JP4736061B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface.

  When a game ball is launched on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances into which game balls can be entered, and a game ball enters any of the entrances, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls. 2. Description of the Related Art A ball game machine that performs a game to be paid out is widely known. On the game board surface of such a ball game machine, it is called an effect display device that produces an effect that is stopped and displayed after variably displaying an effect design, a special entrance called a start entrance, or a grand prize entrance There is a special entrance, etc., and when a game ball enters the start opening, variable display is started on the effect display device, and when a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed, the grand prize opening opens. A special gaming state (so-called jackpot game) advantageous to the player is started. In addition, when a game ball enters the start opening during the variation display of the effect design, even if the big hit game is not started by the variation display, a new variation display can be started immediately. The incoming game ball is stored as a hold, and the stored number of holds (the number of holds) is displayed.

  In addition, in such a ball game machine, an effect called continuous notice may be performed. This is because, for example, when the jackpot game is started when the production symbols are all stopped and displayed at “777”, first, when the stop display is displayed at “757” with a certain notice, and then the display is changed. The effect is to stop display at “767” with the same notice as the previous time. If such an effect is performed, the player will next draw a change with a similar notice and stop display at “777”, expecting that a big hit game will be started, and will be drawn into the game unintentionally. It is possible to enjoy the game greatly.

  In addition, the continuous notice effect is not performed across multiple variable displays of a plurality of winnings, but is performed in a single variable display of a single prize (such an effect is a pseudo continuous notice effect) Or sometimes called a pseudo-continuous notice effect). For example, after starting the variable display with a certain notice, temporarily stop at "757", immediately resume the variable display with the same notice, temporarily stop again at "767", and finally repeat the same The variable display is started with the advance notice, and finally stopped and displayed with any of the symbols. In other words, by performing a temporary stop during a single fluctuation display, an effect similar to that of continuous notice is performed. However, unlike the normal continuous notice effect, the continuous notice effect in this manner does not decrease the number of holds even if the effect design is temporarily stopped. It turns out that there is, and in some cases, the player's interest may be chilled. Therefore, when performing a pseudo continuous notice effect, there is also a technology that increases the number of holdings when the game ball enters the start opening, and decreases the number of holdings increased when temporarily stopping. It has been proposed (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).

JP 2005-87342 A JP 2005-137842 A

  However, with the proposed technology, when a game ball enters the start port, the number of holds increases more than the number of game balls entered, which gives the player a sense of incongruity. There was a problem that it was realized that it was a continuous continuous notice effect.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and it is possible to perform a pseudo continuous notice effect without the player's understanding and greatly enhance the player's interest. The purpose is to provide a ball game machine.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A ball that launches a game ball toward a game board provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters any of the entrances, a ball that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls In a ball game machine,
The entrance that is configured to be able to be switched between an open state in which a game ball can easily enter and a normal state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball. A starter,
An effect display device that is provided on the game board surface and performs an effect of stopping and displaying after a predetermined effect design is variably displayed;
When a game ball enters the start opening, a variation time determining means for determining a variation time from the start of the effect symbol to the stop display after the start of the variation display;
An effect execution means for executing an effect of variably displaying the effect design after determining the change mode of the effect design based on the change time;
If a game ball enters the start port during the variation display of the effect symbol, the game ball is inserted in order to start a new variation display after the effect symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed. A holding number storage means for storing the number of balls as a holding number;
A hold number display means for displaying the hold number stored in the hold number storage means;
A holding number change display means for displaying a holding number different from the holding number stored in the holding number storage means on the holding number display means when a specific condition is established during the game,
It is possible to perform a continuous notice effect as an effect of a variation mode in which the effect design is temporarily stopped after the change display with a predetermined notice and the change display with the notice is started again,
When the number-of-holds change display means detects that the start port is in the open state, it is determined whether or not the opening has been performed before the temporary stop of the effect symbol during execution of the continuous notice effect. Judgment is made, and if the continuous notice effect is being made and before the temporary stop, the display of the hold number is increased by 1, and then the display of the hold number is set to 1 at the start of the variable display following the temporary stop. It is characterized by reducing it.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when a game ball enters the start opening, it is possible to execute an effect of stopping and displaying the effect design after the effect design is variably displayed on the effect display device. If a game ball enters the start opening during the fluctuation display, the number of game balls entered is stored as a hold number and displayed so that the display is changed and displayed again after the stop display. It has become. In addition, after performing a variable display with a predetermined notice and temporarily stopping the design for production, a continuous notice effect that starts a variable display with a predetermined notice can be executed again. When the starting port is in an open state and the opening is made before the temporary stop, the display of the number of holdings is increased by one and then decreased by one at the start of the variable display following the temporary stop. It has become.

  In this way, during the continuous notice effect, the display of the number of holds will be reduced when the display of the change of the design for the effect is started, as in the case of the normal effect. Never give. In addition, the timing for increasing the display of the number of holds is increased when the start port is in an open state (that is, a state in which game balls are easy to enter), so the number of holds is increased during the continuous notice effect Even if it is allowed, the player will not feel a sense of incongruity by misunderstanding that the game ball has entered the starting port. As a result, since it is difficult to realize that the ongoing continuous notice effect is a pseudo continuous notice effect performed as a simple effect, it is possible to greatly increase the interest of the player in the game.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, a starting port may be provided above the effect display device.

  Since the player pays attention mainly to the effect display device during the game, if the start opening is provided above the effect display device, the opening opening can be seen by the player, but the opening start It is possible to create a state that is difficult to confirm until a game ball enters the mouth. As a result, even if the display of the number of holdings is increased in accordance with the movement of the start opening, the player has probably opened the start opening, so the game ball must have entered, so there is something strange. It is possible to increase the display of the number of holds without giving.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, when the starting port is in a normal state, the gaming ball may not be able to enter the starting port.

  In this way, the player will be strongly aware of the opening of the starting port and the game ball of the starting port entering, so that the player can hold it when the starting port opens. Even if the display of the number is increased, the player does not feel any sense of incongruity because the player feels that the game ball has entered. As a result, it is difficult for the player to realize that the continuous notice effect is a mere effect that is performed as an effect, so that it is possible to greatly excite the player's interest in the game.

