JP5603167B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game by launching a game ball onto a game board surface.

  In various gaming machines that play a game by launching a game ball toward the game board surface, a lottery is performed when the game ball enters a specific entrance provided on the game board surface, and depending on the result of the lottery Many of them are configured so that the progress of subsequent games is affected. For example, in a type of pachinko machine called a so-called seven machine, a symbol display device is provided on the game board that displays a predetermined symbol in a variable manner and stops the symbol after a predetermined time has elapsed. When a game ball enters the specific entrance, a symbol display and a stop display (that is, lottery) are performed on the symbol display device, and the progress of subsequent games is affected by the symbols that are stopped and displayed. Yes.

  In such a gaming machine, a plurality of starting openings are provided on the surface of the game board, and a variation display of the symbol display device is started even when a gaming ball enters any of the starting openings. It is possible to determine which game ball has entered into the starting point of the game, making it easier for quality shipment management at the time of gaming machine manufacture, and technology that makes it easier to manage the operating status at the game hall It has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-325581 A

  However, the proposed technique has a problem that it is difficult to effectively enhance the interest of the player despite the fact that a plurality of starting openings are provided. That is, regardless of the start opening of the game ball, the lottery conditions (for example, the lottery probability) are the same, and in which of the plurality of start openings the game ball enters, This is determined by the arrangement of nails arranged on the game board surface and the movement of the game ball. For this reason, the proposed technology only gives the player an impression that the lottery is more likely to be drawn than a single gaming machine. It was difficult to obtain more entertainment interest than that.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a gaming machine capable of effectively enhancing the interest of a player by utilizing a plurality of specific entrances. With the goal.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A first starting port through which a game ball can enter,
A second starting port that can be switched between a state in which a game ball cannot enter and a state in which a game ball cannot enter and a state in which a game ball can enter;
A large winning opening that can be switched between the inability to enter and the inflow possible state;
A second start port actuating means that, when a predetermined second start port operating condition is established, sets the second start port in the enterable state until a predetermined enterable time elapses;
Special game lottery means for performing a special game lottery for determining whether or not to start a special game state advantageous to the player when a game ball enters the first start port or the second start port;
When the special game lottery is won, the special game state is started, and a special winning state entrance game having a high possibility of entering a game ball into the special winning opening is performed a predetermined number of times, and then the special gaming state is set. Special gaming means to be terminated,
After the end of the special gaming state, before the next special gaming state is started or until the second start opening is made possible to enter the ball until the special game lottery is executed a predetermined number of times. An extended gaming means for generating an extended gaming state in which the available ball time is longer than usual; and
A gaming machine equipped with
As the number of times of the grand prize entry game that can be executed during the special game state, a plurality of types of times are predetermined,
Number-of-times lottery means for performing a number-of-times lottery for determining the number of times of the grand prize entry game that can be executed during the special game state;
As the lottery conditions used for the number-of-times lottery, the first lottery condition lower than the probability that the number of times of winning the winning game is a small value and the number of times of winning the winning game is large. A lottery condition storage means for storing a second lottery condition in which a probability of a value is higher than a probability of a small value ;
With
When the game ball enters the first start port, the number-of-times lottery means performs the number of lotteries according to the first lottery condition, and when the game ball enters the second start port, the number of times The lottery means performs the lottery in accordance with the second lottery condition, so that the time for entering the ball is predetermined before the special game state is started and the second starting port is in the ball ready state. The special game state in which the number of viable game tickets that can be executed is larger in the extended game state after the end of the special game state than in the non-extended game state that is the normal time of The possibility of starting is increased.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, when a game ball enters the first start port or the second start port, a special game lottery is performed, and when the special game lottery is won, the special game state is started, A winning entrance game will be held. The number of times of winning games that can be executed in the special game state is determined by a lottery. In addition, after the special game state is over, the game is in an extended game state in which the time during which a game ball can enter the second starting port (the time when the ball can be entered) is extended, and the next special game state is started, The extended game state is continued until the number of game lotteries executed reaches a predetermined number. When a game ball enters the first start opening, the lottery condition (first lottery condition) in which the probability that the number of games in the big winning opening is a large value is lower than the probability of a small value. When a lottery is performed and a game ball enters the second start port, the lottery condition (the second is higher) The lottery is performed under lottery conditions. For this reason, in a normal state in which the time available for entering the second starting port is not extended, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port, and the game ball enters the first starting port. The number-of-times lottery when the special game state is started is performed according to the first lottery condition. As a result, even if the special game state is started from the normal state in which the available time for entering the second starting opening is not extended, the probability that a large number of large winning entry entering games can be executed is reduced. However, when the special gaming state ends, the extended gaming state is entered, and the time for entering the second starting port is extended, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting port. As a result, when the special game state is started, the number of lotteries are performed under the second lottery condition, and a large number of large winning opening game can be executed with a high probability. Therefore, in such a gaming machine, the player has no great expectation in the special gaming state starting from the normal state where the time for entering the second starting port is not extended, but the special gaming state After the end, during the extended game state in which the time allowed to enter the second starting port is extended, the game will be enthusiastic to generate a special game state that can obtain a large profit, effectively playing the game It is possible to enhance the interest of the person.

In addition, in these gaming machines,
Upon occurrence of the previous SL extension gaming state, a predetermined number of times as the end condition of the extension game state, as it comprises a number setting means for setting a certain number of times selected from among the number of plurality of kinds of predetermined Also good.

In this way, the length of the extended gaming state period started after the end of the special gaming state can be varied. As described above, in the extended game state, it is easy to generate a special game state that can provide a large profit . Therefore, the player is enthusiastic about the game to generate the special game state during the extended game state. For this reason, it is possible to further increase the interest of the player by changing the length of the extended gaming state period .

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the starting port unit mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the back surface structure of the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the input / output relationship about a sub control board. It is the block diagram which showed the input / output relationship about a launch control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. 3 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing in the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of normal symbol game start determination processing of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of normal symbol game processing of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a normal electric accessory game process of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of special symbol game start determination processing of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of a special symbol game process of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the special symbol game process of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to determine the success / failure determination of a special symbol in 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally that various commands were output toward the sub control board from the main control board. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of special symbol variation pattern setting processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a winning stop symbol is set for a special symbol random number in the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the outlier stop symbol was set with respect to the special symbol random number. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that it was set whether to perform reach production according to the value of the random number for reach determination. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern for winning set in the pattern table A. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the fluctuation | variation pattern for the deviation | shift at the time short time set to the pattern table B. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern for normal deviation set in the pattern table C; 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of special electric accessory game processing of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the number of time reductions was set corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol which actuated the condition apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the normal symbol, the probability variation symbol, and the off symbol were set with respect to 12 types of special symbols in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed with the game machine of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special symbol game process performed with the game machine of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed with the game machine of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in the special symbol game process of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the correspondence referred in order to determine a hit stop symbol in the special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory game process of 2nd Example.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
A-4. Configuration of control circuit:
A-5. Overview of the game:
B. Control contents of the gaming machine in the first embodiment:
B-1. Normal symbol game start judgment processing:
B-2. Normal design game processing:
B-3. Normal electric game processing:
B-4. Special symbol game start decision processing:
B-5. Special design game processing:
B-6. Special symbol variation pattern setting process:
B-7. Special electric game game processing:
C. Control contents of the gaming machine in the second embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing of the second embodiment:
C-2. Special symbol game start determination process of the second embodiment:
C-3. Special symbol game processing of the second embodiment:
C-4. Special electric equipment game processing of the second embodiment:
D. Variations:

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

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. Furthermore, two prize ball display LED display portions 4g and an error LED display portion 4h are provided on the upper portion of the front frame 4. The error LED display section 4h of the present embodiment lights or blinks in red when a severe error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. Here, a severe error is an error when, for example, it is necessary to work with the front frame 4 opened for recovery, or when parts need to be replaced. Is any other error.

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

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

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. In addition, the lower plate portion 6 is provided with a lower plate full tank switch 6s (not shown) (see FIG. 7). When the lower plate portion 6 is filled with game balls, this is detected and the game balls are paid out. It is supposed to be interrupted. In order to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate portion 6, a ball game hole (not shown) for discharging game balls from the lower plate portion 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball hole is provided on the substantially central front side of the portion 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, but when the lower end is pressed to the back side, the upper end is rotated around the rotation shaft, the ball hole is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower dish portion 6 are discharged. It is possible. Moreover, the 2nd speaker 6c is provided in the right and left of the discharge knob 6b.

  An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower plate portion 6, and a firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation shaft of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan portion 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement is transmitted to the launching device unit. A launch motor 8m (see FIG. 9) incorporated in the unit rotates to launch a game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. Note that the firing stop switch 8b of the present embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected to the touch switch 8a.

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

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and a variable prize device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the game area 11. A starting port unit 17 is provided between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. As will be described later, the start port unit 17 is configured in a shape in which two start ports (upper start port and lower start port) are incorporated in two upper and lower stages.

  In the center of the central device 26, an effect display device 27 is provided. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. The screen configuration of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A large winning device 31 is provided in the approximate center of the variable winning device 18. The big prize device 31 includes a big prize opening 31d that opens substantially in a rectangular shape, an opening / closing plate that opens or closes the big prize opening, and a big prize opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 7) for opening and closing the opening / closing plate. It is composed of an interlocking rod not shown. The special winning opening 31d is opened when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, and when the special winning opening 31d is opened, the game ball enters with high probability. That is, the state in which the special winning opening 31d is open is a special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position. On the other hand, a foul ball prevention member (not shown) is attached to the tip of the inner rail 15, and a return rubber (not shown) is attached to the outer rail 14 on the substantially opposite side of the foul ball prevention member (the right half side of the game board 10). Attached along the fitting.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured by using so-called LEDs (light emitting diodes), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b emits green light. It can be lit. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7 segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. In addition, the symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs. The display contents of the symbol display device 28 having such a configuration will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d displayed on the background thereof. And are displayed. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced. Detailed production contents will be described later.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the start port unit 17 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the starting port unit 17 is provided with two starting ports, an upper starting port 17a provided on the upper side and a lower starting port 17b provided on the lower side. Of these, the upper start port 17a is a so-called fixed start port, and the lower start port 17b is a so-called tulip type start port having a pair of left and right wing pieces 17w. The pair of wing pieces 17w provided in the lower start port 17b can take two states, a substantially upright state and a state rotated toward the outside, thereby playing a game to the lower start port 17b. It is possible to switch the ease of entering the ball .

