JP5049876B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine in which a lottery is drawn by entering a game ball at a start opening, and when a big win is won, an attacker is opened to obtain more prize balls. In such gaming machines, the jackpot lottery result is reported to the player by various elaborate effects, and such effects include so-called premier effects that last for a long time.
And in situations where you don't know when such a long-lasting performance will be performed, the timing at which the player ends the game or suspends the game is lost, and the player can no longer leave the gaming machine. End up. Therefore, in the gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, the total time (the time of production) of the variable display of the special symbol reserved as a holding ball is preliminarily determined so that the player can play the game systematically. To inform you.

JP 2005-348889 A

  As described above, in order to notify the player in advance of the total time of the special symbol variation display, the variation display time of each special symbol must be determined when the reserved ball is reserved. Therefore, although it becomes possible to give the player planability, the variation time cannot be changed according to the situation at the start of the special symbol variation display.

For example, when the number of reserved balls is large, it is desirable to shorten the variation time. This is because game machines usually have an upper limit for the number of reserved balls, and when the number of reserved balls reaches the upper limit, even if a game ball enters the start opening, This is because the right cannot be obtained and the player is disadvantaged.
On the other hand, when the number of reserved balls is small, it is desirable to lengthen the fluctuation time. This is because if the change time is shortened in a situation where the number of reserved balls is small, the reserved balls will disappear immediately and the player will feel frustrated.

  However, in order to accurately notify the player of the change time, the change time must be determined when the reserved ball is reserved, so the change time cannot be changed according to the situation at the start of the change. As a result, there is a problem that the player is disadvantaged as described above, or that the player feels tired.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to play a game systematically and that does not cause any disadvantage to the player and does not cause fatigue.

  The first invention starts special symbol variation display means for displaying a special symbol variation for a predetermined time, and the special symbol variation display means by the special symbol variation display means triggered by the entry of a game ball launched on the game board. A gaming machine comprising a starting point for generating a right, and a control means for controlling the progress of the game in a normal game state, a jackpot game state in which more prize balls can be obtained than the normal game state, The control means acquires game data triggered by a game ball entering the start port, and a special symbol is displayed by a game data lottery means for performing a lottery for acquiring the right of the jackpot game, and the special symbol variation display means. Special symbol holding storage means for storing game data acquired when triggered by a game ball entering the starting port while being displayed in a variable manner, and retaining the right to display the special symbol in a variable manner; This When starting to display a special symbol based on the game data stored in the special symbol storage means, the variable time is determined based on the game data and the number of reserved rights for the special symbol variable display at the start of the variation. Is stored on the basis of the number of game data stored in the special symbol holding storage means and the number of right of variable display of the special symbol reserved in the special symbol holding storage means. The total fluctuation calculated by the planned fluctuation time calculating means is calculated on the planned fluctuation time calculating means for calculating the total expected fluctuation time for the right of variable display of all the special symbols and the fluctuation time displaying means provided so as to be visible to the player. And a variation time display control means for displaying an increase / decrease in the scheduled time, and the game ball firing state detection means for detecting the launch state of the game ball detects the stop of the launch of the game ball. Only when in the state you are, characterized in that the total variation expected time is displayed on the time-varying display means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the scheduled change time calculating means determines the estimated change time of each special symbol based on the number of the right of variable display of the special symbol processed after the right of variable display of the special symbol. In addition to determining, the variation time of each special symbol is integrated to calculate the total estimated variation time.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is always no relation between the game data in which the variation time is determined based on the reserved number of the special symbol variable display right in the special symbol holding storage means and the reserved number. And game data for which the variation time is determined.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the reserved number of the special symbol variable display right in the special symbol holding storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number in the game data, the variation time is determined based on the reserved number, and the reserved number The game data is further included in which the variation time is determined regardless of the reserved number when is less than the predetermined number.

The start port is provided in a game board, and a game ball launched on the game board is configured to enter or pass. The configuration of the start port is not particularly limited as long as it can detect that a game ball has entered or passed. Further, only one start port may be provided on the game board, or a plurality of start ports may be provided.
The game data of the present invention includes a wide range of randomly extracted numerical values, data, etc., such as random numbers acquired by random number generation means.

The game data lottery means obtains the game data by lottery every time a game ball enters the start port. However, the timing at which the game data lottery obtains the game data does not necessarily have to be performed immediately after the game ball has entered the starting port. In addition, when there is an upper limit on the number of reserved symbols for the special symbol variable display, the game data lottery means obtains game data if the maximum number of reserved symbols for the special symbol variable display has been reached. do not do.
Special symbols are symbols that are set in advance depending on the lottery result, that is, whether the subsequent gaming state is a normal gaming state, a jackpot gaming state, or a special gaming state. is there. This special symbol is always displayed once per game data lottery.

  The variable display means that the special symbol is displayed to the player, and a predetermined time is required from the start of the variable display until the special symbol is finally displayed to the player. As for the special symbol, it is only necessary that the lottery result is finally notified to the player. Therefore, even when no display is made to the player until the special symbol is finally displayed, it is included in the variable display in the present invention.

  The variation time determining means determines the variation time from when the special symbol starts to display the variation until it stops. This variation time is determined based on the game data acquired when the right to display the special symbol for variation is reserved and the number of reserved rights for the variation display of the special symbol at the start of variation. When there are a large number of reserves of the right to display special symbols, the variation time is determined to be relatively shorter than when there are few.

  On the other hand, the scheduled change time calculation means calculates the total expected change time of the right to display the change of the special symbol reserved in the special symbol hold storage means. The actual variation time of the special symbol is determined by the number of reserved special symbol rights at the start of the variation, so the time calculated when the special symbol variation right is reserved. And the actual variation time may be different. Therefore, the total time of the fluctuation time calculated by the fluctuation scheduled time calculation means is only a schedule, and it may be shortened or extended.

The total estimated fluctuation time calculated as described above is displayed only when the game ball launching state detecting means detects that the game ball has not been launched.
The specific configuration of the game ball firing state detection means is not particularly limited. For example, a game ball launching state detection unit is configured by a sensor provided on an operation unit (handle) for launching a game ball, and it is determined that the launch of the game ball is stopped when the player releases his hand. Also good. Alternatively, when the operation angle of the handle is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle, it may be determined that the launch of the game ball is stopped. Further, a game ball firing state detection means may be provided at a position where the game ball passes on the game board, and it may be determined that the launch of the game ball is stopped when the passage of the game ball cannot be detected for a predetermined time. .

