JP5753124B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball ball game machine or a revolving game machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a production operation means that can be operated by a player, and a production mode using the production operation means.

Conventionally, as a ball ball game machine as an example of a game machine, the game ball is fired on the game board by operating the handle, and responds to the game ball entering the start opening provided on the game board. It is known that the jackpot game is executed when the effect symbol of the effect display unit starts to change, the changing operation of the effect symbol stops and a predetermined symbol combination is displayed.
In recent years, in order to raise a player's participation consciousness to a game, there are some which are provided with an effect button that can be operated by the player separately from the handle. For example, Patent Document 1 below proposes a ball game machine in which a button effect mode (operation means use effect mode) for performing an effect using an effect button is prepared. In the ball ball game machine of Patent Literature 1, in the button effect mode, the operation of the effect button is validated, and it is determined whether or not the effect button is operated, and the advantageous gaming state (special profit state) is determined based on the determination result. It is disclosed to control the manner of notification of the expected degree of.

JP 2010-110517 A

  In the button effect mode, every time the effect button is operated, it is conceivable that the effect content is determined by, for example, lottery and the determined effect content is executed. However, when the production button is operated while the given production content is being executed in response to the production button being operated, the new production content in response to the production button operation is started. There is a possibility that the production contents that have been executed until then are stopped halfway.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the content of the currently executed performance from being stopped halfway, the inventors of the present application operate the performance button until a predetermined time elapses immediately after the operation of the performance button is accepted. I devised to set a prohibition period to prohibit the reception of. However, in this case, even if the player operates the effect button during the reception prohibition period, the operation is not accepted, so the player operates the effect button even in the effect mode using the effect button. There is a risk of disappearing.

  In the present invention, in the operation means using effect mode, if a given effect content is executed in response to the operation of the effect operation means, the effect content is prevented from being stopped halfway. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the player from operating the operation means for performance.

The invention according to claim 1 for achieving the above object has an operation means (11) for production that can be operated by a player, and an operation means for performing an effect using the operation of the operation means for production. A gaming machine (1) in which a use effect mode is prepared, and in the operation means use effect mode, an operation guide means (31A) for providing a player with operation guidance for prompting an operation of the effect operation means. , and S112), in said operation means using performance mode, performs a lottery for each accepting an operation of the presentation for the operation means, when you win the lottery is run only produce a predetermined period of time a "winning performance", demonstration execution means when defeated the lottery to be done only effect a predetermined time to "off effect" (31A, S115~S121, S123, S124~S125 ) and said operating means interest When the number of lottery wins reaches the predetermined number in the production mode, the first special production is executed after that, and the number of lottery wins reaches the predetermined number of times until the operation means use production mode ends. if not reached, the special effect execution means for executing a second different special effect and then to the first special effect (31A), the said operating means utilizing presentation mode, the operation of the presentation manipulation means A reception prohibition period setting means (31A, S122, S126) for setting a reception prohibition period during which the reception of the operation of the production operation means is prohibited until a predetermined time elapses after the reception. The operation guidance means provides the player with operation guidance for prompting the operation of the effect operation means even during the reception prohibition period set by the reception prohibition period setting means. It is configured to provide a gaming machine.

In addition, although the alphanumeric characters in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described later, the scope of the claims is not intended to be limited to the embodiments. The same applies hereinafter.
In this configuration, the operation means using performance mode, the lottery is performed for each accepting an operation of the effect for the operation means. When the lottery is won, the “winning effect” is executed for a predetermined effect time, and when the lottery is lost, the “out of effect” is executed for a predetermined effect time. When the number of lottery wins reaches the predetermined number in the operation means use effect mode, the first special effect is subsequently executed, and the number of wins for the lottery is determined by the predetermined time until the operation means use effect mode ends. If the number of times has not been reached, then a second special effect different from the first special effect is executed.
Further, when an operation of the production operation means is accepted in the operation means using production mode, the acceptance prohibition period setting means prohibits the acceptance of the operation of the production operation means immediately after a predetermined time elapses. A reception prohibition period is set. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the production contents from being stopped halfway due to the operation of the production operation means when the given production content is being executed by the production execution means.

Further, even during the reception prohibition period set by the reception prohibition period setting means, operation guidance for prompting the operation of the operation means for presentation is provided to the player. It is possible to prevent the operation means from being operated .

1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the game board of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure in the part relevant to the effect control board and effect interface board which are shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the reception prohibition time memorize | stored in a reception prohibition time memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the control program of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the timer interruption process of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol management process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st starting port check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd starting port check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect lottery process. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of button effect processing shown in FIG. 11. It is a figure which shows the display image of the liquid crystal display unit in a reach state. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit just before the start of button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit at the time of the start of button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit at the time of button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit when the effect content is determined to be a winning effect in the button effect mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit when the content of an effect is determined to be a loss effect in the button effect mode. It is a figure which shows the other example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit, when the effect content is determined to be a winning effect in the button effect mode. It is a figure which shows the image showing having succeeded in the game produced in button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image showing having failed in the game produced in button production mode. It is a time chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the production | presentation control board in a button production | presentation mode, and a liquid crystal display control board.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine (game machine) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a ball game machine (pachinko machine) 1 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to a ball game machine, and may be applied to other game machines such as a revolving game machine represented by a slot machine. Can be applied.
A bullet ball gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 having a substantially square frame shape for mounting (installation) on an amusement island arranged in a game store, and an inner frame 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be able to open one side. And. A hinge 4 is attached to one of the left and right sides of the outer frame 2, for example, the left side, and the inner frame 3 is held so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis of the hinge 4.

  A game board 5 (see FIG. 2) is accommodated and held in the upper part of the inner frame 3. A launching device (not shown) is accommodated and held in the lower part of the inner frame 3. A safe ball recovery unit (not shown) is disposed below the game board 5 in the inner frame 3. A front door 6 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. A lower opening / closing plate 7 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 below the front door 6 so as to be opened and closed. The front door 6 is formed with a substantially circular opening 8 at a position facing the game board 5. A transparent plate 9 such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 8, and the game board 5 on the back side of the transparent plate 9 is visually recognized through the transparent plate 9 with the front door 6 closed. Can be done. A pair of left and right speakers 28 are disposed on the upper portion of the front door 6. In addition, a pair of left and right game lamps 27 is disposed at the lower part of the front door 6.

