JP5223530B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that plays a game by launching a game ball onto a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances.

  Various types of gaming machines are known as bullet ball gaming machines that play a game by firing a gaming ball toward the surface of the gaming board. For example, a so-called digipachi machine (or first type) type of ball game machine is provided with a winning port called a starting port and a symbol display device capable of variably displaying symbols on the game board surface. When a game ball enters the start opening, the symbol variation display is started, and when a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed, a big hit game is started. In the big hit game, the big winning opening that is normally closed is opened, so that the player can obtain many prize balls.

  Also, among the ball game machines, there is a type of ball game machine called a so-called feather (or second type). On the game board surface of this type of gaming machine, there are provided a start opening and a center accessory (sometimes called a central device), and when a game ball enters the start opening, it is provided in the center accessory. A small hit game in which the wings open for a short time is started. A specific area (so-called V area) through which a game ball can pass is provided in the center game, and the game ball enters the center game from a blade opened by a small hit game, and the game ball is When passing through the specific area (V area), the big hit game is started.

  Furthermore, a ball ball game machine having both the game performance of a digital pachislot machine (first type) and the game characteristics of a feather (second type) has been proposed. In this type of ball game machine, when a game ball enters the start opening, the symbol display starts the symbol change display, and when a predetermined winning symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed, A big hit game is played by opening. In addition, when another winning symbol (small winning symbol) is stopped and displayed, the blade provided in the center accessory opens and the aforementioned small hit game is performed, and the game entered the center accessory When the ball passes through the specific area (V area), the big hit game is started (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).

JP 2007-117120 A JP 2007-301008 A

  However, in the above-mentioned type 1 ball game machine and the type 2 ball game machine (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “type 2 type mixed ball game machine”), There is a problem that it is difficult to effectively enhance the interest of the player in the game. This is because even if the small hit symbol is stopped and the small hit game is generated, in order to start the big hit game, the game ball is inserted into the center object from the opened blade, and further, a specific area ( This is because it is difficult to start the big hit game and the player may lose interest in the game. In addition, in the type 1 and 2 type mixed ball and ball game machines, even if the small hit symbol is stopped and the small hit game is started, the big hit game is not always started. Tends to be set higher, and as a result, only a monotonous small hit game continues, which may cause a harmful effect of lowering the game interest.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems assumed in the prior art, and has both the playability of a digital pachislot machine (first type) and the playability of a feather (second type). Another object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can effectively enhance the interest of the player in the game.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A game is played by launching a game ball on a game board surface provided with a start opening capable of entering a game ball and a symbol display device that starts a variable display of the symbol upon entering the start port In bullet ball machines,
It is configured to be switchable between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter and an open state in which a game ball can enter. A specific entrance that is in a state,
When a game ball enters the start opening, it is determined whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or out by performing a determination of whether or not, and a symbol variation start means for starting a variation display of the symbol of the symbol display device;
A variation time determining means for determining one variation time by lottery from a variation time table in which a plurality of variation times of the symbol is stored at the start of variation of the symbol of the symbol display device;
When the variation time determined by the variation time determining means has elapsed, the symbol displayed in a variation on the symbol display device corresponds to the big hit symbol corresponding to the big hit, the small hit corresponding to the result of the determination of success / failure A symbol stop means for stopping and displaying at any one of the small hit symbols to be performed and a disengagement symbol corresponding to the disengagement,
When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, the small hit game execution means for executing the small hit game for opening the specific entrance,
Passing game ball detecting means for detecting presence or absence of a game ball passing through the specific area during execution of the small hit game;
When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, or when the game ball passing through the specific area is detected by the passing game ball detecting means, the jackpot for executing the jackpot game advantageous to the player Game execution means;
When the gaming ball passing through the specific area by the previous SL passes gaming ball detection means it has finished the Koatari game undetected, as the variation time table in which the variation time determination means refers, the small per game is started rather small, kind of fluctuation time defined than the variation time table that was set prior to being, and are defined than the variation time table that was set before the small per game is started And a specific variation time table setting means for setting a specific variation time table having a long average of the variation time.

In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when a game ball at the start opening enters, a determination of success or failure is made and a symbol display is started on the symbol display device. As for the time (variation time) for variably displaying symbols, one variation time is determined by lottery from a variation time table in which a plurality of types of variation times are stored. When the fluctuation time elapses, the symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, or a missed symbol. A small hit game is started. A specific area is provided inside the specific entrance, and if the game ball can enter and pass through the open specific entrance, the big hit game can be started. However, even if a small hit game is started, even if a game ball cannot be entered into the specific entrance, or a game ball can be entered into the specific entrance, it can pass through a specific area. If not, the jackpot game will not be started. Therefore, when the big hit game cannot be started even if the small hit game is started (when it is not detected that the game ball has passed through the specific area), the variation time of the symbol is set. the variation time table for use in determining the type of change time stored in the table rather small, and variation time defined than the variation time table that was set before the Koatari game is started Change to a specific variation time table with a long average .

As described above, even if the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device and the small hit game can be started, the game ball is inserted into the specific entrance and provided in the specific entrance. If the game ball does not pass through the specific area, the big hit game cannot be started. In addition, the timing of opening the specific entrance is after the game ball has entered the start opening and the design variation time has elapsed, but the design variation time is determined by lottery from multiple types of design variation time. Has been. For this reason, the player cannot know the timing at which the specific entrance is opened, and it is not so easy to actually enter the game ball into the specific entrance. As a result, the player may lose interest in the game. In this respect, in the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, when the big hit game cannot be started even if the small hit game is started, the variable time table used for determining the change time of the symbol is provided. Change to the specific variation time table. Since this specific variation time table has fewer types of variation times stored than the variation time table, variations in the time from when the game ball enters the start opening until the specific entrance opens are reduced. . In addition, with respect to the average length of the variation time, the average variation time is longer than the variation time table set before the small hit game is started. For this reason, it is easy for the player to grasp the opening timing of the specific entrance , and to aim at the same timing, so that the game ball can be launched so that the game ball enters the specific entrance. It becomes easy. As a result, the chance for a game ball to enter the specific entrance is increased during the small hit game, and it is inevitably easy to start the big hit game. As described above, in the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, when the big hit game cannot be started by the small hit game, the small hit game can be executed in a state where the game ball can easily enter the specific entrance. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that the big hit game is not started and only the monotonous small hit game is continued, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the gaming interest.

Note that the specific variation time table has fewer types of variation time stored than the variation time table, and is defined more than the variation time table set before the small hit game is started. A long average time is sufficient, but the following table may be used. For example, a table in which only one type of variation time is stored may be used as the specific variation time table. If the variation time is determined using such a specific variation time table, the time from when the game ball enters the start opening until the specific opening opens is constant. It is possible for the player to accurately predict the timing, and it is possible to make it easier for the game ball to enter the specific entrance. Alternatively, a table in which a longer variation time is stored as a whole may be used as the specific variation time table. That is, the average value of the variation times stored in the specific variation time table may be longer than the average value of each variation time stored in the variation time table. By doing this, the time from when the game ball enters the starting opening until the specific opening opens, the specific opening opens along with the variation in the variation time. Aiming at the timing, it becomes easy for the player to fire the game ball. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for a game ball to enter the specific entrance.

In the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention,
The starting port is provided with an opening / closing member that makes it easy for a game ball to enter by being in an open state, and makes it difficult for a game ball to enter by being in a closed state,
A special state generating means for generating a special state in which the frequency of setting the opening and closing member to an open state after the end of the jackpot game is higher than a normal state;
The specific variation time table setting means includes:
When the small hit game is executed during the special state and the small hit game ends without detecting a game ball passing through the specific area, the specific variation time table is not set,
When the small hit game is executed during the normal state and the small hit game ends without detecting a game ball passing through the specific area, the specific variation time table is set.
It is good as well.

The special state is already a gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player. Therefore, in such a case, even if it is not possible to generate a big hit game from a small hit game, it is considered unlikely that the player will be less interested in the game. If the variable time table is set, there is a possibility that the player's interest in the game will be overkill. Therefore, if the small hit game is executed during the special state, and the small hit game is terminated without generating the big hit game from the small hit game, the specific variation time table is not set. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the player's interest is overly sought .

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an example using a pachinko machine as an example will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game control overview:
C-1. Special design-related processing:
C-2. Small hit game-related processing:
C-3. Big hit game-related processing:
D. Fluctuation pattern setting process of the present embodiment:
E. Variations:

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

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

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

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5.

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

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

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10, and a central device is located at the center of the game area 11. 100 is installed. As will be described in detail later, the central device 100 of the present embodiment is provided with a pair of blade members, an effect display device, a sorting device, a specific region, a non-specific region, and the like.

  In addition, three start ports 17, 18, and 19 are provided below the central device 100. Inside these start ports, start port switches 17s, 18s, 19s is provided. Among these three start ports 17, 18, 19, the start port 17 located at the center is a pair of blade pieces that can be opened and closed left and right, and a start port solenoid 17m for operating the blade pieces (see FIG. 5). ) And a so-called tulip-type starter. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the game ball is likely to enter is in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering is small.