  According to the present invention, the variation time is made variable according to the situation at the start of the variation display of the special symbol, in particular, the number of reserved rights for the variation display of the special symbol. Therefore, for example, when a large number of rights for the special symbol variation display are reserved, the variation time can be shortened, and conversely, when the number of the special symbol variation display rights is small, the variation time can be lengthened. In this way, there will be less disadvantages such as no big win lottery even though a game ball is in the starting opening, and more time will not be produced. Thus, the player is less likely to feel tired.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the total scheduled change time is displayed until the change display right of all reserved special symbols is processed, the player can play the game systematically. As mentioned above, if the variable time is made variable according to the number of reserved rights for the special symbol's variable display at the start of the change, the variable time will change greatly each time the variable display right is newly reserved. there's a possibility that. In other words, despite the fact that the total scheduled change time is displayed as the predetermined time, the predetermined time is greatly shortened by newly reserving the right to display the special symbols, and the total expected change time However, the display may cause confusion for the player.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the total fluctuation scheduled time is displayed only when the game ball is not being fired. If the game ball is not fired, as a matter of course, the right to display the change of the special symbol is not newly reserved, so the total change scheduled time calculated at a specific time and the actual change time are It will match. In this way, since the total planned variation time is displayed only when the total planned variation time and the actual variation time match, the exact time can be changed while changing the variation time according to the situation at the start of the variation. Can be notified to the player.

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

  In the central part of the game area 103 of the game board 101, a symbol display unit 104 constituting the variable time display means of the present invention is arranged. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used as the symbol display unit 104. Below the symbol display unit 104, a first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball driven toward the game area 103 is disposed. Below the first start port 105, a second start port 120 having a pair of movable pieces 120a is disposed. When the pair of movable pieces 120a are in the closed state, the second starter port 120 is unable or impossible to receive the game ball. When the pair of movable pieces 120a is in the open state, It becomes easier to accept a game ball than the one start port 105.

  The pair of movable pieces 120a are controlled to a first state in which a game ball is less likely to enter than the first start port 105 in the normal game state, and the first start in the special game state such as the probability change state or the short time state. It is controlled to the second state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the mouth 105. In this embodiment, the time-short state refers to a gaming state in which the second start port 120 is controlled to the second state, and the probability change state refers to the second start port 120 being controlled to the second state. In addition, it means a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal gaming state.

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

  In the lower right of the symbol display unit 104, a first special symbol display 84 for displaying a lottery result by a first special symbol lottery means 300 described later, and a second special for displaying a lottery result by a second special symbol lottery means 320. A symbol display 86 is provided. In both of these indicators 84 and 86, after the special symbol is variably displayed, the lottery result is finally displayed. When a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right of the special symbol variation display obtained by the entry, the so-called reserved ball is reserved. . The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90.

The first special symbol display 84 and the second special symbol display 86 constitute the special symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention.
Similarly to the above, when a game ball enters the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery means 360 performs a lottery, and a normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is provided. The normal symbol change display right obtained by the game ball entering the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol change display, that is, the number of the reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold indicator 92.

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

  When the game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120, the symbol display unit 104 described above starts displaying a plurality of decorative symbols and stops the variation of the decorative symbols after a predetermined time. Let When a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the operation of opening the large winning opening opening / closing door 109a in the large winning opening opening / closing device 109 located below for a certain period is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and the number of awards corresponding to the game balls entered. Pay out the ball.

  In addition, when the game ball enters the first starting port 105, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the first starting port 105 in a variable manner, and the game ball is displayed at the second starting port 120. By entering the ball, the decorative symbol related to the ball entering the second start port 120 is variably displayed. In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 84 or the second special symbol display 86. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol display unit 104 displays the decorative symbol variation. If both the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 have a so-called hold ball for variable display, the hold ball obtained by entering the second start port 120 has priority. Digested.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  In the frame member 110, effect lights 111 (lamp units) are provided on the two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. The effect lights 111 each include a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

In addition, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. Each light 112 is driven by a motor provided in the effect light 111 so as to rotate the light irradiation direction. The motor that is driven to rotate the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 is a motor different from the motor that changes the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 in the vertical direction.
The effect light 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light 111 in three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 while changing the vertical direction.

The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. .
Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of excitement due to attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

In the frame member 110, a tray unit 119 to which game balls are supplied is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The tray unit 119 is supplied with game balls lent out from a rental ball device (not shown).
An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer periphery of the operation handle 113 so as to be able to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launching unit launches a game ball when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player.
In the operation handle 113, a game ball firing state detection unit 121 including a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the firing instruction member 114 is incorporated. When the rotation angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the game ball firing state detection unit 121 determines that a game ball is being fired and transmits a firing signal to the sub-control board 202 described later. In the present embodiment, the fired game ball does not reach the game area 103 of the game board 101, and the firing state of the game ball is determined based on the rotation angle at which the game ball stays between the pair of rails 102a and 102b. I have to. That is, when the rotation angle of the operation handle 113 is within a range where the game ball does not reach the game area 103, it is determined that the game ball is in a stopped state, and the rotation angle of the operation handle 113 is determined so that the game ball is played by the game ball. If it is within the range to reach the area 103, it is determined that the game ball is in a firing state.

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

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

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. The control means 200 is composed of a plurality of control boards. In the illustrated example, the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the prize ball control board 203, and the lamp control board 206 are configured.
The main control board 201 controls the basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1, and based on the program stored in the ROM 201b, the CPU 201a that executes the basic processing accompanying the progress of the game content, and the data work during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a A RAM 201c functioning as an area is provided.

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

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

  In addition, a prize winning opening / closing unit 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201 to control the opening / closing of the prize winning opening / closing device 109. The special prize opening / closing unit 231 has a function of opening the special prize opening / closing device 109 for a certain period of time in a big hit, and is configured using a solenoid such as a special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b (not shown in detail).

The game ball firing state detection means 121 is connected to the input side of the sub-control board 202, and a firing signal is inputted when the turning angle of the firing instruction member 114 in the operation handle 113 is equal to or larger than a predetermined angle. To be.
Further, a chance button detection unit 220 for detecting that the chance button 117 has been operated is connected to the input side of the sub control board 202.
The sub-control board 202 mainly controls effects during the game. The ROM 202b stores various programs, the CPU 202a that controls the programs based on the effect execution commands transmitted from the main control board 201, and the CPU 202a. The RAM 202c and the like functioning as a data work area at the time of the arithmetic processing are provided.

  The sub control board 202 receives an effect execution command that constitutes a part of the game effect transmitted from the main control board 201, performs a lottery based on the effect execution command, produces an effect background pattern, reach effect pattern, appearance An effect such as a character is confirmed, and the effect is controlled based on the effect confirmation command.

  The ROM 202b of the sub control board 202 stores various image data such as background images, design images, and character images, and the RAM 202c functions as a data work area when the CPU 202a performs arithmetic processing. The sub-control board 202 is further provided with a VRAM 202d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

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

  A speaker 277 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 also has a function of controlling output of sound as an effect process based on the effect determination command described above. The CPU 202a reads the program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various sound output processes such as effect sound effect processing, and outputs sound from the speaker 277.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 is a first special symbol lottery means 300, a first special symbol display control means, which mainly functions as a game ball enters the first start port 105. 301, first special symbol variation control means 302, and first random number determination means 303.
In addition, the ROM 201b mainly functions as a game ball entering the second start port 120, as a second special symbol lottery means 320, a second special symbol display control means 321, a second special symbol variation control means 322. Second random number determination means 323 is provided.