  On the lower opening / closing plate 7, an upper plate 10 for storing game balls used for a game and a lower plate 12 for receiving a game ball overflowing from the upper plate 10 through an overflow path (not shown) are arranged vertically. Is provided. On the upper surface of the upper plate 10, a push button type effect button (effect operation means) 11 that can be pushed (operated) by the player is disposed. On the right side of the lower plate 12, a handle 13 that is operated when a game ball is launched into the game board 5 is disposed. A player can launch a game ball from the launching device toward the board surface of the game board 5 by holding the handle 13 and rotating it, and by adjusting the rotation angle of the handle 13, The momentum of the game ball fired toward the board surface of the board 5 can be adjusted.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 5 of the ball game machine 1.
On the board surface of the game board 5, a guide rail 14 for guiding the game ball launched from the launching device to the upper left part of the game board 5 is disposed. A large number of obstacle nails 16 (only some of the obstacle nails 16 are shown in FIG. 2) are arranged on the surface of the game board 5, and the right side along the guide rail 14 from the upper left side of the game board 5. The game balls released obliquely upward flow down along the board surface of the game board 5 through a large number of obstacle nails 16.

A liquid crystal display unit (effect display unit) 15 is disposed in the center of the board surface of the game board 5. The liquid crystal display unit 15 is for displaying effect symbols, predetermined messages, and the like.
Below the liquid crystal display unit 15, a first special symbol start port 18 and a second special symbol start port 28 are arranged vertically. The first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 are provided so that game balls flowing down along the surface of the game board 5 can enter.

  On the board surface of the game board 5, an electric tulip accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 19 including a pair of blades is disposed in association with the second special symbol starting port 28. The electric tulip accessory 19 is usually constricted in a state where the tip portions of the blades are close to each other (narrowed state). In the constricted state of the electric tulip accessory 19, a game ball that flows down along the board surface of the game board 5 enters the second special symbol start opening 28, and the first special symbol start opening 18 enters the ball 1 Blocked by a pair of vanes. Then, in the state where the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded, each of the blades of the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded so that a game ball can enter the second special symbol start opening 28, 2 The special symbol start port 28 is opened.

In addition, the structure of the electric tulip accessory 19 is not limited to this, For example, the structure which withdraws in the front-back direction may be sufficient, and the big prize opening opening / closing board (special electric accessory) 21 described below is sufficient. Similarly, the configuration may be such that it tilts to the near side about the rotation axis.
When a game ball enters the first or second special symbol start opening 18, 28, a predetermined number (for example, three balls for entering the game ball into the first special symbol start port 18, and the second special symbol start opening 18, 28). 5 prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3). In addition, a big hit lottery (special profit state lottery) for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state is executed in accordance with the game ball entering the first or second special symbol start opening 18, 28. The

  Below the second special symbol starting port 28, that is, below the board surface of the game board 5, for example, a large winning port 20 having a long rectangular shape on the left and right is disposed. The big winning opening 20 is formed in a size that allows a plurality of (for example, 3 to 4) game balls to enter simultaneously in the left-right direction. In relation to the big prize opening 20, a big prize opening opening / closing plate 21 capable of opening and closing the big prize opening 20 is provided. The big prize opening / closing plate 21 closes the big prize opening 20 in a state along the board surface of the game board 5 and can prevent the game ball from entering the big prize opening 20. A game ball that flows down onto the grand prize opening 20 is opened by tilting to the near side with a pivot shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of the mouth 20 as a center. It can be introduced into the big prize opening 20. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 20, a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3).

A normal symbol gate 17 through which a game ball flowing down along the board surface of the game board 5 can pass is disposed on the right side of the liquid crystal display unit 15, that is, on the right side of the board surface of the game board 5. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 17, a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the electric tulip accessory 19 (whether or not to execute the normal profit state) is executed.
A first special symbol display means 22, a second special symbol display means 23, and a normal symbol display means 26 are disposed in the outer region of the guide rail 14 in the upper right portion of the game board 5. These display means 22, 23, and 26 are arranged in a line in this order from the upper right part of the game board 5 toward the lower right direction.

  The first special symbol display means 22 is for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery executed for entering the game ball into the first special symbol start opening 18, and is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. ing. In the first special symbol display means 22, for example, the symbol is alternately switched at high speed between “8” and “−” in association with the game ball entering the first special symbol start port 18. The symbol variation operation is executed for a predetermined symbol variation time. If the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (when it is determined to execute the special profit state), after the symbol variation time has elapsed, the special symbol for jackpot is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display means 22 and the jackpot If the result of the lottery is lost, the special symbol for shift is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display means 22 after the symbol variation time has elapsed.

  The second special symbol display means 23 is for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery executed for the entrance of the game ball into the second special symbol start port 28, and is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. ing. In the second special symbol display means 23, for example, the symbol is alternately switched at high speed between “8” and “−” in association with the game ball entering the second special symbol start port 28. The symbol variation operation is executed for a predetermined symbol variation time. When the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (when it is determined to execute the special profit state), after the symbol change time has elapsed, the special symbol for jackpot is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display means 23, and the jackpot If the result of the lottery is lost, the special symbol for shifting is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display means 23 after the symbol variation time has elapsed.

  The normal symbol display means 26 is for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery executed for the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17, and is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. In the normal symbol display means 26, in association with the game ball passing through the normal symbol gate 17, for example, a symbol changing operation in which the symbol is alternately switched between “8” and “−” at a high speed is predetermined. It is executed during the symbol variation time. When the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win (when the expansion of the electric tulip accessory 19 is determined), the normal symbol for winning is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display means 26 after the elapse of the symbol variation time, If the result of the normal symbol lottery is out of date, the normal symbol for shift is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display means 26 after the symbol variation time has elapsed.