  FIG. 5A shows a state in which the blade piece 17w provided at the lower start port 17b is in an upright state. As shown in the drawing, when the blade piece 17w is upright, the upper start port 17a is provided at a position just above the gap formed between the pair of blade pieces 17w. For this reason, even if the game ball tries to enter the lower start port 17b through the gap between the wing pieces 17w, it cannot be blocked by the upper start port 17a and flows down on the game area 11 as it is. Become. An arrow of an alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 5A represents a state in which the game ball is prevented from entering the lower start port 17 b and flows down on the game area 11. For this reason, when the wing piece 17w is upright, the lower start port 17b is in a closed state in which no game ball can enter, and only the game ball that has dropped from directly above the start port unit 17 is the upper start port. It is possible to enter 17a. The broken-line arrows shown in the figure represent a state in which a game ball falling from above enters the upper start port 17a.

In this way, the game ball that has entered the upper start port 17a is guided to the back side of the game board 10 through the passage shown by the thin broken line. An upper start port switch 17s, which will be described later, is provided in the middle of the passage, and it is possible to detect that a game ball has entered the upper start port 17a by detecting the passage of the game ball. ing. As will be described in detail later, when it is detected that a game ball has entered the upper start opening 17a, a lottery for determining whether or not to start a special game state is performed .

  FIG. 5B shows a state where the pair of blade pieces 17w provided in the lower start port 17b are rotated outward. As illustrated, when the wing piece 17w is rotated outward, the game ball can easily enter the lower start port 17b. The arrow of the dashed-dotted line shown in FIG.5 (b) represents a mode that a game ball enters into the lower start port 17b. Such a state corresponds to the open state of the lower start port 17b.

Thus, the game ball that has entered the lower start port 17b is guided to the back side of the game board through the passage shown by the thin broken line. Similar to the path of the upper start port 17a described above, a lower start port switch 17t, which will be described later, is provided in the middle of the path for guiding the game ball from the lower start port 17b, and by detecting the passage of the game ball, It is possible to detect that a game ball has entered the lower start port 17b. As will be described in detail later, when it is detected that a game ball has entered the lower start port 17b, a lottery for determining whether or not to start the special game state is performed .

As described above, the upper start port 17a is a fixed start port, and the lower start port 17b is in an open state (a state where the pair of wing pieces 17w are rotated outward). Can enter the ball. Accordingly, as shown by the broken arrow in FIG. 5B, when a game ball falls from above the upper start port 17a, the game ball enters the upper start port 17a, and the game board Is detected by the upper start port switch 17s. That is, when the lower start port 17b is in an open state, a lottery resulting from a game ball entering the upper start port 17a and a lottery resulting from a game ball entering the lower start port 17b Both can be performed. On the other hand, when the lower start port 17b is in a closed state,
The lottery resulting from the game ball entering the lower start port 17b is not performed, and only the lottery resulting from the game ball entering the upper start port 17a is performed.

  The configuration on the front side of the gaming machine 1 has been described above. Finally, the operation of the two operation switches SW1 and SW2 provided at the front left end of the upper plate part 5 will be described. The operation switches SW <b> 1 and SW <b> 2 have a function of selecting an effect form displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the effect display device 27. That is, when the player operates the switches SW1 and SW2 under a predetermined condition, it is possible to change the form of the effect performed on the liquid crystal screen, the background symbol 27d, and the like. Therefore, the player can feel as if he / she is participating in the effect displayed on the effect display device 27.

A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the back structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on a large back mechanism board 102, and the back mechanism board 102 can be opened and closed to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103. Is pivotally supported. In FIG. 6, the pair of hinges 103 is shown near the upper end and the lower end on the right side of the middle frame 3.

  The back mechanism board 102 includes a prize ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a prize ball payout device 109 for paying out prize balls, a back case with a lid in which the effect display device 27 described above is stored, and will be described later. The main control board case 112 in which the main control board 200 is stored, the launcher control board case 130 in which the launch control board 260 (see FIG. 7) for controlling the launcher unit is stored, and the prize ball payout device 109 are controlled. A payout control board case 118 in which the payout control board 240 is stored, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted.

  The award ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The prize ball tank 105 and the prize ball dispensing device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. A ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106 in the drawing, and is not shown on the downstream side of the tank rail 106. A supply ball run-out detection switch is provided. Further, a game ball distributing unit is provided on the downstream side of the prize ball payout device 109. In FIG. 6, the display of the sorting unit is omitted in order to avoid complicated illustration.

  Various substrates such as the main control board case 112, the relay terminal board 190, and the payout control board case 118 are detachably mounted on a metal plate (not shown) that is rotatably suspended on the back mechanism board 102. Yes.

  At the upper right end of the back mechanism panel 102 is equipped with an external connection terminal for a gaming machine frame such as a fuse box, a power switch, a power terminal board and a jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door open, prize ball, ball lending, etc. A relay terminal board is provided. The power terminal board 132 may be connected to a ram clear switch (not shown) for generating a ram clear signal. A power cable for receiving external power supply is also provided above the relay terminal plate 122. Further, a connection cable extends upward from the payout control board case 118 and is connected to a ball lending device provided with a power cable. Further, a ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism panel 102.

A-4. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. A main control board 200 that controls whether or not it is involved, a sub-control board 220 that controls the control of game effects using symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and a payout control that controls the operation of paying out balls and prize balls A board 240 and a launch control board 260 for controlling the launch of the game ball are configured. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in the figure indicates the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 7, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are illustrated. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200, and further, the CPU mounted on the other control board, Illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 receives the detection signal of the game ball from the upper start port switch 17s, the lower start port switch 17t, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. After determining whether or not the progress or the winning ball is involved, various commands to be described later are output to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 is connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball emitted from the emission device unit. Further, the main control board 200 rotates a pair of blade pieces 17w provided at the lower start port 17b to switch the lower start port 17b between an open state and a closed state, These operations are directly controlled by outputting a signal to the large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the winning opening 31d, the symbol display device 28 for displaying fluctuation stop of the normal symbol and the special symbol, and the like.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, by outputting a drive signal to the effect display board that drives the effect display device 27 described above, an amplifier board that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, and a decoration drive board that drives various LEDs and lamps for decoration, Produce a game. In addition, the operation signals from the operation switches SW1 and SW2 described above are input to the sub-control board 220 via the effect button board. The detailed input / output relationship of the sub-control board 220 will be described later.

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

  Further, the signal from the tank switch 104 provided in the prize ball tank 105 described above, and the signal from the external tank switch 124 provided in an external tank (not shown) in which the game balls supplied to the prize ball tank 105 are stored are also paid out. Input to the control board 240. For this reason, the payout control board 240 can notify the abnormality by the error LEDs 4g and 4h described above before the winning ball cannot be paid out due to the ball running out. In addition, a signal from a lower pan full switch 6 s provided in the lower pan 6 is also input to the dispensing control board 240. For this reason, even when the lower tray portion 6 is filled with game balls, the payout control board 240 temporarily stops paying out prize balls in response to a signal detected by the lower tray full switch 6s. Is possible. In addition, a signal from the front frame switch 4 s that detects that the front frame 4 is open is also input to the payout control board 240. For this reason, when the front frame 4 is opened for some reason, it is possible to stop operations such as paying out a prize ball or lending a game ball. Further, the payout control board 240 outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 260 under the control of the main control board 200. In response to the launch permission signal, various controls for launching the game ball are performed.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control board 220 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the input / output relationship for the sub-control board 220. As shown in the drawing, the sub control board 220 is connected to various boards such as an effect display board 222, an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various effect commands from the main control board 200 as described above, the sub-control board 220 interprets the contents of the command, and displays the specific display contents on the above-described effect display device 27 and various speakers. The sound effect output at 5y and 6c, and the specific mode of lighting or blinking of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f are determined. Next, the drive signal of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display board 222, and the effect symbol change stop display is performed. At this time, data stored in the effect display ROM 27r built in the effect display device 27 or the effect display substrate 222 is used for partial data such as the character symbols and background symbols to be displayed. Also, sound effects are output from the various speakers 5y and 6c by outputting an audio signal to the amplifier board 224 in accordance with the change stop display of the effect design. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f from the decorative drive board 226, the lighting / flashing operation of the various LEDs and lamps is controlled. Furthermore, as described above, when the player operates the operation switches SW1 and SW2 provided on the front surface side of the upper platen part 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control board 220. Based on the supplied operation signal, the sub control board 220 is configured to be able to reflect the operation result in various effect contents including the effect display device 27 described above.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the input / output relationship for the launch control board 260. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240 and receives various commands from the payout control board 240 to fire a game ball, specifically, In addition to driving a launch motor 8m for launching a game ball, the operation of driving a ball feed solenoid 8t for supplying game balls one by one to the launch position is controlled. Among these, signals relating to the launch of the game ball are input / output via the launch drive board 262. That is, the exchange of signals performed between the firing control board 260 and the firing motor 8m is performed via the firing drive board 262. In addition, a signal from the touch switch 8a that detects that the player is touching the launch handle 8 (see FIG. 1) or the launch stop switch 8b that is operated when the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped is the launch. It is supplied to the launch control board 260 via the drive board 262. On the other hand, the drive signal for the ball feed solenoid 8t is directly supplied from the launch control board 260 to the ball feed solenoid 8t.

A-5. Overview of the game:
Next, the contents of the control performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. First, as a preparation, an outline of the game will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit one by one. 2 is used to fire the game area 11 described above. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launch handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 8. .

