JP5240924B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to a technique for controlling the progress of a game in a ball game machine.

  Conventionally, among various types of ball game machines, in the so-called first type pachinko game machine, a lottery determination is performed in response to a ball entering the start opening provided on the game board, Depending on the result of the lottery, symbols are displayed in a variable manner. In other words, a plurality of symbols are displayed in a display area such as a liquid crystal display provided substantially in the center of the game board while the symbols are varied (hereinafter, such a display is referred to as “symbol variation” or “variable display”). This gaming machine is known to shift to a special game when a combination of symbols when a plurality of rows of symbol variations are stopped has a specific form. A special game is also called a jackpot, and a unit game involving the opening of a big prize opening provided on the game board is performed a plurality of times, and more prize balls can be obtained than a normal game (see, for example, Patent Document 1) ). The variable display of symbols in the display area is not only a variable display of multiple symbols, but the time of variable display is usually reduced in a state where it is a big hit if one more symbols are aligned, as in the so-called reach screen. For example, an effect is made to increase the player's expectation, such as making it longer.

Among the gaming machines, there is also a special game that is advantageous to the player, which is called a so-called probability variation game (hereinafter also referred to as “probability variation”) or a variable time reduction game (hereinafter referred to as “short time”) after the special game is completed. There is something to migrate. When a special game has occurred and the winning stop symbol at that time is in a specific mode, the probability change is started after the special game ends. In the probability change, a lottery with a higher probability of winning than the normal probability state is performed, and a new special game is generated relatively early. Also, after the special game is over, time saving is started and continued for a predetermined period. During the short time, the ease of entering the starting port is enhanced, and the variation time of the symbol is generally shortened. When the transition to such a specific game occurs, a new special game is generated relatively early, and the player's sense of expectation is further enhanced.
JP 2003-230714 A

  In recent years, an increasing number of game machines have a so-called sudden probability change (hereinafter referred to as “surprising accuracy” as appropriate) in which a probability change without a game is made without the knowledge of the player. Suddenness has a big impact on the player in the sense that it suddenly shifts to probability change without any special performance, but since the probability change transition itself is conditional on the end of the special game, it won a big prize just before that transition The jackpot production is secured by opening the mouth several times in a short time. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the short-time opening of the big prize opening always shows an outbreak, there is a possibility that the player's interest may gradually fade, so the result of the winning lottery is less profitable than the jackpot In some cases, so-called small hits are set, and similarly, a short time release is performed to shift to a predetermined small hit game. It is also known that after the small hit, if the gaming state satisfies a predetermined promotion condition, it is a big hit, that is, a transition to a normal special game. According to such a configuration, it is recognized that a sudden or small hit has occurred due to a short time opening of the special winning opening. In general, it is relatively likely that the small hits will end only by opening and closing the big prize opening, whereas suddenness will surely shift to probability change after opening and closing the big prize opening, so that suddenness is more advantageous to the player. There is a tendency to be recognized.

  By the way, in the first place, it can be said that such a short time opening of the special winning opening is a convenient game control for ensuring execution of a special game as a condition when suddenly shifting to a probable change state. In other words, at present, it is defined that the probability change transition is performed after the end of the special game, while the special game is defined as a game that opens and closes the special winning opening a plurality of times. That is, when the result of the winning / losing lottery performed in the normal game is a win with a probability change, the probability change transition is after at least opening the big winning opening. For this reason, it is necessary to open and close the winning prize opening a plurality of times in a short period of time for the sake of convenience in order to suddenly generate a certain change without sandwiching a long jackpot effect. For these reasons, the current situation is that, in the present situation, it is basically not envisaged to enter during the short-term opening period of the grand prize opening. The inventor of the present invention has come up with the idea that an innovative gameplay that has never existed in the past can be created by changing the game state triggered by a ball entered into the grand prize opening opened for a short period of time.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a novel gameability by paying attention to a state of entering a big winning opening opened for a short time.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a ball game machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game board on which a game area is formed, a start prize opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area and into which a game ball can enter. , The result of the lottery and the lottery means for executing the lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, triggered by entering the starting winning opening A special symbol display device for displaying a special symbol, which is a symbol for displaying the symbol, and a correspondence relationship between a variation pattern in which the variation process of the special symbol is determined and a lottery value for determining the variation pattern are defined. Fluctuation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of pattern selection tables; Fluctuation pattern determination means for selecting a fluctuation pattern with reference to any one of the plurality of pattern selection tables according to the gaming state; Special game operating conditions that memorize special game operating conditions as conditions for transitioning to a special special game where the special winning opening that is released for a predetermined time or more and the special winning game that is opened for a predetermined time or more is released Storage means, special game operating condition storage means for storing special game operating conditions as conditions for shifting to a special game where a special winning opening is opened for less than a predetermined time, and the winning lottery shifts to a normal special game Special game control means for executing a normal special game when the special game operation condition is satisfied, and when the special game operation condition is satisfied as a result of the success / failure lottery indicating a transition to the special game And a special game control means for executing the special game, and a ball entry detecting means for detecting the entrance of the game ball into the special winning opening opened in the special game. The success / failure lottery means and the variation pattern determination means are provided in a main control device that controls the progress of the game, and the variation pattern determination means has a plurality of patterns according to the timing of the game ball entering the special winning opening in the special game. One of the selection tables is selected, and the pattern selection table to be referenced is switched to the selected pattern selection table.

  Here, the “big prize opening” may be provided as a single big prize opening that is commonly used for opening in normal special games and opening in special games, or opened in normal special games. A special prize opening and a special prize opening opened by special games may be provided as separate components. The “predetermined time” may be a reference time for one opening of the big prize opening, or may be a reference time for multiple opening of the big winning opening. That is, in the special game, regardless of whether the special winning opening is opened once or plural times, the total opening time of the special winning opening is less than a predetermined time. “Special game” is less profitable than ordinary special games in that the opening time of the special winning opening is short, but it is advantageous to the player in that the special winning opening is opened and there is a possibility of entering the game ball It becomes. The “variation pattern” may include not only the variation display pattern of the special symbol indicating the result of the lottery determination but also the variation display pattern of the effect image additionally accompanying the variation display. The “entry timing” may be the timing at which the entrance detecting means detects the entrance of the game ball to the big winning opening, that is, the entrance detection timing by the entrance detecting means. Alternatively, it may be the timing at which the entrance to the big winning opening is notified from the entrance detection means to the variation pattern determination means, that is, the entrance detection notification timing.

  According to this aspect, the entry of the game ball to the big winning opening opened in the special game is detected, and the pattern selection table to be referred for the symbol change after the special game is switched according to the entry. . As a result, since the manner of symbol variation is changed by entering a special game that has not been considered important by the player so far, the player is provided with a novel gameplay. In addition, the technical intervention of the player, such as launching a game ball aiming to enter the grand prize opening during special games, will increase the interest of the player, and the operating rate of the gaming machine will also improve.

  The variation pattern determination means may select one of a plurality of pattern selection tables according to the difficulty level of the entry timing in the special game. For example, the pattern selection table may be switched to a pattern selection table that is assumed to have a greater merit for the player as the timing of the entry detected by the entry detection unit is assumed to be more difficult. The pattern selection table having a greater merit for the player may be, for example, a table in which the average time of symbol variation in a plurality of retained variation patterns is shorter than the table before switching. In addition, the table may be a table in which the average time of symbol variation is shorter than the table before switching, and the period that can be referred to by the variation pattern determining means is longer than other tables. Moreover, the table which hold | maintains the fluctuation pattern which provides the special production which is not normally provided may be sufficient. According to this aspect, since the difficulty level of entering a special winning opening in a special game affects the subsequent player's profit, the player is provided with a more innovative gameplay. Also, the player's technical intervention is further enhanced, such as launching a game ball aiming at entering a ball at a high difficulty level, and the player's interest is further enhanced.

  Special game operating condition storage means, as special game operating conditions, special special game operating conditions for transitioning to special special games that include a unit game that involves the opening of a grand prize opening multiple times, and units that involve the opening of a special prize opening You may hold | maintain the small hit game operating conditions for shifting to the small hit game which is a game. The special game control means, as a result that the lottery result indicates the transition to the special special game, and when the symbol is stopped in a predetermined special jackpot mode, the special special game operation condition is established and the special special game is executed. The winning / not-winning lottery results in the transition to the small hit game, and the small hit game may be executed on the assumption that the small hit game operating condition is satisfied when the symbol is stopped in a predetermined small hit mode.