Alternatively, instead of increasing the number of holds at the timing when the start port is opened, the display of the number of holds is increased at the timing when the preconditions for the opening of the start port are satisfied. May be. That is, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention of such an aspect is
A ball that launches a game ball toward a game board provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters any of the entrances, a ball that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls In a ball game machine,
A passing gate provided on the surface of the game board and through which a game ball can pass;
Lottery means for performing a lottery upon detecting that a game ball has passed through the passing gate;
It is configured to be able to switch between an open state where a game ball can be easily entered and a normal state where it is difficult to enter the game ball before the open state. A starting opening, which is an entry ball opening,
An effect display device that is provided on the game board surface and performs an effect of stopping and displaying after a predetermined effect design is variably displayed;
When a game ball enters the start opening, a variation time determining means for determining a variation time from the start of the effect symbol to the stop display after the start of the variation display;
An effect execution means for executing an effect of variably displaying the effect design after determining the change mode of the effect design based on the change time;
If a game ball enters the start port during the variation display of the effect symbol, the game ball is inserted in order to start a new variation display after the effect symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed. A holding number storage means for storing the number of balls as a holding number;
A hold number display means for displaying the hold number stored in the hold number storage means;
A holding number change display means for displaying a holding number different from the holding number stored in the holding number storage means on the holding number display means when a specific condition is established during the game,
The effect execution means can execute a continuous notice effect as an effect of a variation mode in which the effect design is temporarily stopped after the variable display accompanied by a predetermined notice, and the variable display accompanied by the notice is started again.
When the holding number change display means detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate, it determines whether or not the passing has been performed before the temporary stop of the effect symbol during execution of the continuous notice effect. In the case of the continuous notice effect and before the temporary stop, the display of the number of holdings is increased by one, and then the number of holdings is displayed by one at the start of the variable display following the temporary stop. It is characterized by decreasing.

  Also in such a ball game machine of the present invention, if the number of holdings is increased at the timing when the game ball passes through the passing gate, the player probably enters the starting port and the game ball enters the ball. Since it is misunderstood, it is possible to increase the display of the number of holds without giving a sense of incongruity. In such a ball game machine, the player can easily check the game ball passing through the passing gate, but the opening operation of the start opening (or whether the game ball has entered the start opening) It is desirable to provide a pass gate and a start port at positions where it is difficult for the player to confirm. In this way, even if the player knows that the game ball has passed through the passing gate during the game, he / she must confirm whether or not the start port is open and whether the game ball has entered. It becomes difficult. Therefore, if the display of the number of holds increases, the start port is probably opened and it is assumed that a game ball has entered, so the number of holds can be increased without a sense of incongruity. As a result, since it is difficult to realize that the ongoing continuous notice effect is a pseudo continuous notice effect performed as a simple effect, it is possible to greatly increase the interest of the player in the game.

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. Overview of control:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
D. Production control processing:
D-1. Continuous notice effect execution processing:

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 at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various 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. Further, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side (player side) of the upper plate part 5, and the player changes the game conditions during the game by pressing the switch. It is possible to intervene in the progress of the game.

  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 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. 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. In addition, a starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided above the central device 26, and a variable winning device 18 is provided below the central device 26. 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. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a protrusion that prevents the game ball from entering the start port 17 is provided immediately above the start port 17. For this reason, in a normal state where the wing pieces are upright, practically, the game balls hardly enter, and the game balls enter the start port 17 only when the pair of wing pieces open to the left and right. It is supposed to be.

  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 display various symbols such as an effect symbol and a background symbol in a variable display and a stop display. 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.

  Normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 11, and gate switches 36s and 37s for detecting the passage of the game ball are provided inside the gates. Further, lamp wind turbines 24 and 25 are provided between the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 26, respectively. 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. The 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 described later is satisfied. As a result, the game ball enters the large winning opening 31d with a high probability, and is a big hit that is a gaming state advantageous to the player. A gaming state is started. In addition, 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 a 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 effect symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. Has been. Of these, the three effect 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 rendered. In addition, the number of reserved symbols 27e provided at the lower left corner of the liquid crystal screen displays the number of reserved special symbols described later. Therefore, the hold number display part 27e of the present embodiment corresponds to the “hold number display means” in the present invention.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in 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 ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 and the CPU 221, ROM 222, and RAM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220 are shown.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives the detection signal of the game ball from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switches 36s, 37s, etc. After determining whether or not it is involved, 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. Further, 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 port 17, a large prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the big prize 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 outputs signals to these various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Thus, these operations are 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, The game is rendered 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 one of the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 provided on the left and right of the game area 11, the symbol display device 28 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display portion 29a and the right normal symbol display portion 29b. The left normal symbol display unit 29a is configured to be able to light red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 29b 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 29a and 29b 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 extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in a mode of switching one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped in any one of the four display states. At this time, when 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.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the starting port 17 is in a normal state, the starting port 17 hardly wins. Instead, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the probability of almost 100%. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the normal design operating gates 36 and 37 are provided at the left and right positions of the effect display device 27, and the player is relatively aware that the game ball has passed through the gate. It becomes easy to notice. In this embodiment, in order for the start port 17 to be in the open state, the normal symbol must be displayed in a stopped state after the normal symbol is displayed in a varying state. It is necessary to pass through one of the operating gates 36 and 37. Therefore, the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37 of this embodiment correspond to the “pass gate” in the present invention.

  If the game ball passes through either of the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 during the normal symbol fluctuation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and the current normal symbol fluctuation display ends. Later, a variable display is performed. 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.

  If the symbol displayed as “-” is “-”, the special symbol is removed, but if any other combination of symbols is stopped, the special symbol is a hit and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. A special gaming state is started. That is, as combinations of symbols on which the special symbol is won, there are 10 types of combinations excluding “−” from the 12 types of symbols shown in FIG. Further, the special gaming state of the present embodiment is configured such that the gaming state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is in an open state is repeated for a predetermined round. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, a game ball enters with a high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol variation 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).

  Also, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is the winning combination, the 5 types of combinations surrounded by a solid line are so-called “probable variation per symbol”. When the game is stopped at any one of these combinations of probability variation symbols, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is higher than that in the normal state from the end of the special game to the start of the next special game. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation gaming state (or probability variation state or simply probability variation).

  Further, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the five types of combinations surrounded by a broken line are so-called “ordinary winning symbols”. If you stop at one of these normal winning symbol combinations, after the special game is over, the special symbol will be variably displayed a predetermined number of times (in this example, 100 times) or until the next special game state is started. During this period, the special symbol variation time is shortened and the opening time of the start port 17 is lengthened. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time reduction state (or a short time state, or simply a short time). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, such a time-saving function is activated not only when the stop display is performed with the normal winning symbol but also when the stop display is performed with the positive variation symbol. Eventually, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the ten types of winning symbols shown in FIG. 7, the time-saving function is always activated after the special gaming state ends.

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. 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, on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27, three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the symbol display device 28 described above, also in the effect display device 27, these three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed as an effect design is prepared.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left effect design 27a is first stopped and displayed in any of the symbols "1" to "9", and then the right effect design 27c is stopped and displayed. Finally, the medium effect design 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination of the three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be linked 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 the winning symbol, the three symbols for effect 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-mentioned probability variation symbol, the three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination that does not match the same symbol.

  In this way, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other, and the respective display symbols are displayed. The timing at which is confirmed (displayed when stopped) is also set to be 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 effect symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right effect symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, the stop effect is finally displayed. Then, the player pays attention to the variation of the symbols, so that the medium effect symbols 27b are also stopped at the same symbol and become a so-called big hit gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol in the state where the two symbols for the effect are stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, which can increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It is possible.