  The result of the big hit lottery is displayed not only on the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23 but also on the liquid crystal display unit 15. That is, during the special symbol changing operation of the special symbol display means 22 and 23, the effect symbol changing operation by the liquid crystal display unit 15 is executed. When the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the jackpot effect symbol is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 after the effect symbol changing operation is completed. Further, when the result of the big hit lottery is lost, the effect symbol for losing is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 after the changing operation of the effect symbol is completed.

  Further, in the outer region of the guide rail 14 in the upper right part of the game board 5, a first special symbol reserved ball number display means (not shown), a second special symbol reserved ball number display means (not shown), Normal symbol reserved ball number display means (not shown) is provided. The first special symbol reserved ball number display means is for displaying the number of symbol variation operations of the reserved first special symbol display means 22. The second special symbol reserved ball number display means is for displaying the number of symbol variation operations of the second special symbol display means 23 being held. The normal symbol reserved ball number display means is for displaying the number of symbol variation operations of the normal symbol display means 26 being held.

The ball game machine 1 is provided with a probability variation game. The jackpot probability in the jackpot lottery during the probability variation game is set to 1/40, for example. Further, the jackpot probability when the probability varying game is not executed is set to a probability lower than the jackpot probability during the probability varying game, for example, 1/400.
In addition, a support game is also executed during the probability variation game. When the support game is not executed, that is, when the probability variation game is not executed, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 with respect to the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17 is 27 seconds, for example, and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is For example, it is 1/100, and the number of times the second special symbol start opening 28 is opened (the number of times the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded) at the time of winning the normal symbol lottery is one time, for example, the time required for each opening is 0.2, for example. Seconds. Therefore, in the bullet ball game machine 1, the electric tulip accessory 19 is rarely expanded when the probability variation game is not executed, so that the game ball flowing down the board surface of the game board 5 is the second special symbol start port. 28 hardly enters the ball.

  On the other hand, during the support game, that is, during the probability variation game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 with respect to the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17 is, for example, 2.7 seconds. The probability is 1 / 1.1, for example, the number of times the second special symbol start port 28 is opened at the time of winning the normal symbol lottery is, for example, 2 times, and the time required for each opening is, for example, 2.0 seconds. In this way, during the support game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 with respect to the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17 is shorter and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than when the support game is not executed. In addition, the degree of opening of the second special symbol start port 28 at the time of winning the normal symbol lottery (including the number of times of opening and the time required for each opening) is high. Accordingly, during the probability variation game, the electric tulip accessory 19 is frequently expanded, and the game balls flowing down the board surface of the game board 5 are likely to enter the second special symbol start opening 28 frequently.

  In the above-mentioned support game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 is shortened compared to when the support game is not executed, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is set higher than when the support game is not executed, and the normal symbol is displayed. The degree of opening of the second special symbol start port 28 at the time of winning the lottery is made higher than when the support game is not executed. However, it is not necessary for the support game to perform all three, and it is sufficient that at least two of them are performed. In addition, the winning probability during the support game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 during the support game, the number of times the second special symbol start port 28 is opened during the support game, and each opening shown in the above embodiment. Needless to say, the time required is only an example and is not limited thereto. Since the probability variation game and the support game are not characteristic features of the present invention, the description of the processing executed by the gaming machine 1 for performing the probability variation game and the support game is omitted.

  During the special profit state, the big prize opening 20 is opened by swinging the big prize opening / closing plate 21. In the special profit state, the grand prize opening 20 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 10 balls) enter the big prize opening 20 in advance. Such an operation is performed only for a plurality of rounds (for example, 2 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.) with an interval between them, assuming that the operation of the special prize opening opening / closing plate 21 is one round.

In addition, one or a plurality of normal winning openings 25 are arranged on the surface of the game board 5. In FIG. 2, two normal winning openings 25 are arranged in the lower left part of the board surface of the game board 5. When a game ball enters the normal winning opening 25, a predetermined number (for example, three balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3).
Among the game balls flowing down along the board surface of the game board 5, the game balls that have not entered any of the first and second special symbol start openings 18, 28, the big winning opening 20, and the normal winning opening 25 (out balls) Is collected in the machine from the out port 24 formed in the lower part of the board surface of the game board 5.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ball game machine 1.
The ball game machine 1 includes a main control board 30 that controls the operation of the game, an effect control board 31 that controls the effect control, and a payout control board 32 for paying out the game balls from the ball game machine 1. Yes.
The payout control board 32 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 32A, a RAM 32B, a ROM 32C, and the like, and is connected to the main control board 30. To the payout control board 32, a prize ball payout device 50 is connected as a control target.

The effect control board 31 is connected to the main control board 30 via the effect interface board 33. A liquid crystal display control board 34 is connected to the effect control board 31 via an effect interface board 33.
The liquid crystal display control board 34 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 34A, a RAM 34B, and a ROM 34C. The liquid crystal display unit 15 is connected to the liquid crystal display control board 34 as a control target.

  The main control board 30 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 30A, a RAM 30B, and a ROM 30C. The main control board 30 is connected to the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23 and the normal symbol display means 26 as control targets. Further, the main control board 30 has detection outputs from special symbol start port entrance sensors 36 and 37 for detecting balls entering the first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 (see FIG. 2), respectively. Is entered.

  The main control board 30 has a detection output from a normal gate passage sensor 38 for detecting that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 17 (see FIG. 2) via the game board relay board 35. The detection output from the big winning opening entrance ball sensor 39 for detecting that the gaming ball has entered the winning opening 20 (see FIG. 2), and the fact that the gaming ball has entered the normal winning opening 25 (see FIG. 2). A detection output from the normal winning opening entrance ball sensor 40 for detection is inputted.