  In this aspect, either a special special game or a small hit game is executed as the special game. The special special game includes a plurality of unit games, and there is a possibility that the profit state of the player is higher than the small hit game consisting of the unit games. In addition, during the unit game, the grand prize opening may be opened once or a plurality of times may be opened. On the other hand, in the special special game, the player's profit state is smaller than the normal special game in which the big prize opening is opened for a predetermined time or more in that the opening time of the big prize opening is less than the predetermined time. That is, the special special game can be said to be located between the normal special game and the small hit game in view of the profit state of the player, but it becomes closer to the small hit game when compared with the opening time of the big prize opening. If the opening times of both are set to be substantially the same, it is difficult to visually determine which game has been changed, and the player's expectation is easily maintained for a long time.

  In addition, the special game operation condition storage means, as the special special game operation condition, in a probability variation state in which the probability that the winning lottery shows a transition to the normal special game after the special special game is higher than the normal state. Probability changing special game operating conditions for shifting to the probability changing special game to be transferred may be held. Even if the special game control means executes the probability variation special game on the assumption that the probability variation special game operation condition is satisfied when the winning / raft lottery indicates a transition to the probability variation special game and the symbol is stopped in a predetermined probability variation big hit mode. Good.

  The variation pattern storage means stores, as a plurality of pattern selection tables, a normal pattern selection table that is referred to in normal time and one or more special pattern selection tables in which a correspondence relationship different from the normal pattern selection table is defined. The pattern determining means selects one of the one or more special pattern selection tables according to the timing of entering the game ball into the special winning opening in the special game, and selects the pattern selection table to be referred to. You may switch to a table. Here, the “normal time” may be a period other than the predetermined period after the end of the special game, and a period other than the predetermined period after the end of the special game for the special game in which the state of entering the big prize opening satisfies the predetermined condition But you can. According to this aspect, by entering the big winning opening in the special game, it becomes easy to generate a symbol variation different from the normal time, and a novel game is realized.

  The change pattern determining means may switch the reference pattern selection table to the normal pattern selection table again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after switching the reference pattern selection table to the special pattern selection table. The “elapse of a predetermined period” may be that a predetermined number of symbol variations have been executed, that a predetermined time has elapsed, or a combination thereof. According to this aspect, after the special game is over, after the lapse of a predetermined period, the pattern selection table is returned to the normal table, so that the game characteristic that makes it possible to aim again at the big prize opening in the next special game Is realized.

  One or more special pattern selection tables may be defined so that the average variation times of the variation patterns defined for each special pattern selection table are different. According to this aspect, the average symbol variation time varies depending on the timing of entering the big winning opening during the special game. Therefore, in order to select a special pattern selection table that is advantageous to the player, a novel gameability that makes it possible to aim for a specific entry timing in a special game is realized. For example, a player who wants to increase the number of symbol fluctuations per unit time can be aimed at entering a ball at the timing of selecting a special pattern table with a short average symbol fluctuation time. On the other hand, a player who wants to enjoy a long-time performance is aimed at entering a ball at the timing of selecting a special pattern selection table having a long average symbol variation time.

  The variation patterns are classified into a plurality of systems according to the production contents, and the variation pattern storage means may store one or more special pattern selection tables each integrating the variation patterns classified into the same system. For example, a plurality of variation patterns may be held in one table, and each variation pattern may be associated with a predetermined lottery value. According to this aspect, the system of symbol variation differs depending on the timing of entering a special winning opening during a special game. Therefore, in order to select a special pattern selection table in which symbol variations that match the player's preference are selected, a novel gameability that allows a specific entry timing to be targeted in a special game is realized.

  The variation pattern determining means divides the period of the special game into a plurality of small sections, and selects one of the plurality of pattern selection tables according to the timing of the game ball entering the big winning opening in each of the small sections. May be. According to this aspect, the special pattern selection table can be selected in accordance with various combinations of presence / absence of balls in each small section. Therefore, the combination of the entering situation in the special game and the variation pattern after the special game is increased, and various games are realized.

  The variation pattern determining means may select one of a plurality of pattern selection tables according to the relationship between the timing of entering the game ball into the big winning opening and the number of balls in the special game. According to this aspect, in addition to the entrance timing in the special game, the number of entrances in the special game is also a selection criterion of the special pattern selection table. Therefore, the combination of the pitching situation in the special game and the variation pattern after the special game is increased, thereby realizing various game characteristics. In addition, a novel gameability that allows a specific number of balls to be aimed at a specific timing in a special game is realized.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements, or the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention may be mutually replaced between methods, apparatuses, systems, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, data structures, etc. This is effective as an embodiment of the present invention.

  According to the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, it is possible to realize a novel gameability by paying attention to the state of entering a big winning opening opened for a short time.

FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine.
Hereinafter, a so-called first type pachinko gaming machine, which is conventionally known as a bullet ball gaming machine, will be described as an example. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a transparent plate 13, a door 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, and a launch handle 17. The outer frame 11 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening portion of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like.

  The transparent plate 13 is made of glass or the like and is supported by the door 14. The door 14 is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending out the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. A speaker 18 is provided between the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state is output.

  The game board 50 has an out port 58, a special symbol display device 61, an effect symbol display device 60, a start winning port (hereinafter referred to as “start port”) on a game area 52 defined by the outer rail 54 and the inner rail 56. 62, a center decoration 64, a grand prize opening 66, an operation opening 68, and a general prize opening 72. Furthermore, in the game area 52, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed. The start port 62 includes a start winning detection device 74 for detecting the entrance of a game ball and a normal electric accessory solenoid 76 for expanding the expanding mechanism of the start port 62. When the expansion mechanism of the start port 62 is expanded, the opening width of the start port 62 is expanded and the ease of entering the ball is improved. The start winning detection device 74 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the start port 62, and generates start win information indicating the winning at the time of entering. The general winning opening 72 includes a general winning detecting device 73 for detecting the entering of a game ball. The general winning detection device 73 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening 72, and generates general winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning. The special winning opening 66 includes a winning detection device 78 for detecting the entry of a game ball and a special winning opening solenoid 80 for expanding the special winning opening 66. The winning detection device 78 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 66, and generates big winning opening winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning.

  The big winning opening 66 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that becomes an open state as a “big hit” when the special symbol 192 stops in a predetermined big hit mode. The big winning opening 66 is provided above the out opening 58 and the like. The winning detection device 78 of the big winning opening 66 includes a sensor that detects the passage of a game ball. In the present embodiment, the special winning opening 66 is opened even when the special symbol 192 is stopped in a predetermined small hit mode.

  The special symbol display device 61 provided on the left side of the game area 52 and the effect symbol display device 60 provided in the approximate center of the game area 52 are linked to the variation of the special symbol 192 and the special symbol 192 on each screen. Variations in the effect image including the decorative design 190 are displayed (hereinafter, such display is referred to as “design variation” or “variable display”). Here, the special symbol 192 is a symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball is dropped into the start port 62, and the symbol mode when the change display is stopped is determined to be the winning symbol. When the symbol is a symbol, the timing at which the stop symbol is displayed is the jackpot occurrence timing. The special symbol display device 61 is display means composed of, for example, 7 segment LEDs.

  The effect symbol display device 60 is a liquid crystal display that fluctuates and displays the decorative symbol 190 in conjunction with the fluctuating display of the special symbol 192. The decorative symbol 190 is a symbol for visually rendering the lottery result display indicated by the special symbol 192. The effect symbol display device 60 displays, as the decorative symbol 190, for example, a plurality of columns of moving images of symbol variation simulating a slot machine game in the central area of the screen. The effect symbol display device 60 is configured by a liquid crystal display in this embodiment, but may be configured by a mechanical rotation device such as a drum or other display means such as an LED. Since the special symbol 192 does not necessarily have a role of production, in this embodiment, the special symbol display device 61 at the lower left of the production symbol display device 60 is displayed in an inconspicuous size. In the case of adopting a technique in which a decorative role is not displayed and a decorative symbol is not displayed, a special symbol may be displayed on a liquid crystal display such as the effect symbol display device 60. The operation port 68 is provided at the left side position of the game board 50.

