JP5251750B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

  In a pachinko machine, a random number is acquired and stored (held) by entering a game ball into the starting port, and if the number of holds is 1 or more, a determination of success / failure is made using the held random number and a special symbol To start the variable display and digest the hold. When the determination result is a big hit, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol to generate a big hit state. When the number of reserved special symbols reaches the upper limit, the player may stop (stop) the launch of the game ball, resulting in a problem that the operating rate of the gaming machine decreases. In response to such a problem, there has been proposed a gaming machine that switches to holding a different type of symbol when a game ball enters the start opening exceeding the upper limit value for the special symbol (see Patent Document 1). ).

  There is also known a gaming machine that is provided with a fixed start port and a movable start port (switchable between an open state and a closed state) and two types of special symbols corresponding to each start port (Patent Document 1). reference). According to the configuration of Patent Document 1, during a normal game in which the opening time extension function for extending the opening time of the movable start opening does not operate, a game ball mainly enters the fixed start opening, and the opening time extension function During operation, it is easy for a game ball to enter the movable start port. For this reason, during the normal game, the game is performed mainly by the first special symbol corresponding to the fixed start port. Further, when the open time extension function is activated, a game with the second special symbol corresponding to the movable start port can be performed.

JP 2008-148731 A

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when the hold of the first special symbol reaches the upper limit during the normal game, the player has a tendency to stop the game (stop the launch of the game ball). That is, even if the second special symbol is provided, it is difficult to enter the movable start opening during normal games, so the player often dislikes useless loss and stops firing the game ball.

  In addition, since the second special symbol enters the movable start opening that is in the open state, the variable display condition tends to be less than the first special symbol. It was. For this reason, the existence significance of the second special symbol was low.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention provides a game machine in which different special symbols are displayed in a variable manner corresponding to each of the two starting ports, and even after the first special symbol hold reaches the upper limit, The primary purpose is to continue firing. A second object is to increase the significance of the existence of the second special symbol.

To achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention, when the game ball has ball entrance gaming ball to first start hole capable input spheres, first symbol variation information acquisition means for acquiring a first symbol variation information When,
First fluctuation information storage means for storing the first symbol fluctuation information acquired by the first symbol fluctuation information acquisition means;
The second symbol variation information is acquired when the game ball enters the variable second starting port that changes between a closed state where the game ball is difficult to enter and an open state where the game ball is easy to enter. A second symbol variation information acquisition means;
Second fluctuation information storage means for storing the second symbol fluctuation information acquired by the second symbol fluctuation information acquisition means;
When the first symbol variation information is stored by the first variation information storage means, the first symbol variation start determination is executed using the first symbol variation information, and the first symbol variation start determination is performed. The first symbol variation used in the first symbol variation start determination in the first variation information storage means is displayed after the first symbol is variably displayed on the first symbol display unit according to the result of A first symbol display control means for erasing information;
When the second symbol variation information is stored by the second variation information storage means, the second symbol variation start determination is executed using the second symbol variation information, and the second symbol variation start determination is performed. In accordance with the result of the above, the second symbol display unit variably displays the second symbol and then stops the display, and the second variation information storage means uses the second symbol variation used in the second symbol variation start determination. A second symbol display control means for erasing the information;
A jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game advantageous to the player when the first symbol or the second symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined jackpot symbol;
An open frequency improving means for generating an open frequency improving state for improving the frequency at which the second start port is in the open state after the jackpot game is ended;
When the number of the first symbol variation information stored in the first variation information storage means reaches a predetermined upper limit number, and a game ball enters the first start port, the progress of the game A determination means for determining whether to acquire the second symbol variation information according to:
The determination means obtains the second symbol variation information to obtain the second symbol variation information without entering the second starting port, and stores the second variation information storage means in the second variation information storage means. And a fluctuation information conversion means for executing a fluctuation information conversion process for acquiring and storing the second symbol fluctuation information.

  The “first symbol variation information” and “second symbol variation information” are information for specifying the variation result and variation contents of the corresponding symbol. "Random number for use", "Big hit symbol determination random number" that identifies the type of jackpot, "Reach random number" that specifies whether or not reach variation occurs during symbol variation, and "Variation time (variation pattern)" that identifies symbol variation display time Random number "etc. are mentioned. The “determination at the start of first symbol variation” is, for example, whether or not the symbol is determined based on the first symbol variation information at the start of variation of the first symbol, symbol determination processing, etc. "" Is, for example, a success / failure determination process or a symbol determination process performed based on the second symbol variation information at the start of variation of the second symbol. Further, the “game progress status” includes the game status at that time, the symbol variation state at that time, the status of the number of each symbol variation information stored (the number of holds), and the like.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, whether or not the second symbol variation information is acquired by the game ball entering the first starting port after the stored number of the first symbol variation information reaches the upper limit value. By appropriately determining according to the progress status and acquiring and storing the second symbol variation information based on the determination result, the variation display of the second symbol can be performed without entering the second starting port. As a result, even when the number of stored first symbol variation information reaches the upper limit value, it is possible to give meaning to the first start opening and the number of stored first symbol variation information reaches the upper limit value. It is possible to prevent the player from stopping (stopping) the launch of the game ball.

  In addition, since the second special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the second symbol variation information acquired according to the determination result, there are many opportunities to execute the variation display of the second special symbol, and the existence significance of the second special symbol is increased. Can be increased.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the first symbol variation information is stored in the first variation information storage means, and the second symbol variation information is stored in the second variation information storage means. A second symbol priority changing means for displaying the variation of the second symbol in preference to the variation of the first symbol;
The jackpot game executed in response to the stop display of the second symbol is different from the jackpot game executed in response to the stop display of the first symbol,
When the determination means continuously displays the variation of the second symbol by performing the determination of acquiring the second symbol variation information in a state where the opening frequency of the second start port is not improved. Is characterized in that determination is made not to acquire the second symbol variation information.

  In recent years, the profit given to the player is made different between the first symbol and the second symbol, and the second symbol is variably displayed in preference to the first symbol. There is a gaming machine that realizes a “gameability that makes the profits obtained in a state where the game is improved (opening frequency improved state) different from normal”. In such a gaming machine, a configuration is adopted in which the second symbol variation information is acquired by the game ball entering the first starting port after the number of stored first symbol variation information (holding number) reaches the upper limit. Then, there is a possibility that the second symbol variation information may be acquired more than necessary. In this case, in addition to the release frequency improvement state, the second symbol variation display frequently occurs. It becomes a factor that hinders the “gameability that makes profits different from usual”.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in the state where the opening frequency of the second start port is not improved (during normal game), the change display of the second symbol is performed by performing the determination to acquire the second symbol change information. When continuously performed, the determination means determines that the second symbol variation information is not acquired, so that it is possible to prevent the second symbol from being continuously displayed in a variable manner during a normal game. For this reason, it is possible to effectively realize the gameability intended by the designer, such as making the profit obtained in the open frequency improved state different from that in the normal game.