The ROM 201b includes, as means for controlling the progress of the game, a jackpot game control means 340, a probability change game control means 341, a time-short game control means 342, a normal game control means 343, a change scheduled time calculation means 330, and a command transmission means 332. I have.
Further, the ROM 201b includes a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol variation control means 362, and a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 as means for functioning when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. ing.

The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes a first special symbol hold storage unit 401, a second special symbol hold storage unit 402, a normal symbol hold storage unit 403, and a game state storage unit 404.
On the other hand, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 includes effect lottery means 501, effect control means 502, and variable time display control means 503.

The first special symbol lottery means 300 and the second special symbol lottery means 320 constitute the game data lottery means of the present invention.
Further, the first random number determination means 303 and the second random number determination means 323 constitute a variation time determination means of the present invention.
The first special symbol hold storage unit 401 and the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 constitute a special symbol hold storage unit of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and function of each means will be described.

The jackpot game control means 340, probability change game control means 341, time-short game control means 342, and normal game control means 343 are all programs that control the progress of the game in each game state.
The jackpot game control means 340 proceeds with the jackpot game when a transition from the normal game state to the jackpot game state is made as a result of the jackpot lottery by the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 described later. Control. Specifically, the jackpot game control means 340 includes a long hit game in which the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for a total of 15 rounds, and a short hit game in which the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening / closing device 109 is performed for two rounds To control. In the present embodiment, “long win and short win” are collectively referred to as “big hit”, and “long win game and short win game” are collectively referred to as “big hit game”.

  As described above, when a long winning game is executed, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 is executed more than the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing device 109 during the short winning game. Yes. The opening / closing operation of the special prize opening / closing device 109 is performed by operating the special prize opening / closing solenoid 109b by the special prize opening / closing part 231. Specifically, the jackpot game control means 340 operates the jackpot opening / closing solenoid 109b from the first round to the 15th round in the long hit gaming state and only two rounds in the short hit gaming state to thereby win the big prize opening / closing door 109a. Open and close. Then, when a game ball enters the big winning opening / closing device 109, the big winning opening detection unit 224 counts the number of balls entered. Further, when the game winning ball detecting unit 224 detects that the game ball has entered the game winning opening / closing device 109, the game ball is paid out by the payout unit 291.

  Here, “round” means that a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses and a predetermined number (for example, 9 balls) of game balls enter when a long game and a short game are being executed. This means a unit for opening / closing the special prize opening opening / closing device 109 by satisfying any of the following conditions. In the present embodiment, the opening time of the big prize opening / closing device 109 per round in the short win game is set to be extremely shorter than the opening time of the big winning opening / closing device 109 per round in the long hit game. ing.

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

In addition, although it is substantially the same mode as the above short win, any one of the normal short win, the probable gaming state and the short-time gaming state that are not changed to the probable gaming state after the winning game is executed, Needless to say, a small hit or the like in a normal gaming state may be combined as appropriate.
The short time game control means 342 controls the short time game in which the lottery time is shortened in the lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 360. In the probability variation game state, the time-short game is performed by the time-short game control unit 341 together with the probability variation game by the probability variation game control unit 341.

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, control when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described. However, the control when the game ball enters the first start port 105 and the control when the game ball enters the second start port 120 are almost the same. Therefore, here, the control when a game ball enters the first start opening 105 will be described.

  When the first start port detector 221 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105, the detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201. When the signal is received, the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts any random number value from the random number values prepared in advance. The random number extracted here includes a hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and an effect random number. The winning random number is a random number for determining whether or not it is a big hit, and the design random number is a random number for determining the type of winning (long hit, short hit). The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect, and the effect random number is a random number for determining the variation time of a special symbol.

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

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

  The random value extracted by the first special symbol lottery means 300 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a jackpot winning probability and a winning random number. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a symbol random number and a table (first special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game (number of rounds, probability variation, normal) when winning the jackpot. .

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

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

  As a result of the determination of the winning random number, if it is determined that the winning random number is a jackpot random number, the first random number determining means 303 further determines the symbol random number based on the table shown in FIG. Determine the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots determined here include “long hits” in which the jackpot game time is long and a large amount of game balls can be expected to be paid out, and “short hits” in which the jackpot game time is short. Furthermore, in the long win, only the "probable change time short length" occurs after the jackpot game ends, and only the short game state occurs after the jackpot game ends (the probability change game state is (It does not occur) There is "normal per length". Also, for short wins, only the short-time gaming state occurs after the end of the jackpot game (the probability-changing gaming state does not occur), and both the probability-changing gaming state and the short-time gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends. There is “Short-term per chance”. When the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the jackpot random number is lost as a result of the determination, the design random number is not determined.

The first random number determination unit 303 determines reach random numbers. The determination of the reach random number performed here determines whether or not a reach effect is to be performed in the symbol display unit 104 at the time of special symbol variation display.
The reach effect refers to one effect mode of the decorative symbol in the symbol display unit 104, and refers to the following effect.
That is, the symbol display unit 104 displays symbols composed of numbers or the like in each of the left column, the middle column, and the right column. These numbers and symbols stop after scrolling for a predetermined time, but when the scrolling stops, the numbers stop like “7, 6, 7” on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally.

  The reach effect is that after the numbers scroll in the above three columns, first, the scrolling of the numbers in any two columns stops. At this time, the same numbers such as “7,-, 7” are displayed on either a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Thereafter, the scroll speed is reduced in the remaining one column, and the player is given a sense of expectation that three numbers will be aligned. In such reach production, finally, as in “7, 6, 7”, the reach production for losing where the numbers are not aligned and the scrolling stops completely, and finally “7, 7, 7”. In this way, there is a jackpot reach production in which the scrolling stops when the numbers are aligned. In any case, the reach effect is an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation that the player has won a big hit with the decorative symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  On the other hand, the non-reach effect refers to “5, 4, 7” on the straight line extending horizontally or diagonally after the numbers on the left, middle, and right columns displayed on the symbol display unit 104 scroll. It is an effect that scrolling stops in a disjointed state. Alternatively, the design is not limited to the above-described design, and the design display unit 104 may simply display “lost”. In any case, the non-reach effect in the present embodiment refers to an effect that informs the player that the winning lottery result has been lost without giving the player any expectation.

Then, whether the reach effect or the reachless effect as described above is performed is determined by the determination of the reach random number. The reach random number determination will be described below.
As the reach random number, one random number value is extracted from 251 random number values of 0 to 250 by a random number generation means or the like. The reach random number is determined by a reach random number determination table. A plurality of the reach random number determination tables are stored in the ROM 201b of the main control board 201. Which reach random number determination table is selected depends on the random number And the total number of reserved balls at the start of the change.

More specifically, when the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the winning random number is lost as a result of the determination, the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the reach random number as shown in FIG. Judgment is made.
That is, if the winning random number is determined to be lost, and the total number of reserved balls at the start of the change is “0” or “1”, the reach random number from “0” to “30” The table for determining the execution of the reach effect is selected at the time, and the execution of the non-reach effect is determined for the reach random numbers “31” to “250”.