  The operation port 68 includes a passage detection device 69. The passage detection device 69 is a sensor that detects the passage of the game ball to the operation port 68, and generates passage information indicating the passage at the time of passage. The passage of the game ball to the operation port 68 triggers an open lottery for determining whether or not to expand the expansion mechanism of the start port 62. When the game ball passes through the operation port 68, a normal symbol, which is a symbol indicating the result of the open lottery, is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 59. The normal symbol display device 59 is provided on the lower right side of the effect symbol display device 60. When the normal symbol variation display is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, the start port 62 is normally expanded for a predetermined time with a probability of about 50% to 80%.

  A center ornament 64 is provided around the effect symbol display device 60. The center decoration 64 has functions such as protection of the game ball flow path, the special symbol display device 61 and the effect symbol display device 60, and decoration. A lottery hold lamp 20 is provided below the effect symbol display device 60, and an operation hold lamp 22 is provided below the normal symbol display device 59 at the lower right of the game area 52, which is a symmetrical position. Yes. The lottery hold lamp 20 is composed of four lamps, and displays the number of lottery holds depending on the number of lights. The number of lottery holds is the number of lottery results won to the start port 62 during symbol variation or special game, and indicates the number of winning balls for which symbol variation has not yet been executed. The operation hold lamp 22 is also composed of four lamps, and displays the number of hold of normal symbol fluctuations depending on the number of lights. The number of normal symbol fluctuations held is the number of game balls that have passed through the operation port 68 during the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and indicates the number of normal symbol lotteries for which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet been executed. Furthermore, game effect lamps 90 are respectively provided above and below the effect symbol display device 60. The operation button 82 is a button that the player operates to input a predetermined instruction to the gaming machine. The operation button 82 is provided on the outer wall surface near the upper ball tray 15.

  When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are guided one by one to the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54 with a strength corresponding to the turning angle, thereby playing the game area. To 52. When the player fixes the rotation position of the firing handle 17 by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at regular time intervals. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 52 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting a plurality of game nails and windmills. When a game ball is dropped into each of the general winning port 72, the start port 62, and the big winning port 66, the winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out to the upper ball plate 15 or the lower ball plate 16. A game ball dropped into each winning hole such as the general winning hole 72 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball dropped into the out hole 58 is processed as an out ball. Each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes. In this application, “incoming”, “entering”, and “winning” include “passing”.

  When the game ball falls into the start port 62, the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 61 and the effect symbol display device 60. The variable display of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is stopped after the elapse of the display time determined prior to the display. When the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 at the time of the stop are symbols indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 66 is started. At this time, the decorative pattern 190 simulating the game of the slot machine takes a display mode in which the three patterns are matched. In the special game, the grand prize winning slot 66 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after 9 or more game balls are dropped. Such opening / closing of the big prize opening 66 is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times.

  In the normal game after the end of the special game, a variable time reduction game (time reduction), which is one of the specific games, is started. In time saving, the variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is shortened from the normal time. The variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is returned to the original variation time after the variation display of a predetermined variation number is performed. When a special game occurs and the winning stop symbol at that time is in a specific mode, a probability variation game (probability change), which is one of the specific games, is further started after the special game ends. In the probability change, a lottery with a higher win probability than the normal probability state is performed, and a new special game is generated relatively early.

FIG. 2 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine.
The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 102 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes all game operations such as a lottery when a winning is made to the start port 62. The sub-board 104 includes a liquid crystal unit 42 and controls display contents on the effect symbol display device 60, operations of the plurality of movable accessories 140, and lighting of the game effect lamp 90, and in particular displays according to a lottery result by the main board 102. The contents are changed and the lighting of the movable accessory 140 and the game effect lamp 90 is activated along with the progress of the production. The main board 102 and the sub board 104 constitute a game control device 100. The set substrate 39 includes a prize ball tank 44, a flow path for prize balls, a payout unit 43 for delivering prize balls. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 52 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

FIG. 3 shows functional blocks of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment.
In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game control device 100 includes a start port 62, a big winning port 66, a general winning port 72, an operating port 68, a special symbol display device 61, an effect symbol display device 60, a normal symbol display device 59, and an operation button. 82, the speaker 18, the game effect lamp 90, and the movable accessory 140 are electrically connected to each other, and can transmit and receive various control signals. The game control apparatus 100 controls not only the basic operation of the game but also the staging operations such as the symbol variation display, the movable accessory 140, and the electric decoration. The game control device 100 is configured in such a manner that functions are shared between a main board 102 that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including basic operations of the game, and a sub board 104 that controls design effects and the like. The game control device 100 is configured by hardware including elements such as a ROM and a RAM for storing data and programs, and a CPU used for arithmetic processing.

  The main board 102 in this embodiment is a ball entering determination means 110, a winning / failing lottery means 112, a symbol determining means 114, a holding control means 116, a main display control means 118, a fluctuation pattern storage means 172, a fluctuation pattern determining means 174, a special game. A control means 120, a small hit game control means 121, a specific game execution means 122, an opening / closing control means 124, and a condition holding means 176 are provided. The sub-board 104 in this embodiment includes an effect pattern storage unit 130, an effect determination unit 132, an effect display control unit 134, and an accessory control unit 136. Each functional block included in the main board 102 may be configured such that any one of the functional blocks is mounted on the sub board 104 instead of the main board 102. Similarly, each functional block included in the sub-board 104 may be configured such that any one of them is mounted on the main board 102 instead of the sub-board 104.

  The entrance determination means 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. When receiving the start winning information, the winning determination means 110 determines that the game ball has won the start opening 62, and when receiving the big winning opening winning information, determines that the game ball has won the big winning opening 66, and the general winning is obtained. When the information is received, it is determined that the game ball has won the general winning opening 72. When receiving the passage information, the ball entering determination unit 110 determines that the game ball has passed through the operation port 68.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 accepts a random number value to determine whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game when the game ball enters the start port 62. Get as a value. For example, the success / failure lottery value is acquired from a value range from “0” to “65535”. The “random number” in the present application may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo-random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like. The success / failure lottery means 112 holds a plurality of success / failure tables to be referred to in the success / failure determination. In the plurality of success / failure tables, the determination result of winning or losing is associated with the lottery value, and the probability of success / failure is determined according to the associated winning range setting.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to a success / failure table for determination of success / failure based on a normal probability in a normal state (hereinafter, referred to as “normally normal / failure table” as appropriate). Refer to the “probability appropriateness determination table”) as appropriate. In this embodiment, in the normal success / failure table, only when the success / failure lottery value falls within the range of 0 to 299 is a big hit. In the probability variation success / failure table, the jackpot range is expanded, and not only when the success / failure lottery value falls within the range of 0 to 299 but also when it falls within the range of 300 to 2999. Thus, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state.

  In the present embodiment, as a special game, in addition to a normal special game (hereinafter, also referred to as “15R special game” as appropriate) in which the unit game in which the special winning opening 66 is opened is repeated up to 15 times, the minimum number of times is given. A special special game that is repeated only twice (hereinafter also referred to as “2R special game” as appropriate) is provided. Hereinafter, the jackpot that shifts to the 15R special game is referred to as “15R jackpot” and the jackpot that shifts to the 2R special game is appropriately referred to as “2R jackpot”.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even if the winning / raising lottery value does not correspond to the jackpot range, that is, a so-called out of range, it is a small hit if it falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not it is in a probable change state, the winning / losing lottery value is a small hit when it falls within the range of 60000-65535. In this way, if it does not correspond to the jackpot, it is all “out of”, but in this embodiment, among the cases where it does not correspond to the jackpot, especially the winning lottery value range when it does not correspond to the jackpot It is expressed as “out”. It should be noted that a game similar to the 2R special game described above (hereinafter also referred to as “small game” as appropriate) is executed at the time of a small hit in the present embodiment. In addition, when the 2R big hit game and the small hit game are collectively referred to as “special game” below.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to any of the plurality of success / failure tables and determines whether or not the success / failure lottery value is a win. The determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is variably displayed in a special symbol form on the special symbol display device 61. In addition, the decorative symbols that show the results of the determination by the success / failure lottery means 112 are variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 60.