  Further, a large winning opening 31d is provided below the tulip-type starting port 17. The special winning opening 31d is driven by the special winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) to be in an open state when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. As a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and the big hit game, which is a game state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big winning opening switch 31s is provided inside the big winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big winning opening 31d.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 100. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A left winning opening 16a and a normal symbol operating left gate 36a are provided on the left side of the gaming area 11, and a winning opening switch 16s for detecting the entry of a game ball is provided inside the left winning opening 16a. A gate switch 36s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the normal symbol operation left gate 36a. Similarly, a right winning opening 16b and a normal symbol operating right gate 36b are provided on the right side of the gaming area 11, and a winning opening switch 16t for detecting the entry of a game ball is provided inside the right winning opening 16b. A gate switch 36t for detecting the passage of a game ball is provided inside the normal symbol operation right gate 36b. Furthermore, a left lamp windmill 24a is provided above the normal symbol operating left gate 36a, and a right lamp windmill 24b is provided above the normal symbol operating right gate 36b, between and around these various devices. Many obstacle nails (not shown) are provided.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the central apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, a pair of blade members 102a and 102b are mounted on both side surfaces of the upper portion of the central device 100 so as to be openable and closable. The blade members 102a and 102b are connected to a blade solenoid 102m (see FIG. 5) via a link mechanism (not shown), and can be opened and closed by driving the blade solenoid 102m. As indicated by the solid line in the figure, the blade members 102a and 102b are almost upright in a normal state and are in a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter, but when the blade solenoid 102m is driven. The pair of blade members 102 a and 102 b are opened, and the game ball flowing down on the game board 10 can be taken into the central device 100. Note that the blade entrance 102 formed by the pair of blade members 102a and 102b corresponds to the “specific entrance” in the present invention.

  A game ball taken into the central device 100 is detected by a blade insertion ball switch 102 s provided immediately below the blade insertion hole 102, and is then used as a sorting device provided almost at the center of the central device 100. Guided to Kruon 136. The croon 136 is formed in a circular dish shape having a concave center, and the game ball guided to the croon 136 swivels on the concave upper surface. In addition, on the concave upper surface of the croon 136, there are provided three crune holes into which game balls can be inserted. Are connected internally. Then, the game ball taken into the central device 100 is swung on the upper surface of the croon 136, is captured in one of the crune holes, and is discharged from the corresponding outlets 137a, 137b, 137c connected inside. The

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, guide passages 111a and 111b are provided below the outlets 137a, 137b, and 137c, and the game balls discharged from the outlet 137a are placed in a specific area (so-called V After being guided to (region) 141a, the passage of the game ball is detected by a specific region passing switch 141c provided downstream of the specific region 141a. On the other hand, the game ball discharged from either the outlet 137b or the outlet 137c is guided to the non-specific area 141b by the guide passage 111b, and then provided to the non-specific area passing switch provided downstream of the non-specific area 141b. The passage of the game ball is detected by 141d. The presence / absence of a game ball that enters from the blade entrance 102 and passes through the specific area 141a is detected by the specific area passing switch 141c. Therefore, the specific area passing switch 141c of this embodiment is the present invention. Corresponds to “passing game ball detecting means”.

  Further, an effect display device 127 constituted by a liquid crystal screen is provided above the cruising 136. As will be described later in detail, the effect display device 127 can produce a game by performing various displays as the game progresses. The effect display device 127 is not necessarily configured by a liquid crystal screen. For example, any display device can be used as long as various designs and figures such as a dot matrix screen and a 7-segment LED can be variably displayed. Is also possible.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. These 12 LEDs are roughly divided into three LEDs constituting the normal symbol display unit 29 and nine LEDs constituting the special symbol display unit 30. Of these, the normal symbol display unit 29 includes one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a). Figure hold display LED 29b). The special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LEDs 30a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of special symbols held (hereinafter referred to as special symbols). Called hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment displays the normal symbol, the special symbol, and further the number of reserved symbols using these 12 LEDs will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and so on. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub-control board 220 that controls the control of game effects using the effect display device 127, various lamps, and speakers, and the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls It is composed of a payout control board 240 for controlling the control, a launch control board 260 for controlling the launch of the game ball, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, etc. Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. Also, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 includes start port switches 17s, 18s and 19s, a big winning port switch 31s, a blade insertion ball switch 102s, winning port switches 16s and 16t, gate switches 36s and 36t, and a specific region passing. After receiving a game ball detection signal from the switch 141c, the non-specific area passing switch 141d, etc., and determining whether or not the basic progress of the game and the winning ball are involved, the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch Commands for instructing various operations are output toward the control board 260 and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a start opening solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and the central device 100. A blade solenoid 102m for opening and closing a pair of blade members 102a and 102b provided on the door, and a symbol display device 28 for displaying fluctuation stoppage of normal symbols and special symbols are connected via a relay terminal plate. The various solenoids 17m, 31m, 102m and the symbol display device 28 output signals to control the operation.

  When receiving the command from the main control board 200, the sub control board 220 analyzes the contents of the command and determines the contents of the effect. Then, according to the result, a display signal is displayed on the effect display device 127, and a drive signal is sent to the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, and the decoration drive board 226 that drives the various LEDs and lamps for decoration. A game is produced by outputting the game.

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

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

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

  When the launched game ball passes either the normal symbol operation left gate 36a or the normal symbol operation right gate 36b provided on the left and right of the game area 11, the normal display variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. . As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the symbol display unit 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in the lighting state, it becomes a normal symbol hit, and conversely, when it stops in the unlit state, it becomes out of the normal symbol.

  Further, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation left gate 36a or the normal symbol operation right gate 36b during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings and the current normal symbol variation is stored. After the display is finished, the variable display is performed. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of ordinary symbols on hold is displayed by the normal figure hold display LED 29b. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), both of the two normal figure hold display LEDs 29b are turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit. When there are two holds, the left-hand general hold display LED 29b is turned on and the right-hand general hold display LED 29b is turned off. Next, when there are three holds, both the left and right map hold display LEDs 29b are lit. When the number of hold increases further to the upper limit of four, the left and right map hold display LEDs 29b blink. In this way, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of holds from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two common figure hold display LEDs 29b.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters any one of the three start ports 17, 18, and 19, this time, a special symbol variation display is started. Even if a game ball enters one of the three starting ports 17, 18, 19, the special symbol variation display is started, but the central starting port 17 is displayed with a normal symbol stopped and displayed as a symbol. Then, it is opened for a predetermined time, and it becomes easier for a game ball to enter than the left and right start ports 18 and 19 during the opening. Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the right special symbol display unit 30 is equipped with seven special symbol LEDs 30a and two special symbol hold display LEDs 30b. Use it to display special symbols.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed using the special symbol LED 30a. In this embodiment, nine states as shown are prepared as lighting states of the seven special symbol LEDs 30a, and each of the lighting states is a special symbol. Then, these nine types of special symbols (that is, nine lighting states) are switched one after another in a short period of time, thereby displaying the special symbols in a variable manner.

  If a game ball enters any of the starting ports 17, 18, and 19 while the special symbol is being displayed, the game ball is stored as the number of reserved special symbols, and the current special symbol is stored. After the change display is completed, the change display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbol hold numbers, and the stored special symbol hold number is displayed using the special symbol hold display LED 30b of the special symbol display unit 30. ing. The mode of displaying the number of special symbols held using the special figure hold display LED 30b is exactly the same as the case of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, nine types of special symbols are roughly classified into three symbols. First, the three special symbols shown in the upper part of the figure are special symbols called “big hit symbols”, and the four special symbols shown in the middle are symbols called “small hit symbols”, which are shown in the bottom 2 One special symbol is a symbol referred to as a “off symbol”. Among these, when the special symbol stops at the “big hit symbol”, the big hit game in which the special winning opening 31d is opened a predetermined number of times (15 times in this embodiment) is started. When the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter, so the big hit game can be said to be a game state that is very advantageous for the player.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped at the “small hit symbol”, the small hit game is started in which the blade entrance 102 is opened. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, when the blade entrance hole 102 is in an open state, the game ball can be taken into the central device 100. In addition, as described above, the croon 136 is mounted inside the central device 100, and the game ball taken into the central device 100 is either the specific area 141a or the non-specific area 141b by the clune 136. It is distributed to. When the game ball passes through the specific area 141a, the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is started. On the other hand, when it passes through the non-specific area 141b, the small hit game is ended as it is. It should be noted that, in the big hit game started by the big hit symbol being stopped and displayed, the big winning opening 31d is always opened 15 times, but in the big hit game started through the small hit game, the big winning opening 31d is 15 times. A case of opening twice and a case of opening seven times are provided. This point will be described in detail later. Further, when the special symbol is stopped at the “off symbol”, such a winning game (big hit game or small hit game) is not started.

