JP4848079B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that fires a game ball toward a game board surface and plays a game.

  A ball game in which a game ball is launched on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters one of the entrances, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. The machine is widely known. Above all, there is an effect display device on the game board surface that can display the design symbols in a variable manner. When a game ball enters a special entrance called the start entrance, the effect display device changes the design symbols. When a display is started and a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed, a special prize opening that is normally closed is opened and a so-called jackpot game is started. Widely used.

  In a ball game machine that performs such a big hit game, in order to start the variable display of the design symbol on the production display device, the game ball must be inserted into the start port, but the game ball is inserted into the start port. It is not so easy to enter. Therefore, the start opening is configured to be openable and a passing gate is provided on the surface of the game board. The starting opening is opened by passing the game ball through the passing gate, and then the gaming ball is inserted into the opened starting opening. Thus, a technique for starting the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device has been proposed (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).

  In addition, a technique has also been proposed in which a plurality of start openings are provided, and when a game ball enters one of the start openings, an effect display device corresponding to the start opening that has entered the start of variable display of the effect symbols is displayed. (Patent Document 3).

JP 2003-126404 A JP 2003-190532 A JP 2006-14932 A

  However, in the technology in which the game ball passes through the passing gate, the starting port is opened, and the game ball can easily enter the starting port. First, the gaming ball is aimed at the passing gate instead of the starting port. When the game ball is passed through the passing gate and the start port can be opened, the game ball is then launched aiming at the start port and the game ball is inserted into the open start port. You will go through the steps. For this reason, the variation display of the symbols on the effect display device tends to be interrupted, and as a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to attract the interest of the player.

  In addition, if a plurality of start ports are provided, the player is wondering which start port to aim at and launching a game ball, and the game feels complicated. As a result, it is difficult to attract the player's interest.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and avoids the fact that the variation display of the effect symbols tends to be interrupted on the effect display device while maintaining easy game playability. Thus, an object is to provide a ball game machine that can attract the interest of the player.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A ball that launches a game ball on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when the launched game ball enters one of the entrances, a ball that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls In a ball game machine,
A first start port provided with a movable member at the opening and configured to be switchable between a normal state and an open state in which a game ball can be entered more easily than the normal state;
A second starting port provided as a stationary entrance where no movable member is provided in the opening;
Triggered by having entered the first start opening, a first effect display device for performing a change display of the first change time by a first effect design;
Triggered by entering the second start opening, a second effect display device that performs a variation display of a second variation time shorter than the first variation time using a second effect symbol;
When a game ball enters the first start opening during the variation display on the first effect display device or the second effect display device, until the variation display on the ball is performed on the first effect display device, First hold storage means for storing the first hold ;
When a game ball enters the second start port during the variation display on the first effect display device or the second effect display device, until the variation display on the ball is performed on the second effect display device, a second hold storage means for storing as a second hold,
A number of holding the display device to display the number of the first holding stored in the first holding memory means,
When it is detected that the number of the first hold is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the number of pending plus the second hold the first hold, to be displayed on the hold display device in place of the number of the first hold Hold number change display means,
Flag setting means for setting a hold transition flag when the hold number change display means changes the hold display of the hold display device;
If the pending transition flag is set, the relative second hold, the first is displayed in the effect display first with the effect for the symbol, a second hold variation to perform fluctuation display Display execution means ;
Equipped with a,
In order to determine a variation pattern of the first effect symbol or the second effect symbol, a first effect symbol variation pattern table in which the first time is set as a variation time; A second effect design variation pattern table in which the time 2 is set as the variation time is set,
When starting the variation display related to the first hold, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a win, and the variation pattern is determined using the first variation symbol pattern pattern for presentation. Based on the fluctuation pattern, the first effect display device performs fluctuation display,
When starting the variable display related to the second hold, determine whether or not the determination result is a win, determine whether or not the hold transition flag is set,
When the hold transition flag is not set, a variation pattern is determined using the second variation symbol pattern table for rendering, and the variation display is performed on the second rendering display device based on the determined variation pattern. Run,
When the hold transition flag is set, a variation pattern is determined using the first variation symbol pattern for effect design, and the first effect display device performs variation display based on the determined variation pattern. Run,
The first effect display device performs variable display of the first effect symbols using a larger area than the second effect display device .

In such a ball game machine of the present invention, a first start port that can be switched between a normal state and an open state and a fixed second start port are provided, and a game ball enters the first start port. When the ball is played, the first effect display device displays a variation of the first effect symbol, and when a game ball enters the second start port, the second time is shorter than the variation display performed by the first effect display device. Variation display of the second effect design is performed by the effect display device. Further, when the first start hole or game balls to the second start hole while displaying variations of these presentation for symbols to ball entrance, game ball that ball entrance to the first start-up port and the first pending, second start game ball that ball entrance to the mouth in a second pending, although each stored separately, the number of holding the display device, the number of the first pending are to be displayed. Then, when the number of first holding is equal to or less than a predetermined value, with the number of pending and the second pending addition to the first pending is displayed on the number of holding the display device, pending transition flag is set . Further, when starting the variable display related to the first hold, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a win, and the first design symbol variation in which the first time is set as the variation time A variation pattern is determined using the pattern table, and variation display on the first effect display device is started based on the determined variation pattern. On the other hand, when starting the variable display related to the second hold, first, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a win and whether or not the hold transition flag is set. Then, when the hold transition flag is not set, the variation pattern is determined using the second effect design variation pattern table in which the second time is set as the variation time, and based on the determined variation pattern The variation display on the second effect display device is started. On the other hand, when the hold transition flag is set, the variation pattern is determined using the first variation symbol pattern for the effect (not the second variation symbol pattern for the representation) and the first representation The variable display on the display device is started. Therefore, the variable display performed at this time is a variable display for a longer time than the variable display on the second effect display device that is originally performed for the second reserved number. The area where the first effect display device performs variable display of the first effect symbol is larger than the area where the second effect display device performs variable display of the second effect symbol.

The first starting port is configured such that a movable member is provided in the opening and can be switched between a normal state and an opened state, and a game ball enters the first starting port in the reserved number display device. The number of holds due to the display is displayed. In addition, the first effect display device that displays the variation by entering the first starting port has a longer time than the second effect display device that performs the variation display by entering the second starting port. There line variable display of further from the side of the first effect display device rows Ukoto variable display of the effect for symbols with a larger area than the second effect display device, the player momentum, first start hole The game is played with a focus on the first effect display device. As a result, it is possible to play a game without paying much attention to entering a game ball into the second start opening and displaying the variation on the second effect display device accompanying the entering into the second start opening. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the game from becoming complicated even though a plurality of start ports are provided. On the other hand, not only the pending due to the gaming ball is ball entrance to the first start hole (first pending) is stored, pending due to the gaming ball is ball entrance to the second start hole (second pending) are also stored, if the number of first holding is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the number of pending plus second pending is displayed in the number of holding the display device in the first pending. Then, even pending due to pending displayed in the number of holding the display device has ball entrance to the second start hole (second pending), variable display of the first effect for the symbol in the first effect display device Is done. In addition, the variable display at this time is not only performed by the first effect display device, but is also performed for a short time by the second effect display device in accordance with the second reserved number (thus, it is difficult to draw the player's attention). ) Unlike the fluctuation display, the fluctuation display is longer. For this reason, it is difficult to interrupt the change display of the effect symbols on the first effect display device that the player pays attention to during the game, and as a result, the player's interest can be attracted to the game.

Further, in such a ball game machine of the present invention, a passing gate through which a game ball can pass is provided on the surface of the game board, and when the game ball passes through the passing gate, the first start opening is opened as an opportunity. You may make it be in a state . Then, after starting the variable display related to the first hold, or if the hold transition flag is set, after starting the variable display related to the second hold, the number of holds displayed on the hold number display device A hold display command for subtraction may be output.

  If the first start port is in the open state, it becomes easy to enter the game ball, and thus it becomes easy to display the effect design on the first effect display device. Therefore, if the start opening is opened by passing the game ball through the passage gate, not only the pleasure of starting the variable display on the first effect display device but also the passage of the first start opening through the passage gate. The pleasure of making it open can be added. However, on the other hand, in order to start the variable display on the first effect display device, a new stage for passing the passage gate and opening the first starting port is added. There is a possibility that the ball cannot enter and the change display on the first effect display device tends to be interrupted. In this regard, in the ball game machine of the present invention, when the first hold number decreases to a predetermined value or less, the second hold number is also displayed on the hold display device, and the variable display on the first effect display device is performed. Therefore, while avoiding the possibility that the variation display on the first effect display device tends to be interrupted by providing the pass gate, the game ball can be passed through the pass gate and the first start port can be opened. Can be enjoyed by a person. When the variable display related to the first hold is started, or when the variable display related to the second hold is started when the hold transition flag is set, if the hold display command is output, the hold number display device is displayed. The number of displayed holds can be appropriately reduced.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, the second start opening is a fixed entrance having no movable member at the opening, and the first effect display device uses the second effect display. You may make it perform the fluctuation | variation display of the design for an effect using an area larger than an apparatus.

  In general, not only the first starting port and the second starting port but also a general entrance is provided on the game board surface, and these general entrances are provided with a movable member at the opening. It is usually not a fixed entrance. Therefore, if the second starting port is also a fixed entrance, it is difficult for the player to distinguish between the second starting port and a general entrance, so two starting ports are provided. You can advance the game without being aware of this. In addition, since the first effect display device that starts the variable display when the game ball has entered the first start opening performs variable display of the effect symbols using a larger area than the second effect display device. The player's attention is attracted to the variable display on the first effect display device rather than the variable display on the second effect display device. In particular, since the second start opening is provided in a manner that is difficult to distinguish from a general entrance that is irrelevant to the variation display of the effect design, Since it feels as some kind of production unrelated to entering the starting port, it is possible to play a game without being aware of the fact that a plurality of production display devices are provided. Eventually, the player can play the game without being conscious of the fact that a plurality of start ports and a plurality of effect display devices are mounted, so that the game is not complicated. Nevertheless, when the first hold number decreases to a predetermined value or less, the second hold number is also displayed on the hold number display device, and the first effect display device performs variable display of the first effect symbol. For this reason, it is possible to provide a ball game machine in which the variable display on the first effect display device is difficult to be interrupted and the player's interest can be attracted to the game.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Central unit configuration:
A-4. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Overview of control:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-2-1. Left special symbol related processing:
C-2-2. Right special symbol related processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
D. Production control processing:

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

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Furthermore, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side (player side) of the upper plate part 5. By pressing this switch, the player can intervene in the progress of the game, such as changing the game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 40 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. As will be described later, the central device 40 is configured by incorporating a movable accessory, a display device for various symbols, a lamp for production, etc., and the accessory moves according to the progress of the game, Various symbols are displayed in a variable manner, or lamps are lit. The configuration of the central device 40 will be described in detail with reference to another drawing.

  An upper start port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided above the central device 40. The upper start port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type start port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the upper start port 17, there are an upper start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) for operating the wing piece. A solenoid 17m (see FIG. 6) is provided. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the game ball is likely to enter is in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering is small. When a game ball enters the upper start port 17, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and in the display device of various symbols provided in the central device 40, the variation display of the symbols is triggered by the entrance. Is supposed to start.