  The symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 61 according to the result of the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112. Moreover, the symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display device 59 by lottery. The stop symbol is a symbol to be displayed at the end of symbol variation. The symbol determination means 114 holds a symbol range table to be referred to in order to determine a special symbol or a normal symbol stop symbol.

  The symbol determination means 114 acquires a symbol determination lottery value for determining a special symbol, and determines the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the determination result of the success / failure lottery means 112 and the symbol determination lottery value. The symbol determination unit 114 sends data indicating the determined stop symbol to the main display control unit 118 and the effect determination unit 132. The symbol determining means 114 acquires a lottery random number for determining a normal symbol when the game ball passes through the operation port 68, and determines a stop symbol of the normal symbol according to the lottery random number. When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a specific symbol, the opening / closing control means 124 expands the normal electric accessory at the start port 62 for a predetermined time.

  The hold control means 116 holds the winning / losing lottery value acquired by the winning / failing lottery means 112 as a holding ball. The success / failure lottery value is accumulated until the number of holds reaches a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit of the number of holds is 4.

  The variation pattern storage unit 172 includes a variation pattern in which a variation mode from variation start to stop when a special symbol is variably displayed and a lottery value for determining the variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as “pattern lottery value” as appropriate). A plurality of pattern selection tables in which the corresponding relationship is defined. Each of these variation patterns has various variation times. That is, for each variation pattern, a variation display time is defined for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the variation of the special symbol is stopped when the variation display time elapses.

  The variation pattern storage means 172 includes a plurality of types of special patterns in which a correspondence relationship different from the normal pattern selection table and the normal pattern selection table are defined as a plurality of pattern selection tables. A pattern selection table is stored. “Normal time” in the present embodiment refers to a state after a special game that satisfies a predetermined entry condition (hereinafter referred to as “special game entry condition” as appropriate) to a special winning opening in a special game. Means a period other than the predetermined period. This predetermined period is a period during which the variation pattern determining means 174 refers to the special pattern selection table (hereinafter referred to as “special table reference period” as appropriate), and here, after the reference to the special pattern selection table is started. It is the number of variable display. The special table reference periods of the plurality of types of special pattern selection tables may be different, and are associated with the special pattern selection tables in advance.

  The average variation time (hereinafter also referred to as “average variation time” as appropriate) in the variation pattern determined for each of the plural types of special pattern selection tables is different. For example, a plurality of variation patterns are aggregated in each of the special pattern selection tables so that the average variation time of one special pattern selection table is 10 seconds and the average variation time of another special pattern selection table is 30 seconds. May be. Of course, a plurality of variation patterns having the same variation time may be aggregated in one special pattern selection table.

  The average fluctuation time may be an average of all the fluctuation patterns held in one special pattern selection table, or may be an average of fluctuation patterns for executing the reach that is just one hit. The shorter the average fluctuation time, the greater the number of symbol fluctuations per unit time, and the greater the possibility that the time to hit will be shortened. As a result, the substantial game time for the player is likely to be long, which is advantageous for the player. In addition, for two special pattern selection tables whose average variation time is the same as that of the normal pattern selection table, the longer the special table reference period, the shorter the average variation time lasts longer. large. However, for a player who wants to enjoy a long time production, there is a case where the longer the average fluctuation time, the greater the merit.

  In addition, in each of the plurality of types of special pattern selection tables, a plurality of variation patterns that provide the same system of effect content with respect to the effect content in the effect symbol display device 60 are aggregated. For example, in a special pattern selection table, a plurality of variation patterns that provide an effect relating to the first story are aggregated in the effect symbol display device 60, and in the other special pattern selection table, the second story in the effect symbol display device 60. A plurality of variation patterns that provide an effect related to the above may be aggregated. Further, for example, a normal reach variation pattern may be aggregated in one special pattern selection table, and a super reach variation pattern having a variation time longer than that of normal reach may be aggregated in another special pattern selection table.

  Note that the variation pattern storage unit 172 may include a plurality of normal pattern selection tables that are referred to by the variation pattern determination unit 174 in accordance with the determination result. The plurality of normal pattern selection tables may include a normal pattern selection table for removal to be referred to when the result of the lottery determination is unsuccessful, and a normal pattern selection table for 15R jackpot to be referred to when 15R big hit is made. Further, a normal pattern selection table for 2R jackpots to be referred to when the result of lottery determination is 2R jackpot, and a normal pattern selection table for small hits to be referred to when the jackpot is won. Further, a normal pattern selection table for probability change that is referred to when the game state is being changed, and a normal pattern selection table for time reduction that is referred to when the game time is short may be included. In the present embodiment, these are not particularly distinguished and are simply referred to as a normal pattern selection table. The special pattern selection table is a table different from any of the above normal pattern selection tables.

  The variation pattern determining means 174 refers to one of a plurality of pattern selection tables stored in the variation pattern storage means 172 in accordance with the result of the success / failure determination by the success / failure lottery means 112, and a plurality of variation patterns held in the table. Select one of the patterns. The variation pattern determination unit 174 sends data indicating the determined variation pattern (hereinafter also referred to as “pattern notification” as appropriate) to the main display control unit 118 and the effect determination unit 132.

  In other words, the variation pattern determining means 174 refers to the one pattern selection table when the symbol variation display is to be started in the special symbol display device 61 and the effect symbol display device 60, with reference to one pattern selection table. This is determined based on the pattern lottery value to be acquired. The pattern lottery value is randomly acquired from a value range from “0” to “255”, for example.

  The fluctuation pattern determination means 174 determines the fluctuation pattern with reference to the normal pattern selection table in normal times. On the other hand, if the special game entry condition is satisfied in the special game, after the special game ends, any of the multiple types of special pattern selection tables can be used instead of the normal pattern selection table in the pattern variation within the special table reference period. Refer to

  Specifically, in the variation pattern determination unit 174, definitions of a plurality of small sections in which the execution period of the special game is divided are set in advance. During the special game, the variation pattern determination unit 174 obtains the ball entering the big winning opening 66 from the ball entering determination unit 110. After the end of the special game, the number of balls entered in each small section is specified based on the definition of the small section, and it is determined whether or not the special game entry ball condition is satisfied. When the special game entry ball condition is satisfied, the variation pattern is determined with reference to a special pattern selection table associated with the special game entry ball condition in the subsequent symbol variation. As described above, a special table reference period is set in the special pattern selection table, and when the fluctuation pattern determination unit 174 detects that the special table reference period is exceeded, the reference pattern selection table is changed to the normal pattern selection table. Switch to again. Further specific examples will be described later.

  The main display control means 118 displays the result of the lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112 as a special symbol variation display as a special symbol variation display according to the stop symbol determined by the symbol determination unit 114 and the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 174. It is displayed on the device 61. The main display control means 118 transmits the change start command and the change stop command to the effect display control means 134 at the timing of starting and stopping the change display of the special symbol, so that the main display control means 118 and the effect display are displayed. The fluctuation display by the control means 134 is synchronized and interlocked. The main display control means 118 displays the normal symbol variation on the normal symbol display device 59.

  The condition holding unit 176 includes a special game operation condition holding unit 178 and a small hit game operation condition holding unit 180. The special game operation condition holding means 178 holds a special game operation condition as a condition for shifting to a special game including a unit game involving opening of the special winning opening 66 a plurality of times. The special game operation condition is a result indicating that the game shifts to the special game in the lottery, and the content of the condition is that the symbol variation corresponding to the lottery is stopped. The special game operation condition holding means 178 holds a special special game operation condition for shifting to the 2R special game in addition to a normal special game operation condition for shifting the game state to the 15R special game. Further, as the special special game operation conditions, a probability change special game operation condition for shifting to the probability change state after the 2R special game and a time-short special game operation condition for shifting to the short time state after the 2R special game are held. Whether the probability variation special game operation condition is satisfied or whether the short time special game operation condition is satisfied is determined by the type of the special symbol determined by the symbol determination means 114.

  The small hit game operating condition holding means 180 holds the small hit game operating condition as a condition for shifting to the small hit game, which is a unit game accompanied by the opening of the big winning opening 66. The small hitting operating condition is a result indicating that the game is shifted to the small hitting game in the lottery, and the content of the condition is that the symbol variation corresponding to the lottery is stopped.