Further, the main control board 30 has an electric tulip driving mechanism (for example, including solenoids) 41 for driving the electric tulip accessory 19 (see FIG. 2) via the game board relay board 35, and a grand prize. A prize winning opening / closing mechanism (including, for example, solenoids) 42 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 21 (see FIG. 2) is connected as a control target.
A speaker 28 and a game lamp 27 are connected to the effect interface board 33 as control targets via a frame relay board 43. In addition, the effect button 11 is connected to the effect interface board 33.

  The production control board 31 determines specific production contents of the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the control command signal from the main control board 30 and outputs production information (control command signal) for executing the production contents. . Specifically, the effect information output from the effect control board 31 is given to the liquid crystal display control board 34 via the effect interface board 33. The liquid crystal display control board 34 controls the display of the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the contents of the effect information sent from the effect control board 31.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of portions related to the effect control board 31 and the effect interface board 33.
The effect control board 31 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 31A and a memory 31B. Buffer circuits 52, 53, and 54 are mounted on the effect interface board 33.

  The control command signal output from the main control board 30 is input to the effect control board 31 via the buffer circuit 52 of the effect interface board 33. The production control board 31 determines specific production contents based on the variation pattern command signal included in the control command signal sent from the main control board 30. This effect content is not limited to the display content such as the display image on the liquid crystal display unit 15, but the content of the lamp effect by lighting or blinking of lamps (including the game lamp 27), or the sound such as the sound output from the speaker 28. Includes content.

The effect information (control command signal) transmitted from the effect control board 31 is output to the liquid crystal display control board 34, the frame relay board 43, etc. via the buffer circuit 53 of the effect interface board 33, respectively.
An operation input signal from the effect button 11 is input to the effect control board 31 via the buffer circuit 54 of the effect interface board 33.

  The bullet ball gaming machine 1 is provided with a button effect mode for performing a button effect process using the effect button 11 as an example of the effect mode. The length of the button effect mode period is, for example, 5.0 seconds. In the button effect mode, the player is prompted to continuously operate (repeatedly) the effect button 11. The button effect mode is set, for example, during execution of the reach effect or the like in the liquid crystal display unit 15, and after the button effect mode ends, it is determined whether or not the super reach A (special effect) is executed in the liquid crystal display unit 15. This is a production mode.

  The operation of the effect button 11 is invalid during a period other than the button effect mode. That is, it is in the state (acceptance prohibition state) where the acceptance of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited. For this reason, even if the production button 11 is operated, the button operation is not accepted. On the other hand, in the button effect mode, in principle, the operation of the effect button 11 is effective. That is, in the button effect mode, in principle, the operation of the effect button 11 is permitted to be accepted (acceptance permission state). However, when the operation of the effect button 11 is received in the button effect mode, a reception prohibition period is set in which reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited until a predetermined time has passed immediately after that. In this reception prohibition period, the reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited (reception prohibited state). When the reception prohibition period elapses, the operation of the effect button 11 is permitted (acceptance permission state).

  In the button effect mode, button lottery (operation lottery) is executed every time an operation of the effect button 11 is accepted. Then, the production content is determined according to the button lottery result, and the determined production content is executed. The production time is preset according to the production content. In this embodiment, there are two types of effect contents: “winning effect” that is executed when a button lottery is won, and “out of effect” that is executed when a button lottery is lost. In this embodiment, the effect time (execution time) of “winning effect” is 140 msec, and the effect time of “out of effect” is 120 msec. The reception prohibition period set immediately after the operation of the effect button 11 is received is set to a time longer than the effect time of the effect content executed in response to the reception of the button operation.

  In the button effect mode, when the “winning effect” or “out of effect” is executed, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, the progress of the game effected in the button effect mode on the liquid crystal display unit 15 ( Hereinafter, a progress level display section 55 indicating “game progress level”, images 61 and 62 indicating button lottery results, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. The degree of progress of the game up to the execution of the special performance is expressed in multiple stages (for example, 6 stages from stage “0” to stage “5”). Is promoted by one step.

  The progress degree display unit 55 is configured by a so-called level meter, and is configured by, for example, stacking a plurality of (for example, five) display portions 56 capable of being turned on / off. The progress display section 55 can be lit up in order from the lowermost display portion 56, and the game progress is represented by the number of display portions 56 to be lit. Therefore, the progress display unit 55 can display the game progress in a plurality of stages (for example, six stages from the stage “0” to the stage “5”).

  In this embodiment, in the button effect mode, when the number of button lottery wins reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5 times) (when the special effect execution condition is satisfied), the liquid crystal display unit 15 thereafter performs super reach A. (Special production) is executed. On the other hand, if the number of button lottery wins does not reach the number of times (5 times) before the button production mode ends, the liquid crystal display unit 15 thereafter has a super reach with a lower reliability than the super reach A. B is executed. It should be noted that even if the number of button lottery wins does not reach a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) before the button effect mode ends, the super reach A can be executed. Also good.

The memory 31B is provided with a reception prohibition time storage unit 44, a button lottery table 45 that stores numerical values for winning a button lottery, a progress value storage unit 46, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 5, the reception prohibition time storage unit 44 stores the length of the reception prohibition period (reception prohibition time) of the button operation that is set immediately after each effect content determined by the button lottery result. Is done. In this embodiment, an acceptance prohibition time of 150 msec is set for a winning effect with an effect time of 140 msec, and an acceptance prohibition time of 130 msec is set for an outlier effect with an effect time of 120 msec.

The button lottery table 45 stores a numerical value for winning a button lottery. In addition, the button lottery table 45 corresponds to the elapsed time from the start of the button effect mode so that the winning probability of the button lottery increases as the elapsed time from the start of the button effect mode becomes longer. A numerical value for winning a button lottery may be set.
The progress value storage unit 46 stores a value (progress value) representing the game progress (for example, six stages from “0” to “5”). Based on the progress value stored in the progress value storage section 46, the progress display section 55 (see FIGS. 13E and 13F) in the liquid crystal display unit 15 is displayed. Accordingly, when the progress value stored in the progress value storage unit 46 is “3”, for example, the display of the progress display unit 55 is “3”. At this time, in the progress display portion 55, the lowermost display portion 56, the second display portion 56 from the bottom, and the third display portion 56 from the bottom are turned on.