C. Game machine control contents:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the game machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 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 accessory stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric accessory 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. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 progresses, and the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to a game ball winning (such as the start opening switch 17s or the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When 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 payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (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 ordinary electric accessory is in operation, in other words, whether or not the starting port 17 is open. If the normal electric accessory is not operating, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the normal electric accessory is operating, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no). If 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 not to perform the normal symbol game process (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the number of held ordinary symbols is present (whether it is “0”). If the number of retained symbols is present, whether or not the ordinary symbol is present is determined. Here, the reserved number of normal symbols is set when the game ball passes through either of the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37. In this embodiment, the upper limit value of the reserved number is set to “4”. Yes. Then, based on the determination result of the normal symbol, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 6C) or to be stopped and displayed with any other off symbol. 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. At this time, when the hit symbol of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. When the ordinary electric accessory is operated in this way, the pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17 rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in an open state. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a command indicating that the starting port 17 is opened (starting port opening command) is output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 prior to the opening of the starting port 17. It has come to be. Further, as will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a pseudo continuous notice effect can be executed, and the sub-control board 220 opens the opening of the start port 17 during the execution of such effect. By performing the production in accordance with the above, it is possible to appropriately perform the pseudo continuous notice production.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is operating (S190). If it is in operation (S190: yes), a process for stopping 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. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. As shown in the figure, when the ordinary electric accessory stopping process is started, 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. Accordingly, 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 opening 17 returns to the normal state even when 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. 10 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.

  In the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory stop process, the process related to the special symbol is started. In this process, after determining whether or not a predetermined condition for performing a special symbol game process described later is satisfied, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the special symbol game process is started.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start special symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S302). As described above, the start port 17 s that detects the entrance of a game ball is provided inside the start port 17, and can detect that a game ball has entered.

  If the game ball has passed through the start port switch 17s (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbols held has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment) (S304). If the reserved number has not reached the upper limit (S304: no), a special symbol success / failure determination random number, a symbol determination random number, and a variation pattern determination random number are acquired and stored (S306). Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful, and the symbol determination random number is a random number for determining the special symbol to be stopped and displayed according to the special symbol's success / failure determination result. The variation pattern determination random number is a random number used to determine a special symbol variation pattern described later. Next, after adding “1” to the number of reserved special symbols, a command for specifying the number of reserved special symbols (special figure reserved number designation command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S307). On the other hand, if the number of reserved special symbols has reached 4 (S304: no), the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, the symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number are not acquired. As a result, it is possible to store up to four of these random numbers related to the special symbols as well as the above-mentioned normal symbol success / failure determination random numbers, and the game ball enters the starting port 17 during the variation of the special symbols. Each time, the special figure holding number designation command for displaying the number of holdings of special symbols is output to the sub-control board 220 until the number of holdings reaches the upper limit of four.

  Note that the process of storing the number of reserved special symbols is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executing the above-described special symbol game start determination process. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “holding number storage unit” in the present invention.

  When the process related to the special symbol hold is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (S308). The special game process to be described later is a process for starting a big hit game, which is a special game advantageous to the player, when the special symbol is variably displayed and stopped with a predetermined hit symbol. If a big hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeatedly start a big hit game. Therefore, when the process related to the special symbol hold is completed, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (S308). It is determined to start (that is, S300: yes). On the other hand, if the game is already in the big hit game (S308: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S300: no).

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S320). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped.

C-2. 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 or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S324: no), the number of special symbols on hold is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S326). As described above, the number of reserved special symbols can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the number of special symbols held is “0” (S326: yes), 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 the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S326: no), a process for determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate (special symbol success / failure determination process) is started. (S330).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate. As shown in the figure, when the special symbol success / failure determination process is started, first, a process of reading a special symbol success / failure determination random number is performed (S3300). The special symbol success / failure determination random number means that the number of reserved special symbols is four when it is determined that the game ball has entered the start port 17 in the special symbol game start determination process described above with reference to FIG. It is a random number acquired up to 4 until it reaches. In the special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 14, first, a process of reading one special symbol success / failure determination random number stored in advance is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability change state (S3302). If it is a probability change state (S3302: yes), a probability determination table for probability change is selected (S3304), and if it is not a probability change state (S3302). : No), the validity determination table for uncertain change is selected (S3306). Here, the success / failure determination table is a table in which the determination result of the special symbol is determined in association with the random determination random number of the special symbol, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a special symbol determination table stored in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 15A shows a non-probability change determination table, and FIG. 15B shows a probability change determination table. As shown in the figure, in the success / failure determination table, the success / failure determination result of the special symbol “win” or “out” is set in association with the random determination random number of the special symbol. Further, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the probability variation determination table shown in FIG. 15B is used for the non-probability variation shown in FIG. “Win” determination result is set to a larger number of random numbers than the determination table.

  Next, based on the special symbol success / failure determination random number read out earlier, it is determined whether or not the special symbol's success / failure determination result is “winning” by referring to the selected success / failure determination table (S3308). As described above, the accuracy determination success / failure determination table referred to in the probability variation state is more likely to win a lot of special symbol success / failure determination random numbers than the non-accuracy variation accuracy determination table referred to when not in the probability variation state. Since the success / failure determination result is set, the success / failure determination result of “winning” is generated with a higher probability during the probability change than during the non-accuracy change.

  If it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol is a win (S3308: yes), after the symbol determination random number is read (S3310), a process of determining the big hit symbol of the special symbol is performed (S3312). Here, the symbol determination random number is a random number acquired together with the special symbol success / failure determination random number in the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. 11 when a game ball enters the starting port. The special symbol jackpot symbol is determined by referring to the jackpot symbol determination table based on the symbol determination random number.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory view exemplifying a jackpot symbol determination table referred to in order to determine a jackpot symbol of a special symbol. As shown in the figure, in the jackpot symbol determination table, a jackpot symbol of a special symbol is set in advance in association with the symbol determination random number. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, since 10 types of jackpot symbols are set, these 10 types of jackpot symbols are also set in the jackpot symbol determination table. . If the determination result of the special symbol is “winning”, the big hit symbol determination table of FIG. 16 is referred to based on the symbol determination random number acquired when the game ball enters the start port 17. As a result, a process is performed for determining which jackpot symbol the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the other symbol is “excluded” (S3308: no in FIG. 14), the symbol determination random number is read out as in the case of “winning” (S3314), and then the special symbol is out-of-sequence. Is performed (S3316). The process of determining the off symbol is also performed by referring to the off symbol determining table in which the out symbol is preset with respect to the symbol random number. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, only two types of symbols are provided for the special symbols, so the symbol determination table includes symbol determination random numbers. One of the off symbols is set.