  The special game control means 120 controls the execution process of the special game when the result of winning / not-winning lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112 is a big hit. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 66 is continuously continued a plurality of times until a predetermined upper limit is reached, and is constituted by a plurality of unit games. In the present embodiment, when 15R is a big hit, the unit game is repeated up to 15 times, and the big prize opening 66 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. In the case of 2R jackpot, the unit game is repeated up to two times, and the big prize opening 66 is opened for about 0.8 seconds in one unit game. The special game control means 120 starts the next unit game after the end of the current unit game if the number of continuations of the unit game has not reached the upper limit number in each special game. When the upper limit number of unit games is exhausted, the special game is terminated.

  The small hit game control means 121 becomes a lottery result indicating the transition to the small hit game by the winning / not-lotting means 112, and the small hit game is assumed that the small hit operation condition is established when the special symbol is stopped in a predetermined small hit mode. Execute. The small hit game is composed of one unit game. However, the big prize opening 66 is opened twice during one unit game. The opening time of the special winning opening 66 is less than a predetermined time (for example, 1.8 seconds) per opening. In this embodiment, it is set to 0.8 seconds. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the big winning opening 66 is opened for about 0.8 seconds in 2R jackpot, it is closed once so that one unit game is completed. For this reason, the special game with 2R jackpot is in the same manner of operation as the jackpot game. However, the small hit game is different from the 2R big hit constituted by two unit games in that it is constituted by one unit game.

  The specific game execution means 122 executes control for shifting the game state from the normal state to the specific game state, and control for returning the specific game state to the normal state. The specific game in the present embodiment has a probability change in which the winning probability of the winning / failing lottery is switched from a normal probability state to a high probability state, and a short time in which the symbol variation time is switched from a normal time to a short time. The probabilistic state continues until the next jackpot occurs. In the present embodiment, in the case of 15R jackpot, the probability change may or may not be started after the end of the special game, but the time reduction is always started. On the other hand, in the case of 2R jackpot, either the probability change or the time saving is started after the end of the special game. The former means the occurrence of sudden probability change (abruptness), and the latter means the occurrence of sudden shortening (hereinafter referred to as “the suddenness” as appropriate). Whether or not the 2R jackpot is a hit or a crash is identified by a special symbol 192 determined by the symbol determining means 114, but since a similar stop symbol is displayed for the decorative symbol 190 as described later, It is set so that the person cannot distinguish it simply by looking at the decorative symbol 190. In principle, the time reduction is continued until the number of changes in the special symbol after the special game reaches a predetermined number (also referred to as “continuation number”), for example, 100 times.

  The opening / closing control means 124 controls the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory at the start opening 62 and the special winning opening 66. When the normal symbol is stopped at a specific symbol, the opening / closing control unit 124 sends an opening instruction to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76 to open the start port 62. Further, the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening instruction to the special winning opening solenoid 80 during the special game, and opens the special winning opening 66. The opening / closing control means 124 executes an open extension that causes the expansion mechanism of the start port 62 to expand for a longer time than in the normal state in the probability change state after the 15R special game and in the short time state, but the probability change state after the 2R special game In the short-time state (that is, when a sudden occurrence occurs) (that is, when a sudden collision occurs), the extension is not performed. After the 15R special game, as a merit of normal probability change and time saving, the opening time of the start port 62 is lengthened so that the player can continue the game without reducing the possession. On the other hand, after a 2R special game, avoiding the player from easily recognizing the occurrence of a sudden or sudden collision with its open extension, that is, whether a small hit game or a 2R special game has occurred It is prevented from being recognized by the operation of. Note that the 2R special game generated during the normal probability change and time reduction after the 15R special game is maintained open extension in the probability change state and the time reduction state after the end. In the special game, the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening instruction to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76 to greatly open the starting port 62. In the small hit game, the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening instruction to the big prize opening solenoid 80 to open the big prize opening 66 for a predetermined short period of time.

  The effect pattern storage means 130 holds a plurality of effect patterns in which effect image contents to be displayed on the effect symbol display device 60 in the variation of the decorative symbol 190 and the display process thereof are determined. In the effect pattern, a plurality of change patterns in which a change process from start to stop and a change process in the change display of the decorative pattern 190 and a change process are defined, and a change display of the decorative pattern are displayed separately, and the degree of expectation to the jackpot A plurality of notice effect patterns that suggest height in advance are included.

  The fluctuation pattern displays a pattern for displaying a normal out symbol, a pattern for displaying a symbol out of reach after reaching a big win if one more symbols are aligned, and a jackpot symbol through a reach state. When the pattern is included. In particular, the pattern that passes through the reach state includes patterns having various fluctuation times. Each variation pattern has a variation time for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the symbol variation is stopped when the variation time elapses. The effect determining means 132 selects the variation pattern of the effect image having the same variation time as that of the special symbol according to the variation pattern of the special symbol. The effect determining means 132 selects a variation pattern with a short variation time so that the variation display time of the special symbol is substantially shortened during the short time.

  The effect determining means 132 determines the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols and their arrangement and variation pattern according to the result of the lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112, according to the stop symbol of the special symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol. The effect determining unit 132 sends information about the stop symbol of the decorative symbol and the variation pattern of the effect image to the effect display control unit 134.

  That is, the effect determining unit 132 determines the contents of the effect to be displayed on the effect symbol display device 60 in accordance with the result of the success / failure lottery received from the success / failure lottery unit 112 and the pattern notification received from the variation pattern determining unit 174. The effect determining unit 132 selects any one of a plurality of variation pattern data corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined by the variation pattern determining unit 174 and reads it from the effect pattern storage unit 130. The effect determination means 132 determines the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbol 190 based on the special symbol stop symbols determined by the symbol determination means 114. The effect determining unit 132 holds a symbol range table to be referred to in order to determine a stop symbol of a decorative symbol and a pattern table to be referred to in order to determine a variation pattern.

  The decorative symbol stop symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols. In the case where the determination result by the winner / rejection lottery means 112 is a 15R jackpot indicating a shift to a normal special game, a combination of three symbols such as “111” and “222” is selected. In this case, it is preferable that the same numbers as the special symbols are selected as the numbers arranged as the decorative symbols. For example, when the special symbol is “3”, the decorative symbol is “333”. If the jackpot is accompanied by a transition to probability change after a special game, a number for probability change is selected. For example, when an odd symbol is set as a symbol for probability change, the decorative symbol is “555”, “777”, or the like. In the case where the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 indicates that the game does not shift to the special game, a combination that does not have three symbols such as “312” and “946” is selected. However, if the determination result is that the game does not shift to a special game, and a variation pattern of a special symbol indicating a loss with reach is selected, only one such as “191” or “727” is selected. Select a combination that does not have the same pattern.

  Further, in this embodiment, a common symbol is set that is displayed when the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is 2R big hit and small hit. If the decision result is a 2R big win indicating a shift to a special special game, and if the decision result is a small win indicating a shift to a small hit game, the decorative symbol is a single number. “135” and “246” are selected. That is, when the result of the winning / not-winning lottery is 2R big win or small win, the open mode of the big winning opening 66 is the same, and the stop symbol of the decorative symbol 190 is also set the same. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to determine whether the player is 2R big hit or small hit. In addition, as described above, whether the 2R jackpot has a certainty or a sudden time cannot be determined from the stop symbol of the decorative symbol 190.

  The notice effect pattern is an effect pattern for temporarily displaying an image, animation, video, or the like of a specific character or motif, or an effect pattern for outputting a specific sound. The effect by the notice effect pattern is executed in parallel with the symbol variation, and suggests in advance that the symbol variation is highly expected to stop in the big hit mode. For example, there are a normal notice effect in which only one character image is displayed on the screen, and a group notice effect in which a large number of characters are displayed so as to pass from one end to the other end of the screen. Further, the display process of the notice effect is divided into a plurality of stages, and the number of stages to be displayed is variable, and a step-up notice effect that is set such that the higher the number of stages is, the higher the expectation for the big hit is included.

  The notice effect pattern includes a pattern in which the effect is executed at a timing after the display form of the decorative symbol 190 reaches the reach state and the final stop state of the symbol is notified, and no decorative symbol 190 is stopped. There is a pattern in which the performance is executed at the timing and the reach is reached at the same time.

