JP4839346B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a lottery drawing when a game ball enters a start opening.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine in which a lottery is drawn by entering a game ball at a start opening, and when a big win is won, an attacker is opened to obtain more prize balls. When such a gaming machine enters a starting ball, the game starts to display a special symbol, and after the predetermined time elapses, stops the variable display and notifies the player of the lottery result. And during the above-mentioned change display of the special symbol, the design is changed by the symbol display part, lamp, or accessory that displays the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol, the background symbol, the character symbol, etc. Various performances are performed to increase the player's expectation for the jackpot and improve the gameability.

  When a special game ball enters the starting port during the special symbol variation display, the right for the special symbol variation display, that is, the right for lottery lottery (hereinafter referred to as “hold”), up to a predetermined number (for example, four). Spheres ”) are reserved and processed in the order in which they are reserved.

  In addition, as described above, during the special symbol variation display, in order to increase the player's expectation for the jackpot, various elaborate effects are performed, but a plurality of holding balls are sequentially processed. The gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1 below has enhanced the production effect by focusing on the above.

  This gaming machine performs one-time display of decorative symbols by performing a continuous effect (display of related decorative symbols) that completes one story over the display of effect images including a plurality of decorative symbols in the symbol display unit. Compared to the staging effect that can be obtained only with this, a higher staging effect is exhibited.

  For example, when there are three reserved balls, the design display unit performs the effect with the decorative symbols three times in succession. At this time, an effect related to the first stage of the story is performed in the first decorative design, and subsequently, an effect related to the middle of the story, which is a continuation of the first effect, is performed in the second decorative design. Then, in the third decorative design, after performing the effect that the story is completed, the player is informed that the jackpot is finally confirmed. Thus, if a story is continued over a plurality of decorative symbols, the player's sense of expectation can be gradually increased. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a very high production effect as compared with the production in which the contents are completed by one decoration design.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports are provided on a game board and provided with a priority start port and a non-priority start port. This gaming machine distinguishes between a reserved ball that enters and retains a priority start port and a retained ball that enters and retains a non-priority start port when a game ball enters the start port. Remember. Then, in a state in which the holding ball related to the priority starting port and the holding ball related to the non-priority starting port are simultaneously stored, processing is sequentially performed from the holding ball related to the priority starting port.

JP 2004-283544 A JP 2006-136544 A

  As shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, it is conceivable to adopt the continuous performance shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 in the gaming machine in which the gaming board is provided with the priority starting port and the non-priority starting port. The continuous effect becomes halfway and the effect of the remarkably deteriorates.

  For example, when there is no holding ball related to the priority starting port and there are four holding balls related to the non-priority starting port, it is assumed that a command for continuous production using the four holding balls related to the non-priority starting port is determined. If this command is finalized, the decorative symbol will be displayed so that a series of stories will develop between the first holding ball related to the non-priority starting gate and the fourth holding ball. It will be displayed continuously on the symbol display section.

  However, during the processing of the first holding ball (the same applies to the second and third balls) (while displaying the decorative symbol related to the first holding ball), a game ball enters the priority starting port. As a result, before the processing of the second holding ball related to the non-priority starting port, the holding ball related to the priority starting port is processed first. In other words, the processing of the reserved ball related to the priority starting port is executed between the processing of the first reserved ball related to the non-priority starting port and the processing of the second reserved ball. Accordingly, there is a problem that a series of stories developed over the four reserved balls of the non-priority starting opening is interrupted in the middle, and it is not possible to exert the effect specific to the continuous performance.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of exhibiting a high effect by a continuous effect performed over a variable display of effect images including a plurality of decorative symbols in a game machine provided with two starting openings. And

In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a control means for controlling the progress of a game in a normal game state or a special game state that gives a game value more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. And a special symbol variation display means for displaying the subsequent game state by variably displaying the special symbol and stopping the variation display after a lapse of a predetermined time, and the special symbol variation display means triggered by the entry of the game ball. A starter that generates a right to start a variable display of symbols, wherein the starter includes at least a first starter and a second starter, and the control means includes the first starter . (2) A first mode in which entry of the game ball into the starting port is impossible or difficult, and a second mode in which it is easier to enter the game ball into the second starting port than in the first mode. Displaceable variable start prize device , A starting variable winning control means for controlling in accordance with a second condition that is likely to be controlled to the second aspect than the first condition and the first condition, game balls to the first and second start hole Game data lottery means for acquiring game data by lottery upon entering the ball, and the number of game balls that have entered the first start port when the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display means And a first variation display holding means for retaining the right to display the variation of the special symbol triggered by the entry, and the game ball when the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display unit. Stores the number of balls that have entered the second starting port, and reserves the right of variable display of special symbols triggered by the pitch, the first variable display holding means, the first variable display holding means, Both with 2 variable display hold means A game processing means for preferentially processing the right of variable display of the special symbol stored in the second variable display holding means when the right of variable display of the special symbol is reserved; the first variable display holding means; When the game ball is stored in the second variation display holding means, it is acquired by the game data lottery means with the entry as a trigger before the start of the special symbol variation display triggered by the entry. When the starting variable winning device is controlled according to the first condition by the pre-determining means for determining the played game data and the starting variable winning control means, the game ball enters the second variation display holding means. Based on the determination result of the prior determination means for determining the game data acquired by the game data lottery means with a ball as an opportunity, it is executed over a plurality of consecutive special symbol fluctuation displays. Determination of the game data acquired by the game data lottery means triggered by a game ball entering the first related effect and the first or second variation display holding means based on the results, characterized in that it comprises a presentation control means for controlling the second related effect to be executed over the variable display of multiple special symbol, a.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the gaming machine further includes a symbol display means for displaying an effect image including a decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol during the variation display of the special symbol. The control means is characterized by executing a continuous effect using the effect image displayed on the symbol display means.

The first start port and the second start port are provided in the game board, and the game balls launched on the game board are configured to be able to enter or pass. The configuration of the two start ports is not particularly limited as long as it can detect that a game ball has entered or passed.
When a game ball enters or passes through the start opening, a random number is acquired by a random number generation means or the like. Then, the jackpot determining means determines whether the jackpot or lost by comparing this random number against a predetermined determination table. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the player of the result of the lottery, that is, whether it is a big hit or a loss.

  Fluctuation display means notifying the player of the special symbol, and it takes a predetermined time from the start of the lottery until the special symbol is finally notified to the player. As for the special symbol, it is only necessary that the lottery result is finally notified to the player. Therefore, when the special symbol is finally notified to the player after the lottery is started, that is, notification to the player during the change is not essential, and no notification is given to the player during the change. Is also included in the variable display referred to in the present invention.

The special symbol variation display is started by a lottery of winning or losing. Therefore, the start port generates a right to make a lottery of winning or losing.
The game data includes a random number value acquired by a random number generating means and a command based on the random value.
When a game ball enters or passes through the starting port, a lottery of winning or losing is performed. This lottery result must be notified to the player every time. The notification of the lottery result is a special symbol variation display, but for each special symbol variation display, some effect is produced by an image display including a decorative symbol, an operation of a lamp, or an accessory. That is, one presentation is performed for one special symbol variation display. The related effect is made over a variation display of a special symbol multiple times, which means that the multiple effects are performed in association with each other in some form.
Therefore, the same effect may be performed at the time of displaying the special symbol multiple times, or a series of continuous stories may be developed. In any case, the related effects of the present invention include a wide variety of effects that are associated with a plurality of effects.