  FIG. 8 shows a rough flow of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when a game ball enters the start opening, the special symbol change display is started, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big winning opening 31d is opened and the big hit is made. A game is started. When the big hit game is finished, the “short time game” is started in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened and the opening time of the tulip starter 17 is extended. The flow of such a game is the same as that of a so-called “digipachi machine” pachinko machine.

  On the other hand, when the game ball enters the start opening and the special symbol variation display is started and the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the blade entrance 102 provided in the central device 100 is opened. . Also, when a game ball enters the central device 100 from the opened blade entrance 102 and the game ball passes through the specific area 141a in the central device 100, the grand prize winning port 31d is also displayed. The jackpot game is started after opening. The flow of such games is the same as that of a pachinko machine called a “wing”. Further, when the special symbol is removed and is stopped and displayed as a symbol, the big hit game or the small hit game is not started and the game is continued as it is.

C. Overview of game control:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, the game control process includes a prize ball-related process, a process related to a normal symbol, a process related to a normal electric accessory, a process related to a special symbol, a process related to a small hit game, and a big hit. Each process such as a process related to a game is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, switches related to winning a game ball (start port switches 17s, 18s, 19s, winning port switches 16s, 16t, large winning port switch 31s, blades, etc. It is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected for the incoming switch 102s, the specific area passing switch 141c, the non-specific area passing switch 141d, and the like. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  Following the prize ball related process (S50), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process of determining whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process, that is, whether or not to start the normal symbol variation stop display (S100). ). The normal symbol variation display is started when the following two conditions are satisfied. As the first condition, it is necessary that the game ball has passed either the normal symbol operation left gate 36a or the normal symbol operation right gate 36b, or the number of normal symbols retained remains. Next, as the second condition, it is necessary that the start port 17 is not open. The start port 17 is in an open state when the normal symbol is variably displayed in the manner shown in FIG. Therefore, if the start port 17 is open, it is not necessary to start the normal symbol variation display. In other words, it is also a condition that the start port 17 is not open in order to display a normal symbol in a variable manner. In S100 of FIG. 9, when all of these two conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is started to display the normal symbol in a variable manner (S100: yes), and any of the conditions is not satisfied. In this case, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not started (S100: no).

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, by determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or to be stopped and displayed as a detached symbol. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started in the manner described above with reference to FIG. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, three start ports 17 and 18 are provided. , 19 is opened with a tulip-type starting port 17. As described above, the start port solenoid 17m is provided in the start port 17, and when the start port solenoid 17m is driven, the pair of blade pieces 17w rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in the open state. Become.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the tulip-type start port 17 is open (S190). If the start port 17 is open (S190: yes), a process (start port return process) for returning the open start port 17 to the original state is performed (S200). On the other hand, if the tulip-type start port 17 is not open (S190: no), the process of returning the start port 17 to the original state (start port return process) is unnecessary and is skipped.

  In the starting port return process (S200), if any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the starting port has elapsed, or whether a prescribed number of game balls have entered the starting port 17 When any of the conditions is satisfied, a process for returning the open start port 17 to the original state is performed. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is extended to about 1.5 seconds when the opening time extension function described later is activated. On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S200) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish.

  In the game control process, the process related to the special symbol is started following the start port return process. In this process, after determining whether or not a predetermined condition for performing a special symbol game process described later is satisfied, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the special symbol game process is started.

C-1. Special design-related processing:
In the game control process, when returning from the start port return process, the process related to the special symbol is started. In this process, after determining whether or not a predetermined condition for performing a special symbol game process described later is satisfied, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the special symbol game process is started.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start the special symbol game processing. Hereinafter, the special symbol game start determination process will be described according to the flowchart. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered one of the three starting ports 17, 18, and 19 (S302). As described above, the start ports 17, 18 s, and 19 s for detecting the entry of game balls are provided inside the respective start ports 17, 18, and 19 to detect that a game ball has entered. can do.

  If the game ball has passed through any of the start port switches 17s, 18s, 19s (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more (S304). If the number of holdings has not reached 4 (S304: no), the special symbol determination random number (sometimes referred to as "special determination determination random number" or simply "correct determination random number") and special symbol determination random number (Sometimes referred to as “special figure determination random number”) is stored as a hold associated with the start ports 17, 18, and 19 (S306), and then “1” is added to the hold number of the special symbol (S307). Here, the special figure success / failure determination random number is a random number for determining the success / failure of the special symbol, as will be described later. The special figure determination random number is a random number for determining a symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol according to whether the special symbol is right or wrong. These random numbers are stored in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has reached 4 (S304: no), the acquisition of the special figure success / failure determination random number and the special figure determination random number are not performed.

  As described above, the special figure success / failure determination random number and the special figure determination random number are obtained (S306), and when “1” is added to the number of special symbols held (S307), whether or not the big hit game or the small hit game is being played. Is determined (S308). In the special game process described later, when special symbols are displayed in a variable manner and stopped at a predetermined winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol), a big hit game or a small hit game is selected depending on the winning symbol. Is a process of starting. If a big hit game or a small hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeatedly start a big hit game or a small hit game. Therefore, when the processing related to the special symbol hold is finished, it is determined whether or not the big hit game or the small hit game is being played (S308). If there is no big hit game or small hit game (S308: no), it will be described later. It is determined that the special symbol game process is started (that is, S300: yes). On the other hand, if the game is already in the big hit game or the small hit game (S308: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S300: no).

  11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbol can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, there is a time for the player to stop display so that the player can check which symbol the special symbol is stopped. It is judged whether it is in the middle. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S324: no), the number of special symbols on hold is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S326). As described above, the special symbol reservation number is set when a game ball enters one of the start ports 17, 18, and 19, and can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the number of special symbol hold is “0” (S326: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the number of special symbol reservation is not “0”, in other words, if there is a special symbol reservation remaining (S326: no), the special symbol determination is started (S330).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol success / failure determination process. As shown in the figure, when the special symbol success / failure determination process is started, first, the special symbol success / failure determination random number stored as the hold is read (S3300). If a plurality of holds are stored, the special figure determination random number associated with the oldest hold is read out. Then, based on the read special figure determination random number, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (S3302). In the ROM mounted on the main control board 200, a success / failure determination table in which the value of the special figure success / failure determination random number and the determination result of the success / failure are associated is stored. By referring to it, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a big hit.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table in which a special figure success / failure determination random number and an appropriateness determination result are associated with each other. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the special figure success / failure determination random number can take the range from “0” to “630”, and the read / failure determination result is applied to the read special figure success / failure determination random number “0” to “6”. “Big hit” is set, “Small hit” is set for the range of special figure success / failure determination random numbers “7” to “620”, and other random number ranges (that is, “621” to “630”). ")" Is set as a result of the determination of whether or not "out". In S3302 of the special symbol success / failure determination process of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the read special symbol appropriateness determination random number is in the range of “0” to “6”. It is determined that it is “big hit” (S3302: yes), and if it is not within this range, it is determined that it is not “big hit” (S3302: no).

  If it is determined that the determination result is a big hit (S3302: yes), the special figure determination random number acquired together with the special figure determination random number is read (S3304), and is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30. The jackpot symbol to be executed is determined (S3306). The jackpot symbol can be determined by referring to a jackpot symbol determination table in which a special symbol determination random number and a jackpot symbol are stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the jackpot symbol determination table. As shown in the figure, in the jackpot symbol determination table, various jackpot symbols are set in association with the special symbol determination random numbers. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbol determination random number is a 1-byte random number that can take a range of “0” to “255”. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since three types of big hit symbols are set as the big hit symbols, the big hit symbol determination table includes these various big hit symbols. It is set in association with the special figure determination random number. In S3306 of the special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the special symbol's success / failure determination result is a big hit (S3302: yes), by referring to the big hit symbol determination table as described above. Then, the process of determining the jackpot symbol of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed is performed.

  The process performed when it is determined that the determination result is “big hit” (S3302: yes) has been described. On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol is not “big hit” (S3302: no), whether or not it is “small hit” based on the determination table shown in FIG. Judgment is made (S3308). If it is determined that the result of the determination is a small hit (S3308: yes), the special figure determination random number acquired together with the special figure determination random number is read (S3310), and then the small hit symbol is determined. (S3312).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a small hit symbol determination table referred to when determining a small hit symbol. As shown in the drawing, various small hit symbols are also set in the small hit symbol determination table in association with the special symbol determined random numbers. By referring to the determination table, it is possible to determine the small hit symbol to be stopped and displayed.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the small hit symbol is determined, the type of the small hit is also determined at the same time. Here, the type of the small hit game is how the small hit game is played (small hit game mode), or how the big hit game is developed when the small hit game is developed into a big hit game. Indicates whether to perform (a mode of jackpot game). As shown in FIG. 16, for each of the four types of small hit symbols, a small hit type is preset. For example, for the small hit symbol displayed at the top in FIG. 16, the small hit game is performed in such a manner that the blade entrance 102 is opened only once for one second, and the small hit game is developed to the big hit game. In such a case, it is set that seven rounds of big hit game will be played. It should be noted that, as can be seen from the fact that this small hit symbol is associated with a random number range (0 to 127) that can be taken by the special figure determination random number, the small hit game is most often performed in this manner. It is increasing. Hereinafter, the small hits performed in this manner are referred to as “normal hits”.