  Below the central device 40, a special winning opening 31d is provided. The special winning opening 31d is normally closed in a state in which a game ball cannot be entered, but when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state. As a result, a big hit gaming state (sometimes called a special gaming state), which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  A total of four entrances are provided on the left and right sides of the big winning entrance 31d. When game balls enter these entrances, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. It has become. In addition, one of these four entrances (in this embodiment, the entrance provided on the left side of the big prize entrance 31d when viewed from the player side) By doing so, it becomes a starting port for starting the variable display of various symbols provided in the central device 40. In the following, in order to distinguish from the above-described upper start opening 17, the start opening provided below the central device 40 (on the side of the big winning opening 31d) will be referred to as the lower start opening 18. Moreover, when referring to the entrance which is not the start entrance in the entrance, it will be called the general entrance 19. In this embodiment, the upper start port 17 corresponds to the “first start port” in the present invention, and the lower start port 18 corresponds to the “second start port” in the present invention.

  At the left end of the gaming area 11 (on the left side of the central device 40), an upper start gate operation gate 36 is provided, and a gate switch 36s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Furthermore, one general entrance 19 is also provided below the upper start opening operation gate 36. In addition, one ramp windmill 24 is also provided at an upper left and right of the upper start port 17, and an out port 35 is provided at the lower end of the game area 11. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices. In addition, the upper start opening operation gate 36 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “pass gate” in the present invention.

A-3. Central unit configuration:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a rough configuration of the central device 40 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. The central device 40 of the present embodiment is configured such that a movable accessory part, a symbol display part, an effect lamp part, and the like are integrally incorporated in a frame body 41 formed of hard resin. In FIG. 3, the movable accessory part 50 is displayed with rough diagonal lines. In this embodiment, 50 parts of the movable accessory perform an operation of rotating the plated coin. Moreover, the symbol display part 42 is provided in the right and left of the movable accessory part 50. FIG. The symbol display unit 42 is configured by a total of 14 light emitting diodes (LEDs) provided on the left and right sides of the movable accessory unit 50, and each LED can be lit in red and green. It has become. In FIG. 3, the symbol display unit 42 is displayed in black.

  In addition, an effect display unit 46 is provided above the movable accessory unit 50. In FIG. 3, the effect display unit 46 is represented by a fine diagonal line. In addition, an effect lamp unit 52 is provided above and to the left and right of the effect display unit 46, and further to the left and right of the symbol display unit 42. In FIG. 3, these effect lamp portions 52 are represented by thick solid lines.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the symbol display unit 42. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display unit 42 is configured by a total of 14 LEDs, and these LEDs can be roughly divided into two display units. First, the seven LEDs provided on the left side of the movable accessory part 50 constitute a left symbol display part 43. The left symbol display unit 43 is a symbol display unit corresponding to the upper start port 17 provided above the central device 40. Of the seven LEDs constituting the left symbol display unit 43, the five LEDs from the top are the left special symbol display unit 43a that performs a variable display when a game ball enters the upper start port 17, and the rest. When the game ball enters the upper start opening 17 during the fluctuation display of the left special symbol display unit 43a, the two LEDs of the left special symbol hold display unit 43b for storing the received ball as a hold It has become. FIG. 4A shows a left special symbol display unit 43 a and a left special symbol hold display unit 43 b that constitute the left symbol display unit 43. The LED of the left special symbol hold display portion 43b lights up or blinks every time the hold corresponding to the entrance to the upper start port 17 is increased, and can store up to 4 holds. . In addition, as for the LED of the left special symbol hold display portion 43b of this embodiment, one LED is lit when the hold is 1, two LEDs are lit when the hold is 2, and two LEDs are held when the hold is 3. Among the LEDs, one LED is lit and the remaining one is blinking. When the hold is 4, two LEDs are blinking.

  Similarly, the seven LEDs provided on the right side of the movable accessory part 50 constitute a right symbol display part 44. The right symbol display unit 44 is a symbol display unit corresponding to the lower start port 18 provided diagonally to the left of the central device 40. Of the seven LEDs constituting the right symbol display section 44, the five LEDs from the top serve as a right special symbol display section 44a that displays a change when a game ball enters the lower start opening 18, and the rest. These two LEDs are the right special symbol hold display section 44b. FIG. 4B shows a right special symbol display unit 44 a and a right special symbol hold display unit 44 b that constitute the right symbol display unit 44. As is apparent from the fact that the right special symbol hold display section 44b is also composed of four LEDs, it is possible to store up to four holds corresponding to the ball entering the lower start opening 18. The display mode of the right special symbol hold display unit 44b is the same as that of the left special symbol hold display unit 43b.

  As described above, the holding includes holding for entering the upper starting port 17 and holding for entering the lower starting port 18. Therefore, in the following, the hold for the upper start port 17 is called left special symbol hold, and the hold for the lower start port 18 is called right special symbol hold for distinction.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the effect display unit 46. The effect display unit 46 can also be roughly divided into three display units. FIG. 5A shows the first effect display unit 47 constituting the effect display unit 46 by applying rough hatching. As shown in the drawing, the first effect display unit 47 is a display unit having the widest area in the effect display unit 46, and three so-called 7-segment LEDs are incorporated therein. In principle, the first effect display unit 47 is configured such that the three 7-segment LEDs perform variable display in synchronization with the variable display of the left special symbol display unit 43a shown in FIG. ing.

  Below the first effect display unit 47, there is provided a second effect display unit 48 composed of a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) LEDs that can be lit in red or green. In FIG.5 (b), the 2nd production | presentation display part 48 is displayed by giving fine hatching. In principle, the second effect display unit 48 performs variable display while the LEDs are lit in various patterns in synchronization with the variable display of the right special symbol display unit 44a shown in FIG. 4B. It is like that.

  Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the second effect display unit 48, there are provided hold effect display units 49 each including two (total four) LEDs. In FIG. 5C, the hold effect display unit 49 is displayed by applying fine hatching. In principle, the holding effect display unit 49 displays the contents of the left special symbol holding display unit 43b shown in FIG.

  As described above, the central device 40 includes various display units such as the left symbol display unit 43, the right symbol display unit 44, the first effect display unit 47, the second effect display unit 48, and the hold effect display unit 49. The left symbol display unit 43 and the right symbol display unit 44 are smaller in display than the first effect display unit 47, the second effect display unit 48, and the hold effect display unit 49. Since the player is not visible to the player because it is arranged away from the effect display unit 47, and the display content is difficult to understand, the player is exclusively in the vicinity of the first effect display unit 47, that is, the first display. It is normal to play a game while watching the effect display unit 47, the second effect display unit 48, and the hold effect display unit 49. In particular, the first effect display unit 47 is the most conspicuous and the display content is easy to understand, so that the player's attention is most easily drawn. In addition, the hold effect display unit 49 is turned on when the game ball enters the upper start opening 17 or is turned off when the first effect display unit 47 starts the variable display. Since the contents are relatively easy to understand, the display area is relatively small, but it is a display section that the player often confirms during the game.

A-4. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. Under the control of the main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub-control board 220 that controls the effects of the game using symbols, lamps and sound effects, , An effect control board 230 that performs specific control of effects performed by the movable accessory part 50 and the effect lamp part 52, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, and a game ball It is comprised from the launch control board 260 etc. which govern control regarding launch of this. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 6, only the CPU 201 and RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 and the CPU 221 and ROM 222 mounted on the sub control board 220 are shown.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 includes an upper start port switch 17 s incorporated in the upper start port 17, a lower start port switch 18 s incorporated in the lower start port 18, and a general entrance 19. After receiving the game ball detection signal from the general entrance 19 switch s, the grand prize entrance switch 31 s, the gate switch 36 s and the like incorporated in the game, the basic progress of the game and the success or failure related to the prize ball are determined. Commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the upper start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, Further, a symbol display unit 42 including a left symbol display unit 43, a right symbol display unit 44, and a lower symbol display unit 45 is connected via a relay terminal board. These solenoids 17m and 31m, The operation is also controlled by outputting a signal toward the display unit 42.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. In other words, a command for designating the content of the effect is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the effect display unit 46, the effect lamp unit 52, and the movable accessory unit 50 (see FIG. 5) incorporated in the central device 40. Or by outputting a drive signal to the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c and the decorative driving board 226 that drives the various LEDs and lamps for decoration.

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

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the upper start opening operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the upper start opening 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with two starting ports, an upper starting port 17 and a lower starting port 18. The starting port is only the upper starting port 17, and the lower starting port 18 is not an openable starting port.

  Next, when a game ball enters the upper start port 17 that has been opened, the left special symbol display unit 43a starts to display the left special symbol in a variable manner. As described above with reference to FIG. 4A, the left special symbol display unit 43 a is configured by three LEDs provided on the left part of the central device 40. These LEDs light up in red or green and take a plurality of predetermined lighting states to display different symbols. When a game ball enters the upper start opening 17, A plurality of symbols are variably displayed by switching the lighting state of. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the display is stopped in any lighting state (that is, the symbol). At this time, if the stop display is performed in the predetermined lighting state (winning symbol), the game is hit with a so-called left special symbol. A special gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is started. In the special game state, the game state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is in an open state is configured to be repeated for a predetermined round. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, a game ball enters with a high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the upper start opening 17 while the left special symbol display unit 43a is displaying the variation of the left special symbol or the right special symbol display unit 44a is displaying the variation of the right special symbol, The incoming ball is stored as the left special symbol hold and is displayed as the left special symbol hold number on the left special symbol hold display portion 43b shown in FIG.

  Further, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the upper start port 17, a lower start port 18 is also provided. When a game ball enters the lower start opening 18, the right special symbol display unit 44a starts to display the right special symbol in a variable manner. Like the left special symbol display unit 43a, the right special symbol display unit 44a is composed of three LEDs that can be lit in red or green, and switches a plurality of predetermined lighting states (that is, symbols) one after another. Thus, the right special symbol can be variably displayed. Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the display is stopped in any lighting state. At this time, if the stop display is performed in the predetermined lighting state (winning symbol), the winning symbol 31d becomes a hit of the so-called right special symbol. A special game state that is an open state is started. In addition, when a game ball enters the lower start opening 18 while the right special symbol display unit 44a is displaying the variation or the left special symbol display unit 43a is displaying the variation of the left special symbol, this entry is held on the right special symbol hold. As shown in the right special symbol hold display section 44b shown in FIG.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with two starting ports, the upper starting port 17 and the lower starting port 18, and when the game ball enters the upper starting port 17, the left special opening In the symbol display section 43a, the left special symbol is changed and displayed. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the lower start opening 18, the right special symbol display unit 44a displays a variation of the right special symbol. Here, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the left special symbol display unit 43a and the right special symbol display unit 44a do not display the symbols in parallel, but play games at the upper start port 17 or the lower start port 18. Fluctuation display is performed on the left special symbol display unit 43a or the right special symbol display unit 44a in the order in which the balls have entered. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to digest the hold for the other start port only when the start port is digested with priority given to the one start port. For example, while there is a hold on the upper start port 17, only the left special symbol display portion 43 a corresponding to the upper start port 17 is displayed variably, and all the hold on the upper start port 17 is consumed. Alternatively, the right special symbol display unit 44a corresponding to the lower start port 18 may be displayed in a variable manner to digest the hold on the lower start port 18.

  The left special symbol displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a is provided with “normal hit symbol”, “probability variable symbol”, and “specific probability variable symbol” as the symbol. Similarly, the right special symbol displayed on the right special symbol display unit 44a is also provided with "normal hit symbol", "probability variable hit symbol", and "specific probability variable hit symbol".

  If the left special symbol or the right special symbol is stopped and displayed as “ordinary winning symbol”, the left special symbol and the right special symbol are displayed in a predetermined number of times (in this example, 100 times) after the special game ends. Until the next special gaming state is reached, the special symbol variation time is shortened and the opening time of the upper start port 17 is lengthened. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state).