  As described above, in the special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 14, the special symbol success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number previously obtained are read to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful, Depending on the result, a process of determining a special symbol jackpot or missing symbol is performed (S3312 or S3316). When the big win symbol or the off symbol is determined, the special symbol success / failure determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the special symbol game process, after returning from the special symbol success / failure determination process (S330), the process for setting the variation pattern of the special symbol is subsequently started (S338).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting a variation pattern of a special symbol (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) in the special symbol game process. This process is also a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as in the special symbol game process.

  When starting the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the special symbol win / fail determination result is a win (S3380). Since the special symbol success / failure determination has already been performed in the special symbol success / failure determination processing described above with reference to FIG. 14 prior to the special symbol variation pattern setting processing, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives the success / failure determination result. It is possible to immediately determine whether or not. If the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is successful (S3380: yes), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a short time (that is, the short time function is in operation) (S3382). If it is medium (S3382: yes), a variation pattern table (variation pattern table for hit / shortening) to be used when the determination result is true and the time is short is selected (S3384). On the other hand, when the time is not short (S3382: no), a variation pattern table (a variation pattern table for hit / non-time shortening) used when the determination result is true and the time is not short is selected (S3386). . These variation pattern tables are set in advance in the ROM 222 mounted on the main control board 200. The term “short time” here refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation, and includes the probability change game.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for hitting / shortening time set in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. As shown in the drawing, a variation pattern of a special symbol is set in the variation pattern table in association with the value of the variation pattern determination random number. Here, the variation pattern determination random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. When a game ball enters the start port 17, it is acquired together with the special symbol success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number. It is a random number. Each variation pattern is preset with a variation time of a special symbol. For example, a variation pattern “pattern special 3” is set for a value in the range of the variation pattern determination random number “0 to 85”, and the variation pattern has a variation time of 25.1 seconds for the special symbol. Is set to be a fluctuation pattern. Similarly, a variation pattern of “pattern special 4” is set for random values in the range of “86 to 172”, and this variation pattern is set to indicate that the variation time of the special symbol is 35.2 seconds. Has been.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for hit / non-time reduction. Like the hit / short-time fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 18, the hit / non-short-time fluctuation pattern table also has a special symbol fluctuation pattern and a fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern determination random number. ing. Incidentally, the variation pattern table of FIG. 18 is a table for time reduction, and the variation pattern table of FIG. 19 is a table for non-time reduction, so that the variation pattern set in FIG. A pattern having a shorter variation time than the set variation pattern is set.

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol win / fail determination result is a win (S3380: yes), depending on whether the time is short or not, the variation pattern table for hit / short time or the When one of the non-time variation pattern tables is selected, a variation pattern determination random number is read (S3388). Then, by referring to the variation pattern table based on the read variation pattern determination random number, the variation pattern of the special symbol when the determination result is “win” is determined (S3390).

  As described above, the processing for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol is described when the determination result of the special symbol is a win (S3380: yes in FIG. 17). The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as follows.

  When it is determined that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3380: no), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short in time (S3392), as in the case where the winning is determined. If the time is short (S3392: yes). A variation pattern table (a variation pattern table for outlier / time reduction) used when the determination result is out of time and time is short is selected (S3394). On the other hand, if the result is not within time reduction (S3392: no), A fluctuation pattern table (fluctuation pattern table for deviation / non-time reduction) to be used when it is out of place and not in time saving is selected (S3396). The variation pattern table used in the case of these deviations is also set in the ROM 222 mounted on the main control board 200, similarly to the variation pattern table in the case of winning. The term “short time” here refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation, and includes the probability change game.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for detachment / shortening time set in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for detachment / non-time reduction. As shown in the figure, the variation pattern and variation time of the special symbol are also set in association with the variation pattern determination random number in the variation pattern table when the determination result is wrong. As described above, even when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3380: no), depending on whether the time is short or not, the variation pattern table for out / time reduction or the variation pattern table for out / non-time reduction is displayed. Select one. Subsequently, after reading the variation pattern determination random number (S3398), the variation pattern of the special symbol when the determination result is “out” is determined by referring to the selected variation pattern table (S3400).

  In the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 17, after determining the variation pattern of the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol as described above, the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. As shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 21, the variation pattern corresponds to the variation time of the special symbol, and the variation time of the effect symbol performed in the effect display device 27 is the special symbol. Is consistent with the fluctuation time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that determines the variation pattern of the special symbol corresponds to the “variation time determining means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when returning from the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S340). 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 reserved special symbols is decremented by 1. Therefore, a process of subtracting 1 from the data of the number of reserved special symbols stored in the RAM on the main control board 200 is performed. After the execution (S342), a command for designating the number of special symbols to be reserved (special figure reservation number designation command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S343). Then, after outputting the command (special symbol variation pattern designation command) for designating the previously determined special symbol variation pattern to the sub-control board 220 (S344), the special symbol stop symbol is designated. A command (special symbol stop information designation command) is similarly output to the sub-control board 220 (S346).

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command in this way, thereby varying the special symbol variation time displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the special symbol suspension. You can know information about symbols. Also, by receiving the special symbol hold number designation command, it is possible to know the number of special symbols held on the special symbol hold display unit 30c. Furthermore, since the start port opening command is output when the start port 17 is opened, the timing at which the start port 17 opens can be known by receiving such a command. Therefore, in accordance with these pieces of information, an effect mode performed by the effect display device 27 is determined, and a control command for instructing the determined effect mode is output to the effect control board 230. By doing so, various effect displays using the effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also performed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the special symbols performed on the symbol display device 28.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern and stop symbol of the special symbol as described above and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command to the sub-control board 220, The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S322: no in FIG. 12) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 12 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S322 performed first (S322: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation 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 fluctuation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is output to the sub-control board 220 (S350). At the same time, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with the symbol set in advance (S352). Next, after setting a time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time) (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (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 either the normal hit symbol or the probability variation hit symbol shown in FIG. 7 (that is, the big hit symbol). In S358 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the special symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 are these big hit symbols.

  If the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), the opening time of the big prize opening (large winning opening time), and the continuous operation of the accessory continuous activation device The number of times is set (S359). In this embodiment, the opening time of the big winning opening (large winning opening opening time) is set to about 26 seconds, and the continuous operation number is set to 15 times.