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display unit 28a and the right normal symbol display unit 28b. The left normal symbol display unit 28a is configured to be capable of lighting red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 28b is configured to be capable of lighting green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 28a and 28b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state illustrated in FIG. 10A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 10B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 10C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 10D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the lower start port 17b provided in the start port unit 17 is opened for a predetermined time. In the present embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 9C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display portion 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display portion 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the lower start port 17b cannot enter the game ball when it is in the closed state, and can enter the game ball only while it is in the open state. As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time during which the lower start port 17b is in the open state (that is, the time during which the game ball can enter the lower start port 17b) is controlled. Thus, it is possible to actively create a gaming state in which the game ball can enter the lower start port 17b and a gaming state in which the game ball cannot enter, and to effectively enhance the player's interest. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c (see FIG. 3).

  Next, when a game ball enters either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b provided in the start port unit 17, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display sections 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the left special symbol display unit 30a displays any one of “A”, “Y”, and “−”, and the right special symbol display unit 30b always displays a comma “.”. Has been. Further, “A” and “Y” of the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” Of the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green. The “-” in 30a can take either a red or green state. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display 12 types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped and displayed in any state.

  If the symbol displayed as “-” is “-”, the special symbol is removed, but if any other combination of symbols is stopped, the special symbol is a hit and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. A special gaming state is started. In other words, there are 10 types of combinations of symbols that are won by the special symbol, excluding “−” from the 12 types of symbols shown in FIG. Further, the special gaming state of the present embodiment is configured such that the gaming state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is in an open state is repeated for a predetermined round. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, a game ball enters with high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b while the special symbol is changing, the game ball is stored as the number of reserved special symbols. After the special symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of stored special symbols is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c (see FIG. 3).

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 12 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the winning symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and the respective display symbols are displayed. Since the timing for confirmation is set to be the same, it is possible to play a game while viewing either display. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more visible than the symbol display device 28, the display screen is larger, and the display content is easier to understand. It is normal to play a game while viewing the screen of the display device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and become a so-called big hit state. By performing such reach production, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player. In addition, various presentation modes are also prepared for reach production, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player more effectively. In this embodiment, the state in which the two character symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol and the last character symbol is variably displayed is referred to as a “reach state”.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the game is roughly performed as described above. However, it is easy to enter a game ball at the lower start port 17b in the two start ports. Can be controlled (see FIG. 5). Therefore, in order to effectively enhance the interest of the player by utilizing such characteristics, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment performs the control described below. In addition, several methods are conceivable for utilizing the feature that it is possible to control the ease of entering the lower start port 17b, and the actual control content varies depending on this method. Below, each control content is demonstrated concretely.

B. Control contents of the gaming machine in the first embodiment:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a process (game control process) in which the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 controls the progress of the game in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the game control process of the first embodiment, each process such as a normal symbol game process, a normal electric accessory game process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric accessory game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is approximately 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec, and the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds.

B-1. Normal symbol game start judgment processing:
When starting the game control process of the first embodiment, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 first determines whether or not to start the normal symbol game process (S100).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing (normal symbol game start determination processing) performed by the CPU 201 to determine whether or not to start the normal symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the normal symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36 (S102). The normal symbol operation gate 36 incorporates a gate switch 36s, and the CPU 201 can detect the passage of a game ball based on a signal from the gate switch 36s.

  If the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 36 (S102: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbols held is "4" (S104). In the predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, the data of the number of normal symbols held is written. In S104, the data set in this address is read and whether this value is “4” or not. Judgment is made. If the number of reservations does not reach “4” (S104: no), a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is obtained is acquired, and this random number value is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202, and the value of the normal symbol reservation number is set. One is added (S106). As will be described in detail later, whether or not a normal symbol is determined is determined using the normal symbol determination random number stored in this way. Note that the random number for determining whether or not the symbol is normal is a value between “0” and “90”, and is infinitely incremented by 1 at a constant cycle (4 msec in this example) by the control program of the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. It is a loop counter. Further, the normal symbol holding number is stored at a predetermined address in the RAM 202 as described above.

  On the other hand, in S104, when the number of holds has reached “4” (S104: yes), acquisition of random numbers for determining whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate (S106) is not performed. In other words, it is possible to store up to four random numbers for determining whether or not normal symbols are received, and in response to this, up to four holds can be displayed on the normal symbol hold display portion 29c. (See FIG. 3).

  Finally, an LED drive signal is output in order to display the number of normal symbols on the normal symbol hold display unit 29c of the symbol display device 28 (S108). That is, if the number of normal symbol hold is 4, all four LEDs provided on the normal symbol hold display portion 29c are turned on. In addition, if the number of normal symbol holdings is 3, three LEDs are lit. If the number of normal symbol holdings is two, two LEDs are lit. If the number of normal symbol holdings is one, one LED is lit. . Furthermore, if the number of normal symbols is 0, all four LEDs are turned off.

  As described above, when the symbol display device 28 is driven to display the number of normal symbol holds on the normal symbol hold display portion 29c, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S110). The ordinary electric accessory is an accessory that operates as a result of performing a normal symbol game. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, a pair of wing pieces 17w provided at the lower start port 17b. Rotates toward the outside, and the lower start port 17b is in an open state (see FIG. 5B). If the normal electric accessory is in operation (S110: yes), it is not necessary to start the normal symbol game again, so it is determined that the normal symbol game does not start (ie, S100: no). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S110: no), it is determined that the ordinary symbol game is started (that is, S100: yes).

  In step S100 of the game control process shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not to start the normal symbol game by performing the above-described process. When it is determined that the normal symbol game is started (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is started (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game is not started (S100: no), the normal symbol game process is skipped.

B-2. Normal design game processing:
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal symbol game processing. When the normal symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 29 is changing (S152). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol can be variably displayed in the manner shown in FIG. It has become. Therefore, when the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 15 is started, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is in a variable display.

  If the normal symbol is not fluctuating (S152: no), it is considered that either the normal symbol has not yet fluctuated, or has been stopped and displayed in the stop symbol after the fluctuating display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the current state is a time (stop display time) set to display a normal symbol stop symbol for a predetermined period (S154). As will be described later, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 controls the start and stop of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol. Therefore, the CPU 201 can easily determine whether or not the current state is the normal symbol stop display time based on the internal control state.

  If it is determined that it is not during the normal symbol stop display time (S154: no), that is, if the normal symbol is not variably displayed and the normal symbol stop symbol is not being displayed, the number of hold of the normal symbol is It is determined whether it is “0” (S156). If the number of normal symbols is not “0”, in other words, if there is a remaining normal symbol (S156: no), whether or not the normal symbol is determined is determined (S158). The determination of whether or not the normal symbol is present is performed by determining whether or not the random number for determining whether or not the symbol is stored when the normal symbol is held matches a predetermined hit value. That is, if the random value stored in S106 of FIG. 14 described above matches the predetermined hit value, it is determined that the normal symbol is hit, and if it does not match, it is determined that the normal symbol is off.

  When the normal symbol determination is made in this way, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display unit 29 shown in FIG. 3 (S160). Next, when 1 is subtracted from the normal symbol holding number (S162), the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated and the game control process shown in FIG. 13 is resumed. On the other hand, if “yes” is determined in S 156, that is, if the normal symbol is not being displayed and is not in the normal symbol stop display time, but the normal symbol hold count is “0”, S 158. Without performing the process of S162, the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In S152, when it is determined that the normal symbol is changing (S152: yes), it is considered that the normal symbol change display has been started in the normal symbol game process already performed. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S164). The fluctuation display time of the normal symbol is determined in advance when the fluctuation display is started, and the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed.

  If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S164: no), the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S164: yes), the normal symbol that is variably displayed on the normal symbol display unit 28 is stopped and displayed (S166). The stop symbol at this time is stopped and displayed as a symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol determination. That is, whether or not the normal symbol is already determined has been determined prior to starting the fluctuation display of the normal symbol in S160 (S158), and if the result of the determination is correct, the combination of symbols shown in FIG. 10C is stopped. If the result of the determination is wrong, the display is stopped with other combinations of symbols. Further, the display time of the stop symbol is set so that the player can confirm the symbol displayed to be stopped (S168).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the display time of the stop symbol has passed (S170). If the set stop time has not passed (S170: no), the normal symbol game processing is terminated as it is and FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display time of the stop symbol has elapsed (S170: yes), the symbol that stops the display will operate the ordinary electric accessory (in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10C). It is determined whether or not it is the indicated symbol (S172). If the stopped normal symbol is not a symbol that activates the ordinary electric accessory (S172: no), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the game control process shown in FIG. 13 is resumed. On the other hand, when the normal symbol displayed in a stopped state is the operation symbol of the ordinary electric accessory (S172: yes), the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory is set (S174). This operating time is that the lower starting port 17b provided in the starting port unit 17 is opened when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the operating symbol of the ordinary electric accessory (so-called normal symbol hit). It's about time. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but about 4 seconds when the opening time extension function described later is operated. To be extended. As a result, the opening time of the lower start port 17b is extended from about 0.5 seconds to about 4 seconds.

  Here, it is assumed that when the opening time extension function is activated, the opening time of the lower start port 17b is simply extended from about 0.5 seconds to about 4 seconds. It is sufficient if the time for the start port 17b to be in the open state can be substantially extended, and the opening time can be extended by opening the lower start port 17b a plurality of times. For example, the opening time may be extended by repeating the opening for about 1.4 seconds three times.

  When the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory is set in this way, after the ordinary electric accessory is activated (S176), the ordinary symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid (starting solenoid) 17m provided inside the lower starting opening 17b is driven, and the pair of blade pieces 17w rotate outward. As a result, the lower start port 17b is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the game control process, when returning from the normal symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S190). The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 can easily detect the normal electric accessory based on the internal control state if it is in operation. If the normal electric combination is not in operation (S190: no), the normal electric combination game process (S200) is skipped, but if the normal electric combination is in operation (S190: yes), the following description will be given. The ordinary electric accessory game process is started (S200).