  On the other hand, if the left special symbol or the right special symbol is stopped and displayed with a “probable change symbol”, any hit between the end of the special game and the start of the next special game will be made. The probability that the symbol is stopped and displayed is higher than in the normal state. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation gaming state (or simply a probability variation state). In addition, after the special game due to the “probability change symbol” being stopped and displayed, until the next special game is started (during the probability change state), the special symbol is displayed in the same manner as the above-mentioned short-time state. As the fluctuation time becomes shorter, the opening time of the upper start port 17 becomes longer.

  Furthermore, when the left special symbol or the right special symbol is stopped and displayed with the “specific probability variation per symbol”, the special winning opening 31d is specially opened only in a mode in which almost no game ball can enter for a very short time. End the game. Then, until the next special game is started, the probability variation state is continued in the same manner as when the “probability variation symbol” is stopped or displayed, or the variation time of the special symbol is shortened although it is the probability variation state. A gaming state (so-called latent probability changing state) in which the opening time of the upper start port 17 is not extended is continued.

  However, the left special symbol display unit 43a and the right special symbol display unit 44a are not provided in a manner that is easily noticeable to the player, and in addition, the symbols that are displayed in a stopped manner are also easy to understand for the player. It is not displayed. Therefore, in accordance with the variation display of the left special symbol performed in the left special symbol display unit 43a, the first effect display unit 47 starts the variation display of the three 7-segment LEDs, and the left special symbol display unit 43a displays “ When the “normal hit symbol” is stopped, the 7-segment LED is stopped and displayed with an even number of dots, and when the “probable change symbol” is stopped, the 7-segment LED is stopped with an odd number of dots. When the “specific probability variation symbol” is stopped and displayed, the 7-segment LED is stopped and displayed with a predetermined combination of numbers (for example, a combination of “123”) except for the doublet, and the left special When the symbol display unit 43a is stopped and displayed as “out of symbol”, the 7-segment LED is stopped and displayed with a so-called broken eye that is neither a flat eye nor a predetermined combination.

  Note that, as described above, the first effect display unit 47 starts the variable display in response to the game ball entering the upper start port 17. Therefore, the first effect display unit 47 of this embodiment corresponds to the “first effect display device” in the present invention. Further, the number of left special symbol reservations for storing the number of game balls that have entered the upper start port 17 corresponds to the “first reservation number” in the present invention, and the main control board 200 storing the number of left special symbol reservations. The RAM 203 corresponds to the “first reserved number storage unit” in the present invention.

  In addition, in accordance with the change display of the right special symbol performed in the right special symbol display unit 44a, the second effect display unit 48 also varies while a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) LEDs are lit in various patterns. Display. Then, depending on the symbol (any one of “normal hit symbol”, “probability variation symbol”, “specific probability variation symbol”, “outgoing symbol”) that is stopped and displayed in the right special symbol display unit 44a Or stop display in the off state (stop symbol). In particular, when the stop lamp is displayed in the lighting state corresponding to the “normal hit symbol” or the “probable hit symbol”, the generation lamp unit 52 (see FIG. 3) is used to notify the occurrence of the big hit, A special game is started by opening the winning opening 31d. Further, when the display is stopped in the lighting state corresponding to the “specific probability variation symbol”, the special mode entry effect is executed using the effect lamp unit 52 (see FIG. 3). Here, as a mode of the stop display in the second effect display section 48, for example, when all the eight LEDs are stopped and displayed in a green lighting state, “normal hit” is set, and all the eight LEDs are red. If the LED is stopped when the LED is lit, “probable hit” is indicated. If four LEDs are red and the remaining four are lit in green, the LED is indicated as “specific probability change”. When all the eight LEDs are stopped and displayed in a light-off state, it can be set as a “off symbol”.

  Note that, as described above, the second effect display unit 48 starts the variable display in response to the game ball entering the lower start port 18. Accordingly, the second effect display unit 48 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “second effect display device” in the present invention, and the right special symbol holding number for storing the number of game balls that have entered the lower start opening 18 is The RAM 203 of the main control board 200 that stores the “second reserved number” in the present invention and the right special symbol reserved number corresponds to the “second reserved number storage means” in the present invention. Yes.

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

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 for controlling the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal electric player game process, a normal electric player stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric player game process is repeatedly executed. ing. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 progresses, and the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, switches related to the winning of the game ball (upper start port switch 17s, lower start port switch 18s, general entrance port switch 19s, large winning port switch 31s etc.), it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball number designation command (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not to perform the ordinary electric accessory game process (S100). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is operating, in other words, whether or not the upper start port 17 is open. If the ordinary electric accessory is not operating, it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the ordinary electric accessory is operating, it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory game process is not performed. (S100: no). If it is determined that the ordinary electric game product process is to be performed (S100: yes), the ordinary electric game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the ordinary electric accessory game process (S100: no), the ordinary electric accessory game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process (S150), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the upper start opening operation gate 36, in other words, whether or not the gate switch 36s has detected the game ball. When it is determined that the vehicle has passed through the start opening operation gate 36 (the gate switch 36s has detected a game ball), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is started. When the ordinary electric accessory is operated in this way, the pair of blade pieces provided in the upper start port 17 rotate outward, and the upper start port 17 is in an open state.

  Note that a series of operations for opening the upper start port 17 when the game ball passes through the upper start port operation gate 36 is performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 by the above-described ordinary electric equipment game. It is done by executing the process. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “first start port opening means” in the present invention.

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

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. As shown in the figure, when the ordinary electric accessory stopping process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has passed (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, the upper start port 17 is in an open state. However, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the pair of blade pieces are again restored to the normal state. Accordingly, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing. Note that the normal electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the upper start port 17) is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but when the opening time extending function described later is operated, about 1. Extended to 5 seconds.

  On the other hand, when a prescribed number of game balls enter the upper start port 17 during opening, the upper starting port 17 returns to the normal state even if the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory stopping process shown in FIG. 8 is performed. finish. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no predetermined number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric accessory stopping process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in.

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

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first half of a process (special symbol game start determination process) performed to determine whether or not to start the special symbol game process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the latter half of the special symbol game start determination process. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has entered the upper start port 17 (S252). As described above, the upper start port 17 is provided with the upper start port switch 17s for detecting the entrance of the game ball, and can detect that the game ball has entered.

  When the game ball is in the upper start port 17 (S252: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols on the left has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment) (S254). ). As described above with reference to FIG. 4A, the number of reserved special symbols is displayed by turning on the LED in the special special symbol display section 43b. If the number of reserved symbols for the left special symbol has not reached the upper limit (S254: no), the randomness determination random number for the left special symbol, the symbol determining random number for the left special symbol, and the variation pattern determining random number for the left special symbol are obtained. Acquired and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. Here, the right special symbol determination random number is a random number used to determine whether the left special symbol is displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a shown in FIG. The symbol determination random number is a random number for determining the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a in accordance with the result of the determination of the right special symbol, and the variation pattern determination random number of the left special symbol is described later. This is a random number used to determine the special symbol variation pattern of the left special symbol.

  When the left special symbol hold count does not reach “4” (S254: no), various random numbers for the left special symbol are acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (S256), and then the left special symbol hold count is reached. “1” is added to (S258), and then a hold display command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S260). Here, the hold display command is a command for designating the number of holds to be displayed for the effect on the hold effect display unit 49 incorporated in the central device 40. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the hold effect display unit 49 displays the number of reserved special symbols on the left as a general rule. Therefore, if “1” is added to the number of reserved special symbols in S258, A command is output toward the sub-control board 220 to change the display of the hold effect display unit 49.

  On the other hand, if the number of reserved special symbols has reached “4” (S254: no), the random number for determining whether the special symbol is left, the random symbol for determining the special symbol of the left symbol, the random pattern determining random number of the special symbol of the left Is not acquired. As a result, it is possible to store up to four random numbers related to the left special symbol.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with two start ports, an upper start port 17 and a lower start port 18. Corresponding to this, the lower start port 18 performs the same process as the above-described upper start port 17. Briefly described below, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the lower start opening 18 (S262), and if it has entered the lower start opening 18 (S262: yes), the right It is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment) (S264). That is, when entering the upper start opening 17, it is determined whether or not the number of left special symbols held displayed on the left special symbol hold display section 43b (see FIG. 4A) has reached the upper limit. On the other hand, when the ball enters the lower starting opening 18, whether or not the number of right special symbols displayed on the right special symbol hold display section 44b (see FIG. 4B) has reached the upper limit. It is judged. If the number of reserved right special symbols has not reached the upper limit (S264: no), a right / no-go determination random number, a symbol determined random number, and a variation pattern determined random number are acquired for the right special symbol, respectively, and the main control board 200 is obtained. Then, “1” is added to the number of reserved right special symbols (S268).

  As described above, when “1” is added to the number of left special symbols held (S258), a hold display command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S260), but the number of right special symbols held. In this case, even if “1” is added (S268), the hold display command is not output. As shown in FIG. 5, the hold effect display unit 49 provided in the central device 40 is a display unit that performs display corresponding to the number of reserved special symbols on the left as a rule, and the central device 40 of the present embodiment. This is because there is no display unit for performing display corresponding to the number of reserved right special symbols.

  On the other hand, when the number of reserved right special symbols has reached “4” (S264: no), the process of acquiring various random numbers corresponding to the right special symbol and adding “1” to the reserved number is not performed. . As a result, it is possible to store up to four hold numbers for the right special symbol, similarly to the hold numbers for the left special symbol.

  Also, as described above, the left special symbol hold count and the right special symbol hold count are both stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 with an upper limit of four. The order in which the balls are entered into the starting port 18 is stored in an identifiable state. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which the left and right special symbol holding numbers are stored in a state in which the order of entering the upper start port 17 and the lower start port 18 can be identified. FIG. 11 shows that the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is provided with an area for storing the left special symbol reservation count and an area for storing the right special symbol reservation count. As described above, it is possible to store up to four special symbol holding numbers on the left and right. In FIG. 11A, three reserved symbols are stored for the left special symbol, and 1 for the right special symbol. A state in which one hold is stored is illustrated. In addition, the order is stored in each of these four holds. For example, among these four holds, the first hold stored is the hold indicated as “1” stored as the left special symbol hold, and the second stored hold is also the left special It is a hold indicated as “2” in the symbol. The third stored hold is the hold labeled “3” stored as the right special symbol hold, and the last stored fourth hold is the left special symbol “4”. It is the indicated hold.

  In addition, when the first hold of these holds is consumed, the second hold moves up to the first hold, the third hold moves up to the second hold, and the fourth hold becomes the third hold. As a result, it is stored in the state shown in FIG. Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, each hold is stored for the left special symbol and the right special symbol, and the number of the hold stored in the entire hold is stored. It is stored in an identifiable state.

  In the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. 9, after the processing related to the holding of the left and right special symbols is completed as described above, this time, whether or not the number of left special symbols held is reduced. In the example, it is determined whether or not it is less than “2” (S270 in FIG. 10). As described above, the number of holds for the left special symbol is the number of holds displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 of the central device 40. If it is determined that the number of reserved left special symbols is small (here, less than “2”) (S272: yes), it is subsequently determined whether the number of reserved right special symbols remains (S274). ). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved right special symbols remains (S274: yes), that is, the number of reserved left special symbols displayed on the reserved effect display unit 49 of the central device 40 is small (here, If it is determined that the number of reserved right special symbols remains, a suspension transition flag is set (S274). Here, the hold transition flag refers to shifting to a state in which the number of right special symbols held is displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 when the number of hold of the left special symbols displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 is reduced. It is a flag which shows. The hold transition flag is set at a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. Next, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a hold display command to the sub control board 220 (S276). This hold display command is a command for instructing the sub-control board 220 to display on the hold effect display unit 49 the number of holds obtained by adding the hold number of the right special symbol to the hold number of the left special symbol.