  The continuous effect is one form of the related effect, and means an effect that is developed so that the contents of the effect performed over a plurality of special symbol variations are continuously completed. For example, the effect image displayed on the symbol display unit includes a drama tailoring or a skit tailoring.

  The decorative symbol is composed of numbers, characters, characters, etc. corresponding to the special symbol, and after it is variably displayed on the symbol display means together with the image of the character etc. not corresponding to the background image or the special symbol, the special symbol is stopped. It is a symbol for notifying a player more visually noticeable lottery results. While the decorative symbols are displayed in a variety of ways, effect images are displayed in various ways on the symbol display means, allowing the player to be more excited about the results of the special symbol lottery, and to enhance the interest by making big wins and reaching out for reach. I will let you.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the control means reserves the right of variable display of the special symbol in both the first variable display hold means and the second variable display hold means, the second variable display hold Since the processing of the special symbol stored in the means is preferentially processed and the continuous effect is executed only by the right of the special symbol variable display reserved in the second variable display holding unit. Since the continuous effect with the story is executed only by the right of the special symbol change display (holding ball) by entering the second start port which is the priority start port, the continuous effect being executed is thereafter Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can fully exhibit the desired effect of the continuous performance without being interrupted by the state of the game.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, the gaming machine displays the special symbol during the special symbol variation display. Since the display means for displaying the effect image including the corresponding decorative design is further provided, and the control means is configured to execute the continuous effect by the effect image displayed on the symbol display means, 2 It is possible to reliably execute a visually stunning continuous effect by an effect image including a decorative symbol corresponding to a special symbol related to the ball entering the starter.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the gaming machine. The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 101. At a lower position of the game board 101, an operation handle 113 including a launching unit (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 3) is arranged. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown). The game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a ball that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. A mouth is provided.

  A symbol display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used as the symbol display unit 104. Below the symbol display unit 104, a first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball driven toward the game area 103 is disposed. Below the first start port 105, as shown in FIG. 2, a second start port 120 having a pair of movable pieces 120a is arranged. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the pair of movable pieces 120a are in the closed state, the second starting port 120 is unable or impossible to receive the game ball, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, when the pair of movable pieces 120a are in the open state, the game ball can be received more easily than the first starting port 105. The pair of movable pieces 120a are often controlled to a first state in which a game ball is less likely to enter than the first start port 105 in the normal game state, and the first in the special game state such as a short time state. The opportunity to be controlled to the second state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the starting port 105 is increased. In addition, the time saving state in this embodiment means a gaming state in which the second start port 120 is frequently controlled to the second state.

A winning gate 106 is arranged on the left side of the symbol display unit 104.
The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and to draw a normal symbol for opening the second start port 120 for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the symbol display unit 104 or below. When a game ball enters the normal winning opening 107, a predetermined number of winning balls (for example, 10) are paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, a collection port 108 is provided for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the entrances.

In the lower right of the symbol display unit 104, a first special symbol display 84 for displaying a lottery result by a first special symbol lottery means 300 described later, and a second special for displaying a lottery result by a second special symbol lottery means 320. A symbol display 86 is provided. In both of these indicators 84 and 86, after the special symbol is variably displayed, the lottery result is finally displayed. When a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right of the special symbol variation display obtained by the entry, the so-called reserved ball is reserved. . The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90. The first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86 constitute the special symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention.
Similarly to the above, when a game ball enters the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery means 360 performs a lottery, and a normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is provided. The normal symbol change display right obtained by the game ball entering the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol change display, that is, the number of the reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold indicator 92.

  Each of these indicators 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 is constituted by, for example, an LED. Depending on the lighting state of this LED, the lottery result by the first special symbol lottery means 300, the second special symbol lottery means 320, lottery results by normal symbol lottery means 360, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering the first starting port 105, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering the second starting port 120, Also, the number of reserved balls obtained by entering the winning gate 106 is notified.

  When the game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120, the symbol display unit 104 described above starts displaying a plurality of decorative symbols and stops the variation of the decorative symbols after a predetermined time. Let When a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the operation of opening the large winning opening opening / closing door 109a in the large winning opening opening / closing device 109 located below for a certain period is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and the number of awards corresponding to the game balls entered. Pay out the ball. In addition, when the game ball enters the first starting port 105, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the first starting port 105 in a variable manner, and the game ball is displayed at the second starting port 120. By entering the ball, the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the second start port 120 is variably displayed. In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol variation. If both the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 have a so-called hold ball for variable display, the hold ball obtained by entering the second start port 120 has priority. Digested.

A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.
In the frame member 110, effect lights 111 (lamp units) are provided on the two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. The effect lights 111 each include a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.
In addition, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. Each light 112 is driven by a motor provided in the effect light 111 so as to rotate the light irradiation direction. The motor that is driven to rotate the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 is a motor different from the motor that changes the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 in the vertical direction.
The effect light 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light 111 in three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 while changing the vertical direction.

The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. . Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of excitement due to attention, and allow the gaming machine of the present embodiment to be used continuously or repeatedly to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, the light irradiation direction or irradiation pattern may be made different when an abnormal situation different from that in a normal game occurs, for example, when an illegal act is performed on a gaming machine. As a result, it is possible to quickly find an abnormal situation such as an illegal act, and to strengthen the deterrence against the illegal act on the gaming machine after the next time.
In the frame member 110, a tray unit 119 to which game balls are supplied is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The tray unit 119 is supplied with game balls lent out from a rental ball device (not shown). An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

On the upper side and the side of the symbol display unit 104 (on the right side in FIG. 1), there are provided effects (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115 and 116. The directors 115 and 116 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment schematically represent a part of the Japanese sword (the vicinity of the samurai). The directors 115 and 116 are provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the directors 115 and 116, as if the blades are removed from the sheath and the pulled blades are returned to the sheath again.
The director 110 is driven by a solenoid, and the director 116 is driven by a motor. By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, it is possible to cause the directors 115 and 116 to perform their own movements, thereby increasing the stage effect.

In the frame member 110, a chance button 117 that accepts an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in a specific reach effect during the game.
In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 3) that outputs a production effect sound or a sound for informing fraud. This speaker 277 is of a type that can output high / mid / low sounds, and outputs high / mid / low sounds in a balanced manner during normal performance. Is controlled to output a high treble region high so that it can be heard well around.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. The control means 200 is composed of a plurality of control boards. In the illustrated example, the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the prize ball control board 203, and the lamp control board 206 are configured.

  The main control board 201 controls the basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1, and based on the program stored in the ROM 201b, the CPU 201a that executes the basic processing accompanying the progress of the game content, and the data work during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a A RAM 201c functioning as an area is provided.

  The main control board 201 performs a jackpot lottery relating to the game, and selects a command of effect recorded in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result. There are about 120 types of effect execution commands stored in the ROM 201b, and the effect time is determined for each reach effect execution command described in detail later.

  On the input side of the main control board 201, a first start port detection unit 221 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 105, and a second that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 120. A start opening detection unit 225, a gate detection unit 222 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106, a normal winning port detection unit 223 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning port 107, and a big winning port opening / closing device A special winning opening detection unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered 109 is connected.