B-3. Normal electric game game processing:
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory game process, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation time set for the ordinary electric accessory has passed (S202). As described above, the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is set to about 4 seconds in the state where the opening time extension function described later is operating. The When the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the pair of wing pieces 17w provided at the lower start port 17b rotate outward, and the lower start port 17b is in an open state (a state in which a game ball can enter). However, when the set predetermined time has elapsed, the pair of wing pieces 17w again returns to the closed state (a state in which a game ball cannot enter). Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the operating time set for the ordinary electric accessory has been reached. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the upper start port 17 a can enter a game ball regardless of whether or not the normal electric accessory is operating. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped and the lower start port 17b is closed (S206), and then the ordinary electric accessory game process is performed. When finished, the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the number of game balls that have entered the lower start port 17b reaches a specified number (for example, 10) during the operation of the ordinary electric accessory, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is performed even if the set operation time has not been reached. Is to be stopped. That is, when the total number of game balls that have entered the lower start port 17b reaches the predetermined number during the opening of the lower start port 17b, the lower start port 17b returns to the closed state before the opening time elapses. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no prescribed number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process (S300). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped, and conversely, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is started. (S300: yes), a special symbol game process (S320) is performed.

B-4. Special symbol game start decision processing:
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not to perform a special symbol game. As in the case of determining whether or not to start the normal symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. 14, even when determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it relates to the number of reserved special symbols. Process. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b (S302). As described above, the upper start opening switch 17s and the lower start opening switch 17t are respectively incorporated in the upper start opening 17a and the lower start opening 17b in order to detect the passage of the game ball. The CPU 201 can detect whether the game ball has entered the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b.

  If a game ball has entered either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more (S304). In a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, data of the special symbol hold number is written. In S304, the data set at this address is read and the special symbol hold number is four. Make a decision. If the number of special symbol reservations has not reached 4 (S304: no), it is determined whether or not the starting opening into which the game ball has entered is the lower starting opening 17b (S306). Such a determination can be made based on whether the switch that has detected the passage of the game ball is the upper start port switch 17s or the lower start port switch 17t. That is, if the upper start port switch 17s detects the passing of the game ball, it enters the upper start port 17a (S306: no), and if the lower start port switch 17t detects the passing of the game ball, the lower start port 17b. It may be determined that the ball has entered the ball (S306: yes).

  When it is determined that the starting opening into which the game ball has entered is the upper starting opening 17a (S306: no), a special symbol success / failure determination random number for the upper starting opening is obtained, and the obtained random number is stored in the RAM 202. Store in a predetermined address (special symbol success / failure random number storage area) (S308). On the other hand, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the lower start port 17b (S306: yes), a special symbol success / failure determination random number for the lower start port is acquired and stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 ( S310). As described above, the reason why the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b is acquired for the following reason. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the starting port unit 17 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game ball is placed in the lower starting port 17b by controlling the time during which the lower starting port 17b is opened. It is possible to control whether or not a ball can be entered. In order to make it possible to produce an effect that effectively excites the player's interest by utilizing these characteristics, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when entering the lower start opening 17b, the upper start opening 17a The determination of success / failure is made under conditions that are more advantageous to the player than when the ball is entered. For this reason, different random numbers are acquired so that the acquired special symbol success / failure determination random numbers can be distinguished depending on whether the game ball enters the upper start opening 17a or the lower start opening 17b. It is going to be.

  In the present embodiment, the special symbol success / failure random number for the upper start port takes a value of “0” to “255”, and the special symbol success / failure random number for the lower start port has a value of “256” to “511”. In this case, the range is determined according to the range of random values. These two random numbers are generated as follows. First, when a game ball enters one of the upper and lower starting ports, a random number is generated in the range of “0” to “255”. The values “0” to “255” are infinite loop counters that are sequentially incremented by 1 at a constant cycle (4 msec in this example) by the control program of the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Next, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b. If the ball enters the upper start port 17a, the generated random number is stored as it is as a special symbol success / failure random number for the upper start port, and conversely, if the ball enters the lower start port 17b, A value obtained by adding “256” to the generated random number is stored as a special symbol success / failure determination random number for the lower start port. In the special symbol game start determination process of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the special symbol success / failure determination random number for the upper start opening or the special symbol success / failure determination random number for the lower start opening obtained as described above is used. Processing to be stored in the RAM 202 of the control board 200 is performed (S308, S310).

  In addition, although it demonstrated here that two random numbers were distinguished by making the range which the special symbol success / failure determination random number for the upper start opening and the special design success / failure determination random number for the lower start opening differ. Any method can be used as long as random numbers can be distinguished. For example, a flag indicating whether the starting opening into which the game ball has entered is the upper starting opening 17a or the lower starting opening 17b is provided, and this flag is set in correspondence with the random number value stored in the RAM 202. Thus, it may be distinguished whether the random number value is for the upper start port or the lower start port.

  As described above, after storing the randomness number for determining whether or not the upper start opening or the corresponding determining random number for the lower starting position is stored (S308, S310), one special symbol holding number is added (S312). That is, one special symbol reservation number is added regardless of whether the start opening into which the game ball has entered is the upper start opening 17a or the lower start opening 17b. On the other hand, if the number of reserved special symbols has reached 4 (S304: yes), the process of newly acquiring the random number for determining whether or not the upper start opening or the random determination for determining whether or not the lower starting opening is performed is not performed. .

  Finally, in order to display the number of reserved special symbols on the symbol display device 28, an LED drive signal is output (S314). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol hold display section 30c is provided with four LEDs. If the number of special symbol hold is four, all the LEDs are lit. Also, if the number of special symbol reservations is 3, three LEDs are lit. If the number of special symbol reservations is two, two LEDs are lit. If the number of special symbol reservations is one, one LED is lit. . If the number of reserved special symbols is zero, all four LEDs are turned off.

  When the process related to the special symbol hold is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S316). The condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, and is a device that starts the operation when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the hit symbol shown in FIG. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting a gaming state (so-called special gaming state) in which the special winning opening 31d is continuously opened. In S310, if it is determined that the condition device is in operation (S316: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game will not be started in order to avoid starting the special game state again (that is, S300: no). On the other hand, when the condition device is not in operation (S316: no), it is determined that the special symbol game is started (S300: yes).

  In step S300 of the game control process shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not to start a special symbol game as described above. If it is determined that the special symbol game is to be started (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is started (S320).

B-5. Special design game processing:
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  When the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is considered that either the special symbol has not changed yet, or has been stopped and displayed in the stop symbol after the change display. . Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). If the special symbol is not variably displayed and it is not during the display time when the special symbol is stopped (S324: no), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbols held is “0”. (S326). The special symbol reservation number is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S326, it is determined whether or not the data of the number of special symbol reservations stored at this address is “0”. If the number of special symbol hold is not “0”, in other words, if the special symbol is still held (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

The special symbol determination is made by referring to the following determination table. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table that is referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the success / failure determination table, the determination result is determined in advance for the value of the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is correct. Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined is stored separately for the upper starting port random number and the lower starting port random number. Corresponding to the above, in the success / failure determination table, the result of the determination of success / failure is set for each random number for determination of success / failure. In addition, the probability of winning / decision for the lower starting port is set to a higher probability of winning the “win” than the random number for determining the success / failure for the upper starting port. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the winning determination random number for the upper start opening is set to “13” only for “13”, whereas the success determining random number for the lower starting opening is set. “Win” is set for six random numbers “268” to “273”. Therefore, the game ball enters the upper start opening 17a and enters the lower start opening 17b to enter a special symbol for the lower start opening rather than the case where the random number for determining whether or not the upper start opening is stored. In the case where the random number for determining whether or not the symbol is appropriate is stored, the “winning” is won with higher probability. In S330 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18, whether or not the special symbol is successful is determined with reference to the success / failure determination table shown in FIG. Note that, in the success / failure determination table shown in FIG. 20, two types of lottery conditions having different winning probabilities are stored depending on whether the ball enters the upper starting port 17a or the lower starting port 17b. The CPU 201 of the control board 200 determines whether or not the special symbol is correct by referring to the determination table .

  As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S338). Although detailed processing contents will be described later, in S338, first, after determining a symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol, a process for determining a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed according to the determined stopped symbol.

  When the special symbol variation pattern is set, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special symbol variation display on the symbol display device 28 (S340), and then performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol reservation number (S342). . As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the twelve kinds of special symbols shown in FIG. 11, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. When the change display of the special symbol is started, the number of reserved special symbols is one, so 1 is subtracted from the number of special symbol held data stored in the RAM on the main control board 200. Keep it. In this way, the special symbol holding number subtracted in the special symbol game process in this way is executed when the special symbol game start determination process of FIG. 17 is executed in the next loop of the repeatedly executed game control process. , S314 is reflected in the display content of the special symbol hold display unit 30c.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subtracts 1 from the number of special symbol reservations, after outputting a change pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S344), it outputs a special symbol stop information designation command (S346). . The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern set during the special symbol variation pattern setting process of S340. The special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol determined together with the variation pattern.

  Here, how various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 will be described. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how various commands are output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. FIG. 21 shows a case where a command is output from the main control board 200 toward the sub-control board 220, but the command is output from the main control board 200 toward another control board such as the payout control board 240. In this case, it is output in the same way. The main control board 200 and the sub-control board 220 are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. One bit of the main control board 200 is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining 8 bits are commanded. Assigned for output. When a command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then 1 bit. The strobe signal is output. The strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU mounted on the sub-control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU on the sub-control board 220 side is output to the 8-bit signal cable. Read the command data immediately and analyze the contents of the command. As described above, the sub-control board 220 can read the command transmitted from the main control board 200 reliably by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the command data is 2-byte data (that is, data for 16 bits). Therefore, the main control board 200 first outputs 8-bit command data and outputs a 1-bit strobe signal, and then outputs the remaining 8-bit command data and outputs a strobe signal again. Each time the strobe signal rises, the sub-control board 220 reads the command data in two portions of 8 bits. In this way, a 16-bit command is reliably supplied from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. When a 1-byte (ie, 8-bit) command is supplied, the strobe signal need only be output once. A command for restoring the game from a state where the power supply is suddenly cut off during the game and an initial command output for initializing the gaming machine 1 when the power is normally turned on are also supplied to various control boards in this way. It is output.