  On the other hand, when the number of the left special symbol hold is 2 or more and many hold are displayed in the hold effect display unit 49 (S270: no), the hold number of the right special symbol is displayed as the hold effect. It is not necessary to display in addition to the part 49, and when the number of reservations of the right special symbol does not remain even if the number of reservations displayed on the reservation effect display part 49 is small (S272: no), Since it cannot be added and displayed on the hold effect display unit 49, the process of setting the hold transition flag or outputting the hold display command toward the sub control board 220 (S274, S276) is skipped.

  As described above, when the number of reserved special symbols is “2” or more, only the number of reserved special symbols is displayed on the hold effect display unit 49. When the remaining amount decreases, the number of right special symbols held is also displayed on the hold effect display unit 49. Accordingly, the hold effect display unit 49 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “hold number display device” in the ball game machine of the present invention.

  In addition, when the number of left special symbols held decreases, the operation of causing the hold effect display unit 49 to display the number of holds obtained by adding the right special symbol hold number to the left special symbol hold number is the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Is realized by outputting a hold display command in the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “holding number change display means” in the present invention.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S278). In the special symbol game process described later, the left special symbol or the right special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and when a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed on either the right or left special symbol, the big hit is a special game advantageous to the player. This is a process for starting a game. If a big hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeatedly start a big hit game. Therefore, when the processing related to the holding of the left and right special symbols is completed, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S278). If there is no big hit game (S278: no), a special that will be described later. It is determined that the symbol game process is started (that is, S250: yes). On the other hand, if the game is already in the big hit game (S278: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S250: no).

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S250: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S300). On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S250: no), the special symbol game process (S300) is skipped.

C-2. Special design game processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first half of the special symbol game process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the latter half of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not any special symbol on the left or right is changing (S302). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the central device 40 is provided with the left special symbol display unit 43a and the right special symbol display unit 44a, and the left special symbol and the right special symbol respectively. Can be displayed in a variable manner.

  If neither the left or right special symbol is changing (S302: no), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is in the stop display time (S304). In other words, the stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol has been stopped for a while after the variable display has ended for either of the special symbols on the left and right. It is judged whether it is during time. If it is confirmed that neither the left or right special symbol is variably displayed and is not within the special symbol stop display time (S304: no), whether or not the number of left and right special symbols held is “0”. Is determined (S306). As described above with reference to FIG. 11, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the left start symbol and the right special symbol can be reserved for the upper start port 17 and the lower start port 18, respectively. It is possible. In S306, it is determined whether or not any special symbol hold is “0”.

  If it is determined that any of the holdings is not “0” (S306: no), the holding special stored first from the left special symbol holding or the right special symbol holding stored in the RAM 203 is performed. The symbol determination random number is read (S308), and it is determined whether the special symbol determination random number is a right determination random number of the left special symbol (S310). That is, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the special symbol hold is a state in which it is possible to identify the order in which each hold is stored and whether the hold is the left special symbol or the right special symbol. Is remembered. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the success / failure determination random number is the right / failure determination random number of the left special symbol by reading the special symbol determination / determination random number stored first among a plurality of suspensions. It has become. If it is determined that the read / write determination random number is a left special symbol determination random number (S310: yes), the left special symbol related process is started (S320).

  Although details of the left special symbol related processing will be described later, the following processing is roughly performed. First, whether or not the left special symbol is determined is determined, a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a is determined, and a variation pattern to be performed on the left special symbol display unit 43a is determined. Decrease the displayed number of left special symbols by one. Next, processing for outputting various commands toward the sub-control board 220 is performed in order to reflect these contents in the display on the effect display unit 46 of the central device 40.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the read / fail determination random number is not the left special symbol determination random number (S310: no), the right special symbol game process is started (S340). The details of the right special symbol related processing will be described later, but roughly the same processing as the left special symbol related processing is performed. That is, after determining whether the right special symbol is right and wrong and determining the symbols and fluctuation patterns to be stopped and displayed on the right special symbol display unit 44a, the number of right special symbols held is reduced by one. Next, processing for outputting various commands toward the sub-control board 220 is performed in order to reflect these contents in the display on the effect display unit 46 of the central device 40. However, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the number of left special symbols on hold decreases, even if the right special symbol is on hold, an effect is made as if the left symbol is on hold. In the right special symbol related process, unlike the left special symbol related process, a process related to the effect is also performed. Details of the right special symbol related processing will also be described later.

  As described above, when the stop symbol or the variation pattern for the left special symbol or the right special symbol is determined according to the read / write determination random number of the special symbol (S320, S340), the special symbol game process shown in FIG. Then, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The detailed processing performed in the special symbol game process when either the left or right special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S302: no in FIG. 12) has been described above. On the other hand, if the special symbol game process of FIG. 12 is started while either the left or right special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing by the first determination of S302 (S302: yes). ). This case corresponds to the case where the variation pattern and stop symbol of the left special symbol or the right special symbol are already determined and the variation display is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern has elapsed (S360). If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S360: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S360: yes), the effect symbols that are variably displayed on the first effect display unit 47 or the second effect display unit 48 are stopped and displayed. A command indicating that (symbol stop command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S362), and the left and right special symbols variably displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a or the right special symbol display unit 44a are displayed. Then, stop display is performed with a preset symbol (S364). Next, after setting a time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time) (S366), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (S368). If the display time has not elapsed (S368: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S368: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S370 in FIG. 13). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is a symbol that is a normal symbol, a probability variation symbol, or a specific probability variation symbol. In S370 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the left or right special symbol stopped and displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a or the right special symbol display unit 44a is the winning symbol.

  If the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a symbol that activates the conditional device (S370: yes), it is next determined whether or not the symbol is a symbol with a specific probability variation (S372). If it is not a specific probability variation symbol (S372: no), the number of continuous operations of the accessory continuous operation device is set to the standard number (15 in this embodiment) (S376). On the other hand, when it is a symbol with specific probability variation (S372: yes), the number of continuous operations of the accessory continuous actuating device is set to the number for specific probability variation (two in this embodiment) (S374). .

  In this way, after setting the number of continuous operations of the special winning opening, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated (S378). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device described later, and is embodied by a control program executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Specifically, this is a device (control means) that starts operation when the special symbol on either the left or right side is stopped and displayed on any of the above-described winning symbols and opens the special winning opening 31d. The accessory continuous operation device is a device (control means) that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d, and is embodied by a control program executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, similarly to the condition device. Is done. As will be described in detail later, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. 7 is resumed, the special electric accessory game process is started and the special game is started. The state will be started.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. The time-saving function is a function for shortening the time during which various symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display unit 42 and the effect display unit 46. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S378 of FIG. If the probability change is in progress (S380: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are activated, these functions are stopped (S382). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not being changed (S380: no), then it is checked whether the time is short (S384), and if it is short (S384: yes) Is stopped (S386). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the upper start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) is also working, so when the time reduction function is stopped ( (S382, S386) After stopping the function of extending the ordinary electric accessory opening time (S388), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 7 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated is neither probabilistic nor short (S384: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed.

  As described above, when the left or right special symbol stopped and displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a or the right special symbol display unit 44a is the symbol (winning symbol) that activates the condition device (S370: yes). In the case where the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is not a symbol that activates the conditional device (in the case of a detachment symbol) (S370: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S390). If it is determined that the probability change is in progress (S390: yes), the special symbol game process is exited and the process returns to the game control process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability change is not in progress (S390: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S392). As a result, if it is determined that the time is not short (S392: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the process returns to the game control process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time is short (S392: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol (S394), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S396). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the “normal hit” occurs, the time-short state is started after the end of the special game, and the next big hit game state occurs or the special symbol is predetermined. It is set to continue until the number of times changes. Therefore, when it is determined that the current gaming state is short of time (S392: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol (S394), it is determined whether or not the count value of the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number. (S396). Then, if the predetermined number of times has been reached (S396: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S398), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S388), and then FIG. 12 and FIG. The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 7 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S396: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts the special game state by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and a series of the above-described prize ball related process (S50) and subsequent steps. Repeat the process.

  Here, before explaining the special electric game game process, the left special symbol related process (S320 in FIG. 12) and the right special symbol related process (S340 in FIG. 12) performed in the special symbol game process will be explained. Keep it.

C-2-1. Left special symbol related processing:
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the left special symbol related process performed when digesting the hold of the left special symbol in the special symbol game process. As shown in the drawing, when the left special symbol related process (S320) is started, first, a determination whether or not the left special symbol is right is performed (S322).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not the left special symbol is appropriate. As shown in the figure, when the left special symbol success / failure determination process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state (S3220). Then, if it is in the probability variation state (S3220: yes), the probability determination table for probability variation is selected (S3222). If it is not in the probability variation state (S3220: no), the probability determination table for non-probability variation is selected (S3224). . Here, the success / failure determination table is a table in which the determination result of the left special symbol is determined in association with the right / left determination random number of the left special symbol, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the right special symbol is also provided in addition to the left special symbol, and the randomness determination random number is acquired for each special symbol. Correspondingly to this, a success / failure determination table is also prepared for the right / left special symbol success / failure determination random number, but in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the left special symbol and right special symbol determination / rejection table The same table is shared. Therefore, in the present specification, the right special symbol success / failure determination table and the right special symbol correctness determination table are simply referred to as a special symbol success / failure determination table.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the special symbol determination table stored in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 16A shows a non-probability change determination table, and FIG. 16B shows a probability change determination table. As shown in the figure, in the success / failure determination table, the success / failure determination result of “winning” or “out” is set in association with the right / left determination random numbers of the left and right special symbols. Further, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the probability change success / failure determination table shown in FIG. 16B is used for the non-probability change shown in FIG. “Win” determination result is set to a larger number of random numbers than the determination table.

  In the left special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 15, when a corresponding determination table is selected according to whether or not the current gaming state is being probabilistic, the special symbol previously read during the special symbol game processing is selected. Based on the randomness determination random number, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the left special symbol is “winning” by referring to the selected determination table (S3226). As described above, the accuracy determination success / failure determination table referred to in the probability variation state is more likely to win a lot of special symbol success / failure determination random numbers than the non-accuracy variation accuracy determination table referred to when not in the probability variation state. Since the success / failure determination result is set, the success / failure determination result of “winning” is generated with a higher probability during the probability change than during the non-accuracy change.

  If it is determined that the determination result of the left special symbol is a win (S3226: yes), after reading the left special symbol determination random number (S3228), a process of determining the winning symbol of the left special symbol is performed ( S3230). Here, the left special symbol determination random number is a random number acquired together with the left special symbol determination random number in the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. 9 when a game ball enters the upper start port 17. is there. The winning symbol of the left special symbol is determined by referring to the winning symbol determination table based on the left symbol determining random number.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory view exemplifying a winning symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine the winning symbol of the left special symbol. As described above, in the left special symbol displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a, the winning symbol can be displayed in three modes of "normal hit symbol", "probable variable symbol", and "specific probability variable symbol". Although it is possible, in the winning symbol determination table, as shown in the figure, it is set in advance which type of winning symbol is displayed in association with the special symbol determining random number. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the right special symbol is also provided in addition to the left special symbol, and a special symbol determining random number is acquired for each. Correspondingly, a winning symbol determination table is also prepared for the left and right special symbols. However, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the same symbol is used for the left special symbol and the right special symbol. Shared. Therefore, in this specification, the winning symbol determination table for the left special symbol and the winning symbol determination table for the right special symbol are simply referred to as the winning symbol determination table without distinguishing between them.