  The effect determining means 132 determines whether or not to display the notice effect on the effect symbol display device 60 according to the result of the success / failure lottery, and determines the notice effect pattern to be displayed. The effect determining means 132 holds a notice determination table that should be referred to in order to determine whether or not to display the notice effect, and a notice type table that should be referred to when selecting the type of the notice effect pattern. The notice decision table is set so that different columns are referred to depending on the result of the lottery, and if the lottery is a win, the notice lottery will be displayed with a higher probability than if it was missed. Correspondence between whether to display the result and the notice effect is determined. Thereby, the high expectation degree to the jackpot can be suggested by displaying the notice effect itself.

  The effect display control unit 134 causes the effect symbol display device 60 to variably display the effect image according to the selected variation pattern data as a result of the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery unit 112. The effect display control means 134 causes the effect symbol display device 60 to display the notice effect according to the selected notice effect pattern when the effect determining means 132 decides to display the notice effect. The effect display control means 134 further controls effect processing such as lighting and extinguishing of the game effect lamp 90 and sound output from the speaker 18.

  In accordance with the instruction received from the effect display control means 134, the accessory control means 136 operates the movable accessory 140 in an effect manner in accordance with the effect contents in the effect symbol display device 60 and the blinking process of the game effect lamp 90.

Here, the selection method of the special pattern selection table in the variation pattern determination means 174 will be specifically described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the definition of a small section in the special game set in the variation pattern determining means 174. As shown in FIG. “Section 1” in the figure starts when the opening / closing control means 124 sends the first opening instruction to the big prize opening solenoid 80, and the opening / closing control means 124 gives the first closing instruction to the big winning opening solenoid 80. This is the period that ends when it is sent out. “Section 2” starts when the opening / closing control means 124 sends the first closing instruction to the big winning opening solenoid 80, and the opening / closing control means 124 sends the second opening instruction to the big winning opening solenoid 80. It is a period that ends in time. “Section 3” starts when the opening / closing control means 124 sends a second opening instruction to the big winning opening solenoid 80, and the opening / closing control means 124 sends a second closing instruction to the big winning opening solenoid 80. It is a period that ends in time. “Section 4” is a period in which the opening / closing control means 124 starts when the second closing instruction is sent to the prize winning solenoid 80, and the elapse of a predetermined time from the second closing instruction is sent. is there.

  As described above, since the opening time of the special winning opening 66 is 0.8 seconds in the special game, the interval from the opening instruction to the closing instruction is 0.8 seconds. Further, it takes about 0.2 seconds from when the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening / closing instruction to the big winning opening solenoid 80 until the big winning opening solenoid 80 completes opening / closing. Therefore, the time during which the game ball can enter the big winning opening 66 in the sections 1 and 3 is about 0.6 seconds, and the time during which the game ball can enter the big winning opening 66 in the sections 2 and 4 is about 0.2 seconds. That is, the entrance ease in the section 1 and the section 3 with respect to the sections 2 and 4 is about three times.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a determination table that is referred to when a pattern selection table is selected after the special game ends. In the figure, a plurality of special game entry ball conditions are associated with a pattern selection table that is selected when each special game entry ball condition is satisfied. “−” In the special game entry condition indicates that there is no special condition, that is, the number of entries is not limited. In this example, it is assumed that the average variation time of the normal pattern selection table is 15 seconds.

  In the example of FIG. 5, when one ball is entered in each of the special game sections 2 and 4, or when five or more balls are entered in the whole special game period, the variation pattern determining means 174 selects the special pattern. Select table “A”. In the special pattern selection table “A”, the special table reference period is limited to 50 symbol variations. In addition, a plurality of variation patterns are aggregated so that many variation patterns with a variation time of about 5 seconds are selected so that the average variation time is 5 seconds shorter than the normal pattern selection table. For example, in the special pattern selection table “A”, more variation patterns having a variation time of about 5 seconds may be held than other variation patterns. In addition, the probability that a variation pattern with a variation time of around 5 seconds is selected may be set higher than other variation patterns. Of course, only one variation pattern with a variation time of 5 seconds may be included. Since the opening time of the special winning opening 66 in the special game is short, and particularly the opening time in the section 2 and the section 4 is short, the difficulty level of the special game entry condition is high. Therefore, a special pattern selection table having a high variation efficiency of symbol variation, that is, advantageous for the player, is selected as a benefit satisfying the special game entry condition of high difficulty.

  When one ball is entered in each of the special game sections 1 and 3, or when three or more balls are entered during the entire period of the special game, the variation pattern determining means 174 selects the special pattern selection table “B”. To do. In this special pattern selection table “B”, the special table reference period is limited to 50 symbol variations. In addition, a plurality of variation patterns are aggregated so that many variation patterns with a variation time of around 10 seconds are selected so that the average variation time is 10 seconds shorter than the normal pattern selection table. That is, the special game entry condition is associated with the special pattern selection table in which the variation efficiency of the symbol variation is reduced by the amount that is easier to satisfy than the special game entry condition of the special pattern selection table “A” described above. ing.

  When no ball has entered during the entire period of the special game, the variation pattern determination means 174 selects the special pattern selection table “C”. This special pattern selection table “C” has a special table reference period limited to 30 symbol variations, and the average variation time is 15 seconds, the same as the normal pattern selection table. However, variation patterns that cause the effect symbol display device 60 to execute special effects not selected in the normal pattern selection table are collected. In other words, since this special game entry condition is relatively easy, the variation efficiency of symbol variation is the same as that of the normal pattern selection table, but there is a special advantage that the player can see special effects. It is associated with the pattern selection table.

  If none of the above-mentioned special game entry conditions are satisfied and one or more balls enter during the entire period of the special game, the variation pattern determination means 174 maintains the normal pattern selection table. In other words, none of the multiple types of special pattern selection tables is selected. In this case, the variation pattern of the symbol after the end of the special game is the same as the variation pattern before the start of the special game.