In addition, in the gaming machine of the reference invention disclosed in the present specification, whether or not the determination means acquires the second symbol variation information in a state where the opening frequency of the second start port is not improved. A determination number storage means for storing the number of acquisition determinations for which
The variation information conversion means is in a state where the opening frequency of the second start port is improved, and the number of the second symbol variation information stored in the second variation information storage means is less than a predetermined number. In this case, the second symbol variation information is acquired according to the acquisition determination number stored in the determination number storage means.

  In this way, when the number of stored first symbol variation information reaches the upper limit, even if a game ball enters the first start port, the acquisition of the second symbol variation information is performed in an open frequency improving state. Even when the number of stored first symbol variation information reaches the upper limit, the player can be prevented from stopping (stopping) the launch of the game ball.

  In addition, even if the game nail adjustment that makes it difficult to enter the second starting port is made in spite of the improved release frequency, the variation display of the second symbol is appropriately displayed in accordance with the stored number of acquisition determinations. It can be performed, and the original playability in the state where the opening frequency is improved can be effectively realized.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine provided with two symbols corresponding to the two start ports, it is possible to suppress the player's prevention of game ball launch and to increase the significance of the second special symbol.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main job. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st start opening prize process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd start opening prize process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st start opening prize process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd start opening prize process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st special symbol fluctuation | variation display process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd special symbol fluctuation | variation display process of 2nd Example.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot game is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is started as a trigger. A first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The outer frame 2 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is fitted inside the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 includes a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part. Note that the game board 20 is detachably attached to the frame body portion (the middle frame 3). The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit.

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4. Lamps such as LEDs (not shown) are provided around the game board 20 in the front frame 4. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking as the game progresses in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish part 5 includes a dish outer edge part 5a, a discharge port 5b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and a ball release button 5c for discharging the game balls of the upper dish part 5 to the lower dish part 6. It has. On the upper surface of the dish outer edge portion 5a, an effect button 5d (one mode of operation means), a ball lending button 5e, and the like are provided. The effect button 5d is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the outer edge 5a of the dish, and moves downward when the player presses it, and upwards by elastic means (for example, a spring member) (not shown) by releasing the press. It is configured as a moving push button.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 6 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate portion 6. An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means (contact detection sensor) for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 10a to 10d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 10 a to 10 d are composed of upper speakers 10 a and 10 b provided at the upper part of the gaming machine 1 and lower speakers 10 c and 10 d provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1. Further, a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33, a starting port 28, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, and a first decorative member. 50, game devices such as the second decorative member 60 are disposed. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In the present embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area of the effect display device 25.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operating gate 27, a normal symbol operating gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, the normal symbol starts to fluctuate.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first starting port 28a is configured as a fixed starting port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, so that the game ball can always enter the game. It has become. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable starter that changes. The second start port 28b is in an open state with a high probability of entering by opening a pair of blade pieces, and in a normal state with a low possibility of entering by closing a pair of blade pieces (incoming balls) Including an impossible closed state). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Thus, since the second start port 28b is unlikely to enter the ball in the normal state, the first start time is mainly the first during the normal game when the open time extending function for extending the open time of the second start port 28b is not activated. A game ball enters the start port 28a. On the other hand, when the opening time extension function is activated, the chance that the second start port 28b is opened increases, so that a game ball mainly enters the second start port 28a. For this reason, during the normal game, the game progresses mainly with the first special symbol, and when the open time extension function is activated, the game progresses mainly with the second special symbol.

  Inside the start port 28, a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 3) for operating a pair of wing pieces. Is provided. The start opening ball detection switch 28s includes two types of switches: a switch that detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 28a, and a switch that detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 28b. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces of the second starting port 28b are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second starting port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second starting port 28b It becomes an open state where the possibility of entering the ball is increased. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced (or entry is impossible). As the game balls enter the start ports 28a and 28b, the special symbols described later start to fluctuate.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 3) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 3) for detecting an incoming game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs. By combining these LEDs, a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, a first special symbol hold display unit 53, and a second special symbol are provided. A hold display unit 54 is configured. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a first special symbol display portion 61 and a second special symbol display portion 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and after a predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits and stops display in the normal symbol display mode or the dismissed normal symbol display mode. Is done. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second).

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. This random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is used determines whether or not the second starting port 28b is activated when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. This is used to determine whether or not a normal symbol is appropriate. The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. When it is determined to be a winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the winning normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done. Note that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is correct and the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. The normal symbol holding and holding digest are performed by the main control unit 200 described later. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. The 1st special symbol display part 61 and the 2nd special symbol display part 62 are each comprised from seven LED, and a special symbol is displayed by these LED. Each of the LEDs constituting the special symbol display sections 61 and 62 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of special symbol display modes can be displayed by a combination of turning on and off of the LEDs. Of the combinations of special symbols displayed by the seven LEDs, a specific combination is set as a hit special symbol (big hit symbol), and a portion other than the hit special symbol is set off as a special symbol (off symbol). ing. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off. In this embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols are set, and specifically, “probable variation jackpot symbol” and “normal jackpot symbol” are set as described later.

  In the first special symbol display unit 61, when the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, the first special symbol starts to fluctuate, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. The In the second special symbol display unit 62, when the game ball enters the second start port 28b, the second special symbol starts to change, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. The The 1st special symbol of the 1st special symbol display part 61 and the 2nd special symbol of the 2nd special symbol display part 62 are constituted so that a change display may not be carried out simultaneously. That is, when a game ball enters one of the start openings 28a and 28b and the special symbol is variably displayed on one of the special symbol display portions 61 and 62 corresponding to the entrance, the other start is started. When a game ball enters the mouth, the special symbol change in the other special symbol display unit is suspended. The first special symbol corresponds to the first symbol of the present invention, the first special symbol display unit 61 corresponds to the first symbol display unit of the present invention, and the second special symbol corresponds to the second symbol of the present invention. The second special symbol display unit 62 corresponds to the second symbol display unit of the present invention.

  Here, in the present embodiment, each display unit of the normal symbol display unit 51, the universal symbol hold display unit 52, the special symbol hold display unit 53, and the special symbol display units 61 and 62 is configured by a combination of a plurality of LEDs. However, it can also comprise using a 7 segment display instead of LED. Further, the general symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53 are configured by a combination of a plurality of LEDs, and the normal symbol display unit 51 and the special symbol display unit 61 are configured by a segment display, or the normal symbol display unit 51. The general symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of LEDs, and only the special symbol display units 61 and 62 may be configured by a 7-segment display.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol success / failure determination, which is acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is used for determining whether or not to execute the big hit game (special game), is performed. Random numbers for use and second special symbol success / failure determination, which is acquired when a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is used to determine whether or not to execute a big hit game (special game). A random number is provided. Furthermore, a first special symbol determining random number for determining the stop symbol of the first special symbol and a second special symbol determining random number for determining the stop symbol of the second special symbol are provided.