  Thus, after setting the opening time of the special winning opening and the number of continuous operations, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device to be described later, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in either of the above-mentioned “probable hit symbol” or “normal hit symbol”. And the operation is started and the special winning opening 31d is opened. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the closed prize winning opening 31d. As will be described in detail later, by operating the condition device and the accessory continuous action device in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. The state 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 activated, these functions are stopped (S364, S366). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a probable change (S362: no), then it is checked whether the time is short (S368), and if it is short (S368: yes) Is stopped (S366). 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 start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) is also working, so when the time reduction function is stopped (S366) ) After stopping the function of extending the ordinary electric accessory opening time (S368), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exited, and the game control process of FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated 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 conditional device (S358: yes) has been described. If the symbol is not activated (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short of time (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). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time-short state is started after the end of the special game in either case of “probable hit” or “normal hit”, and the next big hit game state occurs, or It is set to continue until the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times. Therefore, when it is determined that the current gaming state is short of time (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol (S376), it is determined whether or not the count value of the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number. To do. Then, if the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S380), and then the function for extending the ordinary electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S368), and then FIG. 12 and FIG. After exiting the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 9, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. 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 process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, 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 the special game state 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, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and a series of the above-described prize ball related process (S50) and subsequent steps. Repeat the process.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow 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. 22, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called 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 the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened 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 gaming state ends. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the special game described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process (S400), it is first determined 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). As described above, the special electric accessory is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d, and when a special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory operates a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. ing. 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 a 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 31d has passed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After the opening (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 22 is temporarily 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. 9, 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. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 22 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 22 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S408, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round process is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  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. 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. 22 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. 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. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 22 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is open, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes), or a prescribed number of gaming balls are placed in the special winning opening 31d. A ball is entered (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 the 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 new 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 action device is stopped to end the special game state (S416).

  When the special game is completed as described above, it is determined whether the special symbol for operating the condition device is the “probable hit symbol” or the “normal hit symbol” (S418). If it is based on the “probability change symbol” (S418: yes), after starting the operation of the probability change function (S420), start the operation of the time reduction function and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory. (S422, S424), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 22 is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol that will cause the condition device to operate is not the “probable variation symbol” (S418: no), the condition device has been activated according to the “normal symbol”. Therefore, the process of starting the operation of the probability changing function (S420) is skipped, the operation of the time reduction function is started (S422), and then the operation of the normal electric accessory opening time extension function is started (S424). The special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 22 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. In the special symbol game process during the game control process, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined (S330 in FIG. 12). The device is activated (S360 in FIG. 13), and the special gaming state is started. In addition, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sends various commands such as a special symbol variation pattern designation command, a special symbol stop information designation command, and a symbol stop command to the sub control board 220 while performing such processing. Output.

  The sub control board 220 determines the contents of the effect based on the command received from the main control board 200, and then outputs the control command to the effect control board 230, whereby the effect content performed on the effect display device 27 is performed. Is controlling. Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a special effect called a continuous notice effect can be executed. Here, the continuous notice effect is an effect in which a plurality of symbol variations performed on the effect display device 27 are not performed as separate effects, but as a series of effects having continuity. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the sub-control board 220 performs a continuous notice effect by performing a plurality of symbol variations based on a command received from the main control board 200. Special processing is performed in order to effectively perform the continuous notice effect. Hereinafter, a process in which the sub control board 220 performs an effect based on a command from the main control board 200 will be described in detail.

D. Production control process:
D-1. Outline of production control processing:
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect control processing executed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment. In addition, the process which determines the production | presentation aspect performed with the production | presentation display apparatus 27 based on the fluctuation pattern designation | designated command from the main control board 200 is performed when CPU221 of the sub control board 220 performs the production | presentation control process demonstrated below. It has been realized. Therefore, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the “production execution means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 23, 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). As described above with reference to FIG. 12, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol game process, and then designates the determined variation pattern (special symbol variation pattern designation). Command) is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S344 in FIG. 12). In the effect control process, first, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command output from the main control board 200 has been received. If it is determined that the variation pattern designation command has not yet been received (S1002: no in FIG. 23), the command enters a standby state while monitoring the command.

  When it is confirmed that the variation pattern designation command has been received (S1002: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not a special symbol stop information designation command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1004). As described above with reference to FIG. 12, when the main control board 200 outputs a special symbol variation pattern designation command, it immediately outputs a special symbol stop information designation command. When a symbol variation pattern designation command is received, a special symbol stop information designation command can also be received.

  When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 acquires information on the special symbol variation pattern and the special symbol stop symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the stop information designation command received in this way, the production is performed based on the information. A pattern is determined (S1006). Here, the effect pattern is data that specifically describes a series of effects performed on the screen of the effect display device 27 while the special symbol is variably displayed. The ROM 222 mounted on the sub-control board 220 stores an effect pattern table in which an appropriate effect pattern is set in association with the combination of the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol. The CPU 221 determines the effect pattern by referring to the effect pattern table based on the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol received from the main control board 200.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an effect pattern table stored in the ROM 222 of the sub control board 220. As shown in the figure, in the effect pattern table, an effect pattern is set in association with a combination of the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol, and if the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are determined, the effect is generated. By referring to the pattern table, it is possible to immediately determine the production pattern. For example, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is “Pattern Special 1” and the stop symbol of the special symbol is “Outgoing Design”, the production pattern is determined as “Outgoing Production Pattern 1”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is “pattern special 9”, the stop symbol of the special symbol is “winning symbol” or “off symbol” for each “ The “winning effect pattern 9” or “disappearing effect pattern 9” is determined, and these effect patterns are effect patterns corresponding to the continuous notice effect. Of course, instead of always performing a continuous notice effect for a specific variation pattern (here, pattern special 9), it is further determined that a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a continuous notice effect is to be performed. Also good. That is, a special symbol variation pattern capable of executing a continuous notice effect may be set in advance, and a lottery for determining whether or not to perform a continuous notice effect may be performed for these variation patterns.

  When the effect pattern is determined with reference to the effect pattern table as described above (S1006), it is determined whether or not the determined effect pattern is an effect pattern corresponding to the continuous notice effect (S1008). In this embodiment, since the effect pattern corresponding to the continuous notice effect is either the hit effect pattern 9 or the off-effect pattern 9, whether or not the determined effect pattern is any of these in S1008. Judging. If it is determined that the effect pattern does not correspond to the continuous notice effect (S1008: no), the effect is executed according to the determined effect pattern (S1010). The processing itself that the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs an effect according to the effect pattern is not a special process, but will be briefly described from the viewpoint of facilitating understanding of the continuous notice effect execution process described later.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the effect pattern and performs the effect. The arrows shown in the figure represent the flow of commands. The thick solid arrow in the figure represents a variation pattern designation command output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220, and the thick dashed arrow is output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220. This is a special symbol stop information designation command. As described above with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives these commands from the main control board 200 and determines an effect pattern, the CPU 221 sends an effect pattern designation command to the effect control board 230. Output. Here, the effect control board 230 is a control board that directly controls the effect display device 27. The effect pattern designation command is a command for designating the effect pattern determined by the sub control board 220 to the effect control board 230. When the effect control board 230 receives the effect pattern designation command, the effect control board 230 executes an effect of variably displaying the effect symbols on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the specified effect pattern. The thick dashed-dotted arrow shown in the drawing represents an effect pattern designation command output from the sub control board 220 toward the effect control board 230.