  On the other hand, in the remaining half of the random number range (128 to 255) that the special figure determination random number can take, a kind of small hit that is more advantageous to the player than “normal small hit” is set. For example, for the small hit symbol displayed in the second row from the top in FIG. 16 (when the special figure determining random number is 128 to 170), the blade entrance 102 is opened for 1 second and only for 1 second. It is set to play a small hit game in a mode of closing and opening again for one second. In addition, with respect to the small hit symbol displayed in the third row from the top in FIG. 16 (when the special figure determining random number is 171 to 213), the blade entrance 102 is opened only once for 3 seconds. Is set to play a small hit game. Note that, in the big hit game developed from the small hit games of these modes, the seven round big hit games are performed as in the case of the normal small hit games. Further, for the small hit symbol displayed at the bottom in FIG. 16 (when the special figure determination random number is 214 to 255), the mode of the small hit game is the same as the normal small hit game, but the small hit game When the game has evolved from a big hit game to a big hit game, it is set to play a 15-round big hit game.

  Thus, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, four small hit symbols are provided, and for each small hit symbol, a normal small hit or various small hits that are more advantageous to the player than the normal small hit is set. Has been. In the present embodiment, the small hit symbol in the second stage from the top in FIG. 16, that is, the small hit in the mode in which the blade inlet 102 is opened twice is set to the specific small hit. The specific small hits may be small hits that are advantageous to the player, and any of the small hits according to other symbols can be designated as the specific small hits, except for the uppermost symbol in FIG. is there.

  In S3314 of the special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 13, whether or not the small hit symbol previously determined in S3312 is the specific small hit symbol shown in the second row from the top of FIG. It is determined whether or not the special figure determination random number for determining the small hit symbol is in the range of “128” to “170”. If it is a specific small hit symbol (S3314: yes), the specific small hit flag is set to ON (S3316). Here, the specific small hit flag is a flag indicating that a small hit game is performed with the above-described specific small hit symbol. If the specific small hit flag is ON after the small hit game is ended, The game indicates that the specific small hit symbol is stopped and displayed. As the specific small hit flag, a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is set. When the specific small hit flag is turned ON, "1" is set to the address, and the specific small hit flag is turned OFF. Then, “0” is set in the address. On the other hand, when the small hit symbol determined in S3312 is not the specific small hit symbol (S3314: no), the special symbol hit / fail judgment process of FIG. 13 is performed without setting the specific small hit flag to ON. When finished, the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S3308 of the special symbol success / failure determination processing shown in FIG. It reads out (S3314) and performs the process which determines the off symbol to stop-display (S3316).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an out symbol determination table that is referred to when determining an out symbol. As shown in the figure, the out symbol determination table is also associated with the special figure determination random number, and the out symbol is set, and it is possible to determine the out symbol from the special figure determination random number previously read it can.

  In the special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 13, as described above, based on the special symbol success / failure determination random number and the special figure determination random number, the special symbol determination result and the special symbol stop depending on the determination result After determining the symbol, the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the special symbol game process, when returning from the special symbol success / failure determination process (S330), the variation pattern setting process is started (S340). The variation pattern is a pattern as to how the special symbol is varied, and when the pattern variation pattern is determined, the time (variation time) during which the special symbol is variably displayed is determined. As will be described in detail later, in the variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern table is set by referring to a variation pattern table storing a plurality of variation patterns and selecting one variation pattern therefrom. Since the selected variation pattern is determined by lottery, the selected variation pattern is different every time. Therefore, the variation time of the special symbol is also different every time. However, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the big hit game cannot be generated by the small hit game, the variation pattern is determined in a mode different from the normal. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from cooling the interest in the game.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the special symbol game process, when a special symbol variation pattern is set (S340), a special symbol variation display is started (S342), and a variation pattern designation command (variation pattern designation command) and A command for designating a special design stop symbol (stop design designation command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S343). Here, the stop symbol of the special symbol has already been determined in the special symbol validity determination process (S330), and the variation pattern of the special symbol has already been determined in the variation pattern setting process (S340). When the fluctuation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are output (S343), 1 is subtracted from the special symbol reservation number (S344). As a result, one special symbol hold has been digested. Then, the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The detailed processing performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S322: no in FIG. 11) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S322 first performed (S322: yes). ). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol determination is already made (S330), the special symbol variation pattern is set (S340), and the special symbol variation display is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (S348). If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game shown in FIGS. The process ends, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol that is variably displayed is stopped is displayed to the sub-control board 220. (S350), the special symbol that is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed (S351). The special symbol stopped and displayed at this time is the special symbol determined during the special symbol success / failure determination process described above with reference to FIG. Next, a time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time) is set (S352), and it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has passed (S354). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S354: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S354: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol stopped and displayed is a big hit symbol (S356 in FIG. 12). If it is determined that the game is a jackpot symbol (S356: yes), after setting the jackpot flag to ON (S362), a command for specifying the start of the jackpot game (a jackpot start command) is directed to the sub-control board 220. And output (S364). Here, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is being played. The jackpot flag is assigned a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and when the jackpot game is started, the jackpot flag is set to ON.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time shortening function and the opening time extension function do not work during the big hit game. Here, the time saving function is a function for shortening the time for which the normal symbol display unit 29 of the symbol display device 28 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner. The opening time extending function is a function of extending the opening time of the tulip-type start port 17, and the opening time extending function is also activated when the time shortening function is activated. Therefore, when the big hit flag is set to ON and a big hit start command is output (S362, S364), it is determined whether or not the hourly flag is set to ON (S368). Here, the time reduction flag is a flag indicating whether or not the time reduction function is activated. Like the big hit flag described above, the hour / short flag is assigned a predetermined address (an address different from the big hit flag) of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and when the hour / hour function is activated, the hour / hour flag is set to ON. The

  If it is determined in S368 that the time reduction flag is set to ON (S368: yes), the time reduction function and the above-described opening extension function are in operation, so that the time reduction flag is set to stop these operations. After setting to OFF (S370), the opening extension flag is also set to OFF (S372). Here, the opening extension flag is a flag indicating whether or not the opening time extension function described above is operating. Similar to the big hit flag and the short time flag described above, the opening extension flag is assigned a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 (an address different from the big hit flag and the short time flag), and the opening time extension function is activated. Then, the opening extension flag is set to ON.

  On the other hand, if the time reduction flag is not set to ON (S368: no), neither the time reduction function nor the opening time extension function is activated, and the time reduction flag or the opening extension flag is OFF. As it is, the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol has been described (S356: yes), but when the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is not a jackpot symbol (S356: no), it is determined whether or not it is a small hit symbol (S374). If it is a small hit symbol (S374: yes), the small hit flag is set to ON to start the small hit game (S376), and a small hit start command for designating the start of the small hit game is issued. Then, it outputs toward the sub-control board 220 (S378). Here, the small hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when the small hit game is started. Like the big hit flag and the short time flag described above, a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is used. Is assigned as a small hit flag.

  In the above, the process performed when it is determined that the special symbol to be stopped and displayed is the small hit symbol (S374: yes), but when the special symbol to be stopped and displayed is not the small hit symbol ( (S374: no), the processing for setting the small hit flag to ON (S376) and outputting the small hit start command (S378) is unnecessary and is skipped.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S380), and when it is determined that the time reduction flag is not set to ON (when it is determined that the time reduction flag is not set) (S380: no). ) As it is, the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time reduction flag is set to ON (when it is determined that the time reduction is in progress) (S380: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S382). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number (S384). If the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (for example, 100) (S384: yes), the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag are turned OFF to stop the operation of the time reduction function and the opening time extension function of the start port 17. After the setting (S370, S372), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the game control process of FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined short time game number (S384: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short time state, and the game control process of FIG. 9 is resumed. .

  Note that it is determined whether or not the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is variably displayed. If the symbol is not variably displayed, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs processing for starting the variably display of the special symbol. This is realized by executing the special symbol game process shown in FIG. In addition, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 also shows the process of stopping and displaying the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 as one of the big hit symbol, the small hit symbol, or the off symbol, as shown in FIG. This is realized by executing special symbol game processing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “symbol variation starting means” and the “symbol stopping means” in the present invention.

C-2. Small hit game-related processing:
As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, the process related to the small hit game is started. That is, it is determined whether or not the small hit flag is set to ON in the special symbol game process performed previously (S390). If the small hit flag is currently set to ON (S390: yes), the small hit game process described below is started (S400). On the other hand, if it is determined that the small hit flag is not set to ON (S390: no), the small hit game process is unnecessary and is skipped.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the first half of the small hit game process executed for the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment to perform a small hit game. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the small hit game process. These processes are processes executed by the main control board 200 in the game control process shown in FIG.