  As described above, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command output in the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18 are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal. The CPU on the sub-control board 220 side receives the command immediately after the strobe signal is input, and analyzes the content of the command. As will be described in detail later, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not a reach effect is to be performed, and whether or not a symbol that causes a special symbol to be stopped and displayed is a probability variation symbol or a normal symbol. If the variation pattern is known, the time for the special symbol to be variably displayed can be determined. Further, by analyzing the special symbol stop information designation command, it is possible to know whether the special symbol stops at the winning symbol or the off symbol. The CPU mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines the effect mode on the effect display device 27 on the basis of these pieces of information, and then performs the change / stop display of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, all the stopped symbols of the three character symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are set to the same symbol, or the special symbol is removed and stopped and displayed as a symbol. In this case, among the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, at least one symbol is set so as not to match the other two symbols. Further, based on the variation time of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27 and what kind of reach effect is to be used. The sub control board 220 controls the effect display board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect determined in this way, and performs the effect of the determined contents.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol of the special symbol as described above, and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command corresponding to these, The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is fluctuating in the process of S322 immediately after the special symbol game process is started (S322: yes), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is already stopped. It is considered that the symbol has been determined and the change in the special symbol has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a symbol design command for the character design that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S350). The special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed (S352). Then, after setting a display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 19). Here, the symbols that will activate the condition device are the 10 types of symbols shown as symbols in FIG. In S358 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether the symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 is a winning symbol or a missing symbol.

  If the stop-displayed symbol is a symbol (winning symbol) that will activate the condition device (S358: yes), the condition device and the accessory continuous activation device are activated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device to be described later. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the above-mentioned probability variation symbol or normal symbol, the operation is started and the big prize opening It is a device that opens 31d. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. By operating the condition device and the accessory continuous action device in this manner, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. 13 is resumed, the special electric accessory game process is started and the special game state is started. Become.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time reduction function and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory are not activated when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are activated. Here, the time-saving function is a function for shortening the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and the operation is started when a special electric accessory game process described later is executed. Moreover, the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is a function of extending the time during which the lower start port 17b is open as described above. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the opening time extending function of the ordinary electric accessory is also operated while the time reduction function is operating. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 of FIG. 19, it is subsequently checked whether or not the time reduction function is activated (S362), and the state where the time reduction function is activated. If it is (that is, the time is short) (S362: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S364). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the time reduction function is activated, it is considered that the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is also activated. Therefore, following the stop of the time reduction function (S364), After the operation of the opening time extension function is also stopped (S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the gaming state when the condition device and the continuous object actuating device are activated in S360 is not short (S362: no), it is considered that the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is not activated. Therefore, the special symbol game process is exited as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  As described above, the processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a symbol that activates the conditional device (S358: yes) has been described. If the symbol is not activated (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short of time (S372). If it is determined that the time is not short (S372: yes), the special symbol game process of FIGS. 18 and 19 is left as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Also, if it is determined in S372 that the current gaming state is in a short time (S372: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S374), whether the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number It is determined whether or not (S376). As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time-saving function is started during the special electric accessory game process described later, and when the operation starts, the time-saving function is used until the special symbol fluctuates many times. Whether to activate is set. Therefore, in S376 of the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the number of times the special symbol fluctuates during the time reduction has reached a predetermined number set at the start of the time reduction. If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S376: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S380), and then the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is also stopped (S366), and then FIG. 18 and FIG. The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 13 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S376: no), the special symbol game process is exited while the time reduction function is operated, and the game control process of FIG. 13 is resumed.

B-6. Special symbol variation pattern setting process:
Here, the detailed contents of the process (special symbol variation pattern setting process) performed to set the variation pattern of the special symbol in S338 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol variation pattern setting process. The special symbol variation pattern is determined by referring to a pattern table to be described later, and a plurality of tables are prepared depending on whether the special symbol is determined to be correct or not, whether the time is short, or the like. Yes. In the special symbol variation pattern setting process, a variation pattern is set by referring to an appropriate table among the plurality of tables. Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the flowchart of FIG.

  When starting the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3382). As described above, whether or not the special symbol is successful has already been determined based on the random number for determining whether or not the upper start port is correct or the random number for determining whether or not the lower start port is appropriate (S330 in FIG. 18). It can be easily determined by simply reading the result.

  Next, processing for determining a variation pattern is performed by determining which symbol the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed. Naturally, since the stop symbol is different between the case where the special symbol's success / failure determination result is “winning” and the case of “out”, these processes are different for the case where the determination is successful and the case where the result is negative. It is done as a process.

  First, a case where the special symbol winning / failing determination result is a win (S3382: yes) will be described. If the determination result is a win, a special symbol random number is generated to determine a winning stop symbol (S3384). Here, the special symbol random number is a random number used to determine the stop symbol of the special symbol, and is generated by software when determining the stop symbol in this embodiment. Of course, the special symbol random number may be generated in hardware using a dedicated LSI for generating random numbers, or may be generated using a pseudo random number generated by combining an oscillator and a counter. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the winning stop symbol is set in advance in association with the special symbol random number, and if one special symbol random number is acquired, the winning stop symbol can be determined immediately. ing.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a winning stop symbol is set in association with the special symbol random number. As shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol random number can take a value of 0 to 9, and a winning stop symbol is set for each random value. In this embodiment, when the winning stop symbol is determined, the stop symbols of the three character symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 are also determined. Actually, the process of determining the stop pattern of the character design is a process performed by the sub-control board 220, and is a process separate from the special symbol variation pattern setting process of determining the stop pattern of the special design. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning stop symbol is determined, the stop symbols of the three character symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 are substantially determined. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 23, in addition to the stop symbol of the special symbol, stop symbols of three character symbols are also shown. For example, the 7-segment LED of the special symbol display unit 30 is displayed in red as “A” in the winning symbol for the special symbol random number “0” (hereinafter, such display is represented as “red A”). ), A combination of symbols in which the comma portion is displayed in orange (hereinafter, such a display is expressed as “orange”) is set. The display device 27 displays a design in which all of the left character design 27a, the middle character design 27b, and the right character design 27c are designed as “1”. In addition, a combination of symbols “green Y” and “red.” Is set in the winning stop symbol for the special symbol random number “1”. All three character designs are displayed with a design of “2”. In S3382 of the variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 22, when the result of the determination is successful (S3382: yes), after acquiring the special symbol random number, based on the correspondence shown in FIG. A winning stop symbol (special symbol) is determined (S3384). When the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is successful is determined by determining the winning stop symbol, the stop symbol of the character symbol is substantially determined.

  As described above, when the stop symbol when the determination result is successful is determined (S3384), the pattern table A is selected as a table for setting the variation pattern at the time of winning (S3386). As will be described later, in the pattern table, the correspondence between the special symbol variation random number and the variation pattern of the special symbol is set, and the variation pattern can be determined by referring to the pattern table. . In S3386, the pattern table A set for the case where the determination result is successful is selected from a plurality of types of prepared pattern tables. Note that this process is almost the same as the process performed when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct, and the detailed contents of the process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the special symbol is wrong (S3382: no), a special symbol random number is generated in the same manner as in the case of winning, and a stop symbol for losing is determined (S3390). FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an outlier stop symbol is set in association with the special symbol random number. As shown in the figure, the stop symbols that are off are also set in advance in association with the special symbol random numbers. Therefore, if one special symbol random number is acquired, a stop symbol of detachment can be determined based on the correspondence shown in FIG.

  After determining a stop symbol for detachment in this manner (S3390), in order to determine a variation pattern, it is first determined whether or not the current gaming state is short of time (S3392). Here, the determination of whether or not the current gaming state is in a short time prior to the determination of the variation pattern in the case where the determination is wrong is for the following reason. Various variations of the special symbol variation time are set from short to long, and these are predetermined in association with the variation pattern of the special symbol. However, as described above, since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened during the time reduction, it is not possible to select a variation pattern in which the variation time of the symbol becomes too long. Therefore, when setting the variation pattern, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in a short time.

  If it is determined that the special symbol is not appropriate (S3382: no) and the time is short (S3392: yes), the pattern table B is selected (S3394). The pattern table B is a table set for the case where the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct and the gaming state is short and short. If it is determined that the time is not short (S3392: no), the pattern table C is selected (S3396). The pattern table C is a table set for a case where the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct is out of date and not in time saving.

  In this way, when the result of the determination is wrong, if one of the pattern table B and the pattern table C is selected depending on whether the time is short or not, the presence / absence of the reach effect is determined this time ( S3398). As described above with reference to FIG. 12, the reach effect means that two character symbols out of the three character symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol, and the last character symbol is variably displayed. The state that has been done. The variation time of the design symbol varies greatly depending on whether or not the reach production is performed, and the variation time of the special symbol displayed on the symbol display device 28 varies greatly in conjunction with this, so the variation pattern is referred to the pattern table. Before deciding, it is decided whether or not to perform reach production.

  The determination of whether or not to perform reach production is performed by generating a random number for reach determination. The reach determination random number can be generated in the same manner as other random numbers. In the process of S3398, if the value of the random number for reach determination generated in this way is a predetermined value, it is determined that the reach effect is performed, and otherwise, it is determined that the reach effect is not performed. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which whether or not to perform reach production is set according to the value of the random number for reach determination.

  Next, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to the selected pattern table (S3400). It should be noted that the process of determining the variation pattern of the special symbol with reference to the pattern table is performed even when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct, and these processes have substantially the same contents. Therefore, in the following, a process performed when the determination result is a win (S3388) and a process performed when the result is unsuccessful (S3400) will be described together.