  In addition, in this way, when a game ball enters the start port 17 while the variation display of the effect symbols is being performed on the screen of the effect display device 27, the special control board 200 causes a special game. The figure hold number designation command is output (S307 in FIG. 11). The special figure reservation number designation command is a command for designating the number of special symbol reservations as described above. The special figure hold number designation command is immediately transferred from the sub control board 220 to the effect control board 230 and reflected on the display of the hold number display section 27e provided at the upper left corner of the screen of the effect display device 27. For example, if the number of holds designated by the special figure hold number designation command is “2”, the effect control board 230 displays the symbols “1” and “2” on the hold number display portion 27 e of the effect display device 27. By displaying (refer to FIG. 8), it is displayed that the number of reserved special symbol numbers is two.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 12, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol (S 338), the special figure is suspended before outputting the variation pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220. By outputting a number designation command (S343), the sub-control board 220 is informed that the stored number of holds has been consumed. The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 immediately transfers the special figure hold number designation command sent to the effect control board 230. As a result, the content of the number of holds designated in the command is reflected in the number-of-holds display section 27e of the effect display device 27. In FIG. 25, a state in which the special figure reservation number designation command output from the main control board 200 is transferred from the sub control board 220 to the effect control board 230 is represented by a white arrow.

  In the effect control process of FIG. 23, when it is determined that the determined effect pattern is not a pattern corresponding to the continuous notice effect (S1008: no), the effect according to the effect pattern is performed in S1010 as described above. Is called.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the effect pattern corresponds to the continuous notice effect (S1008: yes), a special process (continuous notice effect execution process) for performing the continuous notice effect is performed (S2000). . Details of the continuous notice effect execution process will be described later.

  Then, when the effect is executed in either the normal effect or the continuous notice effect, it is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred (S1012). As described above, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 recognizes in which symbol the special symbol stops by the special symbol stop information designation command received from the main control board 200. It is possible to easily determine whether or not. And if the big hit has occurred (S1012: yes), then after the big hit game effect is executed (S1014), the process returns to the head of the effect control process and repeats the series of processes described above. On the other hand, if it is determined that no jackpot has occurred (S1012: no), the player immediately returns to the head of the stage control process without performing the stage accompanying the jackpot game, and repeats a series of subsequent processes.

  The CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment controls the effect mode performed by the effect display device 27 by performing the effect control process as described above. If it is determined that the continuous notice effect is to be performed based on the information regarding the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol received from the main control board 200 (S1008: yes in FIG. 23), the continuous notice effect is performed. The continuous notice effect that is performed at this time is a pseudo continuous notice effect that performs symbol variation and temporary stop a plurality of times in one effect pattern. In this embodiment, the following continuous notice effect is executed. By performing the processing, it is possible to greatly excite the interest in the game without causing the player to feel that the continuous notice effect is pseudo. Hereinafter, the continuous notice effect execution process performed in the effect control process of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

D-1. Continuous notice effect execution processing:
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a flow of continuous notice effect execution processing executed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment in order to perform a continuous notice effect. In the continuous notice effect execution process, first, an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the continuous notice effect is output toward the effect control board 230 (S2002). As described above, the effect pattern designation command is a command for instructing the effect control board 230 about specific effect contents (that is, effect pattern). The continuous notice effect is an effect in which a plurality of symbol changes performed on the effect display device 27 are performed as a series of effects having continuity with the same notice for each change. Here, as a continuous notice effect, a series of effects is performed using three symbol variations, and after the first symbol variation, the effect symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are changed with a certain notice, Stop at “757”, immediately perform the second symbol change with the same notice, stop at “767”, and perform the change with the same notice at the third symbol change. Then, if the winning continuous notice effect is displayed, “777” is displayed, and if it is a discontinuous notice effect, the effect is displayed as “787”. The “preliminary notice” as used herein may mean that the same movable accessory is operated, the same decorative lamp may be caused to emit light in a certain pattern, or the same sound effect may be generated. In addition, the same character may appear on the liquid crystal.

  In addition, for such a series of symbol variations, an effect pattern to be stopped and displayed at “757” is designated for the first time, an effect pattern to be stopped and displayed at “767” for the second time, and then the third effect pattern is designated. However, in this embodiment, if the winning pattern is a hit, the hit effect pattern 9 is designated. If the winning pattern is off, the off effect is output. When the pattern 9 is designated, the continuous notice effect is performed by repeatedly executing the symbol variation and the stop display in the effect pattern. It should be noted that the operation of temporarily stopping the symbol variation once in the middle of the production by the production pattern is called “temporary stop” because it does not actually stop but temporarily stops. In addition, the operation of stopping the symbol variation at the end of the production by the production pattern is sometimes called “main stop” with respect to the temporary stop.

  When the continuous notice effect execution process of FIG. 26 is started, first, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 outputs an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the continuous notice effect to the effect control board 230, thereby producing an effect display device. A continuous notice effect is started on 27 screens. Then, the effect display device 27 repeats the change display and temporary stop of the effect symbols twice according to the effect pattern designated by the effect pattern designation command, and finally displays the effect symbols once again after the effect symbol is displayed. An effect of stopping is performed.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether a start port opening command has been received from the main control board 200 (S2004). The start port opening command is a command that is output from the main control board 200 when the start port 17 is opened in the normal symbol game process (S150 in FIG. 9). If the start opening command has not been received (S2004: no), it is determined whether or not the continuous notice effect has ended (S2016). Since the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 knows the time required to execute the effect based on the effect pattern, whether or not the continuous notice effect has ended based on the elapsed time since the output of the effect pattern designation command. Can be determined. Alternatively, not only the continuous notice effect but also the symbol stop command is output from the main control board 200 at the end of the effect (see S350 in FIG. 12). It is also possible to determine whether or not. If it is determined that the continuous notice effect has not ended (S2016: no), the process returns to S2004 again to determine whether a start port opening command has been received. In the continuous notice effect execution process of this embodiment shown in FIG. 26, first, when an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the continuous notice effect is output to the effect control board 230 (S2002), the continuous notice effect ends thereafter. Until this is done, whether or not a start opening command has been received is monitored as described above.