  In addition, a prize winning opening / closing unit 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201 to control the opening / closing of the prize winning opening / closing device 109. The special prize opening / closing unit 231 has a function of opening the special prize opening / closing device 109 for a certain period of time in a big hit, and is configured using a solenoid such as a special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b (not shown in detail). This jackpot is pre-programmed to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

Connected to the input side of the sub-control board 202 is a chance button detection unit 220 that detects that the chance button 117 has been operated.
The sub-control board 202 mainly controls the effects during the game. Based on the effect commands transmitted from the main control board 201, the CPU 202a for executing the effect lottery and effect processing, the program and the past effects. A ROM 202b for storing a pattern, a RAM 202c functioning as a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing of the CPU 202a, and the like are provided.

The sub control board 202 receives an effect command that constitutes a part of the game effect transmitted from the main control board 201, and draws a lottery in the CPU 202a based on the effect command to produce an effect background pattern, a reach effect pattern, and an appearance. An effect such as a character is confirmed, and this effect confirmation command is transmitted to perform sub-control in the game.
The CPU 202a has a function of performing control so that the same effect pattern is not continuously generated in the range of effect commands transmitted from the main control board 201, compared to the past effect patterns that have been changed a predetermined number of times. It may be.

  The symbol display unit 104 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 also has a function of executing effect processing based on the above-described effect determination command. That is, the CPU 202a in the sub-control board 202 executes an effect process based on the effect confirmation command, the ROM 202b stores various image data such as a background image, a design image, and a character image, and the RAM 202c stores data work during the calculation process of the CPU 202a. Functions as an area. The sub-control board 202 is further provided with a VRAM 202d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  Normally, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display and variation processing, and character image display processing. The necessary image data is read from the ROM 202b and stored in the VRAM 202d. Write. The background image, the design image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the design display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 202d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  A speaker 277 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 also has a function of controlling output of sound as an effect process based on the effect determination command described above. That is, in the sub control board 202, the CPU 202a executes audio processing based on the effect confirmation command, the ROM 202b stores various audio data, and the RAM 202c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 202a. When various effects are executed, based on the effect confirmation command, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various sound output processes such as effect sound effect processing, and outputs sound from the speaker 277.

On the output side of the sub-control board 202, a lamp control board 206 for controlling the lamp 262, the effect light 111, and the accessory part 254 is provided.
The lamp control board 206 functions as a CPU 206a that executes an effect process based on the effect confirmation command transmitted from the sub-control board 202, a ROM 206b that stores various effect pattern data, and a work area for data during the calculation process of the CPU 206a. A RAM 206c and the like are provided.

  The lamp control board 206 performs lighting control for various lamps 262 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, and the like based on the effect confirmation command transmitted from the sub-control board 202. The lighting control for the lights 112 is performed, and the drive control for the motors is performed to change the irradiation direction of the light from each light 112.

  In addition, the lamp control board 206 performs drive control for the solenoid that operates the effect accessory 115 on the accessory part 254 based on the effect confirmation command transmitted from the sub control board 202, and the effect accessory 116. The drive control for the motor that operates is performed.

  In addition, a prize ball control board 203 is connected to the main control board 201 so as to be able to transmit in both directions. The prize ball control board 203 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 203a. The prize ball control board 203 includes a CPU 203a that executes prize ball control processing, a RAM 203c that functions as a data work area when the CPU 203a performs arithmetic processing, and the like.

  The prize ball control board 203 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of entering the ball to the connected payout unit 291. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit.

  The prize ball control board 203 is a game ball that has entered the respective entrances (the first start opening 105, the second start opening 120, the normal winning opening 107, and the big winning opening opening / closing device 109) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to. The launching unit 292 launches a game ball for gaming, and includes a sensor (not shown) that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like (not shown). When the game operation is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 292, the prize ball control board 203 drives a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

(Functional configuration of main control board and sub control board)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the control means 200 for controlling the progress of the game.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 is a first special symbol lottery means 300, a first special symbol display control, as a means that functions mainly when a game ball enters the first starting port 105. Means 301, first special symbol variation control means 302, and first random number determination means 303 are provided.
The ROM 201b is a second special symbol lottery means 320, a second special symbol display control means 321 and a second special symbol variation control means as means for functioning mainly when a game ball enters the second start port 120. 322 and second random number determination means 323 are provided.
Further, the ROM 201b includes jackpot game control means 340, probability change game control means 341, time-short game control means 342, normal game control means 343, preliminary determination means 330, and lottery result determination means 310 as means for controlling the progress of the game. ing.
Further, the ROM 201b includes a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, and a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 as means that function when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. I have.
The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes a first special symbol hold storage unit 401, a second special symbol hold storage unit 402, a normal symbol hold storage unit 403, and a game state storage unit 404.

On the other hand, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 includes effect lottery means 501 and effect control means 502.
The RAM 202c of the sub control board 202 includes a first effect data hold storage unit 510 and a second effect data hold storage unit 511.
The first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 constitute the game data lottery means of the present invention.
Further, the first special symbol hold storage means 401 constitutes a first variable display hold means of the present invention, and the second special symbol hold storage means 402 constitutes a second variable display hold means of the present invention. Yes.

  The jackpot game control means 340, probability change game control means 341, time-short game control means 342, and normal game control means 343 are all programs that control the progress of the game in each game state.

  The jackpot game control means 340 wins the jackpot as a result of the jackpot lottery by the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320, which will be described later, and shifts from the normal game to the jackpot game. Control the progress of Specifically, the jackpot game control means 340 includes a long hit game in which the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for a total of 15 rounds, and a short hit game in which the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for two rounds. To control. In the present embodiment, “long win and short win” are collectively referred to as “big hit”, and “long win game and short win game” are collectively referred to as “big hit game”.

  As described above, when a long winning game is executed, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 is executed more than the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 during the short winning game. Yes. The opening / closing operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is performed by operating the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b by the special prize opening / closing unit. Specifically, the jackpot game control means 340 operates the jackpot opening / closing solenoid 109b from the first round to the 15th round in the long hit gaming state and only two rounds in the short hit gaming state to thereby win the big prize opening / closing door 109a. Open and close. Then, when a game ball enters the big winning opening / closing device 109, the big winning opening detection unit 224 counts the number of balls entered. Further, when the game winning ball detecting unit 224 detects that the game ball has entered the game winning opening / closing device 109, the game ball is paid out by the payout unit 291.

  Here, “round” means that when a long winning game and a short winning game are executed, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses and a predetermined number (for example, nine balls) of game balls enter. This means a unit for opening / closing the special prize opening opening / closing device 109 by satisfying any one of the above conditions. In the present embodiment, the opening time of the big winning opening / closing device 109 per round in the short win game is much shorter than the opening time of the big winning opening / closing device 109 per round in the long hit game (for example, 0.9 seconds).

  The probability variation game control means 341 is a probability of winning a big hit when the first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 perform a lottery in a game after a long win game or a short win game is executed. To control the probability change gaming state. As will be described in detail later, whether or not the first special symbol lottery means 300 determines whether or not it is successful is determined based on the first special symbol probability change time determination table, and whether or not the second special symbol lottery means 320 determines whether or not it is correct This is performed based on the determination table.

  In the present embodiment, “probability change game” means that the first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 determine whether or not the first special symbol probability change per-time determination table and second special symbol probability change, respectively. It means a game played based on the hourly determination table. A gaming state in which a probability variation game is being performed is referred to as a “probability variation gaming state”. Here, the special symbol probability variation time determination table (the first special symbol probability variation time determination table and the second special symbol probability variation time determination table) is longer and shorter than the special symbol normal variation time determination table. The winning probability for winning is set to be high (for example, the winning probability is set to be about 10 times higher than normal. Details will be described later).