  In the left special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 15, when the left special symbol determination random number is read, a process of determining the hit symbol of the left special symbol is performed by referring to the hit symbol determination table of FIG. 17 (S3230). ).

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the left special symbol is “exclusion” (S3226: no), the left special symbol determination random number is read out in the same manner as in the case of “winning” (S3232), and then the left special symbol is out. A process of determining a symbol is performed (S3234). The process of determining the off symbol is also performed by referring to a off symbol determining table (not shown) in which the off symbol is preset for the left special symbol determining random number. In the out symbol determination table, a predetermined out symbol is set for the left special symbol determination random number.

  As described above, in the left special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 15, the left special symbol correctness determination random number is determined based on the previously read left special symbol appropriateness determination random number, and according to the determination result, A process of determining a winning symbol or a missing symbol of the left special symbol is performed (S3230 or S3234). When the winning symbol or the off symbol is determined, the left special symbol success / failure determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the left special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the left special symbol game process, when returning from the left special symbol success / failure determination process, a process of setting a variation pattern of the left special symbol is started (S324).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting a variation pattern of the left special symbol in the left special symbol-related processing (left special symbol variation pattern setting processing). Similar to the left special symbol related process, this process is also a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200.

  When starting the left special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the determination result of the left special symbol is a win (S3240). The determination of whether or not the left special symbol is determined has already been performed in the left special symbol determination processing described above with reference to FIG. 15 prior to the left special symbol variation pattern setting process. It is possible to immediately determine whether or not the symbol determination result is a win. If the winning determination result of the left special symbol is a win (S3240: yes), it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is a probability variation symbol (S3242). If the symbol is a probability variation symbol ( S3242: yes), a variation pattern table (left special symbol-variation pattern table for probability variation) set for the probability variation per left special symbol is selected (S3244). Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a variation pattern of a special symbol is set in association with a variation pattern determination random number of the special symbol.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table in which various variation patterns for the left special symbol are set. The variation pattern table for the left special symbol is provided with a variation pattern table for winning and a variation pattern table for losing. As the variation pattern table for winning, the variation pattern table for probability variation (Fig. 19 (a)), a variation pattern table for specific probability variation (see FIG. 19B), and a variation pattern table for normal hit (see FIG. 19C) are set. Further, as the variation pattern table for detachment, the variation pattern table for detachment after reaching through the reach (see FIG. 19D) and the variation pattern table for detaching without going through the reach (FIG. 19). (See (e)).

  Each variation pattern is set in the variation pattern table for the left special symbol in association with the variation pattern determining random number of the left special symbol. For example, in the variation pattern table for probability variation per left special symbol shown in FIG. 19A, a variation pattern of “left certain 1” is set for variation pattern determination random numbers from “0” to “127”. Thus, a variation pattern of “Left Probability 2” is set for the variation pattern determination random numbers “128” to “255”. Here, “left probability 1” means the first variation pattern for probability variation and for the left special symbol. Further, in the variation pattern table for the specific probability variation of the left special symbol shown in FIG. 19B, a variation pattern of “left probability 3” is set for the variation pattern determination random numbers “0” to “127”. ing. Here, “Left Profit 3” means the third variation pattern for the probable variation for the left special symbol. Actually, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), there are only two kinds of variation patterns for probability variation, “left probability 1” and “left probability 2”. The fluctuation pattern means that it is the first fluctuation pattern for a specific probability variation even if it is for a probability variation.

  When the variation pattern is determined, the variation time of the special symbol (here, the left special symbol) is determined accordingly. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the various variation patterns set in the variation pattern table for the left special symbol are set to about 6 seconds. In addition, all the various variation patterns set in the variation pattern table for these left special symbols are stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  In the left special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 18, when the winning symbol of the left special symbol is a probability variation symbol (S3242: yes), the variation pattern set for the probability variation of the left special symbol A process of selecting a table (left special symbol-probability variation pattern table shown in FIG. 19A) is performed (S3244).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning symbol of the left special symbol is not a probability variation symbol (S3242: no), it is determined whether or not the symbol is a specific probability variation symbol (S3246). When the symbol is a specific probability variation symbol (S3246: yes), the variation pattern table set for the specific probability variation of the left special symbol (the variation pattern for the left special symbol-specific probability variation pattern shown in FIG. 19B) Table) is selected (S3248). On the other hand, if the winning symbol is not the specific probability changing symbol (S3246: no), it can be determined that the symbol is a normal winning symbol. Therefore, the variation pattern set for the normal winning of the left special symbol. A table (left special symbol-normal variation pattern table shown in FIG. 19C) is selected (S3250).

  As mentioned above, although the process performed when it is determined that the determination result of the left special symbol is a win (S3240: yes), if the result of determination is wrong (S3240: no), is the reach performed? It is determined whether or not (S3252). Such a determination can be made by lottery using random numbers. If it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S3252: yes), the variation pattern table set for the detachment with reach (left special symbol-variation pattern table for detachment shown in FIG. 19D) is used. If it is selected (S3254) and it is determined that no reach is to be performed (S3252: no), the change pattern table for the non-reach release (the left special symbol-the change pattern table for release shown in FIG. 19E) is used. Select (S3256). As described above, the variation display of the left special symbol performed in the left special symbol display unit 43a corresponds to the variation display of the first effect display unit 47, and as described above with reference to FIG. Moreover, in the first effect display unit 47, it is possible to perform a so-called reach effect by variably displaying the three 7-segment LEDs. Therefore, if the determination result of the left special symbol is out of place, it is decided whether it will come off after reaching the reach state (out with reach) or out without the reach state (out without reach). The variation pattern table set according to is selected.

  Thus, after selecting the variation pattern table set in advance for the left special symbol according to the determination result of the left special symbol and the presence or absence of reach, after reading the variation pattern determination random number of the left special symbol ( In step S3258, the variation pattern of the left special symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number from the selected variation pattern table (S3260).

  In the left special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 18, after determining the variation pattern of the left special symbol in accordance with the determination result of the left special symbol as described above, the left special symbol related process of FIG. Return to.

  As shown in FIG. 14, after returning from the left special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the variation display of the left special symbol on the left special symbol display unit 43a (S326). A process of subtracting 1 from the number of left special symbol hold displayed in the left special symbol hold display section 43b is performed (S328). Next, after the command (variation pattern designation command) for designating the variation pattern of the left special symbol determined previously is output to the sub-control board 220 (S330), the stop symbol of the left special symbol is designated. A command (special symbol stop information designation command) is also output toward the sub-control board 220 (S332). Finally, a command (holding display command) for designating the number of holdings displayed on the holding effect display unit 49 is output to the sub control board 220 (S334). That is, the hold effect display unit 49 provided in the central device 40 is to display the number of left special symbols held on the left special symbol hold display unit 43b as a general rule. In response to subtracting one special symbol hold number, a hold display command is output to the sub-control board 220 in order to update the hold number displayed on the hold effect display unit 49. In the left special symbol related processing shown in FIG. 14, the variation pattern of the left special symbol and the stop symbol are determined as described above, and the number of reserved special symbols is updated, and the special symbol is updated accordingly. After the fluctuation pattern designation command, special symbol stop information designation command, and hold display command are output to the sub-control board 220, the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  As will be described in detail later, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command in this way, and thereby the left special symbol variably displayed on the left special symbol display unit 43a. It is possible to know information about the fluctuation time and the stop symbol. Therefore, in accordance with these pieces of information, an effect mode performed by the first effect display unit 47 is determined, and a control command for instructing the determined effect mode is output to the effect control board 230. By doing so, various effect displays using the effect symbols are also performed in the first effect display unit 47 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the left special symbols performed in the left special symbol display unit 43a. . Details of processing performed in the sub-control board 220 will be described in detail later.

C-2-2. Right special symbol related processing:
As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the central device 40 of this embodiment is provided with a right special symbol in addition to the left special symbol, and the right special symbol display unit 44a also has a left special symbol display unit 43a. Substantially the same processing as the above-described left special symbol related processing performed in step S3 is performed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the right special symbol related process performed for the right special symbol in the special symbol game process. The right special symbol-related processing shown in FIG. 20 is substantially the same as the left special symbol-related processing described above with reference to FIG. 15, but in the right special symbol-related processing, depending on whether the hold transition flag is set or not. Thus, it differs from the left special symbol-related process in that the variation pattern to be selected is different and there are cases where the hold display command is output to the sub-control board 220 and when it is not output. In the following, the contents of the right-hand symbol related processing will be described focusing on these differences.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the right special symbol related process (S340) is started, first, the right special symbol is determined to be true (S342). This process is substantially the same as the left special symbol success / failure determination process described above with reference to FIG. Therefore, in the following, the right special symbol success / failure determination process will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  Similar to the above-described left special symbol success / failure determination processing, when the right special symbol success / failure determination processing is started, first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state (corresponding to S3220). If it is in the probability variation state, the probability determination table for probability variation is selected (corresponding to S3222), and if it is not in the probability variation state, the probability determination table for non-probability variation is selected (corresponding to S3224). As described above, the left special symbol success / failure determination processing and the right special symbol success / failure determination processing share the success / failure determination table (see FIG. 16).

  Next, based on the right special symbol determination random number, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the right special symbol is “winning” by referring to the determination table (corresponding to S3226). When the right special symbol determination result is determined to be a win (S3226: equivalent to yes), after the right special symbol determination random number is read (S3228 equivalent), the process of determining the right special symbol hit symbol is performed. (S3230 equivalent). Here, the right special symbol determination random number is a random number acquired together with the right special symbol determination random number in the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. 9 when a game ball enters the lower starting port 18. is there. The winning symbol of the right special symbol is determined by referring to the winning symbol determination table based on the right symbol determining random number. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning symbol determination table for determining the winning symbol of the left special symbol and the winning symbol determination table for determining the winning symbol of the right special symbol are shared. Has been. In the right special symbol success / failure determination process, when the right special symbol determination random number is read, a process of determining the right special symbol hitting symbol is performed by referring to the hitting symbol determination table in FIG. 17 (corresponding to S3230 in FIG. 15). .

  On the other hand, if the right special symbol determination result is “displaced” (S3226: equivalent to no), a process of determining a right special symbol outlier based on the right special symbol determination random number is performed (corresponding to S3232 and S3234). Equivalent). The process of determining the off symbol is also performed by referring to the off symbol determining table (not shown).

  As described above, right special symbol success / failure determination is performed based on the right special symbol success / failure determination random number, and when the right special symbol hit symbol or off symbol is determined, the right special symbol success / failure determination processing is ended, and FIG. Return to the right special symbol game process shown in.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the right special symbol game process, when returning from the right special symbol appropriate / impossible determination process, a process of setting a variation pattern of the right special symbol is started (S344).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a part of processing (right special symbol variation pattern setting processing) for setting a variation pattern of the right special symbol in the right special symbol-related processing. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the right special symbol variation pattern setting process. This process is also a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in the same manner as the left special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, when the right special symbol variation pattern setting process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the right special symbol determination result is a win (S3400). The right special symbol determination is already performed in the right special symbol determination process described above with reference to FIG. As a result, if the right special symbol win / fail determination result is a win (S3400: yes), it is determined whether or not the win symbol is a probability variation symbol (S3402). (S3402: yes), this time, it is determined whether or not the hold transition flag is set (S3404). Here, the hold transition flag means that in the special symbol game start determination process described above with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. This flag is set when there are still pending numbers. If the hold transition flag is set (S3404: yes), the variation pattern table set for the probability variation of the left special symbol shown in FIG. 19A is selected (S3406). That is, the variation pattern table for the left special symbol is selected in spite of determining the variation pattern for the right special symbol. On the other hand, if the hold transition flag is not set (S3404: no), the variation pattern table set for the probability variation of the right special symbol is selected (S3408).