  In determining the variation pattern, first, a special symbol variation random number is generated. The special symbol variation random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol, and can be generated in the same manner as other random number values. Next, the variation pattern set in association with the random number value is selected from the pattern table selected previously.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern for winning set in the pattern table A. As shown in the figure, in the pattern table A, a variation pattern corresponding to the value of the special symbol variation random number is set for the case where the reach effect is present. For example, if the obtained special symbol variation random number is “20”, the variation pattern “pattern special 2” is selected. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a pattern table B that is selected when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3382: no in FIG. 22) and the gaming state is short (S3392: yes). is there. For the pattern table B, the variation pattern for the special symbol variation random number is set for the case without the reach effect and the case with the reach effect. In the pattern table B, a variation pattern different from the pattern table A is set.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the pattern table C that is selected when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3382: no in FIG. 22) and the gaming state is not short (S3392: no). Similarly to the pattern table B, a special symbol variation pattern is set for the pattern table C for each of the case without the reach effect and the case with the reach effect. In S3388 or S3400 of FIG. 22, by referring to the pattern table selected in advance from among the various pattern tables as described above, the special symbol variation random number is associated with each case of the presence or absence of the reach effect. To determine the fluctuation pattern.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 28, if the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the variation time of the special symbol is also determined. The variation time takes various values if the variation pattern is different, but the variation time when the reach effect is performed is longer than the variation time when the reach effect is not performed. For this reason, if the variation pattern is determined, it is possible to determine whether the variation pattern is a pattern with a reach effect or a pattern without a reach effect based on the corresponding variation time.

  When the special symbol variation pattern is set as described above, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 22 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. In S338 of FIG. 18 described above, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined by performing the above processing.

B-7. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 13, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts a so-called special game state by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. In other words, the special game state is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executing the special electric accessory game process described below . Following is a description of reference while special electric won game game process to FIG. 29, as the preparation, briefly describe the contents of a game so-called special game state.

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

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

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special gaming state is started, since the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is a time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special gaming state is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After being released (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 29 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 201 returns to the normal symbol game start determination process (S100), and after performing the following series of processes, the special electric accessory again. The game process (S400) is started. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 13 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 29 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special gaming state is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 29 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S408, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round process is performed after about 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is open.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in the special game, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. Then, if the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the process exits the special electric equipment game process in progress shown in FIG. Return to the game control process. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Since the special winning combination game process shown in FIG. 29 is left open, the game control process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed, does the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reach a predetermined time (S410: yes in FIG. 29) or a predetermined number of games in the special winning opening 31d? Either of the conditions for entering the ball (S412: yes) is satisfied, and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all rounds have not been completed (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the big prize opening 31d is again opened and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous action device is stopped in order to end the special game state (S416).

  Subsequently, processing for setting the number of time reductions is performed according to the stop symbol of the special symbol (or the stop symbol of the character symbol) that the condition device is activated to start the special gaming state (S418). That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of time reductions is set in advance according to the special symbol hit stop symbol, and when the special gaming state ends, the special symbol is variably displayed for the set number of times. In the meantime, the time saving function is activated. Therefore, in the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 29, when the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S416), the condition device is subsequently operated to start the special game state. The process of setting the number of time reductions is performed according to the symbol that has become.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of time reductions is set in association with the stop symbol of the special symbol that causes the condition device to operate. As described above with reference to FIG. 23, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special symbol hit stop symbol and the character symbol stop symbol have a one-to-one correspondence relationship, and therefore the number of time reductions is special. Saying that the symbol is set in association with the stop symbol also means that the symbol is set in association with the character symbol. Therefore, in FIG. 30, the correspondence relationship between the stop symbol of the character symbol and the number of time reductions is also displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 30, three types of “10 times”, “20 times”, and “10000 times” are set as the number of time reductions. Of course, the types of time reduction times are not limited to these examples, and more types of time reduction times may be set, or fewer types of time reduction times may be set. Further, the number of time reductions “10000 times” corresponds to an infinite number of times, so “infinite times” may be set instead of “10000 times”.

  As shown in the figure, the special symbol hit stop symbol is a combination of “green Y” + “red.”, A combination of “orange A” + “red.”, A combination of “orange A” + “orange.” On the other hand, the number of time reductions “10 times” is set. For the combination of “red Y” + “green.” And the combination of “green A” + “green.”, The number of time reduction “20 times” is set. Furthermore, a combination of “red A” + “orange.”, A combination of “green A” + “red.”, A combination of “red A” + “red.”, A combination of “green Y” + “green.” For the combination of “red Y” + “orange.”, The number of time reduction “10000 times” is set. However, it is difficult for the player to know how many times the number of times is reduced from the special symbol hit stop symbol, but it is relatively easy to know the set value of the number of times reduced from the character symbol hit stop symbol. . That is, if the character symbol hit stop symbol is an odd number, it may be considered that the number of time reductions is set to “10000 times”. When the character symbol hit stop symbol is “2” or “6”, the number of time reductions is set to “10”, and when the character symbol hit stop symbol is “4” or “8” Is set to “20 times”. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol hit stop symbol and the character symbol hit stop symbol are set so as to correspond one-to-one (see FIG. 23). This is because by focusing on the stop symbol, the player can easily know the set value of the number of time reductions, thereby making it possible to exert a further effect.

In S418 of the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 29, the number of time reductions is set according to the special symbol (hit stop symbol) that activated the condition device based on the correspondence shown in FIG. To do. Next, after the operation of the time reduction function is started (S420), the operation of the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S422). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the opening time extending function of the ordinary electric accessory is also activated simultaneously. When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated, as described above, the opening time of the lower starting port 17b provided in the starting port unit 17 is extended from about 0.5 seconds to about 4 seconds. Each time the result of the normal symbol determination is “hit”, the lower start port 17b opens for an extended time. In this way, when the operation of the time-shortening function and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S420, S422), the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. Note that the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory is realized when the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executes the special electric accessory game process described above .

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 can advance the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game is progressing while repeatedly executing the game control process shown in FIG. When the game ball enters either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b provided in the start port unit 17, the special symbol variation display is started, and the special symbol displayed in a variable manner stops at the winning symbol. When displayed, a special gaming state advantageous to the player is started. Here, the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol is set to be higher when the game ball enters the lower start port 17b than when the game ball enters the upper start port 17a. Yes. In other words, when a game ball enters the upper start opening 17a, the special symbol is judged to have a normal winning probability, and when the game ball enters the lower start opening 17b, the special symbol has a high winning probability. A hit / no-go decision is made. For this reason, the state where the probability of winning a special symbol is high (high probability state) and the state where the probability of winning a special symbol is low (low probability state) are rapidly switched. This feels thrilling for the player and strongly attracts the player's attention to the game, so that the player's interest can be greatly enhanced.

  In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the lower start port 17b of this embodiment is a game ball only when the pair of wing pieces 17w rotate outward and the lower start port 17b is in an open state. Is configured to be able to enter the ball. For this reason, every time the lower start opening 17b is in the open state, the player follows the movement of the game ball while throbbing whether the game ball enters, and as a result, the player's interest is further increased. It is possible to excite.

  The time for the lower start port 17b to be in the open state is relatively short, about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but when the opening time extension function is activated, the opening time increases to about 4 seconds, It becomes much easier to enter the lower start port 17b. The operating period of this opening time extension function varies greatly depending on the special symbol hit stop symbol, so that when the player starts displaying the special symbol variation, not only whether the player stops at the hit symbol. Also, it will be of great interest as to which symbol to stop. When the opening time extension function is stopped for a long period of time, the game ball enters the lower start port 17b with a high probability. The gaming state will be started. In this way, depending on the type of the winning symbol that has been stopped, it is possible to proceed with the subsequent game greatly advantageously. Therefore, the player pays great attention to the type of the winning symbol. As a result, the player is drawn into the game even more than when playing a game only paying attention to whether or not to stop at the winning symbol.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the special symbol hit symbol and the character symbol hit symbol are set in a one-to-one relationship. As described above, compared to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 30, the character symbol displayed on the effect display device 27 is easy to be noticed and the display content of the symbol is also easy to understand. By displaying the symbol, it is possible to easily know at which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed, so that it is possible to effectively stimulate the player's interest.

C. Control contents of gaming machine in the second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, when a game ball enters the lower start port 17b, the success / failure determination is performed with a high probability that the special symbol will hit and stop at the symbol (the winning probability of the special symbol). On the contrary, when the game ball enters the upper start port 17a, it has been described that the winning / failing determination is performed in a state where the winning probability of the special symbol is low. In such a case, the winning probability of the special symbol is directly determined by the start opening into which the game ball has entered. However, if the lottery is performed under conditions that are more advantageous for the player than the ball entering the lower start port 17a when the game ball enters the lower start port 17b, it is not limited to this case. In other words, the winning probability may be determined indirectly depending on whether the game ball enters the upper or lower starting port.

  Hereinafter, the game control process performed in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment will be described, but for the sake of convenience of understanding, an outline of the control will be described first. As will be described later, the rough flow of control is the same as that of the first embodiment described above in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment. However, the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment is greatly different from the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment in that “normal symbol” and “probability variation symbol” are provided as the special symbol winning symbols. FIG. 31 shows that in the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, “normal symbol”, “probability variation symbol”, and “outlier symbol” are displayed for the 12 types of special symbols that can be displayed by the special symbol display unit 30. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that it was set. In the figure, five types of symbols surrounded by a thick broken line are normal symbols, and five types of symbols surrounded by a thick solid line are probability variation symbols. In addition, two types of symbols surrounded by a thin solid line are set as outliers.

  Both the “normal symbol” and the “probable variation symbol” are special symbols, and when the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed in these symbols, the special gaming state is started. . In particular, when the game is stopped and displayed with “probability variation symbol”, the winning symbol (that is, either the normal symbol or the probability variation symbol) is displayed between the end of the special gaming state and the start of the next special gaming state. The probability of being stopped and displayed is higher than in the normal state. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state). In the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when a game ball enters the lower start port 17b, the probability that the game ball stops and is displayed with a “probability pattern” is higher than when the game ball enters the upper start port 17a. Set to probability. After all, in the second embodiment, the player can advance the game more advantageously when the game ball is entered into the lower start port 17b than when the game ball is entered into the upper start port 17a. Naturally, the game is played while expecting the game ball to enter the lower start port 17b. In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, by using such a psychology of the player, the control described below is performed in order to effectively stimulate the player's interest.