  In the present embodiment, if the random number drawn by the first special symbol drawing means 300 is determined to be a long hit, the probability variation game is performed with a probability of, for example, 1/2 after the long hit game is executed. When it is determined that a short win is achieved, the probability change gaming state is entered with a probability of, for example, a half after the short win game is executed. If the second special symbol lottery means 320 is determined to be a long win, the probability change game state is assumed with a half probability after the long hit game is executed, and if it is determined to be a short win, After the short hit game is executed, the probability change game state is entered with a probability of almost 100%. On the other hand, when the random number drawn by the second special symbol lottery means 320 is determined to be a long hit, after the long hit game is executed, the probability change gaming state is established with a probability of 60%, for example. However, if it is determined that a short win is made, as described above, after the short win game is executed, the probability change gaming state is entered with a probability of almost 100%.

  In addition, although it is substantially the same mode as the short win, the normal short hit, which becomes a short-time game state after the short-hit game is executed, and a short-time game state, a positive variable game state and a short-time game state You may combine suitably the small hit etc. which will be in a normal gaming state without being in any case.

  The short time game control means 342 controls the short time game in which the lottery time is shortened in the lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360. In the probability variation game state, the time-short game is performed by the time-short game control unit 341 together with the probability variation game by the probability variation game control unit 341.

  In the present embodiment, the “short-time gaming state” means a gaming state in which a lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360 described later is performed based on a normal symbol short-time hitting determination table. In other words, the normal symbol lottery means 360 performs lottery based on the normal symbol normal hour determination table in the normal gaming state, but in the short time gaming state, the normal symbol lottery means 360 draws based on the normal symbol short time determination table. Done. The normal symbol time per hour determination table has a lottery time shorter than the normal symbol normal time per time determination table.

As a result of the lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360, if the winning is won, the pair of movable pieces 120a are released for a certain period of time, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 120. In the normal symbol time / short time determination table, the winning probability is set as high as 90%, for example. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state, it is possible to acquire a lot of winning balls by entering the second starting port 120, and the game can proceed without reducing the gaming balls as much as possible.
In addition, a game that is performed with a game value more advantageous to the player than a normal game, such as the probability variation game and the short-time game, is called a special game.

  Then, the normal game control means 343 controls the progress of a game that does not fall into either the jackpot game or the special game, that is, a normal game. As described above, one of the jackpot game control means 340, the probability variation game control means 341, the short-time game control means 342, and the normal game control means 343 controls the progress of the game depending on the game state. The gaming state in which the control units 340 to 343 are in progress is written in the gaming state storage unit 404 of the RAM 201c.

Next, the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol display control means 361, the normal symbol variation control means 362, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, and the normal symbol hold, which start control when the game ball passes the winning gate 106. The storage unit 403 will be described.
When the game ball passes through the winning gate 106 and is detected by the gate detection unit 222, the normal symbol lottery means 360 extracts a random number from a random number value (for example, 0 to 250) prepared in advance. When the random value is extracted by the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 determines whether or not it is a hit based on the table stored in the ROM 201b. At this time, if the game is in the normal game state, the winning is determined based on the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table, and if it is in the time-short game state (including the probability variation game state), based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table. Winning is determined.

If the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is a win, the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b is operated to release the movable piece 120a for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls have entered. If it is lost, the control is terminated without operating the second start opening / closing solenoid 120b. Therefore, when the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is lost, the second start port 120 is not opened and the closed state is maintained. The result of determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 by the normal symbol display control means 361.
It should be noted that a predetermined time is required until the determination result is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 after the game ball passes through the winning gate 106. During this time, if the game ball further passes the winning gate 106, the right to draw by the normal symbol lottery means 360 is reserved in the normal symbol hold storage means 403. The maximum number of reserved rights for the lottery is four, and is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 92 by the normal symbol display control means 361.

Next, control when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described.
When the first start port detector 221 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105, the detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201. If the said signal is received, the 1st special symbol lottery means 300 will extract one random number value from random numbers (for example, 0-600) prepared beforehand. The random value extracted here includes a hit random number, a design random number, and a reach random number. The winning random number is a random number for determining whether or not it is a big hit, and the design random number is a random number for determining the type of winning (long hit, short hit). The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect (including a related effect and a continuous effect described later).

  The RAM 201c is provided with a game state storage unit 404. Whether the current game state is a normal game state or a special game state (probability game state, short-time game state). Is remembered. When the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts a random number value, the first random number determination means 303 determines the random number value based on the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage means 404.

  Specifically, if it is a normal gaming state, the extracted random number value is determined based on a special symbol normal time per hit determination table, and if it is a probability variable gaming state, it is determined based on a special symbol probable per hour determination table. In the special symbol normal hour determination table, a first special symbol normal hour determination table and a second special symbol normal hour determination table are prepared, and the first special symbol normal variation determination table is also included in the special symbol normal variation determination table. A symbol probability change time determination table and a second special symbol probability change time determination table are prepared. Each of these determination tables is stored in the ROM 201b, and different tables are referred to based on the gaming state and the starting opening that has entered the ball.

  The random value extracted by the first special symbol lottery means 300 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is an example of a table showing the jackpot winning probability and the winning random number. FIG. 5B is a table (first special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game (number of rounds, probability variation, normal) when winning a symbol random number, that is, jackpot. FIG. 5C is a table (first special symbol reach random number determination table) for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect or a related effect described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, one winning random number is extracted from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. 7 and 317 are stored as jackpot random numbers in the special symbol normal hourly determination table referred to in the normal gaming state, and the special symbol normal hourly determination table referred to in the probability changing gaming state includes 7, 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 317, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, 547, 577 are stored as jackpot random numbers.

  When a game ball enters the first start port 105, the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the first random number determination means 303 determines the hit or loss of the hit random number based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. That is, if the winning random number drawn by entering the first starting port 105 is 7 or 317, it is determined to be winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. Further, in the probability variation gaming state, it is determined whether or not it is a win based on a special symbol probability change time determination table.

  As a result of the determination of the winning random number, when it is determined that the winning random number is a jackpot random number, the first special symbol lottery means 300 further extracts the symbol random number, and the first random number determining means 303 The extracted symbol random number is determined based on the table shown in FIG. 5B, and the type of jackpot is determined. The types of jackpots determined here are “long hits” that can be expected to pay out a large amount of game balls for a long time, and “short hits” where the time for jackpot games is so short that game balls can hardly be paid out. " Furthermore, in the long win, only the "probable change time short length" occurs after the jackpot game ends, and only the short game state occurs after the jackpot game ends (the probability change game state is (It does not occur) There is "normal per length". Also, for short wins, only the short-time gaming state occurs after the end of the jackpot game (the probability-changing gaming state does not occur), and both the probability-changing gaming state and the short-time gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends. There is “Short-term per chance”.