  In the above example, it is assumed that the number of balls entered “1 or more” is easier to realize than the number of balls entered “00” in the special winning opening 66 during the special game. This is because, as described above, the transition to the special game is notified to the player by the stop pattern of the decorative symbols, and it is assumed that the notified player aims to enter the big winning opening 66. Because. When it is assumed that the number of balls entered “0” is easier than the number of balls entered “1 or more” in the special winning opening 66 during the special game, the special pattern is used when the number of balls entered is “1 or more”. When the selection table “C” is selected and the number of balls entered is “0”, the normal pattern selection table may be maintained. Further, there may be only one special pattern selection table. In this case, the variation pattern determining means 174 may use the special pattern selection table as a table to be referred to when the symbols change if there is a ball entering the big winning opening 66 in the special game. You may switch to.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a basic operation process in the pachinko gaming machine.
First, processing is performed when the game ball has won the start port 62, the general winning port 72, the big winning port 66, or the like, or when the game ball has passed the operation port 68 (S10). If a normal game is being played (Y in S12), a normal game control process such as symbol variation is executed (S14), and a small hit game control process is executed (S15). If it is not in a normal game (N in S12), a special game control process is executed (S16). After the processing from S14 to S16, a prize ball payout according to various winnings in S10 is processed (S18). Note that the special game of S16 and the small hit game of S15 are not executed at the same time, and when one is executed, the other is avoided.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. In the normal game control process, if the winning / losing lottery value is being held (Y in S30) and the symbol variation is not being displayed (N in S32), the winning / losing lottery means 112 executes the determining process. (S34), the variation pattern determination means 174 executes the pattern selection table switching process as appropriate (S35). Then, the variable display start process is executed according to the determination result and the determined pattern selection table (S36). If the winning / losing lottery value is not held in S30 (N in S30), the processing from S32 to S36 is skipped, and if the symbol variation is being displayed in S32 (Y in S32), S34 to S36. Processing up to is skipped. Subsequently, if the symbol variation display has already been started (Y in S38), the variation display process is executed (S40). If the symbol variation display has not been started (N in S38), S40 is skipped.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the success / failure determination process of S34 in FIG.
The success / failure lottery means 112 reads the success / failure lottery value (S42), and determines the success / failure based on the success / failure lottery value (S44).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern selection table switching process of S35 in FIG.
The variation pattern determining means 174 refers to the special pattern selection table (Y in S102), and when the special table reference period associated with the special pattern selection table has been exceeded (Y in S104). The pattern selection table is switched to the normal pattern selection table (S106). If the normal pattern selection table is being referenced (N in S102), or if it is within the special table reference period of the special pattern selection table being referenced (N in S104), S106 is skipped. Next, the variation pattern determination means 174 specifies the status of entering the big winning opening 66 in the special game, that is, the timing of entering the ball and the number of balls in the first symbol variation after the special game (Y in S108) ( S110). When the entry situation matches the special game entry condition and the pattern selection table needs to be switched (Y in S112), the variation pattern determination means 174 switches the referenced pattern selection table to the special pattern selection table (S114). ). If it is not the first symbol variation after the special game (N in S108), S110 to S114 are skipped, and if switching of the pattern selection table is not required (N in S112), S114 is skipped.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the variation display start process of S36 in FIG.
The symbol determination means 114 determines a special symbol stop symbol based on the determination result (S46). The variation pattern determination means 174 selects a variation pattern of the special symbol with reference to the pattern selection table (S48). The effect determination means 132 determines the stop symbol combination of the decorative symbols based on the determination result and the special symbol (S50), and selects the variation pattern of the decorative symbol according to the variation pattern of the special symbol (S52). Then, the main display control means 118 starts the fluctuation display according to the decided fluctuation pattern, transmits a fluctuation start command to the effect display control means 134, and the effect display control means 134 that has received the command displays the fluctuation pattern data. Accordingly, the display of the effect image is started (S54).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the variation display process of S40 in FIG.
When the symbol variation display has already been started, when the predetermined variation time has elapsed and the symbol display stop timing is reached (Y in S61), the symbol variation being displayed is stopped (S62). If the time is short (Y in S63) and the result of the lottery is not a big hit (N in S64), the number of changes is incremented (S65), and if the number of changes reaches the set number (Y in S66), The time saving is terminated (S68). If the number of fluctuations has not reached the set number (N in S66), S68 is skipped. The “set number” here is, in principle, 100 times, which is the number of short-time continuations after a special game. During a time reduction (Y in S63), if a big hit is made (Y in S64), the game shifts to a special game (S67), and the time reduction ends (S68). If the time is not short (N in S63), the processing from S64 to S68 is skipped. If the symbol display stop timing has not been reached (N in S61), the processing of S62 and after is skipped and the flow of this figure is terminated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the small hit game control process of S15 in FIG.
When the winning / losing lottery is a small win (Y in S91), a small win game, which is a unit game with the opening of the big winning opening 66, is executed. That is, if the small hit game has not yet started (N in S92), the small hit game is started, and the opening / closing control means 124 opens the big winning opening 66 twice (S93). In a predetermined area on the RAM, there are set a pitch number counter for counting the number of balls entered to the big winning opening 66 and a pitch timing holding area for storing the timing of the winning. The big winning opening opened at this time is set. Each time there is a ball entering 66, the count value is updated, and the ball timing is recorded. The count value and entrance timing are used when selecting the pattern setting table after the small hit game, and are read and cleared after the selection. If the small hit game has been started (Y in S92), S93 is skipped. If a small hit has not occurred in S91 (N in S91), S92 and S93 are skipped and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game control process of S16 in FIG. First, if the big prize opening 66 has not been opened (N in S70), the production display control means 134 starts the special game production process (S72), and the open / close control means 124 opens the special prize opening 66 (S74). ). At this time, if the game is a 2R special game, the count value of the table determination counter for recording the number of entered balls is updated every time there is a entered ball in the grand prize opening 66 opened at this time, and the entered ball The entrance timing is recorded in the timing holding area. The count value and the entrance timing are used when selecting the pattern selection table after the 2R special game, and are read and cleared after the selection. In the case of 15R special game, the table determination counter and the data update to the entrance timing holding area are not performed. If the big winning opening 66 has been opened, S72 and S74 are skipped (Y in S70). When the set opening time has elapsed after the grand prize opening 66 is opened (Y in S76), or when the opening time has not elapsed (N in S76), nine game balls enter the big winning opening 66 When the player has entered the ball (Y in S78), the opening / closing control means 124 closes the special winning opening 66 (S80). If the opening time has not elapsed (N in S76) and the number of balls entered into the grand prize winning opening 66 has not reached nine or more (N in S78), the processing after S80 is skipped and the flow of S16 Exit.

  If the unit game has reached the final round after closing the big prize opening 66 in S80 (Y in S82), the effect display control means 134 ends the effect processing of the special game (S84), and the special game control means 120 The special game is terminated (S86). In the case of 15R special game, 15 rounds are the final round, and in the case of 2R special game, 2 rounds are the final round. The specific game execution means 122 starts execution of the specific game (S88). Here, when the 15R special game ends, the time is shifted to a shorter time even within the referable period of the special pattern selection table. That is, priority is given to the setting of the 15R special game. When the 2R special game is finished, if it is sudden, the process shifts to certain change, and if it is a collision, the process shifts to short time. If the final round has not been reached (N in S82), 1 is added to the number of rounds and the flow in S16 is terminated (S90).

  According to the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the timing and the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 66 in the 2R special game as a special game and the small hit game are specified. Then, switching of the pattern selection table is executed according to the difficulty level of the special game entry conditions satisfied by the entry timing and the number of entries. In particular, the higher the difficulty level of the special game entry condition is, the more the player can switch to the special pattern selection table that is more advantageous for the player. Thereby, a novel gameability is provided to the player. In addition, the technical intervention of the player, such as launching a game ball with the aim of entering the grand prize opening 66 during special games, is enhanced, and the interest rate is enhanced, and the operating rate of the gaming machine is also improved.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. is there. Below, the modification is described.

  A first modification will be described. In the above embodiment, four small sections in the special game are specified based on the timing at which the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening / closing instruction to the special winning opening solenoid 80. In a modified example, another timing may be used as a reference in addition to or instead of the above timing, and more or fewer subsections may be specified. The other timing may be when the winning / losing lottery means 112 determines that a special game, that is, winning a 2R big hit or a small win. Further, the special game control means 120 may start when the 2R special game process is started, or the small hit game control means 121 may start the small hit game process. Further, it may be when an elapse of a predetermined time from a specific start time is detected in a timer (not shown).

  A second modification will be described. In the above embodiment, the pattern setting table is switched according to the state of entering the big winning opening 66 in the special game. In the modification, a state suggestion flag that suggests to the player the gaming state after the special game may be appropriately associated with the special pattern selection table as the switching destination. Here, the game state after the special game is a probability change / short time when the special game is a 2R special game, and is a normal game when the special game is a small hit game.

Here, the operation when the pattern selection table referred to by the variation pattern determination means 174 is switched to the special pattern selection table associated with the state suggestion flag is exemplified.
(1) The variation pattern determination means 174 instructs the player control means 136 to turn on the game effect lamp 90 in a predetermined manner or operate the movable accessory 140 in a predetermined manner, thereby The game state is suggested.
(2) The variation pattern determination unit 174 selects a variation pattern of a special symbol for suggesting a gaming state, and sends a pattern notification including a state suggestion flag to the effect determination unit 132. The effect determining unit 132 selects a decorative pattern variation pattern for suggesting a gaming state.
(3) The variation pattern determination unit 174 sends a pattern notification including a state suggestion flag to the main display control unit 118 and the effect determination unit 132. The main display control means 118 displays the special symbols in a manner that suggests the gaming state after the special game. The effect determining means 132 displays the decorative symbols in a manner that suggests the gaming state after the special game in the effect display control means 134.

  In the state suggestion flag, a ratio indicating the gaming state after the special game to the player (hereinafter, referred to as “suggesting execution ratio” as appropriate) may be set. The variation pattern determination unit 174 may execute the suggestion operation according to the suggestion execution ratio. Similarly, the effect display control means 134 may execute the suggestion operation according to the suggestion execution ratio. For example, if the suggested execution rate is 100%, the suggested action is always executed, and if the suggested action rate is 50%, the suggested action is executed with a probability of 50% for each symbol variation, and the suggested action rate is 0%. Do not always perform suggested actions. In addition, the suggestion execution ratio matched with the special pattern selection table selected at that time may be set high, so that the difficulty of the special game entrance ball conditions satisfied in the special game is high.