  In addition, the effect control board 31 is provided with an external button lottery random number counter 47, a reception prohibition time counting timer 48, a button effect mode remaining period timer (hereinafter referred to as “remaining period timer 49”), and the like. For example, the button lottery random number counter 47 randomly generates button lottery random numbers (lottery random numbers) from “0” to “99”. The CPU 31A can acquire a button lottery random number generated by the button lottery random number counter 47.

  The reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is provided for setting a reception prohibition period during which the reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited in the button effect mode. The reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is, for example, a subtraction type timer. The reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is set with a reception prohibition time (in this embodiment, 150 msec or 130 msec) corresponding to the effect content when the effect content is determined by the button lottery result. Thereafter, the value of the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is subtracted every predetermined time. When the reception prohibition time is set in the reception prohibition time count timer 48 and the value of the reception prohibition time count timer 48 becomes zero after the reception prohibition time has elapsed, the reception prohibition time count timer 48 holds a zero value.

  The remaining period timer 49 is for measuring the remaining time in the button effect mode. The remaining period timer 49 is, for example, a subtraction type timer. The remaining period timer 49 is set with a preset time (for example, 5.0 seconds) as the button effect mode period at the start of the button effect mode. Thereafter, the value of the remaining period timer 49 is subtracted every predetermined time. When a predetermined time (5.0 seconds) is set in the remaining period timer 49 and the value of the remaining period timer 49 becomes zero after the predetermined time has elapsed, the remaining period timer 49 holds a zero value. .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a control program for the main control board 30. The control program for the main control board 30 includes a system reset process (a process at the time of power-on shown in FIG. 6) that is activated on the basis of the restoration or turn-on of the power supply voltage.
Execution of the system reset process is started when power is turned on and a system reset signal from a power supply board (not shown) is input to the main control board 30. When system reset processing is executed, the power is turned on without clearing the RAM, such as when recovering from a power failure, or the power is turned on while the RAM is being cleared, such as when the amusement store is opened. The case where it will be in a state can be mentioned.

In these cases, the CPU 30A first sets itself to an interrupt disabled state and initializes the values of the respective registers built in the CPU 30A. Next, the CPU 30A waits until initial setting of peripheral boards (for example, boards such as the payout control board 32 and the effect control board 31) is completed (various initial settings shown in FIG. 6).
As the power is turned on, a voltage drop signal indicating a power-on state (for example, an on state) is input to the main control board 30 from a power board (not shown). If the voltage drop signal is at a voltage level indicating a power-on state, the CPU 30A then monitors whether or not a power-on command signal indicating that the payout control board 32 has started up normally is input from the payout control board 32. (Payout control confirmation shown in FIG. 6).

  The CPU 30A to which the power-on command signal has been input next determines whether or not the RAM clear signal received from the power supply board (not shown) is at the L level (the level when the power is turned on while performing the RAM clear operation). If the RAM clear signal is at the L level, the entire area of the RAM 30B is cleared to zero and a RAM clear command signal for notifying the RAM clear is output to the peripheral substrates.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal received by the main control board 30 is at the H level, it is determined whether or not the data (backup data) stored in the RAM 30B is valid (backup confirmation shown in FIG. 6). Specifically, the CPU 30A uses the checksum (data error detection code) calculated based on the backup data stored in the RAM 30B at that time as the backup checksum stored in the SUM storage area of the RAM 30B. Collate. The CPU 30A determines that the backup data is valid if both checksums match, and determines that the backup data is invalid if they do not match.

When the execution of each of these processes is completed, the system reset process is terminated, and the main process (main loop process) is repeated in an infinite loop. During the infinite loop of the main process, the CPU 30A is set in the interrupt disabled state, and the updating process is executed for various counters. After the execution is completed, the CPU 30A is returned to the interrupt enabled state.
During an infinite loop of the main process, a maskable timer interrupt process is executed every 4 msec. More specifically, in the CPU 30A, on the condition that the CPU 30A is in the interrupt permitted state, the main process is interrupted every 4 msec, and the timer interrupt process is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of timer interrupt processing of the main control board 30. When the timer interrupt process is started, a power supply abnormality check process is executed (step S1). In this power supply abnormality check process, the level of the voltage drop signal supplied to the main control board 30 from a power supply board (not shown) connected to the main control board 30 is determined. When it is detected over one or a plurality of timer interruption processes that the level of the voltage drop signal is a level indicating power interruption, the process proceeds to a backup process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage drop signal is at a level that does not indicate that the power supply is cut off, a timer subtraction process is performed for each timer that manages the game operation time (step S2: timer management process). The timer to be subtracted here is mainly used for managing the expansion time of the electric tulip accessory 19 and the opening time of the special prize opening 20.
Next, an input management process is executed (step S3). The input management process stores the contents of detection outputs of various sensors provided in the ball game machine 1 (for example, whether the various detection sensors output an on / off signal, whether they are on or off), This is a process of periodically updating data based on the. Examples of the various sensors include the special symbol start entrance ball sensors 36 and 37, the normal gate passage sensor 38, the big winning entrance entrance sensor 39, the ordinary winning entrance entrance sensor 40, and the like.

  Next, the value of a random symbol for normal symbol determination (not shown) used in the normal symbol determination in the normal symbol management process (step S7) described later, and the special symbol used in the special symbol management process (step S9) described later. The value of the determination random number counter (not shown) is updated (step S4: random number management process in timer interruption). In this embodiment, since the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) used in the jackpot determination is a hard counter, its update is not performed by a program.

Next, an error management process is performed to determine whether or not the supply of game balls to the ball supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying game balls to the prize ball payout device 50 is stopped or whether or not the game balls are clogged (step S5). . In this error management process, it is also determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the ball game machine 1.
Next, in order to instruct the payout amount to the winning ball payout device 50 corresponding to the payout number of game balls that have entered (winning) the winning holes 18, 20, 25, 28, confirmation of winning information and command signal data Prize ball management processing is performed (step S6).