  The first special symbol success / failure determination random number and the first special symbol determination random number are acquired along with the game ball entering the first start port 28a, and the first special symbol success / failure determination random number and the first special symbol determination random number are obtained. The design determining random number is stored in a predetermined area (first reserved storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. Along with the game ball entering the second start port 28b, a second special symbol success / failure determination random number and a second special symbol determination random number are acquired, and a predetermined area (second reserved memory) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is acquired. Area). The first special symbol success / failure determination random number and the first special symbol determination random number correspond to the first symbol variation information of the present invention, and the second special symbol success / failure determination random number and the second special symbol determination random number are the present invention. The second special symbol success / failure determination corresponds to the first symbol variation start determination, and the second special symbol success / failure determination corresponds to the second symbol variation start determination.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The first special symbol hold display unit 53 and the second special symbol hold display unit 54 are each composed of two LEDs, and the number of holds can be set up to 4 each by combining the turn-off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Can be displayed.

  The number of game balls that have entered the first start port 28a can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the number of first special symbol reservations. The first special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is stored in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number of random numbers for special symbol determination (memory number). In the present embodiment, the first special symbol determination random number is acquired together with the first special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, so the first special symbol hold number is This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the first special symbol. The first special symbol hold count is digested and decreased by one each time the first special symbol determination is made and the first special symbol variation display is started.

  The number of game balls that have entered the second start port 28b can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the number of second special symbol reservations. The second special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is stored in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number of random numbers for special symbol determination (memory number). In the present embodiment, the second special symbol determination random number is also acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the second starting port 28b. This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the second special symbol. The second special symbol hold count is digested each time the second special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and decreases by one.

  In this embodiment, when the number of first special symbol hold reaches the upper limit (four in this embodiment), a hold conversion process is performed to convert hold of the first special symbol to hold of the second special symbol. It is configured. In the hold conversion process, when a predetermined hold conversion condition is satisfied, after the first special symbol hold number reaches the upper limit (four in this embodiment), a game ball is placed in the first start port 28a. When the ball enters, a second special symbol random number (second special symbol success / failure determination random number, second special symbol determination random number) is acquired and stored, and the second special symbol holding number is increased. The “holding switching condition” is that the second special symbol variation display is not frequently generated (the second special symbol variation display is not continuously generated) when the open time extension function is inactive. In the present embodiment, the “holding switching condition” is set to a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, four times) after the second special symbol is variably displayed last time when the open time extension function is not activated. ) It is supposed to be done.

  It should be noted that the first and second special symbols are reserved (obtaining and storing random numbers for the first and second special symbols), the reservation is digested (first and second special symbols are determined to be appropriate), and the game ball to the first start port 28a The determination whether to acquire the second special symbol success / failure random number by entering the ball, the storage of the determination count, and the hold conversion process are performed by a CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 described later. The CPU 200b and the RAM of the main control unit 200 include the first symbol variation information acquisition unit, the first variation information storage unit, the second symbol variation information acquisition unit, the second variation information storage unit, the determination unit, and the determination number storage unit of the present invention. This corresponds to a change information conversion means.

  The first special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the first special symbol starts the variable display. The first special symbol success / failure random number is set with a hit value for success / failure determination, and the first special symbol success / failure random number acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the first start port 28a is hit. If it matches the value, it is judged as a big hit. Similarly, the second special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the second special symbol starts the variable display. The second special symbol success / failure determination random number is set with a hit value for success / failure determination, and the second special symbol success / failure determination random number obtained at the timing when the game ball enters the second start port 28b is hit. If it matches the value, it is judged as a big hit.

  When the result of the first special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit, the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined as a big hit symbol (probability big hit symbol or normal big hit symbol), and the second special symbol is displayed. When the symbol determination result is a big hit, the special symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined to be a big hit symbol (probability big hit symbol or normal big hit symbol). The type of jackpot symbol of the first special symbol is determined based on the first special symbol determining random number, and the type of jackpot symbol of the second special symbol is determined based on the second special symbol determining random number. On the other hand, when the first special symbol success / failure determination is out, the first special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be out of symbol, and when the second special symbol success / failure determination is out The second special symbol that is stopped and displayed by the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined to be a detached symbol.

  Different winning values are set for the first special symbol success / failure determination random number and the second special symbol success / failure determination random number, and the profit obtained by the player is different between the first special symbol success / failure determination and the second special symbol success / failure determination. It is configured as follows. In this embodiment, the player can obtain a more advantageous result in the second special symbol success / failure determination than in the first special symbol success / failure determination. Specifically, in the first special symbol success / failure determination, both 15R big hit game and 2R big hit game described later are generated, whereas in the second special symbol success / failure determination, 2R big hit game is not generated and only 15R big hit game is generated. Is configured to occur.

  The special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The variation pattern of the special symbol is selected by lottery from a variation pattern table (variation pattern storage means) in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol success / failure determination is executed.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and are selected and used according to the gaming state. The plurality of variation pattern tables include a hit variation pattern table selected when the success / failure determination result is a big hit, and a miss variation pattern table selected when the success / failure determination result is unacceptable.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the second special symbol priority variation process is performed in which the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. That is, when both the number of the first special symbol hold and the number of the second special symbol hold are 1 or more, the second special symbol starts to fluctuate preferentially from the first special symbol, and the hold of the second special symbol is stopped. Digested preferentially. Then, when the first special symbol hold count is 1 or more and the second special symbol hold count becomes zero, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed.

  Also, first special symbol success / failure determination, second special symbol success / failure determination, determination of special symbol variation mode, special symbol stop symbol determination, first special symbol variation display and stop display, second special symbol variation display The stop display and the priority change of the second special symbol are configured to be performed by the main control unit 200 described later. The main control unit 200 corresponds to the first symbol display control means, the second symbol display control means, and the second symbol priority change means of the present invention.

  Next, the jackpot game (special game) will be described. When the first special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is a hit special symbol (when the result of the first special symbol determination is a big hit) or stopped on the second special symbol display unit 62 When the second special symbol made is a winning special symbol (when the result of determining whether or not the second special symbol is a big hit), the main control unit 200 is a jackpot game (special game) that is relatively advantageous to the player To start. The jackpot game is started by setting the jackpot game flag to ON. The big hit game is to give a player a profit (prize ball) with respect to entering the game ball into the big prize opening 33a by operating the big prize device 33, in other words, by opening and closing the big prize opening 33a a plurality of times. The main control unit 200 corresponds to the jackpot game execution means of the present invention. The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a special electric accessory game process described later.

  During the big hit game (during special game), the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 for one pitch) according to the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 33a. Award balls). Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, the big prize opening device (special electric accessory) 33 is continuously operated, and the big prize opening opening / closing operation for switching the big prize opening 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times. Done. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a reaches a predetermined time (30 seconds in the present embodiment), or when the number of game balls entered into the opened large winning opening 33a is a predetermined number (this execution) In the example, it is possible to reach 10).