  Similarly, when it is determined that the winning random number is lost, and the total number of reserved balls at the start of the change is “2”, the reach random number from “0” to “25” A table that determines execution of reach production is selected. When the total reserved number is “3”, a table for determining the execution of the reach effect is selected when the reach random number is “0” to “20”, and the total reserved number is “4 or more”. "Is selected, the table for determining the execution of the reach effect when the reach random numbers from" 0 "to" 15 "are selected.

  In this way, the lost reach random number determination table used when the hit random number is determined to be lost is executed when the total number of reserved balls is smaller than when there are more reserved balls. The table that is most likely to be selected is selected. That is, the reach effect is more likely to appear as the total number of reserved balls decreases. Since the reach production time is longer than the non-reach production time, if the reach production is performed when there are few reserved balls, a game ball enters the start opening during the reach production and a new reserved ball is reserved. This is because a state without a holding ball can be prevented as much as possible.

  On the other hand, if the first random number determination unit 303 determines that the winning random number is a big hit, the first random number determination unit 303 determines the reach random number as shown in FIG. 6B. . Only one reach random number determination table for the jackpot is stored in the ROM 201b. The jackpot reach random number determination table used at the time of jackpot determines the execution of the reach effect regardless of the reach random number (0 to 250) regardless of the total number of reserved balls. As a result, a reach effect is always executed at the time of a big hit.

  When the reach random number is determined as described above and it is determined whether to execute the reach effect or the reachless effect, the first random number determination unit 303 determines the effect random number. This effect random number is mainly for determining the effect time (variation time of the special symbol). The effect time is based on the determination result of the jackpot random number, the determination result of the reach random number, and the total number of reserved balls. It is determined. Hereinafter, the determination of the effect random number will be described.

First, when the reach effect is to be executed by the determination of the reach random number, the effect time is determined as shown in FIG. FIG. 7A shows the relationship between the production time and the production random number when the reach production is performed at the time of losing.
As is clear from this figure, the time of reach production performed at the time of losing is five patterns of 90 seconds, 60 seconds, 40 seconds, 30 seconds, and 20 seconds. As shown in the figure, it is determined by the effect random number acquired when the game ball enters.
For example, when a game ball enters the first starting port 105, a big hit random number “8”, a design random number “120”, a reach random number “15”, and an effect random number “9” are acquired. In this case, the loss is determined by the jackpot random number (see FIG. 5), it is determined that the reach effect is executed (see FIG. 6), and the reach effect time is determined to be 90 seconds (see FIG. 7). ).

  On the other hand, FIG.7 (b) has shown the relationship between the production time (scale) of the reach production performed at the time of a big hit, and production random numbers. In this embodiment, when a jackpot is confirmed, a reach effect is always performed, but only two patterns of 90 seconds and 60 seconds are prepared for the reach effect performed at the time of the jackpot. When the production random number is “0” to “199”, the reach production is performed for 90 seconds. When the production random number is “200” to “250”, the reach production is performed for 60 seconds.

When the reach random effect is determined by the reach random number determination, the effect time is determined as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the production time and the production random number when the production without reach is performed at the time of losing.
As is apparent from this figure, when a reachless effect is performed, the time of the reachless effect is determined only by the total number of reserved balls. In other words, when the reachless effect is performed, the effect time is determined regardless of the effect random number. The production time determined here is 12 seconds when the total number of reserved balls at the start of fluctuation is “0” or “1”, and when the total number of reserved balls is “2”. When the total reserved number is “3” or “4” for 8 seconds, it is determined as 4 seconds.

  As is clear from FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the reach random number is “0” to “15” at the time of loss, the reach is always made regardless of the total number of reserved balls. Production is performed. Further, when the reach random number is “31” to “250”, a reach-less effect is always performed regardless of the total number of reserved balls. On the other hand, when the reach random number is “16” to “30”, the reach effect is performed or the reachless effect is performed depending on the total number of reserved balls. Accordingly, when the reach random numbers “16” to “30” are acquired, it is not determined whether or not the reach is performed until the change is started. In addition, when a reach random number other than “16” to “30” is acquired, whether or not a reach effect is performed at the time when a game ball enters the start opening and each random number value is acquired. It will be confirmed.

When a game ball enters the second starting port 120, the second special symbol lottery means 320 acquires the random numbers, and the second special symbol determination means 323 determines the random number values in the same manner as described above. The production time is determined.
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the jackpot winning probability and the winning random number when a game ball enters the second start port 120. This is because the game ball is placed in the first start port 105. The same as when entering the ball. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a symbol random number and a table (second special symbol random number determination table) for determining the type of jackpot game when the jackpot is won. ), The jackpot type lottery probability is different from that shown in FIG.

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

When the first random number determination unit 303 determines the extracted random number value as described above, the first special symbol variation control unit 302 starts the variation of the special symbol based on the random number value, and the first The special symbol display control means 301 variably displays the lottery result on the first special symbol display 84. Even when the second random number determination means 323 determines a random value, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol display control means 321 and the second special symbol fluctuation control means 322.
On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 and a variation display based on the previous game ball is in progress, the extracted random number value is the first random number in the RAM 201c. It is stored in the special symbol hold storage means 401. The first special symbol storage unit 401 is configured as shown in FIG.

  That is, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the storage area of the ROM 201b that stores the reserved balls (each random number value). As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol reserved storage means 401 is a game ball. Is stored as a holding ball in association with the order in which the game balls are detected, in accordance with the random number value (hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, production random number) acquired based on the detection by the first starting port detection unit 221 To do. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 10C, the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d are all hit random number storage areas, symbol random number storage areas, reach random number storage areas. And a production random number storage area.

When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401 and 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the holding ball is reserved in the first storage area 401 a to the third storage area 401 c of the first special symbol holding storage unit 401, and the fifth storage area 402 a of the second special symbol holding storage unit 402. Further, it is assumed that the reserved ball is reserved in the sixth storage area 402b.
In addition, the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 is, as illustrated, the first start port 105 → the second start port 120 → the first start port 105 → the second. It is assumed that the start port 120 → the first start port 105.
In the present embodiment, since the second start port 120 is a priority start port, in this case, the hold balls in the fifth storage area 402a are processed preferentially, and hold in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. 11B. The ball is digested.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 11C, it is assumed that three reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 that performs non-priority processing. In this case, the three reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 are digested successively in the order indicated by the dotted lines in the figure. However, when the first reserved ball is digested, in other words, when the first variation display is performed, the reserved ball is reserved in the second special symbol hold storage means 402 to which priority processing is performed. Then (when the ball enters the second starting port 120), the reservation ball is interrupted, and the reservation ball is digested in the order indicated by the solid line in the figure.
As is apparent from this, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 in which the non-priority processing is performed in both storage units 401 and 402, the priority processing is performed. There is a high possibility that an interruption process is performed when the reserved ball is reserved in the five storage area 402a.

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

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, the control from when the game ball enters the starting port until the variation process is completed will be described while clearly illustrating the features of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the first start port detector 221 or the second start port detector 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the following control is performed. Is made.