  Next, normal symbol management processing is performed (step S7). In this normal symbol management process, a normal symbol determination process (equivalent to the above-described normal symbol lottery) for determining whether or not to expand the electric tulip accessory 19 as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 17 is performed. Executed. More specifically, the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired from the normal symbol determination random number counter (not shown) updated by the random number management process in timer interruption in step S4 is compared with the numerical value per normal symbol.

Then, in the normal symbol determination process, when the value of the random number for normal symbol coincides with the numerical value per normal symbol, a process for the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 19 is executed, and thereafter the electric tulip accessory 19 The process which implement | achieves this expansion operation is performed (step S8: normal electric accessory management process).
Next, a special symbol management process is performed (step S9). In this special symbol management process, a big hit determination process for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state is executed in accordance with the game balls entering the start ports 18 and 28. More specifically, the value of the jackpot determination random number acquired from the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) is compared with the jackpot value.

Then, when the value of the jackpot determination random number matches the jackpot value in the jackpot determination process, a process for the opening operation of the big prize opening 20 (opening / closing operation of the big prize opening opening / closing plate 21) is executed, and thereafter A process for realizing the opening operation of the special winning opening 20 is executed (step S10: special electric accessory management process).
Next, a lamp management process for turning on and off a predetermined lamp managed by the main control board 30 is executed (step S11).

Next, the CPU 30A is returned to the interrupt permission state, and the timer interrupt process is finished (step S12). As a result, the routine of the timer interrupt process is exited and the main process of an infinite loop is executed.
The normal symbol management process in step S7 of FIG. 7 and the ordinary electric utility management process in step S8 will be described more specifically.

  The RAM 30B is provided with a normal symbol storage area (not shown). The normal symbol hold storage area can store, for example, up to five random numbers for normal symbol determination. Specifically, in the normal symbol holding storage area, five storage areas for storing normal symbol determination random numbers are provided. These storage areas are referred to as a first area, a second area, a third area, a fourth area, and a fifth area, respectively.

  The four areas from the second area to the fifth area are areas for storing normal symbol determination random numbers for which execution is suspended. When collectively referring to the second area to the fifth area, they are referred to as “reserved data areas”. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 17, a normal symbol determination random number is stored in the reserved data area in the normal symbol hold storage area. Specifically, if the second area is empty, the normal symbol determination random number is stored in the second area. If the second area is not empty and the third area is empty, the normal symbol determination random number is stored in the third area. Is stored, and if the second and third areas are not empty and the fourth area is empty, the normal symbol determination random number is stored in the fourth area, and the second to fourth areas are not empty and the fifth area is empty. If so, the normal design random number is stored in the fifth area.

The first area is an area for storing a normal symbol determining random number to be executed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “execution data area”).
If the normal symbol determination random number is stored in at least the second region among the second to fourth regions in the normal symbol holding storage area, the electric tulip accessory 19 is not being expanded. The stored contents of the second to fifth areas are shifted to the first to fourth areas, respectively, and the fifth area is emptied. Then, the normal symbol determination random number shifted to the first area (execution data area) is executed.

  Specifically, the normal symbol lottery is performed based on the normal symbol determination random number value and the numerical value per normal symbol, and the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 26 according to the lottery result is executed. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip accessory 19 expands after the symbol variation operation in the normal symbol display means 26 ends. Thereby, the 2nd special symbol starting port 28 opens.

Instead of storing the normal symbol determination random number value in the normal symbol holding storage area of the RAM 30B, the normal symbol lottery result itself based on the acquired normal symbol determination random number value and the numerical value per normal symbol is stored. Also good.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol management process in step S9.
In the special symbol management process, the CPU 30A first performs a first start port check process (step S21).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first start port check process.
The RAM 30B is provided with a first reserved storage area (not shown). In the first reserved storage area, a jackpot determination random number, a special symbol random number, a first variation pattern random number, and a second variation pattern random number (the above random numbers are collectively referred to as “start-up memory”; the same applies hereinafter). For example, a maximum of 5 can be stored. Specifically, the first reserved storage area is provided with five storage areas for storing start-up memory. These storage areas are referred to as a first area, a second area, a third area, a fourth area, and a fifth area, respectively.

  The four areas from the second area to the fifth area are areas for storing start-up memory whose execution is suspended. When collectively referring to the second area to the fifth area, they are referred to as “reserved data areas”. When a game ball enters the first special symbol starting port 28, the starting memory is stored in the reserved data area in the first holding memory area. Specifically, if the second area is empty, the start memory is stored in the second area, and if the second area is not empty and the third area is empty, the start memory is stored in the third area. If the third area is not empty and the fourth area is empty, the start memory is stored in the fourth area, and if the second to fourth areas are not empty and the fifth area is empty, the start memory is stored in the fifth area. Is memorized.

The number of start memories stored in the reserved data area (second to fifth areas) in the first reserved storage area (the number of start memories being held. Hereinafter, referred to as “special symbol 1 motion reserved ball number”. Is stored in a first special symbol reserved ball number counter (not shown) provided in the RAM 30B.
The first area is an area for storing start-up memory to be executed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “execution data area”). As will be described later in step S27 of FIG. 8, when the start-up storage stored in the second area is executed, the stored contents of the second to fifth areas are shifted to the first to fourth areas, respectively. At the same time, the fifth region is emptied. Then, the start-up storage shifted to the first area (execution data area) is executed.

  In FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered (wins) the first special symbol start opening (special figure 1 start opening) 18 (step S41). This determination is made based on the detection output of the first special symbol start opening ball sensor 36. If it is determined that a game ball has entered the first special symbol start port 18 (YES in step S41), the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (special symbol 1 motion reserved ball number) is a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the reserved ball number upper limit value (reserved ball number MAX. For example, 4.) has been reached (step S42).