  When it is assumed that one round is from the start to the end of the open state of the big winning opening 33a, the big hit game is ended by performing a predetermined number of rounds. In the grand prize winning device 33, after the opening of the big prize winning opening 33a is completed, that is, after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed since the big winning prize opening 33a is closed, the big winning prize opening 33a is again opened. Round begins. The opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 33a in which one round is from the start to the end of the big winning opening 33a is continuously repeated until the predetermined maximum number of continuous rounds is completed.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, two types of jackpot games are provided depending on the type of jackpot symbol. When the big hit symbol is a normal big hit symbol or a probable variation big hit symbol, that is, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal big hit or a probable variation big hit symbol, a first big hit game is generated. When the big hit symbol is the specific big hit symbol, that is, when the result of the special symbol hit / fail judgment is the specific big hit symbol, the second big hit game is generated. In the second jackpot game, the number of times the maximum winning opening 33a is opened (the maximum number of consecutive rounds) is set smaller than that in the first jackpot game, and the opening time of the big winning opening 33a is set shorter. In other words, the first big hit game is a game state in which a large amount of game balls enter the big winning opening 33a and a lot of prize balls are paid out. In the second big hit game, the game balls enter the big winning opening 33a. It is a gaming state that has a very low possibility of ball and does not substantially involve award ball payout. Thus, the first big hit game has a larger game profit (prize ball) that the player can obtain than the second big hit game. In this embodiment, the maximum number of consecutive rounds of the first big hit game is 15 rounds and the opening time of the big winning opening 33a is set to 30 seconds, and the maximum number of consecutive rounds of the second big hit game is 2 rounds and the big winning mouth is set. The opening time of 33a is set to 0.2 seconds. The first jackpot game and the second jackpot game are also referred to as a 15R jackpot game and a 2R jackpot game because of the difference in the number of rounds.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, a specific game (so-called short-time game and probability variable game) in which the variable time shortening function, the open time extending function, and the probability varying function are activated is started. Multiple types of jackpots are set in the special symbol success / failure determination. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol), after the jackpot game ends, In the case where the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol), the probable variation game is started after the big hit game ends. Note that the variable time shortening function, the opening time extending function, and the probability varying function are activated by setting the fluctuation shortening flag, the opening extension flag, and the probability variation flag to ON, respectively.

  When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol), after the jackpot game is over, the variable time shortening function and the opening time extension for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b are extended. The function is activated and the short-time game is started. The variation time shortening function (variation time shortening means) includes a normal symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the normal symbol variation time and a special symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the special symbol variation time. The fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function operate after the big hit game is finished until the next big hit game is started, or until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (100 times in this example). . Due to the operation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is, for example, “4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds × 3 times or 4.times. 5 seconds x 1 release, etc.) ". As a result, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b becomes higher than normal (when the opening extension function is not activated). The variable time shortening function and the opening time extending function are activated or stopped by the control of the main control unit 200, and the main control unit 200 corresponds to the opening frequency improving means of the present invention.

  If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probable big hit symbol), after the big hit game ends, the probability variation function starts to operate, and the probable variable game is started. In the probability variation game, in addition to the above-mentioned variation time shortening function and opening time extension function, a probability variation function (probability variation means) that changes (improves) the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination, that is, the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol Operate. While the probability variation function is in operation, the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination is improved by increasing the hit value for the success / failure determination. The probability variation function operates after the jackpot game is over until the next jackpot game is started. Note that the probability variation game is realized by the control of the main control unit 200.

  Next, the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 will be described. The display area of the effect display device 25 is provided with an effect symbol display unit for displaying effect symbols. The effect symbol of the effect symbol display unit is displayed in conjunction with the change display and stop display of the first special symbol of the first special symbol display unit 61 or the special symbol of the second special symbol display unit 62.

  The effect symbol display unit is composed of three symbol display areas including a left symbol display area in which a left symbol is displayed, a middle symbol display area in which a middle symbol is displayed, and a right symbol display area in which a right symbol is displayed. . Each symbol display area has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Each symbol display area can display symbols consisting of “1” to “9”.

  The effect symbol starts to be displayed when the special symbol starts to be changed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop symbol of the special symbol. That is, the effect symbol starts to be displayed in synchronization with the special symbol, and ends and stops display in synchronization with the special symbol. In the production design, the combination of even symbols with the same three digits corresponds to the normal jackpot symbol of the special symbol, and the odd symbol combination of the same three digits corresponds to the probability variation jackpot symbol of the special symbol, excluding the symbol combination with the same three digits The specific symbol combination corresponds to the special symbol second jackpot symbol (2R normal jackpot symbol, 2R probability variation jackpot symbol). Specific symbol combinations include, for example, “reach out of reach” such as “7, 6 and 7” and “3, 2 and 3”, and “specific” such as “1, 2 and 3” and “7, 6 and 5”. No. order, “specific break eyes” such as “1, 3, 5” and “2, 4, 6”, etc. can be exemplified. A combination of symbols other than these corresponds to the off symbol of the special symbol.

  The determination of the variation pattern (variation pattern) and stop symbol of the effect symbol is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200. Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 indicates a variation pattern of a special symbol. Specifically, two digits of the variation time of the special symbol and the three-digit effect symbol are the same. The contents of effects such as the presence / absence of a reach effect (an effect indicating that a state where there is a possibility of reaching a big hit is continued) stopped with a symbol is shown. The main control unit 200 determines a variation pattern of the special symbol at random (by random number lottery) according to the determination result of the special symbol. Based on the special symbol variation pattern determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 determines the effect pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. Further, the main control unit 200 is configured by a CPU 200b as a main body to determine whether or not a special symbol is determined (hit lottery) by a determination program stored in the ROM. Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 2 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, a start opening prize detection switch 28 s, and a big prize opening ball detection switch 33 s so that these signals are input to the main controller 200. It is configured. The panel output relay board 202 is connected to the symbol display devices 51 and 61, the start opening solenoid 28c, and the special winning opening solenoid 33c, and a control signal is output from the main control unit 200.

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

  When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device.

  The firing control unit 250 is connected to a touch switch 8a, a firing stop switch 8b, and the like, and operation signals are input from these switches 8a and 8b. The touch switch 8a is turned on when the player is touching the firing handle 8, and is turned off when the player is not touching the firing handle 8. The firing stop switch 8b is turned on when the player is pressing, and turned off when not pressed. The CR unit 13 is connected to a ball lending button 5e and receives a ball lending signal.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 10a to 10d, symbol display by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  Various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control are simultaneously transmitted from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280.

  An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260. The effect display control board 280a is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU 280b, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc., and connected to the sub-control board 260 at the input / output port. ing. An effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. The effect display control unit 280 is configured such that the CPU 280b performs display control of the effect display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM of the effect display control unit 280 stores a plurality of effect image data (such as the above-described image data related to the variation effect) displayed on the effect display device 25.

  Various LEDs and lamps 262 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. The various LEDs / lamps 262 are for enhancing the gaming effect, and these lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect. In addition, an amplifier substrate 263 is connected to the sub-control unit 260. Speakers 10 a to 10 d are connected to the amplifier substrate 263. From the speakers 10a to 10d, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, the effect button 5 d is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the effect button board 264. The effect button 5d is turned ON when the player presses it, and turned OFF when the player is not pressed.