(Step S101)
A variation detection program (not shown) of the main control board 201 detects whether or not a special symbol variation is being displayed.

(Step S102)
If it is determined in step S101 that the change is in progress, each random number, that is, a hold is stored in the fourth storage area 401d of the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the eighth storage area 402d of the second special symbol hold storage unit 402. Detect if the sphere is stored. Specifically, when a ball entry signal is received from the first start port detector 221, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is less than 4, and the second start When the incoming signal is received from the mouth detector 225, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is less than 4.

  Then, if it is determined that there are four reserved balls, a special symbol variation display, that is, a big win lottery is not performed depending on the entry of the game ball. The prize ball is paid out and the control is terminated.

(Step S103)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the number of reserved balls is less than 4, that is, it is determined that the reserved balls are reserved, the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d or the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area. Each random value is stored in 402d, and the reserved ball is reserved.

(Step S104)
As described above, when each random number is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the expected fluctuation time calculation unit 330 is configured to execute all the random numbers based on the random numbers. Calculate the total estimated change time of the holding ball. The calculation method of the total scheduled change time performed by the planned change time calculation unit 330 will be described in detail later.

(Step S105)
When the scheduled fluctuation time calculation unit 330 calculates the total scheduled fluctuation time, the command transmission unit 332 transmits the total scheduled fluctuation time as a command to the sub-control board 202, and the control in the main control board 201 ends.

(Step S106)
In step S101, when the first start port detection unit 221 or the second start port detection unit 225 detects a signal, if there is no change related to the previous game ball entry, 2. It is determined whether a game ball has entered the start port 120 or a game ball has entered the first start port 105, and the process proceeds to (B) and (C) of FIG. That is, when no change is made and a game ball enters one of the start ports, the special symbol related to the entry is changed immediately. Is not stored, and the variation start process is performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start port in a state in which the reserved ball is not reserved, the total scheduled change time is not calculated by the estimated change time calculation unit 330.

(Step S201)
In step S105, when the command transmission unit 332 transmits a command, it is determined whether or not a firing signal is input from the game ball firing state detection unit 121 as shown in FIG. That is, when the reserved ball is newly reserved, it is determined whether or not the game ball is in a firing state, in other words, whether or not the game ball is in a firing stop state.

(Step S202)
If it is determined in step S201 that the game ball is in a firing stop state in which the game ball has not been fired, the fluctuation time display control unit 503 displays the total expected fluctuation time based on the received command. To display. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the game ball is being launched, the control on the sub-control board 202 is terminated without displaying the total scheduled change time (in step S201). NO). As a result, when the reserved ball is newly reserved, if the game ball is not being fired, the total fluctuation scheduled time is displayed, and if the game ball is being fired, the total fluctuation scheduled time is not displayed.

If the game ball is not fired, as a matter of course, the reserved ball will not be newly reserved, so the total fluctuation scheduled time calculated at a specific time point matches the actual fluctuation time. . In this way, since the total fluctuation scheduled time is displayed only in a state where the total fluctuation scheduled time and the actual fluctuation time match, in other words, in a state where the total fluctuation scheduled time may be shortened, Since the total fluctuation scheduled time is not displayed, the player is always notified of the accurate fluctuation scheduled time.
Note that the display mode, display time, display timing, and the like in the symbol display unit 104 are not particularly limited. Further, in the present embodiment, the variable time display means of the present invention is configured by the symbol display unit 104, but the above time may be displayed on a dedicated display or the like that displays the total planned fluctuation time.

  Here, the calculation method of the estimated fluctuation time calculation unit 330 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 14, and 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), in a state where two reserved balls are reserved in the fifth storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b of the second special symbol storage means 402 for which priority processing is performed. Suppose that the third reserved ball is reserved in the seventh storage area 402c. Then, the fluctuation scheduled time calculation means 330 calculates the fluctuation time of each holding ball based on the game data (a winning random number, a reach random number, an effect random number) and the number of reserved balls.

  Since the reserved ball reserved in the fifth storage area 402a is determined to be lost based on the jackpot random number, the reach random number is determined based on the lost reach random number determination table shown in FIG. At this time, the fluctuation scheduled time calculation means 330 selects any one of the plurality of lost reach reach random number determination tables. However, the scheduled fluctuation time calculation means 330 does not select this table based on the total number of reserved balls, but is a total obtained by adding a reserved ball to be processed after the reserved ball to the reserved ball. Select a table based on the number.

  For example, since the reserved balls retained in the fifth storage area 402a are processed in the sixth storage area 402b and the seventh storage area 402c thereafter, it is determined that there are a total of three retained balls. Select a table when the total number of retained balls is three. Therefore, the scheduled change time calculation means 330 determines the reach random number “37” of the reserved ball in the fifth storage area 402a as a non-reach effect, and changes based on the effect random number determination table for the non-reach effect in FIG. Determine the scheduled time. That is, it is determined that there is no reach effect, and the total number of reserved balls is 3, and the estimated fluctuation time is determined to be 4 seconds.

  On the other hand, the reserved balls in the sixth storage area 402b are processed after the reserved balls in the seventh storage area 402c, so that it is determined that there are two reserved balls in total, and the total number of reserved balls is two. Select the table. Therefore, the scheduled fluctuation time calculation means 330 determines the reach random number “242” of the reserved ball in the sixth storage area 402a as a non-reach effect, and changes based on the effect random number determination table for the non-reach effect in FIG. Determine the scheduled time. That is, since it is an effect without reach and the total number of reserved balls is two, it is determined that the scheduled fluctuation time is 8 seconds.

Further, since the reserved balls in the seventh storage area 402c are not currently reserved balls to be processed thereafter, it is determined that there is only one reserved ball, and a table when the total number of reserved balls is one is shown in FIG. select. Therefore, the scheduled fluctuation time calculation means 330 determines the reach random number “60” of the reserved ball in the seventh storage area 402c as a non-reach effect, and changes based on the effect random number determination table for the non-reach effect in FIG. Determine the scheduled time. That is, since it is an effect without reach and the total number of reserved balls is one, it is determined that the scheduled change time is 12 seconds.
As described above, when the estimated variation time of each reserved ball is determined, the estimated variation times are integrated to determine the total estimated variation time as 24 seconds.

  Further, in the above state, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), when a game ball enters the second start port 120 and a reserved ball is retained in the eighth storage area 402d, the estimated fluctuation time is calculated. The means 330 re-determines the expected fluctuation time of all the reserved balls that are reserved, and calculates the total expected fluctuation time again. At this time, although the random numbers of the reserved balls in the fifth storage area 402a to the seventh storage area 402c are not different from the above, the total reserved number of the reserved balls is increased. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), the scheduled change time of the reserved balls in the sixth storage area 402b and the seventh storage area 402c is shortened compared to FIG. 14 (a).