  When the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter does not reach the reserved ball number upper limit value (the number of reserved balls MAX) (NO in step S42), that is, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is 3. If it is below, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (+1) (step S43). Further, the start memory (random number) is acquired and stored in the reserved data area in the first reserved storage area (step S44).

  Specifically, the CPU 30A obtains the jackpot determination random number from the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown), acquires the special symbol random number from the special symbol random counter (not shown), The special symbol random number is stored in the reserved data area in the first reserved storage area. Further, the CPU 30A obtains a first variation pattern random number from a first variation pattern random number counter (not shown), obtains a second variation pattern random number from a second variation pattern random number counter (not shown), The random numbers for the first and second variation patterns are stored in the reserved data area in the first reserved storage area. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22 in FIG.

Instead of storing the jackpot determination random number in the first reserved storage area, the result of the jackpot lottery by comparing the acquired jackpot determination random number with a predetermined jackpot value may be stored.
If it is not determined in step S41 that a game ball has entered the first special symbol start opening 18 (NO in step S41), or the value of the first special symbol reservation ball number counter is the number of reserved balls in step S42. If it is determined that the upper limit (the number of reserved balls MAX) has been reached (YES in step S42), the process proceeds to step S22 in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 8, in step S22, the CPU 30A performs a second start-up port check process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second start port check process.
The RAM 30B is provided with a second reserved storage area (not shown). In the second reserved storage area, for example, up to five start memories can be stored. Similar to the first reserved storage area, the second reserved storage area is provided with five storage areas (first to fifth areas) for storing start-up memory. The four areas from the second area to the fifth area are areas for “holding data area” for storing the starting memory whose execution is suspended, and the first area stores the starting memory which is the object of execution. This is an area for storage (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “execution data area”).

The number of starting memories stored in the reserved data area (second to fifth areas) in the second reserved storage area (the number of starting memories being held. Hereinafter, referred to as “special symbol 2 motion reserved ball number”. Is stored in a second special symbol reserved ball number counter (not shown) provided in the RAM 30B.
In FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered (wins) the second special symbol start opening (special figure 2 start opening) 28 (step S51). This determination is made based on the detection output of the second special symbol start-up entrance ball sensor 37. If it is determined that a game ball has entered the second special symbol start port 28 (YES in step S51), the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter (special symbol 2 motion reserved ball number) is a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the reserved ball number upper limit value (reserved ball number MAX. For example, 4.) has been reached (step S52).

  When the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter has not reached the reserved ball number upper limit value (the number of reserved balls MAX) (NO in step S52), that is, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is 3. If it is below, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (+1) (step S53). Further, the start memory (random number) is acquired and stored in the reserved data area in the second reserved storage area (step S54).

  Specifically, the CPU 30A obtains the jackpot determination random number from the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown), acquires the special symbol random number from the special symbol random counter (not shown), The random number for special symbols is stored in the reserved data area in the second reserved storage area. Further, the CPU 30A obtains a first variation pattern random number from a first variation pattern random number counter (not shown), obtains a second variation pattern random number from a second variation pattern random number counter (not shown), The random numbers for the first and second variation patterns are stored in the reserved data area in the second reserved storage area. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG.

Instead of storing the jackpot determination random number in the second reserved storage area, the result of the jackpot lottery by comparing the acquired jackpot determination random number with a predetermined jackpot value may be stored.
If it is not determined in step S51 that a game ball has entered the second special symbol start port 28 (NO in step S51), or the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is the number of held balls in step S52. If it is determined that the upper limit (the number of reserved balls MAX) has been reached (YES in step S52), the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 24, the CPU 30 </ b> A refers to the value of the condition device operation flag (not shown) provided in the RAM 30 </ b> B to determine whether or not the ball game machine 1 is in the special profit state. Check out.
In this ball game machine 1, when the special profit state is being executed, the flag value of the condition device operation flag (2-byte configuration) is set to, for example, “5A [H]”, and the special profit state is not being executed. In some cases, the flag value of the condition device operation flag is set to, for example, “00 [H]”.

When the ball game machine 1 is in the special profit state (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the special symbol display data used for displaying the special symbol display means 22, 23 is updated. And it transfers to step S10 of FIG.
On the other hand, when the ball game machine 1 is not in the special profit state (NO in step S24), the special symbol operation status is determined. When the value of the special symbol operation status is a value (for example, “00 [H]” or “01 [H]”) indicating that the special symbol variation operation is stopped (YES in step S25), the CPU 30A Executes a special symbol variation start process (step S27).

  In the special symbol variation start process in step S27, it is determined whether or not the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero. If the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero, the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero. It is determined whether or not the value of the symbol holding ball number counter is zero. When the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero, the value of the special symbol operation status is set to “00 [H]”. Then, after the special symbol display data update process in step S30 is performed, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG.

  When the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is not zero (1 or more), a process for starting the changing operation of the second special symbol is performed. That is, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is decremented by 1 (-1), and the contents of the reserved data areas (second to fifth areas) in the second reserved storage area are respectively 2 Shifted from the first area to the fourth area of the reserved storage area. As a result, the start-up memory stored in the second area in the second reserved storage area is stored in the execution data area (first area). Thereafter, the contents of the fifth area in the second reserved storage area are emptied.

Then, whether the special profit state is executed or not is determined by comparing the jackpot determination random number value included in the start memory stored in the execution data area in the second reserved storage area with the jackpot value. Is determined (a jackpot determination).
On the other hand, when the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero and the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is not zero (1 or more), the fluctuation operation of the first special symbol reserved is started. Processing is performed. That is, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is decremented by 1 (-1), and the contents of the reserved data area (second area to fifth area) in the first reserved storage area are respectively Shifted from the first area to the fourth area of one reserved storage area. As a result, the start-up memory stored in the second area in the first reserved storage area is stored in the execution data area (first area). Thereafter, the contents of the fifth area in the first reserved storage area are emptied.