  The sub-control unit 260 selects various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 5d (reception of a production pattern designation command, input of a production button operation signal, etc.). An execution process, a selection / output process of sound effect data output from the speakers 10a to 10d, an effect display pattern selection / execution process on the effect display device 25, and the like are performed.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 4 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 based on a program stored in a ROM built in the CPU 200b or a ROM mounted on the main control board 200a. The main job shown in FIG. 4 includes a game start process S200, a normal symbol game process S300, a normal electric game game process S400, a special symbol game process S500, and a special electric game game process S600 after executing the power-on process S100. Each step is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In the power-off generation process S50, when a power-off occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and so on, and when a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100. It has become.

  The power-on process S100 is performed when the power is turned on and when the power is restored after the power is cut off. When the power is turned on, a RAM initialization process or the like is performed, and when the power is turned off, the game state is restored. The return setting is performed. In the game start process S200, detection of various switch states, update of various random numbers, prize ball control, and the like are performed.

  In the normal symbol game processing S300, first, whether or not the normal symbol is determined is determined, and the normal symbol display unit 51 (see FIG. 2) determines whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or as a stop symbol. To do. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started (second start-up). The mouth 28b is opened). In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation display and the stop display are performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol, the second start port 28b is activated. When the second start port 28b is actuated, the pair of blade pieces open to the left and right, and the second start port 28b is opened.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process S400, it is determined whether or not the opening time for maintaining the second start port 28b in the open state has elapsed. If the open time has not elapsed, the second start port 28b is defined. It is determined whether or not a winning number has been won. When it is determined that the predetermined number of winnings has been won at the second starting port 28b in the open state, or when it is determined that the opening time of the second starting port 28b in the open state has elapsed, a pair of The blade piece 28c is closed, and the second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state).

  Next, the special symbol game process S500 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Next, the special symbol game process S500 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5A, first, a first start opening winning process is performed (S501). Here, the first start opening winning process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the first start port 28a has been won (S501a). If it is determined that the first start port 28a has not been won (S501a: NO), the first start port winning process is performed. finish. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start port 28a has been won (S501a: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b: YES), the first special symbol random number (first symbol variation information) is acquired and stored (S501c), The first start opening winning process is terminated. The first special symbol random number includes a first special symbol determination random number, a first special symbol hit random number, a reach random number, and the like. Thereby, the 1st special symbol reservation number increases by one.

  If it is determined in the above-described determination process of S501b that the number of first special symbol hold is not less than 4 (S501b: NO), it is determined whether or not the overflow counter is below a predetermined number (S501d). The “overflow counter” is a counter for holding the number of game balls that have entered the first start port 28a after the number of first reserved symbols has reached the upper limit in order to perform the hold conversion process. The initial value is set to zero. The “predetermined number” is an upper limit value that allows a reserve increase of the second special symbol by entering the game ball into the first start port 28a, and the larger the value, the more advantageous to the player. The “predetermined number” can be arbitrarily set, and is set to “20” in the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls entering the first start port 28a after the first special symbol holding number reaches the upper limit value can be stocked 20 times.

  As a result of the determination process of S501d, if it is determined that the overflow counter is not less than the predetermined number (the overflow counter is 20 or more) (S501d: NO), the first start port is not added without adding the overflow counter. The winning process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the overflow counter is less than the predetermined number (the overflow counter is less than 20) (S501d: YES), the overflow counter is incremented by 1 (S501e).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening extension flag is OFF (whether or not the opening time extension function is inactive) (S501f). As a result, when it is determined that the release extension flag is OFF (the release time extension function is not in operation) (S501f: YES), it is determined whether or not the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON. (S501g).

  The “holding conversion permission flag” is a flag indicating that the second special symbol is not in a state of being variably displayed as the holding conversion condition for performing the holding conversion process. In this embodiment, since the priority variation of the second special symbol is performed, if the second special symbol reservation number is not zero, the second special symbol variation continues until the second special symbol reservation number becomes zero. Done. On the other hand, when the second special symbol holding number is zero, the first special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner. In other words, when the variation of the first special symbol is continuously performed a predetermined number of times (four times in this embodiment), the variation of the second special symbol is not executed at least at that time (the number of second special symbol hold) Is zero). This “four times” corresponds to the upper limit value (four in this embodiment) of the number of first special symbol reservations. For this reason, it can be said that the “holding change permission flag” is a flag indicating that the second special symbol holding number is zero. The “holding change permission flag” is set to OFF in the process of S509m described later, and is set to ON in the process of S508p.

  As a result of the determination process of S501g, if it is determined that the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON (S501g: YES), the second special symbol is maintained in the same manner as when the ball enters the second start port 28b. A random number is acquired and stored (S501h), and the overflow counter is decremented by 1 (S501i). As a result, the number of second special symbol reservations increases by 1 due to the game ball entering the first start port 28a.

  When it is determined in the determination process of S501f that the release extension flag is not OFF (the release time extension function is in operation) (S501f: NO), or the hold conversion permission flag is not set to ON in the determination process of S501g Is determined (S501g: NO), the first start opening winning process is terminated without acquiring and storing the second special symbol keeping random number. For this reason, the overflow counter is set to the number of times that the process for determining whether or not to acquire the second special symbol random number by entering the game ball into the first starting port 28a is performed. For this reason, the overflow counter corresponds to the acquisition determination number of the present invention.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5A, the second start opening winning process is performed (S502). Here, the second start opening winning process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the second start port 28b has been won (S502a). If it is determined that the second start port 28b has not been won (S502a: NO), the process proceeds to S502d. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second start port 28b has been won (S502a: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S502b). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol reservation number is not less than 4 (S502b: NO), the process proceeds to S502d. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second special symbol hold count is less than 4 (S502b: YES), the second special symbol random number (second symbol variation information) is acquired and stored (S502c), and the engine is started. The mouth winning process ends. The second special symbol random number includes a second special symbol success / failure determination random number, a second special symbol hitting symbol determination random number, a reach random number, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the overflow counter exceeds zero (S502d). As a result, when it is determined that the overflow counter does not exceed zero (S502d: NO), the second start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the overflow counter exceeds zero (S502d: YES), it is determined whether or not the open extension flag is OFF (whether or not the open time extension function is inactive). (S502e). As a result, when it is determined that the release extension flag is not OFF (the release time extension function is in operation) (S502e: NO), the hold conversion process is not performed, and thus the second start opening winning process is terminated. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the release extension flag is OFF (the release time extension function is inactive) (S502e: YES), it is determined whether or not the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON. (S502f).