Further, the first special symbol lottery means 300 acquires a reach random number together with the extraction of the winning random number. If the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the winning random number is lost as a result of the determination, the first random number determination unit 303 uses the acquired reach random number based on FIG. 5 (c-1). Judgment. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning random number is a big hit, the first random number determining unit 303 determines the acquired reach random number based on FIG. 5C-2.
In the case of winning a jackpot, the reach random number extracted is determined to have a related effect or reach with almost any probability. That is, when winning a jackpot, the related effect or the reach effect is executed with a probability close to 100%. On the other hand, if the winning random number is determined to be lost without winning a big hit, a so-called lost effect (effect that does not reach reach) is executed with a probability of 80% or more, but related effects and reach effects are executed. There is also a possibility that As a result, so-called gaset-related effects and gasuleach effects are executed.
In the present embodiment, the “related effects” described in FIGS. 5C-1 and 5C-2 do not include the above-described continuous effects. In other words, it is configured so that the continuous effect is not selected in the determination of the reach random number relating to the ball entering the first starting port which is the non-priority starting port.

  When a game ball enters the second start port 120, the second special symbol lottery means 320 extracts the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the second random number determination means 323 determines the hit or loss of the hit random number based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. That is, if the winning random number drawn by entering the second starting port 120 is 7 or 317, it is determined to be a winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. Further, in the probability variation gaming state, it is determined whether or not it is a win based on a special symbol probability change time determination table.

  FIG. 6A is a table showing the winning probability and the winning random number when the game ball enters the second starting port 120. FIG. 6B is a table (second special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game when the symbol random number and the jackpot are won. FIG. 6C is a table (second special symbol reach random number determination table) for determining whether to perform a reach effect or a related effect other than the above-described continuous effect or continuous effect.

As shown in FIG. 6A, one hit random number is extracted from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600, and this is the same as described above. Further, it is determined based on FIG. 6A whether or not the extracted random number value has won the jackpot. This random number table is also the same as that shown in FIG. 5A. .
If it is determined that the extracted random number is a jackpot random number, the type of jackpot is determined based on FIG. 6B. The lottery probability of this jackpot type is shown in FIG. 5B. It is different from the random number table shown.

  That is, the design random number determination table differs between when the game ball enters the first start port 105 and when the game ball enters the second start port 120. Specifically, when the ball enters the second starting port 120, the percentage of winning per winning length is higher than when the ball enters the first starting port 105. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the degree of expectation to win per length with a certain change time is increased. In this way, the gameability can be improved by changing the degree of expectation for the jackpot depending on the start opening into which the game ball has entered.

6 (c-1) and 6 (c-2) are examples of a determination table for determining the reach random number acquired by the second special symbol lottery means 320 when the second starting port 120 is entered. Show. As shown in the drawing, in the determination of the reach random number related to the ball entering the second starting port 120, the execution of the above-described continuous effect can be selected. In FIG. 6C-1 and FIG. 6C-2, the item “with related effects” means that related effects other than the continuous effects are selected.
Continuous production is an aspect of related production, but the player has sufficient expectation for jackpots compared to related production that is poor in storyline, which is performed during a series of multiple special symbol fluctuation display periods. On the other hand, if a continuous production over a plurality of successive productions is interrupted in the middle, the interest of the production will be significantly impaired. In view of such circumstances, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, to the second start opening 120 that is the priority start opening, the started continuous production is not interrupted by the subsequent game situation. Execution of continuous production can be selected only in the reach random number determination table related to the entry.

  As described above, when the first random number determination unit 303 determines the extracted random number value, the first special symbol variation control unit 302 varies the special symbol based on the random number value and the first special symbol. The display control means 301 variably displays the lottery result on the first special symbol display 84. Even when the second random number determination means 323 determines a random value, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol display control means 321 and the second special symbol fluctuation control means 322.

On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 and a variation display based on the previous game ball is in progress, the extracted random number value is the first random number in the RAM 201c. It is stored in the special symbol hold storage means 401. The first special symbol storage unit 401 is configured as shown in FIG.
That is, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the storage area related to the hold order. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol hold storage means 401 has a game ball in the first start port detection unit 221. A random number value (hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number) acquired based on the detection is stored as a holding ball in association with the order in which game balls are detected. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

  Specifically, the first special symbol storage unit 401 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 401 a to the fourth storage area 401 d, each time a game ball enters the first start port 105. The reserved balls are retained in order from the first storage area 401a. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the reserve ball is retained in the second storage area 401b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in all of the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d, the above-mentioned variation display is performed as the reserve ball. Rights are not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the first special symbol storage unit 401, even if a game ball enters the first start port 105, the big hit lottery by the entered ball is Not done. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the first start port 105 are paid out.

  Further, the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is always digested (processed) from the first storage area 401 a by the first special symbol variation control unit 302. When the reserved sphere stored in the first storage area 401a is digested, the reserved sphere retained from the second storage area 401b to the fourth storage area 401d moves from the storage area to the previous area. That is, when the reserved sphere retained in the first storage area 401a is digested, the retained sphere retained in the second storage area 401b moves to the first storage area 401a. Similarly, the reserved ball retained in the third storage area 401c moves to the second storage area 401b, and the retained ball retained in the fourth storage area 401d shifts to the third storage area 401c. Therefore, the fourth storage area 401d can accept the reserved ball again, that is, can reserve it. Note that the process of shifting the reserved balls retained in the storage areas 401 a to 401 d is performed by a not-shown hold shift means of the control means 200.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 and a change display based on the previous game ball is being executed, the game ball is sent to the second start port detection unit 225. A random number value (hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number) acquired based on the detection is associated with the order in which the game balls are detected and stored in the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 as a hold ball. The That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the right to display the special symbol, that is, the right to win the big prize is stored in the second special symbol storage unit 402 as a reserved ball. The right to display the variation of the special symbol reserved in the storage area 402 is digested and processed in the storage area 402 by the second special symbol variation control means 322 in the stored order.

  Specifically, the second special symbol storage unit 402 includes four storage areas from the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, and each time a game ball enters the second start port 120, The reserved balls are retained in order from the fifth storage area 402a. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 in a state where it is retained in the fifth storage area 402a, a reserved ball is retained in the sixth storage area 402b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in all of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, the above-mentioned variation display is performed as the reserve ball. Rights are not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the second special symbol storage means 402, even if a game ball enters the second start port 120, Not done. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the second start port 120 are paid out.

  In addition, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402, the reserved balls are digested from the fifth storage area 402a, but the reservation stored in the fifth storage area 402a When the sphere is digested, the reserved sphere retained from the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d moves from the storage area to the previous area. That is, when the reserved sphere retained in the fifth storage area 402a is digested, the retained sphere retained in the sixth storage area 402b moves to the fifth storage area 402a. Similarly, the reserved sphere retained in the seventh storage area 402c moves to the sixth storage area 402b, and the retained sphere retained in the eighth storage area 402d moves to the seventh storage area 402c. Therefore, the eighth storage area 402d can accept the reserved ball again, that is, can reserve it. Note that the shift processing of the reserved balls retained in the respective storage areas 402a to 402d is performed by a not-shown hold shift means of the control means 200.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the storage balls are reserved for each start opening into which the game balls have entered, the storage balls are reserved, so that the random numbers related to these hold balls and the start openings into which the game balls have entered Are stored in association with each other. However, as described above, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the holding balls are stored by another method without storing the holding balls separately in the two storage units 401 and 402. For example, the reserved balls are retained in one storage means in the order in which the game balls enter the start opening. At this time, even if a flag that associates which starting ball the game ball has entered is stored in association with the holding ball and the holding ball with the predetermined flag is preferentially processed, An effect similar to that of the gaming machine can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d are all hit random number storage areas, symbol random number storage areas, and reach random number storage areas. have. The hit random number storage area is an area for storing a hit random number used for determining whether or not to start the big hit game. In addition, in the case of the jackpot, the symbol random number storage area determines whether or not the stop symbol form of the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86 is a probability variation symbol or a time-short symbol (the number of rounds is determined). This is an area for storing symbol random numbers used for 15 rounds). The reach random number storage area is an area for storing a reach random number used for determining whether to perform a continuous effect, a related effect, or a reach effect.
Then, as described above, when the reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the first special symbol display control unit 301 displays the number of reserved balls held in the first special symbol hold display. Displayed on the device 88.