C-1. Game control processing of the second embodiment:
In the game control process of the second embodiment, substantially the same process as the game control process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 13 is performed. That is, when the process is started, each process of the normal symbol game process (corresponding to S150), the normal electric accessory game process (corresponding to S200), the special symbol game process (corresponding to S320), and the special electric accessory game process (corresponding to S400) is performed. It is repeatedly executed with a period of about 4 msec. Further, when starting each of these processes, it is determined whether or not the process is to be performed according to various conditions associated with the game, and each process is performed when it is determined that the process is to be performed. That is, before the normal symbol game process (corresponding to S150), the normal symbol game start determination process (corresponding to S100) is performed, and it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is started. Similarly, it is determined whether or not the ordinary electric game is operating (equivalent to S190) before the ordinary electric game game process (equivalent to S200), and before the special symbol game process (equivalent to S320), A symbol game start determination process (corresponding to S100) is performed, and before the special electric accessory game process (corresponding to S400), it is determined whether or not the condition device is operating (corresponding to S390). Then, according to the results of these determinations, each subsequent process is performed.

  In the first embodiment described above, the winning probability of the special symbol is different depending on whether the game ball has entered the upper start opening 17a or the lower start opening 17b. As described above, not the winning probability of the special symbol but the probability of winning with the probability variation symbol is different. In this respect, the first embodiment is different from the second embodiment. Corresponding to these differences, in the second embodiment, control different from the first embodiment is performed for each of the special symbol game start determination process, the special symbol game process, and the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, these control contents different from the first embodiment will be described.

C-2. Special symbol game start determination process of the second embodiment:
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of special symbol game start determination processing performed in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment. In the special symbol game start determination process of the second embodiment, unlike the special symbol game start determination process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 17, is the start opening into which the game ball has entered the upper start opening 17a? The random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is acquired without distinguishing whether the lower start port 17b. This is because in the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, the winning probability of the special symbol differs depending on whether the game ball has entered the upper or lower starting port, whereas in the second embodiment, This is because the winning probability of the special symbol is set to the same probability, although the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol is different. Hereinafter, the special symbol game start determination process of the second embodiment will be described focusing on such differences.

  When the special symbol game start determination process of the second embodiment is started, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b (S3002). This determination can be made by detecting the passage of the game ball by the upper start port switch 17s or the lower start port switch 17t, as in the first embodiment. If it is determined that a game ball has entered the starting port at either the top or bottom (S3002: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols has reached “4” (S3004). If the number of special symbol reservations has not reached “4” (S3004: no), the special symbol is not considered without considering whether the starting opening into which the game ball has entered is the upper starting opening 17a or the lower starting opening 17b. The random number for determining whether or not is received is stored, the random number value is stored, and the number of special symbol reservations is added by one (S3006). On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has reached “4” (S3004: yes), the acquisition of a new random number for determination of success / failure is not performed.

  Next, in order to display the number of reserved special symbols on the symbol display device 28, an LED drive signal is output (S3008), and then it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S3010). If the condition device is in operation (S3010: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game is not started (that is, S3000: no). If the condition device is not in operation (S3010: no), the special symbol game is played. It is determined to start (S3000: yes).

  In the game control process of the second embodiment, in the process corresponding to step S300, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game is started as described above. If it is determined that the special symbol game is to be started (S3000: yes), the special symbol game process of the second embodiment described below is started (S3200).

C-3. Special symbol game processing of the second embodiment:
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a flow of special symbol game processing performed in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment. As described above with reference to FIG. 31, in the second embodiment, “normal symbol” and “probable variation symbol” are provided in the winning symbol, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the probable variation symbol, After the end of the special gaming state started by, until the next special gaming state is started, the winning probability of the special symbol is set to a probability variation state in which a high probability is set. Correspondingly, in the special symbol game processing of the second embodiment, the special symbol game of the first embodiment described above is used in order to determine whether or not the gaming state is being probabilistic prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. It is very different from processing. In the following, the special symbol game process of the second embodiment will be described focusing on such differences.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a part of the special symbol game process of the second embodiment. Also in the second embodiment, when the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S3202). If the special symbol is not changing (S3202: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S3204). S3204: no), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is “0” (S3206). Then, if the number of special symbol hold is not “0” (S3206: no), the special symbol determination is started.

  Here, as described above, the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment is provided with a probability variation state in which the winning probability of the special symbol is set to a value higher than the normal probability. Therefore, in determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state (S3208). If it is determined that the probability change is in progress (S3208: yes), whether the winning probability is high is determined (S3210). Conversely, if it is determined that the probability change is not in progress (S3208). : No), whether the winning probability is normal or not is determined whether or not the special symbol is successful (S3212). Whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is determined by referring to the appropriateness determination table as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the second embodiment, a normal / non-probable game state (non-probability change) success / failure determination table (see FIG. 35A) and a probability change table for probability change ( FIG. 35 (b)) is provided, and the success / failure determination table referred to during the probability change has a higher probability of winning the win than the success / failure determination table referred to during the non-probability change. Is set. In S3208 of the special symbol game process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 33, when it is determined that the probability is changing (S3208: yes), refer to the success / failure determination table during the probability change shown in FIG. The special symbol is determined whether or not the special symbol is determined (S3210). If it is determined that the probability change is not in progress (S3208: no), the special symbol is determined by referring to the non-probable change determination table shown in FIG. A determination is made (S3212).

  As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a variation pattern of the special symbol is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3214). Such a process is substantially the same as the process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 22, a special symbol random number is generated, and the winning symbol or winning symbol is determined according to the special symbol determination result (S3384, S3390 in FIG. 22). Next, in each case, after performing the process of determining the variation pattern while referring to the preset pattern table (S3388, S3400), the process returns to the special symbol game process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. To do.

  Here, in the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 23, the special symbol random number and the winning stop symbol are stored in advance in association with each other, and the winning stop symbol is determined based on the corresponding relationship. Were determined. In contrast, the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the second embodiment is common in that the winning stop symbol corresponding to the special symbol random number is determined by referring to the correspondence relationship set in advance. Depending on whether the ball enters the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b, the special symbol random number is greatly different in that different winning stop symbols are associated with each other.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship that is referred to in order to determine a winning stop symbol in the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the second embodiment, the game balls are set in association with special symbol random numbers when they enter the upper starting port 17a and when they enter the lower starting port 17b. The stop pattern is different. In the figure, the symbol surrounded by a broken line is the normal symbol (ie, “normal symbol”) described above with reference to FIG. 31, and the symbol surrounded by a solid line is the symbol per probability variation (ie, “probability variation symbol”). ). In the illustrated example, when a game ball enters the upper start port 17a, a “probable variation” is set only for the special symbol random number “1” or “5”, and for other random numbers, All “normal symbols” are set. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the lower start opening 17b, the “probability symbol” is set for all random numbers except the special symbol random number “2” or “8”. Only the special symbol random number “2” or “8” is set for the symbol. In this way, in the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the second embodiment, since the hitting symbol of the special symbol is determined with reference to the correspondence shown in FIG. 36, the game ball is placed in the lower start port 17b. When entering a ball, the probability that the special symbol is a probability variation symbol is much higher than when entering the upper starting port 17a. As for the probability that the special symbol is won (that is, the probability of stopping at either the normal symbol or the probability variation symbol, in other words, the probability of starting the special gaming state), the game ball is started at the upper start port 17a or the lower start. Regardless of which ball enters the mouth 17b, the probability is the same.

  As described above, after the special symbol stop pattern and the variation pattern are determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process, after returning to the special symbol game process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. After the display of the special symbol on the display device 28 is started (S3216), 1 is subtracted from the number of special symbols held (S3218). Then, the designation command of the variation pattern selected in the previous special symbol variation pattern setting process is output to the sub-control board 220 (S3220), and then the special symbol stop information designation command is output (S3222). Then, the special symbol game process of the second embodiment is terminated and the process returns to the above-described game control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S3202 that the special symbol is changing immediately after the special symbol game process of the second embodiment is started (S3202: yes), as in the first embodiment described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S3224). If it is determined that the variation time has passed (S3224: yes), a character symbol stop command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S3226), and the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped. It is displayed (S3228). Next, after setting the display time of the special symbol stop symbol (S3230), it is determined whether or not the set display time has elapsed (S3232). If the display time has not elapsed (S3232: no), the special symbol game process of the second embodiment is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process described above.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S3232: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S3234 in FIG. 34). Here, in the second embodiment, the symbol that activates the condition device corresponds to one of the five normal symbols or the five probability variation symbols shown in FIG.

  When the stop-displayed symbol is a symbol that activates the condition device (S3234: yes), the condition device and the accessory continuous activation device are activated (S3236). As a result, the special gaming state described above is started. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. Therefore, if the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability change state (S3238). (S3244). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a probable change (S3238: no), it is confirmed whether or not the time is short (S3240). If the time is short (S3240: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S3242). ). In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, during the operation of the time reduction function, the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory (that is, the function of extending the opening time of the lower start port 17b) is also operating. Therefore, if the time reduction function is stopped in S3242 or S3244, the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is also stopped (S3246), and then the special symbol game process of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 is exited. Return to the game control process. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S3236 is neither probabilistic nor time-saving (S3240: no), the special symbol game processing of the second embodiment is directly exited, and the game Return to control processing.

  As described above, the processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a symbol that activates the condition device (S3234: yes) has been described. If it is not the symbol to be activated (S3234: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S3248). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the probability variation state is set to continue until the next special game state occurs. Therefore, when it is determined that the current gaming state is the probability variation state (S3248: yes), the special symbol game processing of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 is exited while maintaining the probability variation state. The process returns to the game control process described above.

  In S3248, if it is determined that the current gaming state is not in a probable change (S3248: no), it is determined whether the time is short (S3250). If it is determined that the time is short (S3250: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S3252), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number (S3254). In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the time-saving state is set to continue until the next special gaming state occurs or the special symbol is rotated a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times). Therefore, if the current gaming state is short (S3250: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of changes in the special symbol has reached a predetermined number (S3254). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S3254: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S3256), and then the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is also stopped (S3246), and then FIG. 33 and FIG. Return to the game control process after exiting the special symbol game process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations in the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S3254: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed while maintaining the time-short state.