  As a result, when it is determined that the hold conversion permission flag is not set to ON (S502f: NO), the second start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON (S502f: YES), the second special symbol holding random number is acquired in the same manner as when the ball enters the second starting port 28b. Store (S502g) and subtract 1 from the overflow counter (S502h). As a result, the number of second special symbol reservations increases by 1 due to the game ball entering the first start port 28a.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S503). As a result, if it is determined that the game is a big hit game (S503: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that the game is not a big hit game (S503: NO), the first special It is determined whether the symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S504). As a result, when it is determined that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S504: YES), the process proceeds to S510 described later, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed. If it is determined that none of the symbols is changing (S504: NO), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol or the second special symbol is in the stop display time (S505). If it is determined that it is during the stop display time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (S505: YES), the process proceeds to S513 described later, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed. When it is determined that it is not in time (S505: NO), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol reservation number is zero (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of second special symbol reservation is zero (S506: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbol reservation is zero (S507).

  If it is determined that the number of first special symbol hold is zero (S507: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of first special symbol hold is not zero (S507: NO), a first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508). Here, the first special symbol variation display process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, a random number for determining whether or not the first special symbol is stored in a predetermined area (first reserved storage area) of the RAM of the main control board 200 (for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the first start port 28a) (Random number) is read (S508a), and the first special symbol determination is made (S508b). In the first special symbol success / failure determination, when the probability variation function is in operation (during probability variation game), the state of the probability determination that the determination result is a success or failure, that is, the probability that the determination result is a big hit (high probability state) ), If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (during normal game), it is determined whether or not the probability variation is not successful, that is, the normal state in which the probability that the determination result is a big hit (low) The determination is made in the normal probability state.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit (S508c). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit (S508c: YES), a big hit fluctuation pattern table is set (S508d), a fluctuation pattern determining random number is acquired, and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 200. The winning design determination random number (the first special symbol determination random number acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a) is read (S508e).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is out (S508c: NO), it is determined whether or not it is out accompanied with a reach effect (S508f). As a result, when it is out of reach with the reach effect (S508f: YES), the reach out of change pattern table is set (S508g), and when it is out of reach without the reach effect (S508f: NO), A reachless deviation variation pattern table is set (S508h). Then, the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the off symbol determination random number are acquired (S508i).

  Next, a variation pattern and a stop symbol of the first special symbol are determined (S508j). As the variation pattern of the first special symbol, a specific variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table set in any one of S508d, S508g, and S508h using the variation pattern determination random number acquired in S508e or S508i. The stop symbol of the first special symbol is any one of the probable big hit symbol, the normal big hit symbol, or the out symbol using the hit symbol determined random number read in S508e or the missed symbol determined random number acquired in S508i. To decide.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in S508j, the first special symbol display unit 61 starts the variation display of the first special symbol (S508k). At this time, a change pattern designation command and a stop information designation command for the first special symbol are transmitted to the sub-control unit 260. The first special symbol variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the first special symbol variation pattern set in S508j, and the first special symbol stop information designation command is for designating the first special symbol stop pattern. It is a command to do. Then, 1 is subtracted from the first special symbol reservation number (S508l), and the first special symbol reservation number command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the hold conversion permission flag is set to OFF (S508m). As a result, when it is determined that the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON (S508m: NO), the first special symbol variation display process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hold conversion permission flag is set to OFF (S508m: YES), 1 is added to the first special symbol variation number (S508n). The “first special symbol variation number” is the variation display number of the first special symbol after the second special symbol is variably displayed last time.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol fluctuation number exceeds a predetermined number (“4” in this embodiment) (S508o). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol variation number does not exceed “4” (S508o: NO), the first special symbol variation display process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first special symbol fluctuation number exceeds “4” (S508o: YES), the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON (S508p).

  Next, returning to FIG. 5A, when it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold count is not zero (S506: NO), a second special symbol variation display process is performed (S509). . If it is determined in S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), the first special symbol hold number is not zero (even if it is 1 or more). 2. The special symbol variation display process is executed. As a result, the second special symbol is changed and displayed in preference to the first special symbol, and the priority changing function of the second special symbol is realized by the determination process of S506.

  Here, the second special symbol variation display process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, a random number for determining whether or not the second special symbol is stored in a predetermined area (second reserved storage area) of the RAM of the main control board 200 (for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 28b) (Random number) is read (S509a), and the second special symbol determination is made (S509b). When the probability variation function is in operation (probability change game), if the probability change is determined (high probability state determination), and it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (normal game) In this case, a determination of whether or not there is a non-probability change (decision determination of a low probability state) is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit (S509c). As a result, when it is determined that the determination result is a big hit (S509c: YES), a big hit fluctuation pattern table is set (S509d), a fluctuation pattern determination random number is obtained, and the RAM of the main control board 200 is acquired. The random number for determining the winning symbol stored in the predetermined area (second reserved storage area) (the second special symbol determining random number acquired when the game ball enters the second starting port 28b) is read (S509e).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is out (S509c: NO), it is determined whether or not it is out accompanied with a reach effect (S509f). As a result, when it is out of reach with the reach effect (S509f: YES), the reach out of change pattern table is set (S509g), and when it is out of reach without the reach effect (S509f: NO), A reachless deviation variation pattern table is set (S509h). Then, the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the off symbol determination random number are acquired (S509i).

  Next, a variation pattern and a stop symbol of the second special symbol are determined (S509j). For the variation pattern of the second special symbol, a specific variation pattern is set from the variation pattern table set in any one of S509d, S509g, and S509h by using the second special symbol variation pattern determination random number acquired in S509e or S509i. select. The stop symbol of the second special symbol is any one of the probable big hit symbol, the normal big hit symbol, and the off symbol using the hit symbol determined random number read out in S509e or the out symbol determining random number acquired in S509i. To decide.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in S509j, the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the second special symbol (S509k), and the sub-control unit 260 designates the variation pattern of the second special symbol. Send command and stop information specification command. The variation pattern designation command for the second special symbol is a command for designating the variation pattern for the second special symbol set in S509j, and the stop information designation command for the second special symbol designates the stop symbol for the second special symbol. It is a command to do.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the second special symbol hold number (S509l), the hold conversion permission flag is set to OFF (S509m), and the first special symbol fluctuation number is initialized (set to zero) (S509n). Note that the first special symbol variation number is initialized in S509n when the second special symbol variation display is likely to occur frequently or continuously, and the second special symbol random number is acquired by hold conversion. This is to prevent this. That is, in the process of turning on the hold conversion permission flag described above (S508m to S508p in FIG. 8), in order to permit hold conversion when the number of first special symbol fluctuations exceeds four (the hold conversion permission flag is set). If the second special symbol is displayed even once in the meantime, the change display of the second special symbol becomes frequent due to the change of hold (the second special symbol within 4 times of the symbol change). In order to prevent this, the first special symbol fluctuation number is initialized.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5A, when it is determined in S504 that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S504: YES), the change display time of the changing special symbol is displayed. Is determined (S510 in FIG. 5B). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed (S510: NO), it is determined that the special symbol game processing is terminated and the special symbol variation display time has elapsed. If it has been detected (S510: YES), the special symbol change is stopped (S511), and the special symbol stop display time is set (S512).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S513). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S513: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. If it is determined (S513: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol is a jackpot symbol (S514). As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol (S514: YES), the big hit game flag is set to ON (S515). As a result, the big hit game starts.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S516). If it is determined that the probability variation flag is ON (S516: YES), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S517) and the variation is reduced. The flag is set to OFF (S518), and the release extension flag is set to OFF (S519). Thereby, with the start of the big hit game, the probability variation function, the variation time shortening function, and the open time extension function are deactivated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation flag is not ON (S516: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S520). As a result, when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is not ON (S520: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is ON (S520: YES). Then, the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S518), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S519). As a result, with the start of the big hit game, the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are deactivated.