  Note that the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second special symbol display control means 321 also when a game ball enters the second start port 120 and the second start port detector 225 detects a game ball. The second special symbol variation control means 322 and the second random number determination means 323 perform the same processing as described above. However, the extracted random number value is stored in any one of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d. When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401, 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the order in which the reserved balls are digested when the reserved balls are reserved in both of the special symbol storage units 401 and 402 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 (a), when a reserved ball is stored in the first and second special symbol hold storage means 401, 402, a first special symbol hold indicator 88 and a second special symbol hold indicator 90 are displayed. Is displayed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), a holding ball is retained in the first storage area 401 a to the third storage area 401 c of the first special symbol holding storage means 401, and the fifth special symbol holding storage means 402 It is assumed that the holding ball is reserved in the storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b.
In addition, as shown in the drawing, the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 is as follows: the first start port 105 is the first, the second start port 120 is the second, and the third is the third. Are the first start port 105, the fourth is the second start port 120, and the fifth is the first start port 105. In addition, the number described in each area | region in FIG. 8 has shown the order which entered each starting port.
In the present embodiment, since the second start port 120 is a priority start port, in this case, the hold balls in the fifth storage area 402a are processed with priority, and hold is performed in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. 8C. The ball is digested.

  As is apparent from this, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 in which the non-priority processing is performed in both storage units 401 and 402, the priority processing is performed. There is a high possibility that an interruption process is performed when the reserved ball is reserved in the five storage area 402a. In other words, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 and a plurality of holding balls are retained, there is a possibility that an interruption process may be performed due to the game ball entering the second starting port 120. high. This means that when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol reservation storage means 401, it is unlikely that each of these reserved balls will be digested continuously. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, which is the priority start port, and a plurality of holding balls are reserved, no interruption processing is performed, and the plurality of holding balls are always continuous. To be digested.

  The retained balls are sequentially digested as described above. The CPU 201a controls the digestion of the retained balls, and the first special symbol variation display control means 302 and the second special symbol variation display in the ROM 201b. Control means 322. These variable display control means 302 and 322 monitor which holding ball is to be processed, based on the random number of the holding ball to be processed stored in the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a. The above variable display has started.

  When the variable display is started as described above, the first special symbol display control means 301 and the second special symbol display control means 321 apply the determination result to the first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86. Is displayed in a variable manner.

  During the special symbol variation display, the decorative symbol effect by the symbol display unit 104, the lamp effect by the lamp 112 (the lamp 262), the sound effect by the speaker 277, or the effect objects 115 and 116 (the accessory part 254). An effect production is performed, and a lottery winning result is notified to the player together with various elaborate productions. In order to make this effect more effective, the main control board 201 is provided with a prior determination means 330. The control of the prior determination unit 330 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S101)
First, the first start port detection unit 221 or the second start port detection unit 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120.

(Step S102)
When the first start port detection unit 221 or the second start port detection unit 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, a variation detection unit (not shown) of the main control board 201 is detected. Then, it is detected whether or not the special symbol variation display is in progress.

(Step S103)
If it is determined in step S102 that the special symbol is in a variable display, the first special symbol storage unit 401 or the second special symbol storage unit 402 is stored in the fourth storage area 401d or the eighth storage area 402d. It is detected whether a random number (holding ball) is stored. Specifically, when a ball entry signal is received from the first start port detector 221, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is less than 4, and the second start When the incoming signal is received from the mouth detector 225, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is less than 4.

  If it is determined in the above step S103 that there are four reserved balls, the special symbol variation display, that is, the jackpot lottery is not performed depending on the entry of the game ball. Pays out a predetermined prize ball and ends the control.

(Step S104)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the number of reserved balls is less than 4, that is, it is determined that the reserved balls are to be reserved, game data (various random values described above) relating to the reserved balls is acquired and stored in the first memory. Reservation balls (random numbers) are stored in the area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d or the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d.

(Step S105)
As described above, when the random number value is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the prior determination unit 330 determines whether the jackpot is based on the random number value. ”,“ Per type (per long, short, probable, short per hour, normal, etc.) ”,“ reach ”,“ continuous production ”,“ related production ”(preliminary judgment) To do. That is, the prior determination unit 330 determines game data related to the effect from the extracted random number value, and determines an effect command based on the determination result.

  The determination of game data by the prior determination unit 330 may determine a random value with reference to the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, or a processing area for prior determination May be determined by directly writing the extracted random number value in the storage area. However, the prior determination is not necessarily performed immediately after the reach random number is extracted, but at least before the production based on the reach random number is controlled, and a continuous production or a related production is possible. It may be performed at any time as long as the timing is appropriate.

(Step S106)
In step S106, the CPU 201a stores the effect command determined in step S105 in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 201c. In this way, when the prior determination means 330 determines the effect command based on the extracted random number value, the effect command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S107)
CPU201a performs the process which memorize | stores the determination result of the game data determined by the prior determination means 330 in the predetermined storage area of RAM201c, and complete | finishes the process which concerns on a prior determination.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start port in a state where the reserved ball is not reserved, the prior determination by the prior determination unit 330 is not performed. In other words, the preliminary determination unit 330 performs the preliminary determination only when the reserved ball is reserved. This is because the main purpose of the “preliminary determination” performed by the prior determination means 330 is to determine whether to perform a continuous effect or a related effect over a variable display of a plurality of special symbols. The related effects and continuous effects in the present invention refer to the following effects.

(Explanation of related effects)
That is, when a game ball enters either the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, a jackpot lottery is performed as described above. This jackpot lottery is a lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot game right that can win more prize balls than in the normal gaming state can be acquired. The lottery result is displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. In these indicators 84 and 86, the LED is turned on or blinked, and it is as if the lottery is currently being drawn. Such special symbol variation display is performed for a predetermined time.
This special symbol variation display is performed once for each reserved ball. During this one special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104, the speaker 277, the lamp 112, and the directors 115 and 116, Various productions are made. A normal effect including a reach effect is a content in which a single effect is made with respect to one special symbol variation display, and a story or the like is completed within the range of this one effect.

  On the other hand, the related effects are that a single story is completed over a plurality of special symbol fluctuation displays, or the contents of the effects over a plurality of times are associated with each other. In other words, a plurality of performances are set to contents related in some way. FIG. 10 shows an example of the related effects using the effect actors 115 and 116 and the symbol display unit 104.

  For example, at the time of the first variation display (when the first reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. 10A, the effect arranged on the right side of the symbol display unit 104 of the game board 101 In the accessory 116 (the part of the sword of the Japanese sword), the blade is removed from the sheath, and the operation control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of the production accessory 116. Further, at this time, an LED (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) incorporated in the blade portion is brought into a light-emitting state, so that the player looks as if the blade is shining. However, in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time, the symbol display unit 104 finally stops in a state where three identical symbols (symbols) are not aligned, The fact that the lottery result (variation) was lost is notified.