  According to this modified example, it is possible to provide the player with a novel game characteristic in that the suggestion effect of the game state after the special game is different depending on the state of entering the big winning opening in the special game. In addition, the ratio of the implied effects being implemented depends on the difficulty level of the special game entry conditions satisfied in the special game, so that the game becomes more innovative and the technical intervention of the player increases. Can enhance the interest of the people.

  A third modification will be described. Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, a flag may be set for determining that it is after a special game, that is, that a special game has been executed, and may be used as a trigger for a pattern selection table selection process. . For example, this is set as a “special game post-flag” in a predetermined area on the RAM, and the special game control means 120 and the small hit game control means 121 are turned on when the special game is started or ended. Good. Then, the variation pattern determination means 174 may refer to the post-special game flag when selecting the pattern selection table and select the special pattern selection table on the condition that it is turned on. In this case, the special pattern selection table may be referred to after the special game regardless of whether or not the special winning opening 66 is entered during the special game. This special post-game flag may be turned off when switching or maintenance of the pattern selection table is determined.

  A fourth modification will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the referenceable period is associated with each of the plural types of special pattern selection tables in advance. Then, a special pattern selection table to be referred to after the end of the special game is selected in accordance with the timing of entering and the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 66 in the special game. In the modified example, the special pattern selection table is selected according to the timing of entering the big prize opening 66 in the special game, and the referenceable period is selected according to the number of balls entered into the big prize opening 66 in the special game. Also good. On the contrary, the special pattern selection table may be selected according to the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 66 in the special game, and the referable period may be selected according to the timing of entering the big winning hole 66 in the special game. . The above-mentioned entry timing may be a timing at which a game ball first enters after the grand prize winning opening 66 is expanded. Alternatively, when the special game period is divided into a plurality of small sections in advance, a game ball may have entered a predetermined small section to be prioritized among the plurality of small sections. That is, the special pattern selection table and the referable period may not be associated with each other in advance, and may be independently determined based on each determination algorithm. According to this modified example, according to the game situation in a special game, the combinations of the special pattern selection table and the referable period that are referred to after the special game become more diverse, and a novel game can be realized.

  A fifth modification will be described. Each of the special pattern selection tables may be stored in each special pattern selection table so as to be associated with a variation pattern having different jackpots so that the process of jackpot, typically up to 15R jackpots is different. For example, in the first special pattern selection table, only normal reach variation patterns associated with jackpots and variation patterns that do not reach reach may be collected. Further, in the second special pattern selection table, only the variation pattern of the super reach associated with the jackpot, the variation pattern of the normal reach associated with the loss and the variation pattern that does not reach the reach state may be aggregated. When the first special pattern selection table is selected, the jackpot is determined if the state of normal reach is reached in the symbol variation. On the other hand, when the second special pattern selection table is selected, if a state of super reach is reached in symbol variation, typically, if the normal reach develops into super reach, the jackpot is determined. According to this modification, it is possible to provide a novel gameplay that is different from that in normal times, that is, when the normal pattern selection table is used. For example, when the first special pattern selection table is selected, the player can recognize the jackpot acquisition when reaching the reach state. Further, when the second special pattern selection table is selected, the player can recognize the jackpot acquisition when the player enters the super reach state. In other words, the player can recognize the jackpot at the normal time when the symbol variation ends, but when the special pattern selection table of this modification is selected, it can be recognized in the middle of the symbol variation, and there is a sharpness different from the normal time You can enjoy the game.

  A sixth modification will be described. In the above embodiment, the number of times the special winning opening 66 was opened in the special game was 2, and the opening time was 0.8 seconds per opening. In a modified example, the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 66 may be different from the embodiment. For example, in small wins and special special games, the grand opening 66 is opened three times, the first opening time is 0.3 seconds, the second opening time is 0.5 seconds, and the third opening time is It may be 0.7 seconds. In this example, the ease of entering the big winning opening 66 is as follows: first opening <second opening <third opening. Accordingly, various combinations of the opening timing when the ball is entered and the pattern selection table to be selected are realized based on the ease of entering each ball. In other words, according to this modification, the range of games played by the player in special games can be further expanded, and novel gameplay can be realized.

  A seventh modification will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a conventional type 1 pachinko gaming machine has been shown, but the present invention can also be applied to other types of gaming machines having the function of the first type pachinko gaming machine. For example, the present invention can be applied to a multi-function machine in which a plurality of first type pachinko gaming machines are mixed. In addition, a complex that provides a game corresponding to a special game in the first type pachinko gaming machine as the first special game, and a game corresponding to a special game in the second type pachinko game machine as the second special game. It can also be applied to the machine.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the pachinko game machine in an Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows the definition of the small area in the special game set to the fluctuation pattern determination means. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the determination table referred when selecting a pattern selection table after completion | finish of a special game. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement process in a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the success / failure determination process of S34 in FIG. 7 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the pattern selection table switching process of S35 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation display start process of S36 in FIG. 7 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation display process of S40 in FIG. 7 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the small hit game control process of S15 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special game control process of S16 in FIG. 6 in detail.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko gaming machine, 110 Entry determination means, 112 Win / fail lottery means, 114 Symbol determination means, 118 Main display control means, 120 Special game control means, 121 Small hit game control means, 122 Specific game execution means, 124 Opening / closing control means , 130 effect pattern storage means, 132 effect determination means, 134 effect display control means, 172 fluctuation pattern storage means, 174 fluctuation pattern determination means, 176 condition holding means, 178 special game operation condition holding means, 180 small hit game operation condition holding means.

Claims (6)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start prize opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area, into which a game ball can enter;
Triggering lottery means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by entering the starting winning opening,
A special symbol display device in which a special symbol which is a symbol for indicating the result of the success / failure lottery is variably displayed;
A variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of pattern selection tables in which a correspondence relationship between a variation pattern in which the variation process of the special symbol is defined and a lottery value for determining the variation pattern is defined;
A variation pattern determining means for selecting the variation pattern with reference to any one of the plurality of pattern selection tables according to a gaming state;
A grand prize opening that is released when the result of the winning / failing lottery was a win,
Special game operation condition storage means for storing a special game operation condition as a condition for shifting to a normal special game in which the special winning opening is opened for a predetermined time or more;
Special game operation condition storage means for storing a special game operation condition as a condition for transitioning to a special game in which the special winning opening is opened for less than the predetermined time;
Special game control means for executing the normal special game when the special game operation condition is satisfied as a result of the success / failure lottery indicating the transition to the normal special game;
Special game control means for executing the special game when the special game operation condition is satisfied as a result of the success / failure lottery indicating a transition to the special game;
A ball entry detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the grand prize opening opened in the special game,
The success / failure lottery means and the variation pattern determination means are provided in a main control device that controls the progress of the game,
The variation pattern determining means selects any one of the plurality of pattern selection tables according to the timing of entering a game ball into the grand prize opening in the special game, and selects the pattern selection table to be referred to. A ball game machine characterized by switching to the selected pattern selection table. The variation pattern storage unit stores, as the plurality of pattern selection tables, a normal pattern selection table that is referred to in normal time and one or more special pattern selection tables in which a correspondence relationship different from the normal pattern selection table is defined. And
The variation pattern determining means selects one of the one or more special pattern selection tables in accordance with the timing of the game ball entering the special winning opening in the special game, and selects a pattern selection table to be referred to. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the ball game machine is switched to the selected special pattern selection table.   3. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the one or more special pattern selection tables are defined so that an average variation time of a variation pattern defined for each special pattern selection table is different. The variation patterns are classified into a plurality of systems according to the production contents,
4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the variation pattern storage means stores one or more special pattern selection tables in which variation patterns classified into the same system are respectively aggregated.   The variation pattern determining means divides the period of the special game into a plurality of small sections, and selects one of the plurality of pattern selection tables according to the timing of entering the game ball into the big winning opening in each of the small sections. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ball game machine is selected.   The variation pattern determining means selects any one of the plurality of pattern selection tables in accordance with a relationship between a game ball entering timing and the number of balls entered into the big winning opening in the special game. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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