  When the small hit game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the blade entrance 102 is open (S402). Immediately after the small hit game is started by the special symbol game process described above, the small hit flag is only set to ON in S376 of the special symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. Since the ball opening 102 has not yet been opened, it is determined as “no” in S402. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the condition for ending the small hit game is satisfied, that is, whether or not the blade entrance 102 has been opened a number of times determined according to the small hit symbol (S408). Immediately after the small hit game process of FIG. 18 is started, naturally, the end condition of the small hit game is not satisfied, so it is determined as “no” in S408, and then the closing time of the blade entrance 102 is closed. It is determined whether or not elapses (S410). Here, the closing time refers to the time that the blade inlet 102 is kept closed during the period from the closing of the blade inlet 102 to the next opening when the blade inlet 102 is opened a plurality of times. It is. Therefore, immediately after the small hit game process of FIG. 18 is started, it is determined that the closing time has elapsed (S410: yes), and after opening the blade entrance 102 (S412), the small time shown in FIG. The winning game process is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, a series of processes such as a prize ball-related process (S50), a normal symbol game process (S150), a normal electric accessory stop process (S200), and a special symbol game process (S320) were performed. Thereafter, when the small hit game process of FIG. 18 is started again, it is determined in S402 that the blade entrance 102 is being opened (S402: yes).

  When it is determined that the blade entrance hole 102 is being opened when the small hit game process is started (S402: yes), it is next determined whether or not the opening time of the blade entrance hole 102 has passed ( S404). Here, the opening time of the blade entrance 102 is the opening time of the blade entrance 102 that is predetermined according to the small hit design, as shown in FIG. If the opening time of the blade entrance 102 has not elapsed (S404: no), the small hit game process is left as it is and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, a series of processes such as a prize ball-related process (S50), a normal symbol game process (S150), a normal electric accessory stop process (S200), and a special symbol game process (S320) were performed. Thereafter, the small hit game process of FIG. 18 is started again, and it is determined whether or not the opening time of the blade entrance 102 has passed (S404). If it is determined that the opening time of the blade entrance 102 has passed after repeating these processes (S404: yes), the blade entrance 102 is closed (S406).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the condition for ending the small hit game is satisfied (S408). As shown in FIG. 16, the condition for ending the small hit game is determined by whether or not the blade entrance 102 has been opened a number of times determined according to the small hit symbol (S408). For example, if it is a small hit game in which the number of times of opening of the blade entrance 102 is set to 1 (see FIG. 16), it is determined that the opening time of the blade entrance 102 has opened and the opening time has elapsed. At the time (S404: yes), the end condition for the small hit game is established.

  If it is determined that the condition for ending the small hit game is not satisfied at the stage of closing the blade entrance 102 (S406) (S408: no), whether or not the closing time of the blade entrance 102 has elapsed Is determined (S410). If it is determined that the closing time has not elapsed (S410: no), the small hit game process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the closing time of the blade entrance 102 has elapsed (S410: yes), after opening the blade entrance 102 (S412), the small hit game process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated. Then, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While repeating such processing, it is determined that the condition for ending the small hit game is satisfied over time (S408: yes), so that the small hit flag is set to OFF in order to end the small hit game. (S414 in FIG. 19), a small hit end command designating the end of the small hit game is output to the sub-control board 220 (S415 in FIG. 19).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered from the blade entrance 102 during the opening of the blade entrance 102 (S416). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the blade insertion ball switch 102 s is provided immediately downstream of the opened blade insertion hole 102. It is detected at 102s. Therefore, whether or not a game ball has entered can be easily determined based on whether or not the game ball has been detected by the blade entry ball switch 102s during the small hit game.

  As a result, when it is determined that the game balls have entered from the blade entrance 102 during the small hit game (S416: yes), it is determined whether or not all of these game balls have been discharged (S418). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the game balls that have entered from the blade entrance 102 are distributed to either the specific area 141 a or the non-specific area 141 b by the croon 136. Then, when it is distributed to the specific area 141a, it is detected by the specific area passing switch 141c, then discharged to the outside of the central device 100, and when it is distributed to the non-specific area 141b, the non-specific area passing switch After being detected at 141d, it is discharged to the outside of the central device 100. Therefore, by adding the number of game balls detected by the specific area passing switch 141c and the non-specific area passing switch 141d and comparing with the number of game balls that have entered from the blade entrance 102, all the game balls are discharged. It can be determined whether or not. As a result, when it is determined that all the game balls are not yet discharged (S418: no), since the game balls remain in the central device 100, the standby state is repeated while repeating the determination of S418. It becomes.

  While it is determined that all the game balls have been discharged over time while repeating the determination in this manner (S418: yes), it is determined whether or not the standby time at the end of the small hit game has elapsed (S420). ). Here, the standby time at the end of the small hit game is a standby time provided between the end of the small hit game and the start of the next game. In this embodiment, “0.1 second”. Is set. If the standby time has not elapsed (S420: no), the standby state is maintained until the standby time elapses while repeating the determination. Then, when the standby time at the end of the small hit game has elapsed (S420: yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area 141a (see FIG. 3) (S422). Whether or not the specific area 141a has been passed can be easily determined based on whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area passing switch 141c.

  As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 141a (S422: yes), the big hit flag is set ON to start the big hit game (S424), and a big hit start command is output ( S426). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the specific small hit flag is set to ON (S428). Here, as described above, the specific small hit flag is a flag indicating whether or not the small hit game is started by the specific small hit symbol. When the specific small hit flag is set to ON (S428: yes), since the big hit game has occurred in the small hit game, after setting the specific small hit flag to OFF (S430), FIG. The small hit game process of FIG. 19 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the specific small hit flag is not set to ON (S428: no), the processing for setting the specific small hit flag to OFF is unnecessary, so the small hit game shown in FIGS. The process ends, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The above describes the processing when the big hit game is started by the small hit game (that is, when “yes” is determined in S416 and “yes” is determined in S422). On the other hand, when the big hit game is not started by the small hit game (that is, when “no” is determined in S416 or “no” is determined in S422), the following is performed. Perform proper processing.

  First, it is determined whether or not the specific small hit flag is set to ON (S432). If the specific small hit flag is not set to ON (S432: no), it is determined that the small hit game is not started by the specific small hit symbol. The small hit game process of FIG. 19 is terminated. On the other hand, when the specific small hit flag is set to ON (S432: yes), it is determined that the small hit game is started by the specific small hit symbol. Therefore, in this case, the specific mode flag is set to ON (S434). In other words, the specific mode flag indicates that a small hit game with a specific small hit symbol is started, but the game ball cannot be entered into the blade entrance 102 (S416: no), or the game ball has a feather. This flag is set to ON when the ball has entered the entrance 102 but cannot pass through the specific area 141a (S422 “: no”), and the specific mode flag is set to ON. Then, when the specific mode is started and the variation pattern of the special symbol described above is determined, it is determined in a special manner, which will be described in detail later.

  Thus, when the specific small hit flag is set to ON (S432: yes), the specific mode flag is set to ON (S434), and the setting of the specific small hit flag is returned to OFF (S436). Then, the small hit game process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Note that the small hit game that is started when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the small hit symbol is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executing the aforementioned small hit game process. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “small hit game execution means” in the present invention.

C-3. Big hit game-related processing:
As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the small hit game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S450). The jackpot flag is set to ON when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol game processing described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 (S362 in FIG. 12), and the small bonus flag in FIG. There is a case in which the game ball is set to ON by passing through the specific area 141a in the winning game process (S424 in FIG. 19). Therefore, in the game control process shown in FIG. 9, after the special symbol game process (S320) and the small hit game process (S400) are completed, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S450). When the big hit flag is set to ON (S450: yes), the big hit game process described below is started (S500). On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (S450: no), the big hit game process is unnecessary and is skipped.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a jackpot game process executed in order for the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment to play a jackpot game. Such a process is a process executed by the main control board 200 in the game control process shown in FIG.

  When the big hit game process (S500) is started, first, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 31d is open (S502). Immediately after the big hit game process is started, the big win flag 31d is set to ON and the big prize winning opening 31d is not opened yet, so it is determined as “no” in S402, and the end condition of the big hit game is satisfied. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S508). The condition for ending the big hit game is determined by whether or not a predetermined number of round games have ended. Here, the round game is a game that is performed during the big hit game, from the time when the big winning opening 31d is opened until the time when it is closed. As shown in FIG. 15, the number of round games is set to 15 for the jackpot game started when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. In addition, the big hit game started through the small hit game is set to 7 rounds or 15 rounds as shown in FIG. 16, depending on the small hit design that started the small hit game. Has been. In S508, it is determined whether or not the number of round games played in the jackpot game has reached a predetermined number, and if it has been reached, it is determined that the condition for ending the jackpot game has been satisfied (S508: yes). If not, it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (S508: no).