Further, the estimated change time of the reserved ball retained in the eighth storage area 402d is also determined in the same manner as described above, but since the reach random number of this reserved ball is “12”, the reach random number is determined to be a reach effect. (FIG. 6A). Then, the effect random number “15” is determined based on the reach effect effect random number determination table of FIG. 7A, and the variation time is determined to be 60 seconds.
As a result, the estimated variation time of each reserved ball is integrated to calculate a total estimated variation time of 76 seconds.

  In addition, after the reservation ball | bowl of the 5th memory area 402a is processed from the state of FIG.14 (b), when the fluctuation | variation process of the hold | maintenance ball of the 6th memory area 402b is started, as shown in FIG. The game data is shifted in the second special symbol holding storage means 402, and the total scheduled change time is calculated as 68 seconds. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, not only when the reserved ball is reserved, but also when the reserved ball is processed, the total fluctuation scheduled time is calculated again, and the calculation result is used as a command as a sub-control board. 202. Thereby, whenever the total scheduled change time changes, the time is notified to the player.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether the reach-less effect is performed or the reach effect is performed when the reserved ball is reserved. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the reach random number is “0” to “15” or “31” to “250”, the presence or absence of the reach effect is determined when the reserved ball is reserved. On the other hand, when the reach random number is “16” to “30”, the presence / absence of the reach effect changes depending on the number of reserved balls, and the expected fluctuation time may greatly increase or decrease. Thus, FIG. 15 shows a case where a reach random number is acquired at which the presence or absence of the reach effect is not determined when the reserved ball is reserved.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, it is assumed that the reserved balls are reserved in the fifth storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b. The reserved ball in the fifth storage area 402a is a reachless effect, and the planned change time calculation means 330 determines that the reserved number of reserved balls at this time is two and determines the planned change time as 8 seconds.

  On the other hand, in the sixth storage area 402b, a reserved ball from which a winning random number “554”, a design random number “192”, a reach random number “23”, and an effect random number “1” are stored is stored. As shown in FIG. 6A, the reserved ball is determined to be lost based on the winning random number. Therefore, when determining the reach random number “23”, the lost reach reach random number determination table is selected. Similarly to the above, a table in the case where the total number of reserved balls is one is further selected from the sixth storage area 402b and the total number of reserved balls to be processed thereafter. Therefore, the reach random number “23” is determined based on the selected table, and the reserved ball retained in the sixth storage area 402b is determined as the reach effect. As described above, when the reach effect is performed at the time of the loss, the effect random number is determined based on the effect random number determination table for the reach effect at the time of the lose shown in FIG. Judged as seconds. Thereby, the fluctuation scheduled time calculation means 330 calculates the total fluctuation scheduled time as 98 seconds.

  In the above state, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), a game ball enters the first starting port 105 and hits the first storage area 401 a of the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401 with a random number “398”. Assume that the reserved ball that has acquired the design random number “200”, the reach random number “186”, and the effect random number “13” is reserved. As the reserved ball is newly reserved, the expected change time calculation unit 330 again determines the expected change time of each reserved ball and calculates the total expected change time as 106 seconds. In this way, even when the reserved ball is reserved in both the first special symbol hold storage means 401 that is subjected to non-priority processing and the second special symbol hold storage means 402 that is subjected to priority processing, those processes are also performed. The change schedule time of each reserved ball is determined in association with the order.

Then, from the state shown in FIG. 15 (b), a game ball enters the second start port 120, and the winning random number “17” is stored in the seventh storage area 402 c of the second special symbol storage unit 402. Assume that a reserved ball that has acquired the design random number “15”, the reach random number “200”, and the production random number “0” is reserved.
At this time, the expected change time calculation means 330 re-determines the expected change time of each reserved ball. The expected change time of the reserved ball retained in the sixth storage area 402b is shown in FIG. The time is greatly reduced from 90 seconds to 4 seconds in FIG. This is because the planned fluctuation time calculation means 330 determines the planned fluctuation time of the reserved ball held in the sixth storage area 402b at the time when the reserved ball is reserved in the seventh storage area 402c as follows. It is.

  That is, the lost ball in the sixth storage area 402b is determined to be lost by the hit random number “554”, and the lost random number determination table is selected when determining the reach random number. At this time, since there are two reserved balls to be processed after the reserved balls in the sixth storage area 402b, the reserved balls in the sixth storage area 402b are added to the two, and the total number of reserved balls is 3. And the table is selected (see FIG. 6A). In this table, when the reach random number is “0” to “20”, the execution of the reach effect is determined, and when the reach random number is any other random number, the execution of the reachless effect is determined. Therefore, here, the execution of the non-reach effect is determined by the reach random number “23”.

As a result of the reach random number determination, when the non-reach effect is determined, as shown in FIG. 8, the scheduled change time is determined based on the total number of reserved balls, regardless of the effect random number. Then, it is determined as 4 seconds. As a result, the total fluctuation scheduled time obtained by integrating the respective fluctuation scheduled times is calculated as 28 seconds.
In this way, when a random number is acquired for determining the loss, and when a reach random number is acquired that has different reach effects depending on the total number of reserved balls, it varies depending on the status of the reserved balls thereafter. Scheduled time can be significantly reduced.

  On the other hand, when a winning random number for determining the jackpot is acquired, a reach effect of 60 seconds or 90 seconds is executed regardless of which reach random number is acquired, and this fluctuation time is the number of reserved balls retained. It is determined when the reserved ball is retained without being affected by the increase or decrease of.

  In this way, despite the determination of the same game data, the total scheduled change time varies depending on whether it is a loss or a big hit, the number of reserved balls, and the start opening where the game balls have entered. Or it may be significantly shorter. Therefore, if this total scheduled change time is displayed all the time, there is a possibility that the time until all the reserved balls are processed may be suddenly shortened. It will be impossible to make a plan to finish it. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the total estimated change time is displayed only in a state where the total expected change time is not shortened due to an increase in the number of reserved balls, that is, in a game ball stoppage state.

(Variation start processing)
Next, the variation starting process of the retained ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 or the second special symbol storage unit 402 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In the present embodiment, when the reserved ball variation start process is performed, the reserve ball variation start process obtained by entering the game ball into the second start port 120 is prioritized. Is called. In addition, when a game ball enters the start opening in a state where the reserved ball is not reserved, the processing after (B) or (C) described later is performed from step S101 and step S106 shown in FIG. The

(Step S301)
When performing the change start process of the holding ball, first, each random number (holding ball) is stored in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, whether or not the holding ball of the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 is 1 or more. This is determined by a predetermined program.

(Step S302)
In step S301, if each random number is stored in the fifth storage area 402a, that is, if there is a holding ball in the second special symbol holding storage means 402, each random number stored in the fifth storage area 402a is illustrated. The random number stored in the fifth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d is shifted to the previous storage area. When each random number is stored only in the fifth storage area 402a (when the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d are empty areas), each random number stored in the fifth storage area 402a Only the process of storing in the processing area is performed.

(Step S303)
Next, on the main control board 201, the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404 is confirmed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the current gaming state is the normal gaming state, the short-time gaming state, or the probability-changing gaming state.