  At the time of the second variation display (when the second reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the stage role arranged on the upper side of the symbol display unit 104 of the game board 101 is displayed. In the object 115 (the part of the sword of the Japanese sword), the blade is removed from the sheath, and the operation control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of the director 115. At this time, the LED (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) built in the blade portion is turned on to make the player feel as if the blade is shining. However, even in the second variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

  At the time of the third variation display (when the third reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. Is removed, and motion control is performed to move along the longitudinal direction of each of the directors 115 and 116. Further, at this time, the above-described LED (details are not shown) is set in a light-emitting state to make the player appear as if both blades are shining. However, even in the third variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

  At the time of the fourth variation display (when the fourth holding ball is digested), as shown in FIG. 10 (d), in addition to the operation control of the directors 115 and 116, the upper right of the game board 101 is displayed. A plurality of LEDs (not shown) are set in a light emitting state from the side toward the lower left, and a plurality of LEDs (not shown) are also set in a light emitting state from the upper left to the lower right of the game board 101. This gives the player the impression that the game board 101 has been cut from the left and right with a sword. At the time of the fourth variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally three identical numbers (symbols) are arranged. And the player is informed that the lottery result (variation) is a big hit.

As described above, in the related effect, an effect having continuity and relevance over a plurality of fluctuations (in this example, effects related by the effect actors 115 and 116) is performed. Therefore, whenever a player sees a related effect over a plurality of variations, in other words, as the related effect progresses, the player has a great expectation that a winning will be won in the next variation display.
Here, the related effects using the effect actors 115 and 116 and the symbol display unit 104 have been described. However, the related effect may be performed by any one of the effect actor, the symbol display unit, the speaker, and the lamp. Alternatively, these may be combined as appropriate.

(Description of continuous production)
Next, a continuous effect according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The continuous effect is an aspect of the related effect described above, and means an effect that completes a series of stories by a plurality of continuous effects. As shown in FIG. 6, the continuous production has a high appearance probability when the big hit is determined in the determination of the random number, and the appearance probability is set very low when the loss is determined. Therefore, when the continuous production is executed, the player becomes more confident about the jackpot than when the related performance is executed, and is interested in the determination result of the jackpot lottery with great expectation. FIG. 11 shows an example of continuous production mainly using the symbol display unit 104.

  For example, during the first special symbol variable display period (when the first reserved memory is consumed), a character imitating a thief in the center of the symbol display unit 104 as shown in FIG. An image showing the appearance of Ca is displayed. However, in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time, the symbol display unit 104 finally stops without three identical symbols (symbols) being aligned, The fact that the lottery result (variation) was lost is notified.

  At the time of the second fluctuation display (when the second reserved memory is digested), as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the thief character Ca finishes the stealing work and escapes from the surrounding situation. A moving image that looks into the camera is displayed. However, even in the second variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a line scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

  At the time of the third variation display (when the third reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. 11C, a moving image in which a character Cb simulating concentricity appears in the symbol display unit 104. Is displayed, the concentric character Cb finds the thief character Ca, and a moving image that is a catch of the effort is displayed. However, even in the third variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally the same three numbers (symbols) are not aligned. It stops in the state and informs the player that the lottery result (fluctuation) was lost.

  At the time of the fourth variation display (when the fourth reserved memory is consumed), as shown in FIG. 11 (d), a video in which the concentric character Cb successfully summons the thief character Ca after the fight. The image is displayed on the symbol display unit 104. At the time of the fourth variation display, after the three numbers arranged in a row scroll for a predetermined time in the decorative symbol of the symbol display unit 104, finally three identical numbers (symbols) are arranged. And the player is informed that the lottery result (variation) is a big hit. When the determination result of the game data related to the fourth reserved memory is lost, for example, in the fourth moving image effect, an image or the like in which the concentric character Cb catches the thief character Ca is displayed. Thus, the player may be configured to perform an effect that suggests that the determination result related to the change is a loss. Further, in addition to the image effects such as the display of moving images by the symbol display unit 104, the continuous effects may be appropriately combined with the release of sound and sound effects from the speaker 277, the lighting effects by the lamp 262 and the effect light 111, and the like. good.

  As described above, in order to perform a related effect or a continuous effect that is performed over a plurality of variation displays, the prior determination unit 330 determines a random value before the variation display starts and transmits the random value to the sub-control board 202. To do. Then, the sub control board 202 controls the related effect or the continuous effect based on the effect command transmitted from the prior determination means 330. The effect command transmitted to the sub control board 202 is used as the sub control board 202. The procedure for storing the first effect data hold storage means 510 or the second effect data hold storage means 511 will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the RAM 202 c of the sub control board 202 is provided with a first effect data 1-hold storage unit 510 and a second effect data hold-storage unit 511. The first effect data hold storage means 510 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d, and the second effect data hold storage means 511 includes the fifth storage area 511a. 4 to 8th storage area 511d.

  Each time the pre-determination means 330 determines an effect command, the effect command is transmitted to the sub-control board 2020 by the CPU 201a and stored in any of the first storage area 510a to the eighth storage area 511d. When storing the effect command, the CPU 202a of the sub control board 202 associates a signal corresponding to the storage area for storing the effect command. Specifically, when the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 finalizes the effect command, a storage area in which a random number value as a basis is stored (the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage of the first special symbol storage unit 401) A signal for identifying which is the area 401d or the first storage area 402a to the fourth storage area 402d) of the second special symbol holding means 402 is attached to the effect command.

Thereby, for example, when the random number value stored in the first storage area 401 a of the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 in the main control board 201 is stored, it is stored in the first effect data hold storage unit 510. The effect command is stored in the first storage area 510a of the first effect data hold storage means 510.
The first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol storage unit 401 correspond to the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect data storage unit 510. Further, the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d of the second special symbol storage section 402 correspond to the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect data storage section 511. Then, when the variable display is started and the reserved balls retained in the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a are digested, one random number value or effect command stored in each storage area is one. Shift to the previous storage area.

  Effect commands are stored in the first storage area 510a to the fourth storage area 510d of the first effect data hold storage means 510 or the fifth storage area 511a to the eighth storage area 511d of the second effect data hold storage means 511. The control procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S201)
When the advance determination unit 330 determines the effect command and transmits it to the sub-control board 202, the CPU 202a of the sub-control board 202 refers to the identification signal attached to the effect command and any of the storage areas 510a to 510A described above. It is confirmed whether commands are stored in 510d, 511a to 511d.

(Step S202)
Next, the CPU 202a performs processing for determining whether or not the effect command is a command for performing a related effect or a continuous effect.

(Step S203)
If it is determined in step S202 that the command is a command for performing a related effect including a continuous effect, the CPU 202a adds a related effect flag to the effect command. At this time, any one of “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is attached to the related effect flag. This is the number of areas in which the effect command is stored in the effect data hold storage unit. It is decided by what is memorized.

  Specifically, when a command for performing a related effect is stored in the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 510a, it is processed before the reserved ball in each effect data storage unit 510 or 511. Since there is no storage of the reserved ball to be played, the command for performing the related effects including the continuous effects is ignored, and the flag of the related effects is not stored in the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a.

  When a command for performing a related effect including a continuous effect is stored in the second storage area 510b or the sixth storage area 511b, the flag “2” of the related effect is stored in the second storage area 510b or the sixth storage area 511b. And a related effect flag “1” is attached to the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a processed before that.