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table in which various variation patterns for the right special symbol are set. These variation pattern tables are also stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200, similarly to the variation pattern table for the left special symbol described above with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the fluctuation pattern table for the right special symbol includes the fluctuation pattern table for probability variation shown in FIG. 23 (a) and the specific probability variation for FIG. 23 (b). The fluctuation pattern table for No. 1, the fluctuation pattern table for normal hits shown in FIG. 23C, and the fluctuation pattern table for deviation shown in FIG. 23D are set. In these variation pattern tables, each variation pattern is set in association with the variation pattern determination random number of the right special symbol. For example, in the variation pattern table for probability variation per right special symbol shown in FIG. 23 (a), a variation pattern of “right probability 1” is set for variation pattern determination random numbers from “0” to “127”. Has been. Here, “right probability 1” means the first variation pattern for the right special symbol and for probability variation.

  Also, in the variation pattern for the right special symbol, similarly to the variation pattern for the left special symbol, the variation time of the special symbol (here, the right special symbol) is determined according to the variation pattern. However, as apparent from a comparison of the variation time set in the variation pattern table of FIG. 19 and the variation time set in the table of FIG. 23, the right special symbol set in the table of FIG. The variation time of the variation pattern is set to a shorter time (0.2 to 0.3 seconds in this embodiment) than the variation time of the variation pattern for the left special symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern table for the right special symbol is any variation time than the variation pattern for the left special symbol. It was explained as a short pattern. However, with respect to the variation pattern for winning, at least a part of the variation pattern may be a variation pattern having a variation time equivalent to or longer than the variation pattern for the left special symbol.

  In the right special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 20, when the symbol of the right special symbol is a symbol of probability variation (S3402: yes), depending on whether or not the hold transition flag is set, A different variation pattern table is selected. That is, if the hold transition flag is set (S3404: yes), the variation pattern table per probability variation set for the left special symbol (and thus the variation time is long) is selected (S3406), and the suspension transition flag is set. If not set (S3404: no), the variation pattern table per probability variation set for the right special symbol (and hence the variation time is short) is selected (S3408).

  If it is determined that the winning symbol of the right special symbol is not a probability variation symbol (S3402: no), it is next determined whether the symbol is a specific probability variation symbol (S3410). Even when the symbol is a specific probability change symbol (S3410: yes), it is determined whether or not the hold transition flag is set (S3412). If the hold shift flag is not set (S3412: no). 23 (b), the variation pattern table set for the specific probability variation of the right special symbol is selected (S3416). If the hold transition flag is set (S3412: yes), FIG. 19 ( The variation pattern table set for the specific probability variation of the left special symbol shown in b) is selected (S3414). As is clear from comparison between FIG. 23 (b) and FIG. 19 (b), the variation time for the right special symbol is also the variation for the left special symbol. The time is set shorter than the variation time of the pattern.

  On the other hand, when the winning symbol is not the specific probability changing symbol (S3410: no), it can be determined that the symbol is a normal winning symbol. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the hold transition flag is set (S3418). If the hold shift flag is not set (S3418: no), the right special symbol shown in FIG. (S3422: yes), the variation pattern table for normal hit of the left special symbol shown in FIG. 19 (c) is selected. Select (S3420). For the variation pattern for normal use, the variation time for the variation pattern for the right special symbol is set shorter than the variation time for the variation pattern for the left special symbol.

  As described above, the processing performed when the right special symbol determination result is determined to be a win (S3400: yes) has been described. However, when the determination result is not correct (S3400: no), first, It is determined whether or not the hold transition flag is set (S3424 in FIG. 22). If it is not set (S3424: no), it is set for removal of the right special symbol shown in FIG. 23 (d). A variation pattern table is selected (S3432). On the other hand, when it is determined that the hold transition flag is set (S3424: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not to perform the reach (S3426). Such a determination can be made by lottery using random numbers. If it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S3426: yes), the reach / displacement variation pattern table set for the left special symbol shown in FIG. 19D is selected (S3428). If it is determined not to perform (S3426: no), the variation pattern table for the non-reach deviation set for the left special symbol shown in FIG. 19E is selected (S3430).

  In this way, in the variation pattern setting process for the right special symbol shown in FIG. 21 as well, the variation pattern table corresponding to the stop symbol for the right special symbol is created in the same manner as the variation pattern setting process for the right special symbol shown in FIG. At that time, it is determined whether or not the hold transition flag is set. If the hold shift flag is not set, the various variation pattern tables set for the right special symbol are selected and held. If the transition flag is set, a process of selecting a variation pattern table for the left special symbol is performed. The various variation pattern tables for the right special symbol are tables in which the variation time of the variation pattern that has been set is shorter than the various variation pattern tables for the left special symbol.

  After selecting the variation pattern table in this way, the variation pattern is determined in the same manner as the left special symbol variation pattern setting process described above. That is, after the right special symbol variation pattern determination random number is read (S3424), the special symbol variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number from the selected variation pattern table (S3426). As a result, when the pending transition flag is not set, the variation pattern set for the right special symbol (and hence the variation pattern with a short variation time) is determined, but when the suspension transition flag is set, In the right special symbol variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern set for the left special symbol (and hence the variation pattern having a long variation time) is determined.

  In the right special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 21, after determining the variation pattern of the special symbol according to the determination result of the right special symbol as described above, the right special symbol related process of FIG. Return.

  As shown in FIG. 20, after returning from the right special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the right special symbol variation display on the right special symbol display unit 44a (S346). A process of subtracting 1 from the right special symbol hold number displayed in the right special symbol hold display section 44b is performed (S348). Next, a command (variation pattern designation command) for designating the previously determined variation pattern of the special symbol is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S350). The fluctuation pattern designation command that is output at this time is a command that designates the fluctuation pattern for the left special symbol when the pending transition flag is set, and conversely, when the pending transition flag is not set. Is a command for designating a variation pattern for the right special symbol.

  As will be described later, when a command for designating a variation pattern for the left special symbol is output to the sub-control board 220, the central device 40 performs variation display on the first effect display unit 47, and the right special symbol is displayed. When a command for designating a variation pattern for symbols is output to the sub-control board 220, the second effect display unit 48 performs variation display. Therefore, when the hold transition flag is set, a command for designating a fluctuation pattern for the left special symbol is output even for the hold of the right special symbol. Will be done. Such an operation is realized by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executing the right special symbol related process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “second hold variation display execution means” in the present invention.

  Also in the right special symbol-related processing, as in the left special symbol-related processing described above with reference to FIG. Command) is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S352). However, in the right special symbol related processing, when a special symbol stop information designation command is output, it is determined whether or not the hold transition flag is set (S354). If the hold shift flag is set (S354: yes) ), A hold display command is output to the sub-control board 220 in the same manner as the left special symbol related process. That is, in the special symbol game start determination process described above with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when the number of left special symbols held decreases, if the number of right special symbols held remains, the transition to hold While the flag is set (see S274 in FIG. 10), a hold display command is output, and the hold number including the hold of the left and right special symbols is displayed on the hold effect display unit 49. In response to this, in the right special symbol related processing of FIG. 20, if the hold transition flag is set, the hold number of the right special symbol is displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 in addition to the hold number of the left special symbol. In order to reduce the holding amount corresponding to the right special symbol in the displayed number of holds, a hold display command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S356). In this way, when the number of right special symbols in addition to the number of left special symbols held is reflected in the display of the hold effect display unit 49, the hold transition flag is cleared (S358).

  On the other hand, when the hold transition flag is not set (S354: no), the hold of the right special symbol is not displayed on the hold effect display unit 49, so that the hold display command is not output and FIG. The special symbol related process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  As will be described in detail later, the sub control board 220 controls an effect performed on the effect display unit 46 of the central device 40 based on the various commands output by the right special symbol related process in this way. In particular, when the content of the output variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern for the left special symbol, an effect is performed using the first effect display unit 47, and the variation pattern is responded thereto. When the content of the designation command is a command that designates a variation pattern for the right special symbol, the second effect display unit 48 is used to produce an effect. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the complication of the game and to attract the player's interest while utilizing the fact that a plurality of start ports are mounted. This point will be described in detail later.

  As described above, in the special symbol game process performed in the game control process shown in FIG. 7 (S300), when a game ball enters the upper start port 17, the left special symbol display unit 43a The display of the left special symbol is displayed, and when a game ball enters the lower starting port 18, the right special symbol display unit 44a displays the variation of the right special symbol. When the left special symbol or the right special symbol is stopped and displayed at any of the winning symbols, various processing such as starting the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device (S378 in FIG. 13) is performed. After performing, it returns to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is operating (S390). If the condition device is operating (S390: yes), A so-called jackpot game (special game) is started by performing the special electric accessory game process described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process described below is skipped.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a partial flow of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the remaining flow of the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called jackpot game (special game state) will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The “special electric accessory” referred to in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. The “actual accessory continuous operation device” referred to in this specification is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d, and is configured mainly by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the special gaming state ends. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the above-described special game will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process (S400), it is first determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The special winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the special winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the special game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S404). As described above, the special electric accessory is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d, and when a special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory operates a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. ing. Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), whether or not the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number, in other words, a predetermined number of rounds is determined. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (S404).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special game is started, the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is a time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has passed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After the opening (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 24 is temporarily ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 7, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the special electric game game process (S400) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 7 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 24 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 24 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S408, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round process is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 24 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 24 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410 of FIG. 24: yes), or a predetermined number of the special winning opening 31d A game ball enters (S412: yes) and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all the rounds have not ended (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the new prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408). On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have been completed (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous action device is stopped to end the special game state (S416).

  When the special game is completed as described above, whether the special symbol that caused the condition device to operate (the winning symbol that caused the special game to start) was "probable per winning symbol" or "specific certain probable winning symbol" It is determined whether or not (S418 in FIG. 25). If it is determined that the symbol is one of these symbols (S418: yes), after the operation of the probability variation function is started (S420), the special symbol that activates the conditional device is “probability per symbol”. It is determined whether or not (S422). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol is a “probable change symbol” (S422: yes), in addition to the probability change function, the operation of the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S428, S430). . In addition, when the operation of the probability changing function is started in this way, a so-called probability changing state is entered, and in the determination of whether or not the left special symbol or the right special symbol is performed next time or later, there is a higher probability of winning determination than in the normal state. A high probability state occurs.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol (hit symbol) that activated the condition device is not “probable variation symbol” (S422: no), it is activated by “specific certain variation symbol”. Therefore, at the start of the operation of the condition device (at the start of the special game), whether or not the function for extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory was activated, in other words, the symbol for the specific probability variation is stopped or displayed It is determined whether or not the time is short (S424). If it is determined that the opening time extension function has been activated at the start of the operation of the condition device (S424: yes), the operation of the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S428, S430). On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening time extension function has not been activated at the start of the operation of the condition device (S424: no), the process for starting the opening operation of the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory. Skip.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol that causes the condition device to operate is not the “probable variation symbol” or the “specific certain variation symbol” (S418: no), the special symbol that causes the condition device to operate. Since the symbol is “ordinary winning symbol”, the normal electric accessory opening time extension function is started without activating the probability changing function (S428), and then the time-shortening function is started ( S430).