(Step S304)
When the game state is confirmed in step S303, the second random number determination unit 323 selects a hit determination table corresponding to the game state. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the gaming state is a normal gaming state or a short-time gaming state, a table for determining that the winning random numbers “7” and “317” are jackpots is selected, and the gaming state is a probabilistic gaming state. If it is, the table for determining all 20 random numbers such as “7”, “37”, etc. as a big hit is selected.

(Step S305) (Step S306)
In step S304, if a winning determination table based on the gaming state is selected, the second random number determining means 323 determines whether or not the winning is based on the selected table.

(Step S307)
If it is determined in step S306 that there is a loss, the second random number determination unit 323 determines the variation time. First, the second random number determination means 323 checks the total number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol reservation storage means 401 and the second special symbol reservation storage means 402.

(Step S308)
In step S307, when the total number of reserved balls is confirmed, the second random number determination means 323 selects a reach random number determination table at the time of loss based on the total number of reserved balls. The reach random number determination table at the time of the loss selected at this time is as shown in FIG.

(Step S309) (Step S310)
In step S308, when a reach random number determination table is selected, the second random number determination unit 323 determines whether or not there is a reach based on the selected table.
For example, it is assumed that the reach random number extracted by the second special symbol lottery means 320 is “0” to “15” when a game ball enters the second start port 120 and is retained as a holding ball. In this case, the second random number determination means 323 determines that there is a reach (reach effect) regardless of the total number of reserved balls.

  On the other hand, when the reach random numbers are “31” to “250”, the second random number determination means 323 determines that there is no reach effect regardless of the total number of reserved balls. If the reach random number is “16” to “30”, in step S308, the second random number determination unit 323 selects one of FIG. 6A based on the total number of reserved balls. The table is selected. Therefore, either the reach effect or the non-reach effect is determined according to the total number of reserved balls in the change start process.

(Step S311)
If it is determined in step S310 that the reach effect has been reached, the second random number determination means 323 further selects an effect random number determination table for reach effect at the time of loss.

(Step S312)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S310 that there is no reach effect, the second random number determination means 323 selects the effect random number determination table for the effect without reach at the time of losing.

(Step S313)
When the effect random number determination table is selected in step S311 or step S313, the second random number determination unit 323 determines the effect random number based on the effect random number determination table.

(Step S314)
By determining the production random number based on each table, the variation time (production time) of the special symbol is determined. For example, when the production random number is “55” and the production random number determination table for reach production is selected in step S311, the production time (reach scale), that is, a special symbol, as shown in FIG. Is determined to be 40 seconds.
On the other hand, when the production random number is “55” and the production random number determination table for non-reach production is selected in step S312, as shown in FIG. Based on this, the production time is determined. Therefore, in this case, the production time is determined to be 4 seconds, 8 seconds, or 12 seconds.

(Step S315)
As described above, the second random number determination unit 323 determines the variation time of the reserved ball on which the variation start process is performed, that is, the reserved ball retained in the fifth storage area 402a, and at the same time, the planned variation time calculation unit 330 Calculates the total estimated fluctuation time. Since the calculation method of the total scheduled change time has already been described, the description thereof is omitted here.

(Step S316)
Then, when the second random number determination unit 323 determines the variation time of the reserved ball retained in the fifth storage area 402a and the variation scheduled time calculation unit 330 calculates the total variation scheduled time, the command transmission unit 332 An effect execution command is transmitted to the sub control board 202. In this effect execution command, the change time and the total expected change time, the presence / absence of reach effect, or the rough contents of effect are stored.
When the effect execution command is transmitted as described above, the second special symbol display control unit 301 displays the variation of the special symbol for the time determined by the second random number determination unit 323.

(Step S317)
In addition, when it determines with each random number not being memorize | stored in the said 5th storage area 402a in the said step S301, ie, when it determines with the reserved ball not being retained in the 2nd special symbol reservation memory means 402 The shift process is performed for the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 401.

(Step S318) (Step S319)
As described above, when the processing in step S301 and step S317 is performed, the same processing as in step S303 and step S304 is performed for the retained ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401. . However, the symbol random number determination table selected in step S319 is different from the symbol random number determination table selected in step S304 in the winning probability per length with probability change time and short with probability change time. In addition, when performing the change start process of the holding ball retained in the first special symbol holding storage unit 401, the first random number determination unit 303 determines each random number.

(Step S320)
When it is determined in step S305 and step S306 that the game is a big hit, the first random number determination means 301 or the second random number determination means 323 determines the big hit hour reach production effect random number determination table shown in FIG. Select. In the present embodiment, since the reach effect is always achieved at the time of the big hit, as shown in FIG. 7B, the effect time is determined to be 90 seconds or 60 seconds based on the effect random number.
At the time of a big hit, execution of reach production is always determined by the reach random number regardless of the total number of reserved balls. For this reason, if it is determined in step S305 and step S306 that the jackpot is a big hit, there is no need to determine the total number of reserved balls, and the direct effect random number determination table for reaching the jackpot is selected. Become.

Then, when the effect execution command is transmitted to the sub control board 202 as described above, control of the effect is started on the sub control board 202 as shown in FIG.
That is, when an effect execution command is received, the effect execution command is stored in the processing area of the RAM 202c. In this effect execution command, whether the command relates to either the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a, whether it is a command related to jackpot or lose, presence / absence of reach, and rough indication of reach effect Various types and scales are stored.

(Step S401)
The effect lottery means 501 determines an effect table based on the received effect execution command. That is, the ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 stores different tables for the big hit and the lost time, and further, the reach effect table and the lost effect table are prepared. Furthermore, the reach production table is divided into tables for 90 seconds, 60 seconds, 40 seconds, 30 seconds, and 20 seconds, and background patterns, characters appearing, voice production patterns, and objects corresponding to each number of seconds. A plurality of performance patterns are provided. Also, the lose effect production table is divided into tables for 4 seconds, 8 seconds, and 12 seconds, and a plurality of patterns corresponding to the respective seconds are provided.

(Step S402)
The effect lottery means 501 selects a table corresponding to the received effect execution command, and determines one effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns stored in the selected table.

(Step S403)
The effect control means 502 displays the decorative symbol on the symbol display unit 104 according to the determined effect pattern, operates the effect actors 115 and 116, outputs sound from the speaker 277, turns on the effect light 111, Blink to control the production. At this time, the effect control unit 502 controls the effect for the variation time determined by the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323.

(Step S404)
Furthermore, at the same time as the effect control unit 502 starts the control of the effect, it is determined whether or not a launch signal is input from the game ball launch state detection unit 121. That is, at the time when the variation start process is performed, it is determined whether or not the game ball is in a firing state, in other words, whether or not the game ball is in a firing stop state.

(Step S405)
When it is determined in step S404 that the game ball is in a firing stop state in which the game ball has not been fired, the fluctuation time display control unit 503 displays the total expected fluctuation time based on the received command. To display. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the game ball is being launched, the control on the sub-control board 202 is terminated without displaying the total scheduled change time (in step S404). NO). As a result, when the change start process is performed and one reserved ball is digested, if the game ball is not being fired, the total expected change time is displayed, and if the game ball is being fired, the total expected change time is displayed. Will not be.

