and “specific hit” may be distributed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the special winning opening opening time and the number of continuous operations at the time of winning are set in the special symbol variation pattern processing shown in FIG. Instead of this, the special winning opening opening time and the number of continuous operations may be set in the special symbol game process (see FIGS. 12 and 13). In this case, after the process of S358 in FIG. 13, it is determined whether the operation symbol of the condition device is “probable hit symbol”, “normal hit symbol”, or “specific hit symbol”. Based on the above, it is sufficient to set the opening time of the special winning opening and the number of continuous operations.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state in which game control is performed with a main control board as a center, focusing on functions. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which a main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the special symbol's success / failure. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of a special electric accessory game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed collectively a mode that a gaming state switches with the kind of winning symbol and the gaming state at the time of a symbol stop. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the presentation control process which a sub control board | substrate performs in order to produce a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process (specific production mode entry judgment processing) which judges whether specific production mode is started. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process (specific production mode completion | finish judgment processing) which judges whether specific production mode is complete | finished. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the content of the game performed after the specific production | presentation mode is started until it complete | finishes. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the screen displayed on an effect display apparatus in specific effect mode. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process in a 1st modification. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process in a 1st modification. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special electric accessory game process in a 1st modification. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special electric accessory game process in a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the level gauge is displayed on the screen of an effect display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine,
27. Effect display device (symbol display means),
28 ... symbol display device (symbol display means),
200 ... main control board (gaming state control means, a special winning opening opening means, the probability change means, the opening time extension unit, usually per post game execution means, probability variable per post game execution means, the game executing hand stage after per specific )
202 ... RAM (game state information storage means),
220. Sub-control board (effect display means).

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface,
A starting port that can be switched between a normal state in which a game ball is less likely to enter and an open state in which the game ball is more likely to enter than the normal state;
A large winning opening that can be switched between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter and an open state in which a game ball can enter,
A symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a variable manner after the game ball has entered the start opening, and then stopping and displaying the symbol at any symbol;
When a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, special game executing means for executing a special game for bringing the large winning opening in the closed state into the open state;
After the end of the special game, probability changing means for setting the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means is higher than normal.
An opening time extending means for extending a time for opening the start opening after the special game is completed;
According to the winning symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, after-hit game control means for controlling the operation of the probability changing means and the opening time extending means after the special game is ended,
With
The special game execution means includes
When the probability variation winning symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol by the symbol display means, it is easy to enter the game ball into the grand prize opening by opening the special winning opening for the first opening time. First special game execution means for executing the first special game;
When a specific winning symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol by the symbol display means, the special winning opening is opened only for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, so that Second special game execution means for executing a second special game in which entry of a game ball is difficult compared to the first special game;
Comprising
The hit after game control means,
When the first special game in which the probability variation per symbol in the symbol display unit is executed in response to that stop-displayed is finished, probability variation per running the game to actuate the probability change means and the opening time extension means Post-game execution means;
Wherein the specific per symbol is the second special game to be executed in response to that stop-displayed is finished, the display specific per symbol is stopped became execution timing of the second special play in the symbol display unit When the operating state of the opening time extending means when being operated is in operation, a game for operating the opening time extending means and the probability varying means is executed, and the execution timing of the second special game is A game that activates only the probability varying means without activating the opening time extending means when the operating state of the opening time extending means when the specified winning symbol is stopped is displayed. A specific after-game executing means for executing
A gaming machine characterized by comprising the above. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The special game execution means includes
When the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol by the symbol display means, the first special game executing means is configured to execute the first special game,
The hit after game control means,
When the first special game that is executed when the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means ends, a game that activates the opening time extension means without activating the probability varying means. A game machine characterized by further including a normal hit-after-game execution means to be executed .

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