  As described above, depending on the type of special symbol that caused the condition device to operate and the presence / absence of the opening time extension function at the start of operation of the condition device, the probability variation function, the time shortening function, and the opening time extension function are activated. Finally, a command indicating the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot game end command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S432), and the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is performed. finish. The so-called jackpot game (special game) is performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executing the special electric accessory game process as described above.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. When a game ball enters the upper start opening 17 or the lower start opening 18, the left special symbol related processing (S320 in FIG. 12) or the right special symbol related processing (S340 in FIG. 12) is performed according to the starting start. ), The special symbol is determined whether or not, and the result of the determination is “winning”, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are activated (S378 in FIG. 13), and the special gaming state is Be started. Further, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs various commands to the sub-control board 220 while performing such processing.

  The sub control board 220 controls the contents of the effects performed by the effect display unit 46 based on the command received from the main control board 200. Hereinafter, the effect control process performed by the sub control board 220 will be described in detail.

D. Production control process:
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the first half of the effect control process executed by the sub control board 220 of this embodiment based on the command from the main control board 200. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the effect control process. The detailed processing contents of the effect control process will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 26, in the effect control process, first, it is determined whether or not a special symbol variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1002). The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in the left special symbol-related process described above with reference to FIG. 14 when a ball entering the upper start port 17 is detected, and a ball entering the lower start port 18 is detected. Then, it is determined in the right special symbol related processing described above with reference to FIG. 20 and is output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. As a result, if it is determined that the variation pattern designation command has not yet been received (S1002: no in FIG. 26), the command enters a standby state while monitoring the command. Then, while the game is continued, it is confirmed that the game ball has entered either the upper start port 17 or the lower start port 18 and has received the variation pattern designation command output from the main control board 200. (S1002: yes) Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a special symbol stop information designation command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1004). In either the left special symbol-related processing described above with reference to FIG. 14 or the right special symbol-related processing described above with reference to FIG. 20, the main control board 200 immediately follows when the special symbol variation pattern designation command is output. Since the special symbol stop information designation command is also output, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can also receive the special symbol stop information designation command before receiving the special symbol variation pattern designation command.

  When the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are received in this way (S1004: yes), it is determined whether or not the received variation pattern is a variation pattern corresponding to the left special symbol (S1006). That is, as shown in FIG. 19 or FIG. 23, the variation pattern for the left special symbol and the variation pattern for the right special symbol are different variation patterns. When the variation pattern is received, the variation pattern for the left special symbol is received. It is possible to identify whether it is a variation pattern for the right or a variation pattern for the right special symbol. In S1006 of FIG. 26, in this way, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation pattern received from the main control board 200 is the variation pattern for the left special symbol.

  As a result, when it is determined that the variation pattern is for the left special symbol (S1006: yes), the variation display of the symbol for rendering is performed using the three 7-segment LEDs mounted on the first rendering display unit 47. Is started (S1008). As described above with reference to FIG. 19, the variation pattern for the left special symbol started in this way is set to a relatively long variation time (about 6 seconds in this embodiment). Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a hold display command is received (S1012). As described above, the hold display command is a command for displaying the hold number on the hold effect display unit 49, and the hold number displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 is displayed on the first effect display unit 47. Each time the change is displayed, digest one by one. Corresponding to this, when the first effect display unit 47 starts to change the display of the effect symbols (S1008), it is subsequently determined whether or not a hold display command has been received (S1012). And if not received (S1012: no), it will be in a stand-by state as it is, and if reception of a hold display command can be confirmed (S1012: yes), it will be displayed on the hold production | presentation display part 49 according to the content designated by the command. The number of holds is changed (S1014).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation pattern is not for the left special symbol (S1006: no), the plurality of LEDs mounted on the second representation display unit 48 are turned on to vary the variation for the representation symbol. Display is started (S1010). As described above with reference to FIG. 23, the variation pattern for the right special symbol started in this way is set to a short variation time (0.2 to 0.3 seconds in this embodiment). In addition, even if the effect design is variably displayed on the second effect display unit 48, the number of reservations displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 is not consumed, so a hold display command is transmitted from the main control board 200. Never come. For this reason, when the variable display is started on the second effect display unit 48 (S1010), the process of confirming the reception of the hold display command and changing the display of the hold effect display unit 49 is skipped.

  Thus, when the first effect display unit 47 or the second effect display unit 48 starts to display the variation of the effect symbol, this time, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command from the main control board 200 has been received ( S1016 in FIG. 27). As described with reference to FIG. 12, in the special symbol game process performed on the main control board 200, even when the variable display is performed on the left special symbol display unit 43 a corresponding to the first effect display unit 47, Even when variable display is performed on the right special symbol display unit 44a corresponding to the second effect display unit 48, a symbol stop command is always output toward the sub-control board 220 (S362). Therefore, in the effect control process performed on the sub control board 220, a symbol stop command is sent from the main control board 200 regardless of whether the first effect display unit 47 or the second effect display unit 48 performs the variable display. It is confirmed whether or not it has been received (S1016 in FIG. 27), and if it has not been sent yet (S1016: no), it enters a standby state as it is.

  Then, when the reception of the symbol stop command is confirmed (S1016: yes), the stop symbol of the effect symbol during the variable display is determined based on the special symbol stop information designation command received previously (S1018). As mentioned above, the right and left special symbols are set with 4 types of symbols: “probability per symbol”, “specific probability per symbol”, “normal per symbol”, and “out of symbol”. The command includes information on the stop symbols of the left and right special symbols. Therefore, in the effect control process of the sub control board 220, the stop symbol of the changing effect symbol is determined based on the special symbol stop information designation command.

  For example, a description will be given of the case where the change display of the effect symbols is performed on the first effect display unit 47. If the symbol specified in the special symbol stop information specifying command is “winning symbol”, three seven segments The LED is determined to have the same number. In particular, an odd symbol is determined for “probable hit symbol”, and an even symbol is determined for “normal hit symbol”. In the case of “specific probability variation symbol”, the symbol is a symbol, but it is determined not to be the same number but to a combination of specific numbers (for example, “123”). If the symbol is “out of symbol”, the symbol is determined as any symbol that does not correspond to “winning symbol”. The ROM 222 of the sub control board 220 stores such a plurality of effect symbols in association with the left and right special symbols. In step S1018 of the effect control process, a process of determining a stop symbol is performed by lottery from among a plurality of effect symbols stored in association with the stop symbol designated by the special symbol stop information designation command. . Similarly, when the variable effect display is performed on the second effect display unit 48, a plurality of effect symbols (here, six LED lighting states) are associated with the left and right special symbol stop symbols. Is stored in the ROM 222, and a process of determining a stop symbol from among a plurality of effect symbols associated with the stop symbol designated by the special symbol stop information designation command is performed.

  When the stop symbol is determined in this way, the effect symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol (S1020). Then, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol is a winning symbol (S1022). If the symbol is not a winning symbol (S1022: no), the program returns to the top as it is and receives a variation pattern designation command from the main control board 200. Monitoring is resumed (S1002).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a winning symbol (S1024: no), it is determined whether or not the symbol that is stopped and displayed is the second effect display unit 48 (S1026). ). And when it is judged that it is not the 2nd production | presentation display part 48 (S1026: no), since the winning design is stopped and displayed by the 1st production | presentation display part 47, the production | presentation (for example, big hit game) The jackpot round effect, the jackpot ending effect, etc.) are executed (S1030), and after the jackpot game effect ends, the process returns to the top and monitoring of whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received is resumed (S1002).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the second effect display unit 48 (S1026: yes), the effect lamp units 52 provided on the left and right of the first effect display unit 47 are displayed. After performing a predetermined effect (for example, a big hit notification effect, a special mode entry effect, etc.) using S (S1028), an effect associated with the big hit game is started (S1030). Then, after the end of the big hit game effect, the process returns to the beginning, and the monitoring of whether or not the variation pattern designation command is received is resumed (S1002).

  In the sub control board 220 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game effect is performed in the central device 40 by executing the effect control process described above. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with two starting ports, an upper starting port 17 and a lower starting port 18. By performing such control, It is possible to arouse the player's interests while avoiding complication of the game by providing a plurality of starting points, and making it difficult for the suspension to be interrupted (and thus making it difficult to change the display of the design symbols) It has become. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the configuration of the game board surface is the first effect display unit 47 (in this embodiment, using a 7 segment LED) at a position that is most easily noticed by the player. The second effect display unit 48 is provided in a manner that is much less noticeable than the first effect display unit 47. For this reason, the player who saw the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is unaware of the first effect display unit 47 and is less likely to notice that the two effects display units are mounted on the central device 40. ing.

  In addition, since the variation display performed in the first effect display unit 47 corresponds to the variation display of the left special symbol, the variation display for a relatively long time is performed. The variation display performed on the display unit 48 corresponds to the variation display of the right special symbol, and therefore the variation display time is shorter than the variation display of the first effect display unit 47. For this reason, the player does not recognize the variation display performed in the second effect display unit 48 as the variation display of the symbol due to the game ball entering the start opening, and the central device 40 has two indications. It is even more difficult to notice that the effect display section is installed.

  Further, since the upper start opening 17 is a so-called tulip type entrance, the player can immediately recognize that it is the start entrance, but the lower start entrance 18 is the general entrance 19. Because it is the same pocket type entrance, it is difficult to understand that it is a starting entrance. Then, when a game ball enters the upper start opening 17, the first effect display unit 47, which is easily noticeable by the player, starts to display the variation of the effect symbols, and the first effect display unit 47 or the second effect display unit 47 When a game ball enters the upper start port 17 during the variable display on the effect display unit 48, the hold is accumulated and displayed on the hold effect display unit 49. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the lower start opening 18, the second effect display unit 48 displays the variation of the effect symbol. Further, when a game ball enters the lower start opening 18 during the variable display on the first effect display unit 47 or the second effect display unit 48, it is stored (stored) as a hold, but at least In an aspect that is easy for the player to understand, no hold is displayed.

  In this way, when the game ball enters the upper start port 17 that can be immediately recognized as the start port, the first effect display unit 47 that is easily noticeable by the player changes the effect design. In contrast to the display being started, when a game ball enters the lower start port 18 that cannot be easily recognized as the start port, it is less likely to be noticed by the player than the first effect display unit 47. The variable display is started in the second effect display unit 48, and the variable display is finished in a short time. In addition, in the case where the hold is stored in the hold effect display unit 49, even if the change display of the effect symbol is finished, the first effect display unit 47 starts the change display again. The hold for the second effect display unit 48 is not displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the player as at least the hold effect display unit 49.

  For this reason, a player who plays a game on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment causes a game ball to enter the starting port (actually the upper starting port 17), and the symbol display unit (actually provided in the central device 40) In the first effect display unit 47), the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner. When the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the big hit game is started. When a game ball enters the start port 17), the game can be advanced in the same manner as a conventional game machine stored as a hold. Therefore, the player does not feel the complexity of the game due to the mounting of a plurality of start ports.

  Of course, there may be a case where a hit occurs in the variable display of the second effect display unit 48 after the variable display in the first effect display unit 47 is off. Since it is considered that the player plays the game while watching the first effect display unit 47, it is unnatural to the player if the big hit game is started even though the first effect display unit 47 is off. There is a risk of giving a negative impression. Therefore, when a hit occurs in the variation display of the second effect display unit 48 following the outlier variation display in the first effect display unit 47, a plurality of LEDs provided in the second effect display unit 48 are displayed. After blinking in a conspicuous manner as much as possible, the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, and then the effect lamp unit 52 is used to produce an effect informing that a big hit has occurred (see S1026 to S1028 in FIG. 27). .