  When it is determined in the determination process of S514 that the special symbol stop symbol is not a big hit symbol (S514: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S521). As a result, when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is not ON (S521: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is ON (S521: YES). Then, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is counted (S522), and it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a preset number of fluctuations (100 in this example) (S523).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of changes has not reached the preset number of changes (100 times) (S523: NO), the process returns as it is and the number of changes is set to the preset number of changes (100 times). ) (S523: YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S524), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S525). As a result, the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are deactivated.

  Next, the special electric accessory game process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S601). If it is determined that no big hit game is being played (S601: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated and it is determined that a big hit game is being played. If it is determined (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. If it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the maximum number of winnings has been won in the special winning opening 33a (S604).

  As a result, if it is determined that the maximum number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the special electric accessory game process is terminated, and the maximum winning number is won in the large winning opening 33a. If it is determined (S604: YES) or if it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605).

  If it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not open (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of rounds of the big hit game has reached a predetermined maximum continuous round number (S606). In the determination process of S606, whether the number of rounds of the jackpot game has reached 15 rounds for the first jackpot game, whether the number of rounds of the jackpot game has reached two rounds for the second jackpot game is determined. judge. As a result, when it is determined that the number of rounds of the big hit game has not reached the maximum number of consecutive rounds (S606: NO), it is determined whether or not the closing time (interval time) of the big winning opening 33a has elapsed. If it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the special electric accessory game process is terminated, and the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed. If it is determined that it is (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

  If it is determined in S606 that the number of rounds of the big hit game has reached the maximum number of consecutive rounds (S606: YES), the big hit game flag is set to OFF and the big hit game is ended (S609). Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination result (the type of the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed) that is the trigger for starting the current big hit game is a probable big hit (S610). As a result, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probability variation big hit (the jackpot symbol that has been stopped is a probability variation big hit symbol) (S610: YES), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S611). ), The fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S612), and the open extension flag is set to ON (S613). As a result, the probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and open time extension function start to operate.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S610 that the special symbol success / failure determination is not a probable big hit (usually big hit) (S610: NO), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S612), and the release extension flag is set. Set to ON (S613). As a result, the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function start to operate.

  Here, the correspondence between the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 10 and the present invention will be described. The processing of S501c (FIG. 6) corresponds to the first symbol variation information acquisition means, and the processing of S501c ( 6), the processing of S508l (FIG. 8) corresponds to the first variation information storage means, the processing of S501h (FIG. 6) corresponds to the second variation information storage means, the processing of S501h (FIG. 6), the processing of S509l. The processing (FIG. 9) corresponds to the second symbol variation information acquisition means and the second variation information storage means, the processing of S501f and S501g (FIG. 6) corresponds to the determination means, and the processing of S501e corresponds to the determination count storage means. The processing of S501h (FIG. 6) and the processing of S502g (FIG. 7) correspond to the fluctuation information conversion means, the processing of S508b to S508k (FIG. 8) corresponds to the first symbol display control means, and the processing of S509b to S509k. place (FIG. 10) corresponds to the second symbol display control means, the processing of S515 corresponds to the jackpot game execution means, the processing of S613 corresponds to the release frequency improving means, and the processing of S506 becomes the second symbol priority changing means. It corresponds.

  According to the present embodiment described above, when the first special symbol hold reaches the hold upper limit value (four), the first special symbol hold is changed to the second special symbol hold (first start-up). By performing a hold conversion process (which causes the second special symbol to be held by entering the game ball into the mouth 28a), the player stops firing the game ball when the first special symbol hold reaches the upper limit ( Can be suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that the operation rate of a game machine falls.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the second special symbol is variably displayed during the normal game in which the open time extension function is not operated, the first special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (four times in the present embodiment). In addition, hold conversion processing is performed. As a result, there will be no multiple holding of the second special symbol due to the holding conversion process during the normal game. As a result, during the normal game, the second special symbol does not continuously change and display due to the hold conversion process, and the second special symbol does not frequently change. For this reason, the second special symbol success / failure determination is more advantageous to the player than the first special symbol success / failure determination, and the player is able to operate when the open time extension function is activated in which the game progresses mainly by the second special symbol. It is possible to effectively realize the gameability intended by the designer, which is advantageous.

  In addition, in this embodiment, since the priority variation of the second special symbol is adopted, when the second special symbol is reserved, the variation display of the second special symbol is preferentially generated. For this reason, if there are a plurality of holdings of the second special symbol during the normal game, the variable display of the second special symbol is continuously generated. On the other hand, as described above, when the second special symbol is variably displayed and the first special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (four times in the present embodiment), the hold special conversion process is performed, so that the second special symbol is displayed. There is no multiple symbol hold, and the second special symbol variation display does not occur continuously. As described above, in the configuration adopting the priority variation of the second special symbol, when the second special symbol is variably displayed and then the first special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (four times in the present embodiment), it is suspended. It is particularly effective to perform the conversion process.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, during the normal game in which the open time extension function is not activated, when the hold conversion permission flag is ON (the second special symbol is variably displayed and the first special symbol is variably displayed). However, in the second embodiment, the hold conversion process is delayed until the open time extension function starts to operate. In the following, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the first start opening winning process of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the first start port winning process of the second embodiment, when it is determined that the release extension flag is not OFF (the release time extension function is in operation) (S501j: NO), On condition that the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S50k: YES), the second special symbol random number is acquired and stored (S501h), and the overflow counter is decremented by 1 (S501i). Thereby, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a after the first special symbol hold number reaches the upper limit during the opening time extension function operation, the hold conversion process for increasing the hold of the second special symbol is performed. It can be carried out. Further, in the second embodiment, since it is a condition for executing the hold conversion process that the opening time extension function is started, in this embodiment, the determination process of the hold conversion permission flag in S501g is provided. Absent.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the second start opening winning process of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the second start port winning process of the second embodiment, when it is determined that the release extension flag is not OFF (the release time extension function is in operation) (S502i: NO), On condition that the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S502j: YES), the second special symbol random number is acquired and stored (S502g), and the overflow counter is decremented by 1 (S502h).