  When a command for performing a related effect including a continuous effect is stored in the third storage area 510c or the seventh storage area 511c, the flag “3” of the related effect is stored in the third storage area 510c or the seventh storage area 511c. Is attached to the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a processed before that, and the related effect flag “1” is attached to the second storage area 510b or the sixth storage area 511b. A flag “2” is attached.

  When a command for performing a related effect including a continuous effect is stored in the fourth storage area 510d or the eighth storage area 511d, the related effect flag “4” is stored in the fourth storage area 510d or the eighth storage area 511d. Is attached to the first storage area 510a or the fifth storage area 511a processed before that, and the related effect flag “1” is attached to the second storage area 510b or the sixth storage area 511b. The flag “2” is attached, and the related effect flag “3” is attached to the third storage area 510c or the seventh storage area 511c.

However, in the same effect data hold storage means 510, 511, if a jackpot effect command is included in other effect commands processed before the effect command, An effect flag is attached. For example, when the effect command stored in the eighth storage area 511d is a command related to a continuous effect or a related effect, the flag “4” is originally attached to the effect command, and 511a is stored in the fifth storage area. Is flagged "1", the sixth storage area 511b is flagged "2", and the seventh storage area 511c is flagged "3". At this time, if a jackpot effect command is stored in the fifth storage area 511a, the flag “3” is added to the eighth storage area 511d and the flag “1” is stored in the sixth storage area 511b. However, the flag “2” is attached to the seventh storage area 511c. Similarly, when the jackpot effect command is stored in the sixth storage area 511b, the flag “2” is added to the eighth storage area 511d, and the flag “1” is set in the seventh storage area 511c. Attached. When the jackpot effect command is stored in the seventh storage area 511c, the related effect flag is not attached to the eighth storage area 511d, and the command for performing the continuous effect or the related effect is ignored. This is in order to prevent the effect that has already been won by the jackpot from being influenced by the continuous effect or the related effect that is stored later.
Thus, when an effect command of “with continuous effect” or “with related effect” is transmitted, from the effect command to be processed first to the effect command in the storage means for storing the effect command. A continuous series of related effect flags will be attached.

(Step S204)
As described above, when the related effect flag is attached to each effect command, the effect command is stored in predetermined storage areas 510a to 510d and 511a to 511b.
If it is determined in step S202 that “no continuous effect” and “no related effect”, the process in step S203 is unnecessary, and the effect command is stored as it is in a predetermined storage area. .

  By the above-described procedure, the effect command, the related effect flag, and other data are stored in the first effect data hold storage unit 510 and the second effect data hold storage unit 511 of the sub control board 202.

  In addition, according to the said embodiment, although the 1st starting port 105 was made into the non-priority starting port, and the 2nd starting port 120 was shown the priority starting port, the priority / non-priority of both the starting ports 105 and 120 was shown. The configuration may be reversed, and the positional relationship on the game board may be provided at completely different locations.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention, the control means 200 includes the first variable display hold means (first special symbol hold storage means 401) and the second variable display hold means (second special symbol hold). When the right of variable display of the special symbol is reserved for both the storage means 402), the right of variable display of the special symbol stored in the second variable display holding means is processed with priority, and the second variable display hold Since it is configured to execute a continuous effect that is one aspect of the related effect only by the right of variable display of the special symbol reserved in the means, the special symbol by entering the second starting port 120 that is the priority starting port Since the continuous production with the story is executed only by the right of the variable display (holding ball), the continuous production being executed is not interrupted by the situation of the subsequent game, and the expected result by the continuous production Directing Result it is possible to provide a gaming machine which can be sufficiently exhibited.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a symbol display means (symbol display unit 104) for displaying an effect image including a decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol during the variation display of the special symbol, and the control means 200 serves as the symbol display means. Since it can comprise so that a continuous effect may be performed with the effect image displayed, it is visually by the effect image containing the decoration symbol corresponding to the special symbol which concerns on the 2nd starting port 120 which is a priority starting port. It is possible to reliably execute a continuous production that is extremely effective.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the 2nd starting port of this embodiment. It is a block diagram of the control means of this embodiment. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. It is an example of the determination table which determines the random number value acquired when entering a 1st start opening, and this random number value. It is an example of the determination table which determines the random number value acquired when entering a 2nd starting port, and this random number value. It is a conceptual diagram of the 1st fluctuation display reservation means and the 2nd fluctuation display reservation means of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the digestion order of holding | maintenance. It is a flowchart which shows control of prior judgment. It is a figure which shows an example of a related effect. It is a figure which shows an example of a continuous production. It is a conceptual diagram of the memory | storage means of the sub control board which memorize | stores the production command obtained by prior determination. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of providing the related production flag for performing the related production including a continuous production.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 84 first special symbol display (special symbol variation display means)
86 2nd special symbol display (special symbol variation display means)
104 Symbol display part (symbol display means)
105 First start port 120 Second start port 200 Control means 201 Main control board 202 Sub control board 300 First special symbol lottery means (game data lottery means)
301 first special symbol display control means 302 first special symbol fluctuation control means 303 first random number judgment means 320 second special symbol lottery means (game data lottery means)
321 Second special symbol display control means 322 Second special symbol fluctuation control means 323 Second random number determination means 330 Pre-determination means 401 First special symbol hold storage means (first fluctuation display hold means)
402 2nd special symbol storage means (second variation display storage means)
502 effect control means 510 first effect data hold storage means 511 first effect data hold storage means

Claims (2)

Control means for controlling the progress of the game in the normal game state or in a special game state that gives a player a more advantageous game value than the normal game state, and the special symbol is variably displayed, and the variability display is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. A special symbol variation display means for displaying the game state after that, and a start opening for generating a right to start the variation display of the special symbol by the special symbol variation display means when the game ball enters. A gaming machine,
The starting port includes at least a first starting port and a second starting port,
The control means includes
A first mode that makes it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port and a second mode that makes it easier for the game ball to enter the second start port than the first mode. A start variable winning prize control means for controlling the start variable prize winning device displaceable in a mode according to a first condition and a second condition that is more easily controlled to the second mode than the first condition;
Game data lottery means for acquiring game data by lottery upon the entry of game balls into the first and second start ports,
The number of the game balls that have entered the first starting port when the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display means is stored, and the right to display the variation of the special symbol triggered by the entry A first variable display holding means for retaining
The number of the game balls that have entered the second starting port when the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display means is stored, and the right to display the variation of the special symbol triggered by the entry A second variable display holding means for retaining
When the right of variable display of special symbols is reserved in both the first variable display hold means and the second variable display hold means, the right of variable display of special symbols stored in the second variable display hold means Game processing means for processing with priority,
When an entry of the game ball is stored in the first variation display holding unit and the second variation display holding unit, the entry is triggered before the start of the variable symbol display of the special symbol triggered by the entry. Pre-determination means for determining the game data acquired by the game data lottery means,
When the start variable winning award control device is controlled according to the first condition by the start variable winning award control means, the game data lottery means is obtained when a game ball enters the second variation display holding means. Based on the determination result of the prior determination means for determining the game data, a first related effect executed over a plurality of consecutive special symbol variation displays , and the first or second variation display hold means based on the determination result of the pre-judging means for judging the game data obtained by the game data lottery means ball entrance of game ball as a trigger, the second to be performed multiple times over the variation display of the special symbols Production control means for controlling the related production of
A gaming machine characterized by The gaming machine further includes a symbol display means for displaying an effect image including a decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol during the variation display of the special symbol,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means executes the continuous effect by the effect image displayed on the symbol display means.

Images