  Immediately after starting the big hit game in FIG. 20, since the number of round games has not reached 15 as a matter of course, it is judged as “no” in S508, and then whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed. Is determined (S510). Here, the closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is closed between the round game and the round game. Immediately after the big hit game is started, it is determined that the closing time has elapsed (S510: yes), and after the big winning opening 31d is opened (S512), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 20 is ended. Returning to the game control process of FIG. Then, when the big hit game process of FIG. 20 is started next, it is determined in S502 that the big prize opening 31d is being opened (S502: yes), and this time the opening completion condition of the big prize opening 31d is satisfied. Whether or not (S504). The opening end condition of the special winning opening 31d is set as a condition that a predetermined opening time has elapsed or that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d in the opening. Yes. Of course, immediately after the big winning opening 31d is opened, the opening end condition is not satisfied (S504: no), so the big hit game process shown in FIG. 20 is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Then, when the big hit game process is started again, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 31d is opened (S502) and whether or not the opening end condition of the opened big winning opening 31d is satisfied (S504). If the opening end condition is not satisfied (S504: no), the big hit game process of FIG. 20 is ended again and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the above process is repeated, it is determined that the opening end condition for the big winning opening 31d is finally satisfied (S504: yes), and after the big winning opening 31d is closed (S506), the big hit game ends. It is determined whether the condition is satisfied (S508). As described above, the condition for ending the big hit game is set to end a predetermined number of round games. When the big hit game ending condition is not satisfied (S508: no), it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has passed (S510), and if the closing time has not passed (S510: no). 20), the big hit game process of FIG. 20 is finished as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S510: yes), the special winning opening 31d is opened again (S512), and then the big hit game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process.

  As described above, while repeating the closing (S506) and opening (S512) of the special winning opening 31d, the predetermined number of round games was eventually digested, and the condition for ending the big hit game was established. (S508: yes), in order to end the big hit game, the big hit flag is set to OFF (S514), and a command for specifying the end of the big hit game (a big hit end command) is output to the sub-control board 220. (S515). Subsequently, the time reduction flag is set to ON (S516), the number of time reductions is set to 100 (S518), the opening extension flag is set to ON (S520), and then the big hit game process of FIG. Returning to the game control process of FIG. As a result, after the big hit game is over, the above-described time-shortening function and the opening extension function are activated, and the so-called time-saving game is started.

  Note that the big hit game started when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, or when the game ball passes the specific area 141a during the small hit game, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the aforementioned big hit game. It is done by executing the process. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “big hit game execution means” in the present invention.

  As described in detail above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special symbol is provided with the big hit symbol, the small hit symbol, and the off symbol, and when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, A big hit game that is very advantageous to the player is started, and when the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the small hit game is started. The small hit game only opens the blade entrance 102, and it is not a very advantageous game state for the player, but during the small hit game, the game ball enters from the blade entrance 102, When passing through the specific area 141a in the central device 100, the big hit game is started. In this way, it is possible to generate a big hit game in two ways.

  However, as shown in FIG. 14, since the probability that the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed is set low, in most cases, the small hit symbol is stopped and the small hit game is started. However, in order to start the big hit game from the small hit game, it is necessary to enter the game ball while the blade entrance 102 is open. Furthermore, even if a game ball can be entered into the blade entrance 102, the big hit game cannot be started unless the game ball is passed through the specific area 141a. Therefore, no matter how many times the small hit game is repeated, the big hit game cannot be started and the player may lose interest in the game. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if the big hit game cannot be started by the small hit game, the variation pattern of the special symbol is set so that the player does not cool the interest. It is determined by performing special processing such as Hereinafter, the process of determining the variation pattern of the special symbol in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

D. Fluctuation pattern setting process of this embodiment:
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a part of the variation pattern setting process performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the variation pattern setting process performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. These processes are processes executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 after the special symbol win / fail determination process (S330) is performed in the special symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. In the variation pattern setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol determination result is a big hit (S3400). As a result, when it is determined that the game is a big hit (S3400: yes), a big hit variation pattern table is selected (S3402). Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of types of variation patterns are stored. In addition, various tables such as a jackpot table and a release table are set in the variation pattern table, and these variation pattern tables are stored in advance in the ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. . In S3402 of FIG. 21, a process of reading the variation pattern table for jackpot stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 is performed.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table for big hits. As shown in the drawing, the big hit variation pattern table stores four types of variation patterns (HP01, HP02, HP03, HP04) used when the determination result is a big hit. Further, as shown in the figure, a variation time is set for each variation pattern. Furthermore, a unique random number range is assigned to each variation pattern. For example, a fluctuation pattern of HP01 is set with a fluctuation time of 8.3 seconds and a random number range of 0 to 25 is assigned. In this way, since the random number is associated with the variation pattern, by referring to the variation pattern table by acquiring one random number, any variation pattern of HP01 to HP04 used for the big hit is selected. It is possible to determine the fluctuation pattern of. The random number used for determining the variation pattern is called a variation pattern determination random number.

  When the big hit variation pattern table is selected in this way (S3402), after obtaining the variation pattern determination random number (S3404), the variation pattern table is referred to by referring to the selected variation pattern table (here, the big hit variation pattern table). It decides (S3406).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination result is not a big hit when the variation pattern setting process is started (S3400: no), it is determined whether or not the determination result is off (S3408). If it is determined that it is off (S3408: yes), it is next determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S3410). Here, the time reduction flag is a flag indicating whether or not the time reduction function described above is operating. When the time reduction function is operating, the time reduction flag is set to ON. Therefore, when the time reduction flag is not set to ON (S3410: no), a normal deviation variation pattern is selected (S3412). On the other hand, when the time reduction flag is set to ON (S3410: yes), the fluctuation pattern table for time reduction deviation is selected (S3414). That is, as described above, when the time shortening function is activated, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened. Therefore, when the time shortening flag is set to ON, the variation pattern table in which a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is set. If the time-short flag is not set to ON, on the other hand, if the time-short flag is not set to ON, a fluctuation pattern table in which a normal fluctuation time fluctuation pattern is set (a fluctuation pattern table for normal deviation) ) Is selected.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal deviation variation pattern table is the same as the jackpot variation pattern table shown in FIG. Therefore, in S3412 of FIG. 21, processing for reading the big hit variation pattern table as a normal deviation variation pattern table is performed.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory view exemplifying a fluctuation pattern table for time-shift deviation. As shown in the figure, the fluctuation pattern table for time reduction deviation also stores four kinds of fluctuation patterns HP11 to HP14, and a random number range is assigned to each fluctuation pattern. Further, as is apparent from comparison with the normal deviation variation pattern table (big hit variation pattern table) shown in FIG. 23, the variation pattern set in the short deviation variation pattern table is the normal deviation variation table. The fluctuation pattern has a shorter fluctuation time than the fluctuation pattern set in the fluctuation pattern table. In S3414 in FIG. 21, a process of reading as such a fluctuation pattern table for losing time is performed.

  If it is determined that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3408: yes), after selecting either the normal pattern change pattern or the short-time pattern change pattern as described above (S3412, S3414). Then, the fluctuation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3416). Then, referring to the selected variation pattern table, one variation pattern is determined using the variation pattern determination random number (S3406).

  In the above, the process of determining the variation pattern has been described when the determination result of the special symbol is a big hit (S3400: yes) or when the special symbol is not (S3408: yes). On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination result is neither a big hit nor a miss (S3408: no), the determination result is a small hit. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the case of a small hit, the fluctuation pattern is determined as follows.

  First, the setting of the specific mode flag is confirmed (S3418 in FIG. 22). The specific mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current game mode is a specific mode. Further, the specific mode is a special game mode that is started when the big hit game cannot be started even though the small hit game is started by the specific small hit symbol. As described above with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, when the big hit game cannot be started in the small hit game, it is determined whether or not the specific small hit flag is set to ON (that is, the small hit game). Whether or not the game is started with a specific small hit symbol) and the specific small hit flag is set to ON (that is, the small hit game is started with a specific small hit symbol) The specific mode flag is set to ON (S434 in FIG. 19). Therefore, in the variation pattern setting process, if the determination result is neither big hit nor lost (that is, if it is a small hit) (S3408: no in FIG. 21), whether or not the specific mode flag is set to ON. Is determined (S3418 in FIG. 22).

  As a result, when the specific mode flag is not set to ON (S3418: no in FIG. 22), a fluctuation pattern table for normal time small hit is selected (S3420). On the other hand, when the specific mode flag is set to ON (S3418: yes), the specific mode small hit variation pattern table is selected (S3422). Here, the variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode is a variation pattern table used for determining a variation pattern when a small hit occurs during the specific mode. Further, the fluctuation pattern table for the normal small hit is a fluctuation pattern table used when a small hit occurs in the normal time which is not the specific mode.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table for normal small hits. As shown in the drawing, four types of variation patterns HP21 to HP24 are stored in the variation pattern table for normal small hits. In addition, a random number range is assigned to each variation pattern, and a variation time from 1.2 seconds to 3.2 seconds is set.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode. Unlike the other variation pattern tables, the variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode stores only one type of variation pattern.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the determination result is a small hit, in the normal state (when the specific mode flag is not set to ON), the normal time small hit shown in FIG. The variation pattern is selected and read from the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. In the specific mode, the variation pattern for the specific mode small hit shown in FIG. 26 is read instead of the normal small variation pattern. It will be.