C-4. Special electric equipment game processing of the second embodiment:
As described above, also in the game control process of the second embodiment, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is operating (corresponding to S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts a so-called special game state by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process of the second embodiment described below if the condition device is in operation. On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation, the special electric accessory game process is skipped.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process of the second embodiment. The special electric accessory game process of the second embodiment starts the special game state at the end of the special game state with respect to the special electric accessory game process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. It is determined whether or not the winning symbol is a probability variation symbol, and if it is a probability variation symbol, it is greatly different in that the probability variation function is activated. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the difference.

  Also in the second embodiment, when the special electric accessory game process is started, it is first determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S4002). If the special winning opening 31d is not open (S4002: no), it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S4004). Also in the second embodiment, when the special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory is activated a predetermined number of times and the predetermined number of rounds are repeated. Therefore, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S4002: no) ), It is determined whether or not the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number, in other words, whether or not the predetermined number of rounds has ended (S4004).

  If the number of operations of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S4004: no), it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S4006). Here, the closing time of the special winning opening is the time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. When the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S4006: yes), after the special winning opening 31d is opened (S4008), the special electric accessory game process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 37 is temporarily performed. When finished, the process returns to the game control process described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is being opened at the start of the special electric accessory game process (S4002: yes), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. (S4010). If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S4010: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S4014), and then the special electric accessory game process of the second embodiment is exited and the game control process is resumed. To do. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S4010: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S4012). If the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S4012: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S4014). On the other hand, if the specified number has not been reached (S4012: no), the special electric game game process of the second embodiment is exited and the game control process is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process is repeatedly executed in this way, the opening time of the big winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S4010: yes in FIG. 37), or a predetermined number of game balls are placed in the big winning opening 31d. Either of the conditions for entering the ball (S4012: yes) is established, the special winning opening 31d is closed (S4014), and the game of one round is completed. Next, when the special electric accessory game process is executed, it is determined in S4002 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S4002: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have been completed (S4004). If all the rounds have not been completed (S4004: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S4006: yes), the new prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S4008).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S4004 that the predetermined number of rounds have ended (S4004: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped to end the special game state (S4016).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the stop symbol of the special symbol for which the condition device is activated and the special gaming state is started is a probability variation symbol or a normal symbol (S4018). If it is based on the probability variation design (S4018: yes), the operation of the probability variation function is started (S4020), and then the time shortening function and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory are started (S4022). , S4024), the process returns to the game control process.

  On the other hand, if the operation of the condition device is not due to the probability variation pattern (S4018: no), immediately after the activation of the time reduction function and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory without activating the probability variation function (S4022, S4024), the special electric accessory game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process.

  In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, it is possible to advance the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment described above, when the game ball enters either the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b, the special symbol variation display is started, and the special variation display is performed. When the symbol is stopped and displayed as the normal symbol or the probability variation symbol, a special gaming state advantageous to the player is started. In particular, when the probability variation symbol is stopped and displayed, after the special gaming state is finished, when the special symbol is variably displayed again, the probability of stopping at the winning symbol (normal symbol or probability variation symbol) is set to a high probability. It becomes a certain probability change state. That is, for the player, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the probability variation symbol, it is possible to proceed with the subsequent game very advantageously.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment described above, the special symbol stops at the probability variation symbol when the game ball enters the lower start port 17b rather than when the game ball enters the upper start port 17a. Is set to a high probability. For this reason, when the special game state is started due to the entry of the game ball into the lower start port 17b, it is highly likely that the game will be changed in a subsequent game. Therefore, the special game state continues. The possibility that a so-called recreational resort will start will increase. Therefore, the player plays a game while expecting the game ball to enter the lower start port 17b. In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the lower start port 17 b is configured such that a game ball can enter only when it is in an open state. For this reason, every time the lower start opening 17b is in the open state, the player follows the movement of the game ball while throbbing whether or not the game ball enters, and as a result, the player's interest is greatly increased. Is possible.

  In addition, the time for the lower start port 17b to be in the open state is relatively short of about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, so it is difficult to enter the game ball, but when the opening time extension function is activated The opening time increases to about 4 seconds, and the game ball is much easier to enter the lower start port 17b. For this reason, the player is enthusiastic about the game to enter the game ball into the lower start port 17b during the operation period of the opening time extension function. As a result, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, it is possible to effectively excite the interest of the player.

D. Modified example:
In any of the various embodiments described above, the hitting of the special symbol is more likely to occur when the game ball enters the lower start port 17b than when the game ball enters the upper start port 17a. It was. That is, in the first embodiment described above, the determination of success / failure made by entering the lower start port 17b is more than the determination of whether or not the special symbol is made by entering the game ball into the upper start port 17a. The probability of winning a win was set to a high value. In the second embodiment described above, the probability of winning a special symbol is the same regardless of whether the game ball enters the upper or lower starting port, but the probability of winning a winning symbol is as follows. When the ball enters the starting port 17b, it is higher than when the ball enters the upper starting port 17a. Therefore, in consideration of not only the determination of whether or not the special symbol is associated with the game ball entering the starting port, but also the determination of whether or not to be performed next, the special symbol is likely to hit in the second embodiment. It has become.

  However, as long as the game can be advantageously advanced for the player, the method is not limited to easily generating the special symbol hit, and different methods may be used. For example, in the various embodiments described above, it has been described that once the special gaming state is started, it can be continued up to 15 rounds unless a so-called punk state is reached. However, when the special game is started, the maximum number of rounds that can be continued is determined by lottery. When a game ball enters the lower start port 17b, it is more than when the game ball enters the upper start port 17a. The probability of winning a round with a large value may be set to a high value. For example, 2 types of 4 rounds and 16 rounds are set as the maximum number of rounds that can be continued. When entering the upper starting port 17a, the probability of winning 4 rounds is 80%, winning 16 rounds The probability of winning is 20%, but when entering the lower start port 17b, the probability of winning the 4th round may be 20% and the probability of winning the 16th round may be 80%.

  Also in the gaming machine 1 of such a modified example, when the game ball enters the lower start port 17b, the subsequent game can be advantageously advanced, so that the player can enter the lower start port 17b. Expect to play a game. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, if the lower start port 17b is not open unless the lower start port 17b is allowed to enter the game ball, the player can move the lower start port 17b. Every time it is in the open state, it will follow the movement of the game ball while throbbing whether the game ball will enter. For this reason, it becomes possible to greatly excite a player's interest.

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

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, the random number for determining whether or not a special symbol is generated due to the game ball entering the upper start port 17a and the game ball entering the lower start port 17b. By differentiating the generated special symbol success / failure random number, the probability of winning “winning” is different between the case where the game ball enters the upper start opening 17a and the case where the game ball enters the lower start opening 17b. It was. Instead of this, a special symbol success / failure random number is used in common regardless of the start opening into which the game ball has entered, and the success / failure determination table used in the special symbol determination (S330 in FIG. 18) is used for the upper start opening 17a. And the lower start port 17b may be made different, so that the probability of winning “winning” may be made different.

  In this case, when the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is obtained based on the game ball entering the upper start port 17a or the lower start port 17b is stored in the RAM 202, the stored random number is stored in the upper start port 17a, It is assumed that a flag indicating which of the start ports of the lower start port 17b is due to the game ball entering is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 202. Then, the number of random numbers that are “hit” in the success / failure determination table for the upper start opening 17a and the success / failure determination table for the lower start opening 17a, for example, 1 If the winning / no-go determination table for the starting port 17b is made 10 different, the game ball entering the lower starting port 17b is 10 times as much as the game ball entering the upper starting port 17a. The probability of winning a “win” increases. Even in such a form, as in the first embodiment described above, the probability of winning a “win” is different between when the game ball enters the upper start opening 17a and when the game ball enters the lower start opening 17b. Can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 17 ... Start-up unit, 17a ... Upper start-up port (1st start-up port) ,
17b ... lower starting opening (second start hole), 17s ... on starting opening switch,
17t ... lower starting opening switch, 17w ... Tsubasahen member, 31d ... winning opening,
200 ... the main control board,
201... CPU ( second start opening actuating means , special game means , special game lottery means , extended game means, number of times lottery means, number of times setting means )
202 ... RAM, 203 ... ROM (lottery condition storage hand stage)

Claims (2)

A first starting port through which a game ball can enter,
A second starting port that can be switched between a state in which a game ball cannot enter and a state in which a game ball cannot enter and a state in which a game ball can enter;
A large winning opening that can be switched between the inability to enter and the inflow possible state;
A second start port actuating means that, when a predetermined second start port operating condition is established, sets the second start port in the enterable state until a predetermined enterable time elapses;
Special game lottery means for performing a special game lottery for determining whether or not to start a special game state advantageous to the player when a game ball enters the first start port or the second start port;
When the special game lottery is won, the special game state is started, and a special winning state entrance game having a high possibility of entering a game ball into the special winning opening is performed a predetermined number of times, and then the special gaming state is set. Special gaming means to be terminated,
After the end of the special gaming state, before the next special gaming state is started or until the second start opening is made possible to enter the ball until the special game lottery is executed a predetermined number of times. An extended gaming means for generating an extended gaming state in which the available ball time is longer than usual; and
A gaming machine equipped with
As the number of times of the grand prize entry game that can be executed during the special game state, a plurality of types of times are predetermined,
Number-of-times lottery means for performing a number-of-times lottery for determining the number of times of the grand prize entry game that can be executed during the special game state;
As the lottery conditions used for the number-of-times lottery, the first lottery condition lower than the probability that the number of times of winning the winning game is a small value and the number of times of winning the winning game is large. A lottery condition storage means for storing a second lottery condition in which a probability of a value is higher than a probability of a small value ;
With
When the game ball enters the first start port, the number-of-times lottery means performs the number of lotteries according to the first lottery condition, and when the game ball enters the second start port, the number of times The lottery means performs the lottery in accordance with the second lottery condition, so that the time for entering the ball is predetermined before the special game state is started and the second starting port is in the ball ready state. The special game state in which the number of viable game tickets that can be executed is larger in the extended game state after the end of the special game state than in the non-extended game state that is the normal time of A gaming machine characterized by a high possibility of starting. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the extended gaming state is generated, there is provided a number setting means for setting the predetermined number of times as an end condition of the extended gaming state to a specific number selected from a plurality of predetermined number of times. A gaming machine.

Images