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory view exemplifying a state of an effect performed when a big hit is generated in the variable display on the second effect display unit 48. FIG. 28A shows a state in which the off symbol is stopped and displayed on the first effect display unit 47 prior to the variable display on the second effect display unit 48. The variation display on the second effect display unit 48 is thus started from the state in which the first effect display unit 47 has come off and the symbols are stopped and displayed. FIG. 28 (b) shows that when a big hit occurs in the second effect display unit 48, the plurality of LEDs constituting the second effect display unit 48 are blinked to display the variation of the effect symbols. Is illustrated. As shown in the figure, the first effect display unit 47 displays an off symbol, but the second effect display unit 48 flashes the LED in a flashy manner, so that “actually just "Isn't it a miss?" Of course, if the second effect display unit 48 is also off, the LED need not be blinked in such a flashy manner.

  Then, after the second effect display unit 48 is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol, the effect lamp unit 52 is used to perform an effect of notifying the occurrence of the big hit. In FIG. 28C, the LEDs constituting the second effect display unit 48 are turned on all at once, the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, and the effect lamp unit 52 is used to notify the occurrence of the big hit. This is an example of the situation. When a hit occurs in the second effect display unit 48, when such an effect is performed, the player has stopped the display of the off symbol in the first effect display unit 47, but this is a fake display. And I feel that I was really hit. As a result, even when a hit occurs in the second effect display unit 48, the player is not conscious of the effect (variable display) of the second effect display unit 48, and the game becomes complicated. There is nothing.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the variation display of the effect symbols performed in the second effect display unit 48 has a variation time shorter than the variation display in the first effect display unit 47. . For this reason, when the variation display of the second effect display unit 48 is performed following the variation display on the first effect display unit 47, the player feels that two variation displays are being performed. Rather, it feels like a series of continuous fluctuation displays. For this reason, even if the winning effect is displayed on the second effect display unit 48 after the off symbol is stopped and displayed on the first effect display unit 47, the player performs such a series of effects. It feels like a special hit mode has occurred.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the two start ports, the upper start port 17 and the lower start port 18, are mounted, and the first effect display unit 47 and the second effect display unit 48 are mounted on each. However, in a normal game, it is possible to play a game without making the player aware of the fact that two start openings and two effect display units are mounted.

  In addition, since the effect that is originally performed by variably displaying the symbol at a conspicuous position on the game board surface is the most enjoyable effect for the player, the variability display on the first effect display unit 47 is not performed. If the state continues, there is a risk that the player's interest will be cooled. In particular, in order to perform variation display on the first effect display unit 47, it is necessary to allow a game ball to enter the upper start opening 17, and for that purpose, first, the game ball is input to the upper start opening operation gate 36. Is passed through a two-step procedure of opening the upper start port 17. For this reason, the variable display on the first effect display unit 47 is interrupted, and it may happen that the player's interest is cooled. Therefore, when the number of suspensions that have been stored after the game ball has entered the upper start opening 17 is reduced, the suspension stored by entering the lower start opening 18 is transferred to the upper start opening 17 suspension. Thus, the first effect display unit 47 performs the variable display on the second effect display unit 48 that is performed in a state that is hardly noticed by the player. By doing so, it is possible to avoid that the variable display on the first effect display unit 47 is interrupted, and thus it is possible to avoid cooling the player's interest.

  FIG. 29 shows a state in which the variation display of the effect symbols on the first effect display unit 47 is prevented from being interrupted by shifting the hold due to entering the lower start port 18 to the hold of the upper start port 17. It is explanatory drawing illustrated. As an example, FIG. 29A shows a case in which two holds for entering the ball into the upper starting port 17 are stored and only one holding for entering the ball into the lower starting port 18 is stored. ing. Corresponding to the fact that two holds for the entry to the upper start opening 17 are stored, two LEDs are lit on the left special symbol hold display portion 43b, and the hold for the entry to the lower start opening 18 is held. Corresponding to the fact that one is stored, only one LED is lit on the right special symbol holding display section 44b. Since the hold effect display unit 49 displays the hold stored in the left special symbol display unit 43a (holding for the upper start port 17) in principle, the hold stored in the right special symbol hold display unit 44b is displayed. It is not reflected, and only two LEDs are lit in correspondence with the hold stored in the left special symbol hold display section 43b.

  From such a state, when one hold for the ball entering the upper start opening 17 is digested, the hold stored in the left special symbol hold display unit 43b and the hold stored in the right special symbol hold display unit 44b Both are one by one. In addition, since this hold is a hold with respect to the entrance to the upper start opening 17, when the hold is digested, the first effect display unit 47 displays the variation of the effect symbols. As described above, when the number of reservations stored in the left special symbol hold display unit 43b (and hence the hold displayed in the hold effect display unit 49) decreases, as described above with reference to FIG. In the special symbol game start determination process to be performed, the hold transition flag is set (S274), and the hold stored in the right special symbol hold display unit 44b is also displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 ( S276).

  FIG. 29 (b) shows a state in which the hold (the hold stored in the right special symbol hold display unit 44 b) for the entry to the lower start opening 18 is transferred and displayed on the hold effect display unit 49. Has been. In the drawing, the reservation for the entry into the upper start opening 17 is shown in black, and the hold for the entry into the lower start opening 18 is shown with fine hatching. Then, as described above with reference to FIG. 22, when the holding transition flag is set, the upper starting port 17 is set despite the holding for the ball entering the lower starting port 18 (holding the right special symbol). The same variation pattern as that for the reservation of the incoming ball (holding the left special symbol) is determined, this variation pattern is output to the sub-control board 220, and the first effect display unit 47 displays the variation of the effect symbol. . In FIG. 29 (c), the hold is displayed on the hold effect display unit 49 in spite of the hold stored in the right special symbol hold display unit 44b (holding for the ball entering the lower start opening 18). In order to digest this hold, a state in which the variable display is performed on the first effect display unit 47 is shown.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a large number of game balls enter the upper start opening 17 and a large number of holds are stored, the game balls enter the lower start opening 18. However, by performing the variable display in a manner that is not conspicuous to the player, it is possible to avoid the game from becoming complicated due to the provision of a plurality of start ports, and to reduce the hold on the upper start port 17 In such a case, the stored reserve for the entry into the lower start opening 18 is shifted and digested in the same manner as the hold at the upper start opening 17 so that the change display of the design for presentation can be performed. It is possible to prevent the player from being cut off and cooling his interest.

  In addition, when there is less hold for the entry to the upper start opening 17 and the hold (reservation of the right special design) stored for the entrance to the lower start opening 18 is shifted, Although all suspensions may be transferred at one time, they may be transferred one by one. In this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to notice that the right special symbol has been suspended.

  Alternatively, when the reservation for the entry to the upper start opening 17 (holding the left special symbol) and the hold for the entry to the lower start opening 18 (holding the right special design) are stored, As a priority for digestion, the holding of the right special symbol may be shifted at once when the holding of the left special symbol is reduced. By doing so, it is possible to give the player an impression that he has gained, so that it is possible to arouse an interest in the game.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the upper start opening 17 is opened when the game ball passes through the upper start opening operation gate 36. However, the game ball passes through the upper start opening operation gate 36. If the lottery is executed and the lottery is won, the upper start port 17 may be opened. Specifically, a normal symbol display device that displays a variation of a normal symbol by passing a game ball through the upper start opening operation gate 36 is provided, and after the variation display for a predetermined time, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at a predetermined hit symbol. In this case, the upper start port 17 may be opened.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the rough structure of the central apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the detailed structure of the symbol display part provided in the central apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed the detailed structure of the production | presentation display part provided in the central apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process performed in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the first half part of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether a special symbol game process is started. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the second half part of a special symbol game start judgment process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the number of right and left special symbol reservations was memorize | stored in the state which can identify the order which entered the upper start opening and the lower start opening. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the second half part of the special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the left special symbol related process performed when digesting the holding | maintenance of a left special symbol in a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which performs the right / left determination of the left special symbol. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the success determination table of the special symbol. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the winning symbol determination table referred in order to determine the winning symbol of the left special symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the left special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process which sets the fluctuation pattern of a left special symbol in the left special symbol related process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern table in which the various variation patterns for left special symbols are set. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the right special symbol related process performed about a right special symbol in a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a part flow of the right special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process which sets the fluctuation pattern of the right special symbol in the right special symbol related process. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of a right special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern table in which the various variation patterns for right special symbols are set. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a part of special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the remaining part of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the first half part of the production control process which the sub control board of a present Example performs based on the command from a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the latter half part of effect control processing. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the mode of the effect performed when a big hit generate | occur | produces by the variable display in a 2nd effect display part. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the fluctuation | variation display of the design for an effect in a 1st production | presentation display part is interrupted by shifting the holding | maintenance by the entrance to a lower start opening to the hold of an upper start opening.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine, 17 ... Upper start port (first start port),
18 ... Lower start port (second start port), 40 ... Central device,
44b ... right special symbol hold display unit, 47 ... first effect display unit (first effect display device),
48 ... 2nd effect display part (2nd effect display device),
49 ... Hold effect display unit (hold number display device), 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (first opening opening means, hold number change display means, second hold variation display execution means), 203 ... RAM (first hold number storage means, second hold number storage means),
220 ... Sub-control board, 221 ... CPU

Claims (2)

A ball that launches a game ball on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when the launched game ball enters one of the entrances, a ball that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls In a ball game machine,
A first start port provided with a movable member at the opening and configured to be switchable between a normal state and an open state in which a game ball can be entered more easily than the normal state;
A second starting port provided as a stationary entrance where no movable member is provided in the opening;
Triggered by having entered the first start opening, a first effect display device for performing a change display of the first change time by a first effect design;
Triggered by entering the second start opening, a second effect display device that performs a variation display of a second variation time shorter than the first variation time using a second effect symbol;
When a game ball enters the first start opening during the variation display on the first effect display device or the second effect display device, until the variation display on the ball is performed on the first effect display device, First hold storage means for storing the first hold ;
When a game ball enters the second start port during the variation display on the first effect display device or the second effect display device, until the variation display on the ball is performed on the second effect display device, a second hold storage means for storing as a second hold,
A number of holding the display device to display the number of the first holding stored in the first holding memory means,
When it is detected that the number of the first hold is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the number of pending plus the second hold the first hold, to be displayed on the hold display device in place of the number of the first hold Hold number change display means,
Flag setting means for setting a hold transition flag when the hold number change display means changes the hold display of the hold display device;
If the pending transition flag is set, the relative second hold, the first is displayed in the effect display first with the effect for the symbol, a second hold variation to perform fluctuation display Display execution means ;
Equipped with a,
In order to determine a variation pattern of the first effect symbol or the second effect symbol, a first effect symbol variation pattern table in which the first time is set as a variation time; A second effect design variation pattern table in which the time 2 is set as the variation time is set,
When starting the variation display related to the first hold, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a win, and the variation pattern is determined using the first variation symbol pattern pattern for presentation. Based on the fluctuation pattern, the first effect display device performs fluctuation display,
When starting the variable display related to the second hold, determine whether or not the determination result is a win, determine whether or not the hold transition flag is set,
When the hold transition flag is not set, a variation pattern is determined using the second variation symbol pattern table for rendering, and the variation display is performed on the second rendering display device based on the determined variation pattern. Run,
When the hold transition flag is set, a variation pattern is determined using the first variation symbol pattern for effect design, and the first effect display device performs variation display based on the determined variation pattern. Run,
The ball game machine characterized in that the first effect display device performs variable display of the first effect symbols using a larger area than the second effect display device . In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
A passing gate through which a game ball can pass is provided on the surface of the game board, and a first start port opening means that opens the first start port when the game ball passes through the pass gate. When,
A hold display command output means for outputting a hold display command for subtracting the hold number displayed on the hold number display device;
With
The hold display command output means, after starting the variable display related to the first hold, and when the hold transition flag is set, and after starting the variable display related to the second hold, A bullet ball game machine which outputs the hold display command .

Images