  As described above, when any variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode is selected (S3422 in FIG. 22), the count in the specific mode is incremented by “1” (S3424). Here, the “specific mode counter” is a counter that counts the number of game digests in the specific mode. The specific mode counter is set in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. In this embodiment, the specific mode is set to end when a variable game (including a big hit, a small hit, and a case where a special symbol is changed and displayed in a stopped state) is played a predetermined number of times. ing. Therefore, after adding “1” to the specific mode counter (S3424), it is determined whether or not the specific mode counter has reached the specified value (“8” in this embodiment) (S3426), and the specified value is reached. If so (S3426: yes), the specific mode flag is turned OFF (S3428). On the other hand, when the specific mode counter has not reached the specified value (S3428: no), the process for turning off the specific mode flag is not performed.

  As described above, when one of the fluctuation pattern tables for normal time small hits or specific mode small hits is selected, a fluctuation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3430). Then, referring to the selected variation pattern table, after determining one variation pattern using the variation pattern determination random number (S3406 in FIG. 21), the variation pattern setting process shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is terminated. Returning to the special symbol game process shown in FIGS.

In the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, a plurality of variation patterns corresponding to the variation time are set in advance. Therefore, the variation pattern table in this embodiment corresponds to the “variation time table” in the present invention. The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executes the variation pattern setting process shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 in the process of determining the variation pattern corresponding to the variation time by referring to the variation pattern table. Has been realized. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “variable time determining means” in the present invention. Further, when the big hit game cannot be started even if the small hit game is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 also performs the change pattern shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. This is realized by executing a setting process. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment also corresponds to the “ specific variation time table setting means” in the present invention.

  As described above, in the special symbol game process, when returning from the variation pattern setting process (S340), the variation display of the special symbol is started (S342 in FIG. 11), and when the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (S348: yes), the special symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed (S351). As a result, if the special symbol stopped and displayed is a big hit symbol (S356: yes in FIG. 12), the big hit game is started (S362, S364), and if the special symbol is a small hit symbol (S374: yes), the small hit game is played. Start (S376, S378).

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, a plurality of variation patterns are stored in the variation pattern table, and different variation times are set for each variation pattern. Every time it fluctuates, it is different every time. However, when the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed during the specific mode, the variation pattern is determined using the variation pattern table for the specific mode small hit shown in FIG. It will be a certain time. For this reason, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the player enters the specific mode, it is easy for a player to generate a big hit game from a small hit game, and thus it is possible to avoid losing interest in the game. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the reason why the player can be attracted to the game by switching the variation pattern table for small hits. As described above, in order to generate a big hit game from a small hit game, the game ball must be passed through a specific area 141a provided in the inside of the blade entrance 102. It is necessary to enter the game ball into the blade entrance 102 opened by the game. Here, the opening of the blade entrance 102 is that a game ball enters one of the start openings 17, 18, 19, the special symbol variation time has elapsed, and the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed. Later. The variation time is determined by a variation pattern selected when starting the variation display of the symbol. A plurality of variation patterns are set in the table used for determining the variation pattern for small hits used in normal time (normal variation pattern table for small hits) as shown in FIG. Therefore, each time has a different variation time. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, the opening mode of the blade inlet 102 differs depending on the small hit design. For this reason, after a game ball enters one of the start ports 17, 18, and 19, the blade entrance port 102 opens at a different timing and in a different manner every time.

  FIG. 27A illustrates a state in which the blade entrance 102 is opened after the game ball enters the start openings 17, 18, and 19 in the normal state. In the figure, for the eight small hit games from (1) to (8), after the game balls enter the start openings 17, 18, and 19, the symbols are variably displayed, and the wing entrance 102 is displayed. The opening is shown. A period indicated by hatching in the figure is a period in which the blade entrance 102 is open. As shown in the drawing, in a normal case, after a game ball enters the start ports 17, 18, and 19, the blade entrance port 102 opens at a different timing each time and in a different manner every time. For this reason, the player cannot predict the timing at which the blade entrance 102 is opened and cannot fire the game ball. In this way, by opening the blade entrance 102 in a different timing and in a different manner during normal times, it is possible to prevent the player from always being aimed and being too advantageous to the player. However, in such a game mode, whether or not a game ball enters the blade entrance 102 is half-way, and the game ball cannot enter the blade entrance 102. For example, the big hit game cannot be started no matter what time.

  On the other hand, in the specific mode, when the determination result is a small hit, the fluctuation pattern table used for determining the fluctuation pattern is changed to the fluctuation pattern table for the specific mode small hit shown in FIG. Is done. As shown in FIG. 26, only one type of variation pattern is set in the variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode. Therefore, after a game ball has entered the start ports 17, 18, and 19, The timing at which the ball opening 102 opens is constant every time.

  FIG. 27B illustrates a state in which the blade entrance 102 opens after the game ball enters the start openings 17, 18, and 19 in the specific mode. In FIG. 27 (b), the opening mode of the blade entrance 102 is shown as being exactly the same mode as in FIG. 27 (a). As shown in the figure, the manner in which the blade entrance 102 opens is different each time, but the timing at which the blade entrance 102 opens after the game ball enters the start port 17, 18, 19 is as follows. It will be the same timing every time. For this reason, when the player enters the specific mode, the player can predict the timing of opening of the blade entrance 102 and launch the game ball. Therefore, the player can easily enter the game ball into the blade entrance 102. In some cases, it is possible to enter a plurality of game balls.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the big hit game cannot be started by the small hit game, it becomes easy to enter the game ball into the blade entrance 102 when the specific mode is entered. As a result, it is easy to generate a big hit game. For this reason, even if the big hit game cannot be started in the small hit game, it is possible to prevent the player from cooling the interest in the game. In addition, after the game balls enter the start ports 17, 18, and 19, the timing at which the blade entrance 102 opens is different from the middle. It is possible to alleviate the game from becoming monotonous by causing a change in the game. Furthermore, since it is easy to generate a big hit game from a small hit game, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous also in that sense.

  Here, the description has been made assuming that only one variation pattern is set in the variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode. However, if the variation time is the same, a plurality of variation patterns may be set. Furthermore, even if the variation time is not completely the same, the variation width of the variation time only needs to be narrow. In other words, even if the variation time set for each variation pattern is different, if the variation time difference is less than the variation pattern set in the variation pattern table for normal small hits, those multiple types A table in which a variation pattern is set can be used as a variation pattern table for small hits in a specific mode.

  In addition, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode is a variation pattern with a long variation time, and after a game ball enters the start ports 17, 18, 19, The time until the blade entrance 102 opens is longer. Here, “longer variation time” means that the average of the variation times set in the variation pattern takes a large value. That is, the average fluctuation time of a plurality of fluctuation patterns set in the fluctuation pattern table for normal time small hits is the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern set in the fluctuation pattern table for specific mode small hits (this implementation In the example, since there is only one variation pattern, it is set to be a value larger than the variation time). For this reason, since it is confirmed that a game ball has entered the start ports 17, 18, and 19, and there is a time margin before the game ball is launched aiming at the opening timing of the blade entrance ball port 102, a time margin is generated. It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the blade entrance 102. As a result, it is much easier to generate a big hit game from a small hit game.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a specific small hit that is advantageous to the player is set in the small hit, and even if this is a small hit game for this specific small hit. Regardless, the specific mode is started when the jackpot game cannot be started. Since the specific small hit is a big hit that is advantageous to the player, if the big hit game cannot be started from the specific small hit game, the player may be greatly discouraged and cool the interest in the game. However, in this point, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the big hit game cannot be generated by the specific small hit game, the specific mode is started and the big hit game is easily generated. It is possible to avoid that the person cools the interest in the game.

E. Modified example:
In the embodiment described above, the variation pattern table for small hits used in the specific mode (variation pattern table for small hits in the specific mode) includes only one table in which only one variation pattern is set. It was explained as being. In this case, when switching the variation pattern table, the table is immediately switched to a table in which only one type of variation pattern is set. However, a plurality of variation pattern tables for small hits in specific modes with different numbers of variation patterns are provided, and each time the variation pattern table is switched, the table is switched to a table with a smaller number of variation patterns. Also good.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a plurality of variation pattern tables for small hits in specific modes used in the modification. As shown in FIG. 28, three variation patterns are set in the variation pattern table in FIG. 28A, and two variation patterns are set in the variation pattern table in FIG. In the fluctuation pattern table, only one fluctuation pattern is set. Then, when the big hit game cannot be generated in the specific small hit game, the change pattern table shown in FIG.