  When a start opening command is received (S2004: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols stored at that time has reached the upper limit (S2006). The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 stores the received ball as a holding number when the game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, and the special symbol game start determination process of FIG. Alternatively, as described in the special symbol game process of FIG. 12, when there is a change in the stored number of holds, a command for specifying the stored number of hold (special figure hold number specifying command) It is designed to output. By receiving this special figure hold number designation command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can grasp the number of special symbols that are currently stored, and therefore the continuous notice effect execution process shown in FIG. Even in S2006, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (four in this embodiment).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (S2006: yes), it is determined whether the continuous notice effect has ended without performing any special processing (S2016). ), If not completed (S2016: no), the process returns to S2004 again, and the determination of whether or not the start port opening command has been received from the main control board 200 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has not reached the upper limit (S2006: no), whether or not the progress status of the ongoing continuous announcement effect is before the temporary stop, in other words, the last symbol variation and It is determined whether or not the vehicle has not advanced to the temporary stop (last temporary stop) immediately before that (S2008). Since it is known in advance how many seconds to how many seconds after the production start the temporary stop performed in the continuous notice production, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 outputs the production pattern designation command. Based on the elapsed time, it is possible to easily determine whether or not it is before the last temporary stop. If the progress status of the continuous notice effect has progressed to the last temporary stop, that is, if it is determined that it is not before the temporary stop (S2008: no), the continuous notice effect is also performed without performing any special processing. Is not completed (S2016: no), the process returns to S2004 again, and the determination of whether or not the start port opening command has been received from the main control board 200 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the ongoing continuous notice effect has not progressed until the last temporary stop (S2008: yes), the special figure hold number designation to increase the special symbol hold number display by one is specified. The command is output to the effect control board 230 (S2010). That is, the number of special symbols held on the hold number display section 27e is transferred to the effect control board 230 by the sub control board 220 when a special figure hold number designation command is output from the main control board 200. Is displayed. However, in S2010, the command from the main control board 200 is not transferred, but the sub-control board 220 generates a special figure reservation number designation command and outputs it to the effect control board 230. The sub-control board 220 outputs the special figure reservation number designation command in this way because the number of special symbol reservations does not reach the upper limit when the start port 17 is opened (S2006: no) This is the case where the notice effect has not progressed until the final temporary stop (S2008: yes). As a result, the reserved number display section 27e of the effect display device 27 is in a state in which the number of reserved numbers that is one more than the number of special symbols stored in the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is displayed.

  When the sub-control board 220 outputs the special figure reservation number designation command in this way (S2010), it is now determined whether or not re-variation of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c has started on the screen of the effect display device 27. (S2012). Since it is known in advance how many seconds after the start of the effect the re-variation performed in the continuous notice effect is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 outputs the effect pattern designation command. Based on the elapsed time, it is possible to easily determine whether or not re-variation has started.

  Further, as described above, the sub control board 220 outputs the special figure reservation number designation command when the continuous notice effect has not progressed to the final provisional stop (S2008: yes), and the effect display device 27. On the screen, a temporary stop is performed in the course of time, and then the variable display is resumed. Therefore, even if it is determined in S2012 that re-variation has not been performed (S2012: no), it is determined that re-variation has been started in the course of repeated determination (S2012: yes). This time, a special figure reservation number designation command for reducing the display of the number of special symbol reservations by one is output to the effect control board 230 (S2014). That is, by the special figure hold number designation command output from the sub control board 220 first, the hold number display section 27e of the effect display device 27 is one more than the actual hold number stored in the main control board 200. This time, a special figure hold number designation command for reducing the hold number display by one in accordance with the replay display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 27 is performed. The output is directed toward the substrate 230.

  When the special figure hold number designation command is output in this way (S2014), it is determined whether or not the continuous notice effect has ended (S2016). If it has not ended (S2016: no), the process returns to S2004 again and described above. Repeat a series of processes. While such processing is repeated, it is determined that the continuous notice effect has ended (S2016). Therefore, the continuous notice effect execution process shown in FIG. 26 is ended, and the effect control process of FIG. 23 is performed. Return.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the state of the effect performed on the effect display device 27 by the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment performing the above-described continuous notice effect execution process. Similarly to the case of performing the normal effect described with reference to FIG. 25, in the case of the continuous notice effect, the main control board 200 receives a special symbol variation pattern designation command and a special symbol stop information designation command from the sub-control board 220. In response to this, an effect pattern designation command is output from the sub control board 220 to the effect control board 230, and as a result, the effect display device 27 starts a continuous notice effect. In FIG. 27, as in FIG. 25, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is represented by a thick solid line arrow, the special symbol stop information designation command is represented by a thick dashed arrow, and the effect pattern designation command is a single thick point. It is represented by a chain line arrow. Further, when a game ball enters the start port 17 during the production using the design for production on the production display device 27 or at the start of the production, the number of special figure reservations from the main control board 200 toward the sub-control board 220. As soon as the designated command is output and the sub control board 220 receives the command, the sub control board 220 transfers the command to the effect control board 230, thereby updating the hold number displayed on the hold number display portion 27 e of the effect display device 27. In FIG. 27, the special figure hold number designation command is represented by a white arrow.

  Also, in the continuous notice effect, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 27, the effect design is temporarily stopped after changing the design with a certain notice, and then the design change with the same notice is resumed, and the temporary design is resumed. After stopping, an effect of performing the last variable display with a similar notice is performed. In FIG. 27, the period during which the effect symbols of the effect display device 27 are temporarily stopped is displayed with diagonal lines.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when the start port 17 is opened during the continuous notice effect, and the start port opening command is output from the main control board 200, the sub control board 220 moves toward the effect control board 230. The special figure hold number designation command is output, and as a result, the hold number displayed on the hold number display portion 27e of the effect display device 27 is increased by one. The hatched arrows shown in FIG. 27 represent a state in which a start port opening command is output from the main control board 200. When the sub-control board 220 receives the opening opening command, whether the number of reservations displayed in the number-of-holds display 27e has reached the upper limit (corresponding to S2006 in FIG. 26), or the continuous notice effect is the last. It is confirmed whether or not the temporary stop has been made (corresponding to S2008 in FIG. 26). A designation command is output to the effect control board 230 (corresponding to S2010 in FIG. 26). That is, the special symbol hold number displayed on the hold number display unit 27e is a special figure hold number designation command output from the main control board 200 in order to display the hold number stored in the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. The sub-control board 220 generates and outputs a special figure reservation number designation command during the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment, and is stored in the main control board 200. A larger number of reservations than the number of special symbols can be displayed. The black arrow shown in FIG. 27 represents a state in which the sub control board 220 receives the start port opening command, generates a special figure reservation number designation command, and outputs it to the effect control board 230.

  Then, after the sub-control board 220 increases the display of the special symbol hold count by 1, the standby state is maintained until the effect display device 27 resumes the change display of the effect symbols (corresponding to S2012 in FIG. 26). When the display is started, a special figure hold number designation command is output again from the sub control board 220, and the hold number displayed on the hold number display unit 27e is decreased by one. As a result, the display of the number of reservations in the number-of-holds display unit 27e comes to coincide with the number of reservations of special symbols stored in the main control board 200.