  As a result, the number of determinations as to whether or not to acquire the second special symbol random number performed when the game ball enters the first start port 28a after the first special symbol hold number reaches the upper limit during the normal game. Is held in the overflow counter, and the hold conversion process for increasing the hold of the second special symbol after the opening time extension function is started can be performed. Further, in the second embodiment, since it is a condition for executing the hold conversion process that the opening time extension function has started, in this embodiment, the hold conversion permission flag determination process of S502f is provided. Absent.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the first special symbol variation display process of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in the first special symbol variation display process of the second embodiment, the processes of S508m to S508p related to the hold conversion permission flag are not provided.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the second special symbol variation display process of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 9 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in the second special symbol variation display process of the second embodiment, the processes of S509m and S509n relating to the hold conversion permission flag are not provided.

  According to the second embodiment described above, during a normal game in which the opening time extension function is not activated, a game ball enters the first start port 28a after the first special symbol holding number reaches the upper limit. In this case, the hold conversion process is delayed until the open time extension function is activated. As a result, the second special symbol is not variably displayed during the normal game due to the hold conversion process, and the second special symbol is not variably displayed. Thus, as in the first embodiment, the second special symbol success / failure determination allows the player to obtain a more advantageous result than the first special symbol success / failure determination, and the game is progressed mainly by the second special symbol. It is possible to effectively realize the gameability intended by the designer, such as being advantageous to the player during the operation of the time extension function.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, even if the game nail adjustment that makes it difficult to enter the second starting port is made despite the open time extension function being activated, The game can be progressed mainly by the special symbol, and this also makes it possible to effectively realize the gameability intended by the designer, such as being advantageous to the player during the opening time extension function operation.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the second special symbol success / failure determination is configured such that the player can obtain a more advantageous result than the first special symbol success / failure determination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the profit obtained by the player in the second special symbol success / failure determination is different, and the second special symbol success / failure determination is configured so that the player can obtain a disadvantageous result than the first special symbol success / failure determination. Also good.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the value of the overflow counter is greater than zero and the hold conversion permission flag is set to ON (when the hold conversion is performed), the ball enters the second start port 28b. The second special symbol random number is acquired and stored (S501h in FIG. 6 and S502g in FIG. 7) as in the case of the above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is good also as a structure which acquires and memorize | stores the random number for 2nd special symbols in a mode slightly different from the time of entering into 28b. For example, as described above, the second special symbol random number is composed of the second special symbol success / failure determination random number, the second special symbol hit symbol determining random number, and the reach random number. Make sure that you get a hit value. In this way, in the variation display of the second special symbol that is executed in response to the hold conversion, the reach effect is always performed even if the determination result is lost. As a result, the player is more likely to have a sense of expectation that may increase the frequency of seeing the reach effect and may be a big hit. Therefore, the game interest can be enhanced compared to the usual variable display of the second special symbol. it can. In addition, the value of the second symbol is greatly changed from the normal value by not changing the random number for determining whether or not the jackpot is generated and the type of the jackpot, and the second special symbol random number for determining whether or not the jackpot is determined. You can enhance your gaming entertainment without letting it happen.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when both the first special symbol reservation number and the second special symbol reservation number are 1 or more, the second special symbol starts to fluctuate preferentially over the first special symbol. Although it is configured to perform symbol priority variation processing, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which priority variation processing of the second special symbol is not performed.

  Moreover, in the structure of the said Example, you may comprise so that a numerical value of an overflow counter may be alert | reported to a player. As a result, the player can recognize the possibility that the number of the second special symbol hold will increase due to the game ball entering the first start port 28a, and the hold of the first special symbol has reached the upper limit. In this case, it is possible to more effectively suppress the player from stopping (stopping) the launch of the game ball.

  In the above embodiment, the upper limit of the overflow counter is set to 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other numerical values may be used. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which counts the number of overflow balls infinitely with an overflow counter, without providing an upper limit.

  In the above embodiment, the hold conversion process for increasing the hold of the second special symbol by the game ball entering the first start port 28a is realized by the control of the main control unit 200 (the process by the program). Not limited to this, the hold conversion process may be realized by means such as passage switching. Specifically, a communication path is provided for guiding a game ball that has entered the first start port 28a to a game ball path through which the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b passes, and the first special symbol holding number is set to the upper limit. When it reaches, the change-over process can be realized by switching the path so that the game ball that has entered the first start port 28a flows into the communication path.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 28a ... 1st starting port, 28b ... 2nd starting port, 61 ... 1st special symbol display part (1st symbol display part), 62 ... 2nd special symbol display part (2nd symbol display part) , 200... Main control unit (first symbol variation information acquisition means, first variation information storage means, second symbol variation information acquisition means, second variation information storage means, variation information conversion means, first symbol display control means, 2 symbol display control means, jackpot game execution means, release frequency improving means, 2 symbol priority changing means, determination means, determination frequency storage means), 260... Sub-control unit.

Claims (1)

If the game ball has ball entrance gaming ball to first start hole capable ON sphere, a first symbol variation information acquisition means for acquiring a first symbol variation information,
First fluctuation information storage means for storing the first symbol fluctuation information acquired by the first symbol fluctuation information acquisition means;
The second symbol variation information is acquired when the game ball enters the variable second starting port that changes between a closed state where the game ball is difficult to enter and an open state where the game ball is easy to enter. A second symbol variation information acquisition means;
Second fluctuation information storage means for storing the second symbol fluctuation information acquired by the second symbol fluctuation information acquisition means;
When the first symbol variation information is stored by the first variation information storage means, the first symbol variation start determination is executed using the first symbol variation information, and the first symbol variation start determination is performed. The first symbol variation used in the first symbol variation start determination in the first variation information storage means is displayed after the first symbol is variably displayed on the first symbol display unit according to the result of A first symbol display control means for erasing information;
When the second symbol variation information is stored by the second variation information storage means, the second symbol variation start determination is executed using the second symbol variation information, and the second symbol variation start determination is performed. In accordance with the result of the above, the second symbol display unit variably displays the second symbol and then stops the display, and the second variation information storage means uses the second symbol variation used in the second symbol variation start determination. A second symbol display control means for erasing the information;
A jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game advantageous to the player when the first symbol or the second symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined jackpot symbol;
An open frequency improving means for generating an open frequency improving state for improving the frequency at which the second start port is in the open state after the jackpot game is ended;
When the number of the first symbol variation information stored in the first variation information storage means reaches a predetermined upper limit number, and a game ball enters the first start port, the progress of the game A determination means for determining whether to acquire the second symbol variation information according to:
The determination means obtains the second symbol variation information to obtain the second symbol variation information without entering the second starting port, and stores the second variation information storage means in the second variation information storage means. Fluctuation information conversion means for executing a fluctuation information conversion process for acquiring and storing the second symbol fluctuation information ;
The first symbol variation information when the first symbol variation information is stored in the first variation information storage means and the second symbol variation information is stored in the second variation information storage means. A second symbol priority changing means for displaying the variation of the second symbol in preference to the display;
With
The jackpot game executed in response to the stop display of the second symbol is different from the jackpot game executed in response to the stop display of the first symbol,
When the determination means continuously displays the variation of the second symbol by performing the determination of acquiring the second symbol variation information in a state where the opening frequency of the second start port is not improved. The game machine is characterized in that determination is made not to acquire the second symbol variation information .

Images