  Since three types of variation patterns are set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 28 (a), the wing entrance 102 opens after the game balls enter the start openings 17, 18, and 19. Although the time until this is not constant, the type of variation pattern is still reduced as compared with the variation pattern table for normal small hits shown in FIG. For this reason, by switching the variation pattern table to the table of FIG. 28A, it becomes easier for the player to launch the game ball aiming at the timing at which the blade insertion ball opening 102 is opened, so it is easy to generate a big hit game. Become.

  If the big hit game cannot be generated, the fact that the occurrence of the big hit game is missed in the specific small hit game is switched to the variation pattern table shown in FIG. Since only two types of variation patterns are set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 28 (b), the wing entrance 102 is opened after the game balls enter the start ports 17, 18, and 19. Since there are only two types of time until the player, it becomes easier for a player to enter a game ball into the blade entrance 102 and to generate a big hit game.

  If the big hit game cannot be generated, the fact that the special big hit game has been missed is switched to the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 28C at the timing. Since only one type of variation pattern is set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 28 (c), the wing entrance 102 opens after the game balls enter the start openings 17, 18, and 19. The time until the time is always constant, and the player can easily enter the game ball into the blade entrance 102, and the bonus game is easily generated accordingly.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the modified example, when the big hit game cannot be generated from the small hit game, the big hit game is easily generated step by step. For this reason, even if it continues to miss the occurrence of big hit games from small hit games for a long time, it will become easier to generate big hit games with it, avoiding the possibility that the player loses interest in the game Is possible.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a big hit game cannot be generated in a specific small hit game, the specific mode flag is immediately set to ON, and the variation pattern table for the small hit is switched. explained. However, by counting the number of times that the big hit game could not be generated in the specific small hit game, and the count value reaches a predetermined number, the specific mode flag is set to ON and the fluctuation pattern table for the small hit It is good also as what switches. In such a case, the specific mode flag is set to ON when the start of the big hit game is missed from the small hit game several times without being limited to the specific small hit game. The variation pattern table for small hits may be switched.

  In the above-described embodiment, the specific mode end trigger is the elapse of a predetermined period (in the above-described embodiment, the special symbol changes eight times), but the specific mode end trigger is limited to this. It is not something. For example, when the specific mode flag is set to ON, the specific mode execution period (special symbol variation frequency, game time, etc.) may be determined by lottery, and the execution period determined by the lottery may end. Moreover, it may be when the next small hit game ends (the specific mode is set to only once). Further, the specific mode for an indefinite period may be executed until the big hit game is generated, and the specific mode may be terminated when the big hit game is generated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the specific mode flag is set to ON when the big hit game cannot be generated by the small hit game using the specific small hit symbol. However, if a big hit game could not be started despite the fact that a game ball could be entered into the blade entry hole 102, Alternatively, the variation mode table for small hits may be switched by setting the specific mode flag to ON. If a game ball can be entered into the wing entrance 102 but the big hit game cannot be started, the player may be discouraged and cool the game. . However, even in such a case, if the change pattern table for the small hit game is switched to the change pattern table for the small hit game in the specific mode, it is easy to generate the big hit game, so that the player has an interest in the game. It is possible to avoid the possibility of cooling. In the case where a plurality of game balls (two or more) can be entered into the blade entrance 102 in one small hit game, but a big hit game cannot be started When the configuration is applied, a great disappointment of the player can be reduced, which is more effective.

  Further, the trigger for setting the specific mode flag to ON (the trigger for switching the variation pattern table for small hits) may be configured as follows. That is, in a small hit game, a game ball is made to enter the blade entrance 102 and a non-specific area closest to the specific area (for example, one specific area and four non-specific areas are evenly arranged in a circle). If the game ball is placed in the two non-specific areas on both sides of the specific area and the result of the small hit game is “lost”, the big hit game is played with a slight difference. When the start cannot be started, the variation pattern table for the small hit game may be switched to the variation pattern table for the small hit in the specific mode. Thereby, even if it is a result of the small hit game that the player is discouraged, it is possible to avoid the possibility of cooling the interest in the game. In addition, if such control is performed at the time of occurrence of a specific small hit game that is advantageous to the player, it is possible to reduce a great disappointment of the player and is more effective.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not the specific mode flag is set to ON without taking into consideration whether or not the time reduction function is operating. However, when the time reduction function is activated, the specific mode flag may not be set to ON even if the big hit game cannot be generated by the small hit game based on the specific small hit symbol. As described above, when the time shortening function is activated, the opening extension function is also activated, and the gaming state is already relatively advantageous for the player. Therefore, in such a case, even if it is not possible to generate a big hit game from a small hit game, it is considered unlikely that the player will be less interested in the game. If the mode flag is set to ON, there is a possibility that the player's interest in playing the game will be excessive. Therefore, if the time reduction function is activated, the specific mode flag is not set to ON, so that it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player's interest is overexcited.

  Further, in addition to the above-described embodiments, the player may be notified of the opening timing of the blade member in the specific small hit game. For example, using a display device (liquid crystal or the like) provided in the gaming machine or a sound device (speaker or the like), the time from the special symbol variation and the special symbol variation stop to the opening of the blade member that becomes a specific small hit is notified, It may be possible to notify the player so that the game ball is fired at a timing at which the game ball can enter the specific entrance. This process may be performed by the sub-control in response to various information signals (special symbol variation time information signal, small hit game start signal, etc.) relating to occurrence of a specific small hit from the main control. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier for the player to enter the game ball into the specific entrance, and the game entertainment can be effectively enhanced.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the structure of the central apparatus of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the display mode of the normal symbol display part. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is the block diagram which showed the rough flow of the game performed with the game machine of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of game control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol game start judgment process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the second half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the special symbol success / failure determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which showed notion determination table conceptually. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the big hit symbol determination table. It is explanatory drawing which showed notion symbol determination table notionally. It is explanatory drawing which showed notion symbol determination table notionally. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of a small hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of a small hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern table for big hits and normal deviation. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the fluctuation | variation pattern table for a time-shortage deviation. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the fluctuation pattern table for normal time small hits. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern table for small hits at the time of a specific mode. It is explanatory drawing which showed the reason which can attract the interest with respect to a player's game by switching the variation pattern table for small hits. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern table for small hits at the time of the specific mode of a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 17, 18, 19 ... Starting port, 28 ... Symbol display apparatus,
31d ... Grand prize opening, 100 ... Central device, 102 ... Feather entrance (specific entrance),
141a ... specific area 200 ... main control board,
201 ... CPU (symbol variation starting means, varying time determining means, symbol stopping means, passing game ball detecting means, small hit game executing means, big hit game executing means, specific variable time table setting means) , 220 ... sub control board

Claims (2)

A game is played by launching a game ball on a game board surface provided with a start opening capable of entering a game ball and a symbol display device that starts a variable display of the symbol upon entering the start port In bullet ball machines,
It is configured to be switchable between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter and an open state in which a game ball can enter. A specific entrance that is in a state,
When a game ball enters the start opening, it is determined whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or out by performing a determination of whether or not, and a symbol variation start means for starting a variation display of the symbol of the symbol display device;
A variation time determining means for determining one variation time by lottery from a variation time table in which a plurality of variation times of the symbol is stored at the start of variation of the symbol of the symbol display device;
When the variation time determined by the variation time determining means has elapsed, the symbol displayed in a variation on the symbol display device corresponds to the big hit symbol corresponding to the big hit, the small hit corresponding to the result of the determination of success / failure A symbol stop means for stopping and displaying at any one of the small hit symbols to be performed and a disengagement symbol corresponding to the disengagement,
When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, the small hit game execution means for executing the small hit game for opening the specific entrance,
Passing game ball detecting means for detecting presence or absence of a game ball passing through the specific area during execution of the small hit game;
When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, or when the game ball passing through the specific area is detected by the passing game ball detecting means, the jackpot for executing the jackpot game advantageous to the player Game execution means;
When the gaming ball passing through the specific area by the previous SL passes gaming ball detection means it has finished the Koatari game undetected, as the variation time table in which the variation time determination means refers, the small per game is started rather small, kind of fluctuation time defined than the variation time table that was set prior to being, and are defined than the variation time table that was set before the small per game is started A bullet ball game machine comprising: a specific variation time table setting means for setting a specific variation time table having a long average of the variation time. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The starting port is provided with an opening / closing member that makes it easy for a game ball to enter by being in an open state, and makes it difficult for a game ball to enter by being in a closed state,
A special state generating means for generating a special state in which the frequency of setting the opening and closing member to an open state after the end of the jackpot game is higher than a normal state;
The specific variation time table setting means includes:
When the small hit game is executed during the special state and the small hit game ends without detecting a game ball passing through the specific area, the specific variation time table is not set,
When the small hit game is executed during the normal state and the small hit game ends without detecting a game ball passing through the specific area, the specific variation time table is set. Ball game machine.

Images