  Note that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 performs the process of making the hold number displayed on the hold number display unit 27e different from the hold number stored in the main control board 200 as shown in FIG. This is realized by performing an effect execution process. Therefore, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the “holding number change display means” in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, during the continuous notice effect, when the start port 17 opens or when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37, the number of reserved special symbols displayed on the number-of-holds display portion 27e. Is increased by one, and when the symbol variation temporarily stops and the re-variation is displayed, the display of the number of holdings is decreased by one. In the first place, the continuous notice effect performed in this embodiment is merely a pattern change and a temporary change in one effect pattern, and such a pseudo effect is a special design. The movement of the number of holds often gives the player a sense of incongruity and often realizes that it is just a performance. In contrast, in the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment, the number of reserved special symbols increases by one during symbol variation, and decreases by one when the variable display is resumed after temporary variation. There is no sense of incompatibility.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the start port 17 of the present embodiment is provided with a protrusion immediately above which prevents the game ball from entering, and the game ball enters the start port 17. It is almost limited when the start port 17 is in an open state. For this reason, the player mistakes that the game ball has entered the start port 17 if the start port 17 is opened immediately before the display of the hold number on the hold number display portion 27e increases. , There is no sense of incongruity in the movement that the display of the number of holds increases. Similarly, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37, the start port 17 is opened, so that the game ball enters the start port 17 and the number of holds is increased or decreased. There is no sense of incongruity. As a result, for a player, a plurality of performances are continuously performed, and it feels as if it was a continuous performance, which greatly stimulates the interest in the game.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the start port 17 is provided at the top of the effect display device 27. Since the player usually plays a game while watching the effect display device 27 until the big hit, the start port 17 provided on the upper portion of the effect display device 27 is watching the effect of the effect display device 27. And it will be in the state that enters the player's field of vision at the last minute. For this reason, the player notices the movement of the start opening 17 but cannot confirm whether or not the game ball has entered, and more and more, the display of the hold number on the hold number display portion 27e is increased. Then, it comes to think that the game ball has entered the start port 17. Further, even if there is a player who cares about the relationship between the start opening prize and the number of holds, the start opening 17 is at the top of the effect display device 27, while the hold number display section 27e is at the lower left of the effect display device 27. It is displayed in the corner. Since it separates into upper and lower sides, the start winning and the increase / decrease in the number of holds are in a positional relationship that is difficult for the player to see at a glance. As a result, the player does not feel any sense of incongruity with the number of moves on hold, and can be drawn into the continuous notice effect and enjoy the game greatly.

  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, although the liquid crystal display device is used as an example of the effect display device, the present invention is not limited to this, and an effect display device such as a 7-segment or dot matrix may be used. Further, in the case of these display devices, it may be displayed by turning on / off the lamp or LED, without displaying the symbols “1” and “2” on the hold number display unit 27e.

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. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control processing which CPU mounted in the 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 the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the special symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol success / failure determination process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the success / failure of a special symbol in a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the jackpot symbol determination table referred in order to determine the jackpot symbol of a special symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol variation pattern setting process which sets the variation pattern of a special symbol in a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally and the fluctuation pattern table for time shortening set to the main control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the fluctuation pattern table for non-short-time shortening. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally and the fluctuation pattern table for time reduction conceptually. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally and the fluctuation pattern table for non-time reduction conceptually. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory game process performed in a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production | presentation control process performed in order that a sub control board | substrate performs production control. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the production pattern table memorize | stored in ROM of the sub control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally that a CPU of a sub-control board determined an effect pattern and performed an effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the continuous notice effect execution process performed in order for CPU mounted in the sub control board to perform a continuous notice effect. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally that a continuous notice effect was performed on an effect display apparatus by a sub control board performing a continuous notice effect execution process.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine, 17 ... Start port, 27 ... Production display device,
27e ... Hold number display part (hold number display means),
36, 37 ... Normal symbol operation gate (pass gate), 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (variable time determining means, holding number storage means),
220 ... sub-control board, 221 ... CPU (production execution means, hold number change display means)

Claims (4)

A ball that launches a game ball toward a game board provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters any of the entrances, a ball that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls In a ball game machine,
The entrance that is configured to be able to be switched between an open state in which a game ball can easily enter and a normal state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball. A starter,
An effect display device that is provided on the game board surface and performs an effect of stopping and displaying after a predetermined effect design is variably displayed;
When a game ball enters the start opening, a variation time determining means for determining a variation time from the start of the effect symbol to the stop display after the start of the variation display;
An effect execution means for executing an effect of variably displaying the effect design after determining the change mode of the effect design based on the change time;
If a game ball enters the start port during the variation display of the effect symbol, the game ball is inserted in order to start a new variation display after the effect symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed. A holding number storage means for storing the number of balls as a holding number;
A hold number display means for displaying the hold number stored in the hold number storage means;
A holding number change display means for displaying a holding number different from the holding number stored in the holding number storage means on the holding number display means when a specific condition is established during the game,
The effect execution means can execute a continuous notice effect as an effect of a variation mode in which the effect design is temporarily stopped after the variable display accompanied by a predetermined notice, and the variable display accompanied by the notice is started again.
When the number-of-holds change display means detects that the start port is in the open state, it is determined whether or not the opening has been performed before the temporary stop of the effect symbol during execution of the continuous notice effect. Judgment is made, and if the continuous notice effect is being made and before the temporary stop, the display of the hold number is increased by 1, and then the display of the hold number is set to 1 at the start of the variable display following the temporary stop. A ball game machine characterized by being reduced by one. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The ball game machine characterized in that the start opening is provided above the effect display device. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The starting ball is a bullet ball game machine in which a game ball cannot enter in the normal state. A ball that launches a game ball toward a game board provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters any of the entrances, a ball that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls In a ball game machine,
A passing gate provided on the surface of the game board and through which a game ball can pass;
Lottery means for performing a lottery upon detecting that a game ball has passed through the passing gate;
It is configured to be able to switch between an open state where a game ball can be easily entered and a normal state where it is difficult to enter the game ball before the open state. A starting opening, which is an entry ball opening,
An effect display device that is provided on the game board surface and performs an effect of stopping and displaying after a predetermined effect design is variably displayed;
When a game ball enters the start opening, a variation time determining means for determining a variation time from the start of the effect symbol to the stop display after the start of the variation display;
An effect execution means for executing an effect of variably displaying the effect design after determining the change mode of the effect design based on the change time;
If a game ball enters the start port during the variation display of the effect symbol, the game ball is inserted in order to start a new variation display after the effect symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed. A holding number storage means for storing the number of balls as a holding number;
A hold number display means for displaying the hold number stored in the hold number storage means;
A holding number change display means for displaying a holding number different from the holding number stored in the holding number storage means on the holding number display means when a specific condition is established during the game,
The effect execution means can execute a continuous notice effect as an effect of a variation mode in which the effect design is temporarily stopped after the variable display accompanied by a predetermined notice, and the variable display accompanied by the notice is started again.
When the holding number change display means detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate, it determines whether or not the passing has been performed before the temporary stop of the effect symbol during execution of the continuous notice effect. In the case of the continuous notice effect and before the temporary stop, the display of the number of holdings is increased by one, and then the number of holdings is displayed by one at the start of the variable display following the temporary stop. A ball game machine characterized by being reduced.

Images