Note that the total scheduled fluctuation time may be displayed for a predetermined time after the start of the effect, or may be always displayed until the effect ends. Further, a real-time clock may be provided in the gaming machine 1 and displayed so that the remaining time is reduced from the total fluctuation scheduled time.
Further, in the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening in a state in which the reserved ball is not retained, the total scheduled change time is not calculated as described above. Therefore, when the game ball enters the start opening and the variation start process based on the ball is immediately performed, the total variation scheduled time is not notified to the player. However, even when a game ball enters the start opening in a state where the reserve ball is not reserved, the time for the special symbol variation display triggered by the entry may be displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the total estimated change time is always displayed if the game ball is in a stopped state. However, a further condition may be added as a condition for displaying the estimated total change time. .
For example, a means for allowing a player to input a signal such as a chance button 117 is provided, and the total estimated change time is displayed only when a game ball is in a stopped state and a predetermined signal is input. It doesn't matter. In addition, for example, a special effect mode that appears only in a specific game state such as a probability change game state or a short-time game state is provided, and while the special effect mode appears, and when the game ball is in a shooting stop state. Only the total fluctuation scheduled time may be displayed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the game ball enters the start port or when the change start process of the holding ball is performed, if the stop of the game ball is detected, the total scheduled change time is immediately Is displayed. However, in a state immediately after the player releases his / her hand from the handle, the launched game ball remains on the game board 101, and there is a possibility that this game ball enters the start port. In particular, when a stage in which game balls stay for a predetermined time is provided on the game board 101, it may take several tens of seconds until the game balls are finally completely removed from the game area 103. In such a case, after the game ball has completely disappeared from the game area 103, in other words, after the possibility that the game ball has entered the starting port has completely disappeared, the total estimated change time is displayed. Is desirable. Therefore, in step S201 of FIG. 13 and step S404 of FIG. 17, the game ball firing stop state is set for a predetermined time (in each gaming machine, there is no possibility that the game ball left in the game area enters the start port. It is conceivable that the total fluctuation scheduled time is displayed for the first time. In this way, it is ensured that inconveniences such as the game ball entering the start opening in the state where the total scheduled change time is displayed and the displayed total estimated change time are reduced. Can be prevented.

  Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which the variation time of each reserved ball is calculated and the total time is displayed on the symbol display unit. However, in this gaming machine, it is not premised that the variation time of each reserved ball changes depending on the number of reserved balls, and there is no possibility that the variation time will be shortened.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination table which determines the winning random number and symbol random number which are acquired when entering a 1st starting port, and this random number value. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which determines the reach random number acquired when entering a starting port, and a reach random number, (a) is an example of the determination table which determines a reach random number at the time of a loss, (b) is It is an example of the determination table which determines a reach random number at the time of big hit. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which determines the production | presentation random number acquired when entering a start opening, and production | presentation random number, (a) is the production | generation random number determination used when a reach production is performed at the time of a loss An example of a table, (b), is an example of an effect random number determination table used when a reach effect is performed at the time of a big hit. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation random number determination table used when the production | presentation random number acquired when entering a starting opening | mouth and a reachless production | generation is performed at the time of a loss. It is an example of the determination table which determines the winning random number and symbol random number which are acquired when entering a 2nd starting port, and this random number value. It is a conceptual diagram of the 1st special symbol reservation storage means and the 2nd special symbol reservation storage means of this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing order of a reservation ball | bowl. It is a flowchart which shows the control in the main control board when a game ball enters into a starting port. It is a flowchart which shows the control in a sub control board | substrate when a game ball enters into a starting port. It is a figure which shows an example of the total fluctuation | variation scheduled time of a holding ball, and the fluctuation time in the holding ball which starts a fluctuation | variation. It is a figure which shows the other example of the total variation estimated time of a holding ball, and the fluctuation time in the holding ball which starts a fluctuation | variation. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process in a main control board. It is a flowchart at the time of displaying the production process and the total fluctuation scheduled time in the sub-control board.

Explanation of symbols

84, 86 The special symbol display 104 constituting the special symbol fluctuation display means of the present invention 104 The symbol display unit 105 constituting the fluctuation time display means of the present invention 105 First start port 120 Second start port 121 Game ball firing state detection means 200 Control means 300 First special symbol lottery means 301 First special symbol display control means 302 First special symbol fluctuation control means 303 First random number determination means 320 constituting the variable time determination means of the present invention Second special symbol lottery means 321 2 Special symbol display control means 322 Second special symbol fluctuation control means 323 Second random number determination means 330 constituting the fluctuation time determination means of the present invention Fluctuation scheduled time calculation means 401 First special symbol hold storage means 402 Second special symbol hold Storage means 502 Production control means 503 Fluctuation time display control means

Claims (4)

Special symbol variation display means for displaying the special symbol for a predetermined time,
A start opening for generating a right to start the change display of the special symbol by the special symbol change display means when the game ball launched on the game board enters the game;
A gaming machine comprising: a normal gaming state; and a control means for controlling the progress of the game in a jackpot gaming state capable of acquiring more prize balls than the normal gaming state,
The control means includes
Game data lottery means for acquiring game data triggered by the entry of a game ball into the start port, and performing lottery for acquiring the right of the jackpot game;
When a special ball is variably displayed by the special symbol variation display means, when a game ball enters the start opening, the game data acquired by using the ball is stored as an opportunity to display a variation display of the special symbol. A special symbol storage means for retaining the right;
When starting to display the variation of the special symbol based on the game data stored in the special symbol storage means, the variation time is calculated based on the game data and the number of reserved right of the variation display of the special symbol at the time of the variation start. A variable time determining means for determining;
Fluctuation display of all reserved special symbols based on the game data stored in the special symbol hold storage means and the number of right of variable display of special symbols reserved in the special symbol hold storage means A variable scheduled time calculation means for calculating the total planned variation time of the right of
Fluctuation time display control means for increasing / decreasing and displaying the total expected fluctuation time calculated by the expected fluctuation time calculation means on the fluctuation time display means provided so as to be visible to the player,
Only when the game ball launch state detecting means for detecting the launch state of the game ball is in a state of detecting the stop of the game ball launch, the total scheduled change time is displayed on the change time display means. A featured gaming machine.   The scheduled change time calculating means determines the estimated change time of each special symbol based on the number of right of variable display of the special symbol processed after the right of variable display of the special symbol, 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the total fluctuation scheduled time is calculated by integrating the fluctuation time of the special symbol.   In the game data, game data whose variation time is always determined based on the reserved number of the special symbol variation display right in the special symbol holding storage means, and the variation time is always determined irrespective of the reserved number. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein game data is included. In the game data, when the reserve number of the special symbol change display right in the special symbol hold storage means is a predetermined number or more, the variation time is determined based on the reserved number, and when the reserved number is less than the predetermined number 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising game data whose variation time is determined irrespective of the reserved number.

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