Then, whether the special profit state is executed or not is determined by comparing the value of the jackpot determination random number included in the start memory stored in the execution data area in the first reserved storage area with the jackpot value. Is determined (a jackpot determination).
When the jackpot determination is made, the special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display means 22, 23 is determined after the symbol variation operation based on the result of the jackpot determination and the value of the special symbol random number included in the starting memory. Is done. Further, based on the result of the jackpot determination and the random numbers for the first and second variation pattern random special symbols included in the start-up memory, a variation pattern which is a mode of the variation operation of the effect symbol in the liquid crystal display unit 15 is determined. The The variation pattern determined on the main control board 30 is given to the effect control board 31 via a variation pattern command signal. Thereby, in the liquid crystal display unit 15, the changing operation of the effect symbol is started.

  Furthermore, the variation time is set in a special symbol operation timer (not shown) for measuring the variation time of the special symbol. The special symbol operation timer is a subtraction type timer. Further, the value of the special symbol movement status is set to a value (for example, “02 [H]” indicating that the special symbol movement operation has been started. When the special symbol movement start process is completed, the process proceeds to step S30. The special symbol display data is updated, and the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the value of the special symbol operation status is not a value indicating that the special symbol movement operation is stopped (for example, “00 [H]” or “01 [H]”) (NO in step S25), it is determined whether or not the value of the special symbol operation status is a value (for example, “02 [H]”) indicating that the special symbol variation operation has been started (step S26).

When it is determined that the value of the special symbol operation status is a value (for example, “02 [H]”) indicating that the special symbol variation operation has been started (YES in step S26), the CPU 30A determines that the special symbol variation status is Medium processing is executed (step S28).
In the special symbol changing process, it is monitored whether or not the value of the special symbol operation timer becomes zero. When the value of the special symbol operation timer becomes zero, the special symbol variation operation is stopped and a predetermined time (for example, 500 msec) is set in the special symbol operation timer. Further, the value of the special symbol operation status is set to a value (for example, “03 [H]”) indicating that the special symbol fluctuation operation is to be stopped. When the special symbol changing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S30, and the special symbol display data is updated. And it transfers to step S10 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the value of the special symbol operation status is not a value (for example, “02 [H]”) indicating that the special symbol variation operation has started (NO in step S26), the CPU 30A Determines that the value of the special symbol operation status is a value (for example, “03 [H]”) indicating that the special symbol variation operation should be stopped in the special symbol variation processing. Processing during the time is executed (step S29).

  In the special symbol confirmation time processing, it is monitored whether or not the value of the special symbol operation timer becomes zero. Then, when the value of the special symbol operation timer becomes zero, processing such as setting the value of the special symbol operation status to “01 [H]” is performed. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the value of the condition device operation flag described above is set to “5A [H]”. When the process during the special symbol confirmation time is completed, the process proceeds to step S30, and the special symbol display data is updated. And it transfers to step S10 of FIG. In the special symbol confirmation time processing, when the value of the condition device operation flag is set to “5A [H]”, in the special electric accessory management process in step S10 of FIG. The process is executed.

  The effect symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 during the symbol changing operation of the first or second special symbol display means 22, 23 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13A, in the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 15, for example, three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, and 15R are set side by side. During the symbol changing operation of the first or second special symbol display means 22, 23, a plurality of types of effect symbols (numbers (eg, “0” to “9”) are displayed at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, 15R. Is scrolled from above to below, for example, thereby changing the effect of the effect symbol.

  There are a first variation operation, a second variation operation, and a third variation operation in the variation operation of the effect symbol. The first variation operation is a variation operation in which an effect symbol for shifting is displayed at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, and 15R without going through a so-called reach state. The reach state means that when the effect symbol stops in the order of, for example, the left symbol display position 15L, the right symbol display position 15R, and the central symbol display position, it stops at the left and right symbol display positions 15L and 15R. It means a state in which the combination of symbols is a combination that may be a big hit (for example, the same symbol combination).

The second variation operation and the third variation operation are variation operations in which, after passing through the reach state, an effect symbol for jackpot or an effect symbol for deviation is displayed at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, 15R.
More specifically, the second variation operation is a variation operation in which, after passing through the normal reach, an effect symbol for jackpot or an effect symbol for losing is displayed at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, 15R. The normal reach is, for example, a reach that stops after the effect symbol (final stop symbol) at the remaining one symbol display position (for example, 15C) slowly fluctuates at a substantially constant speed.

  The third variation operation is a variation operation in which, after passing through the super reach, the effect symbol for jackpot or the effect symbol for deviation is displayed at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, and 15R. The super reach is, for example, a reach in which the effect symbol (final stop symbol) at the remaining one symbol display position 15C stops after varying at various fluctuation speeds over a longer period than the normal reach. In this ball game machine 1, a super reach A having a high jackpot reliability (expected degree) and a super reach B having a higher jackpot reliability (expected degree) than the super reach A are prepared as super reach. .

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect lottery processing executed on the effect control board 31. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the button effect mode included in the effect lottery process. 13A to 13G are diagrams showing images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 in association with the button effect mode.
With reference to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIGS. 13A to 13G, the flow of the effect lottery process, particularly the button effect mode will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when a predetermined variation pattern command signal from main control board 30, for example, a variation pattern command signal for executing a predetermined super reach, is input to main control board 30, CPU 31 </ b> A An effect type lottery is executed (step S101). When the button effect mode is selected in the effect type lottery (button effect mode win. YES in step S102), the CPU 31A proceeds to step S103 to execute the button effect process. On the other hand, when an effect mode other than the button effect mode is selected (NO in step S102), CPU 31A executes an effect process corresponding thereto (step S105).

  Hereinafter, a case where the button effect mode is selected in the effect type lottery will be described. In step S103, a preset button effect mode period (for example, 5.0 seconds) is set in the remaining period timer 49 (step S103). Thereafter, button effect processing is executed (step S104). In synchronization with the start of the button effect process, the time measurement by the remaining period timer 49, that is, the subtraction of the remaining period timer 49 is started.

  Immediately before the button effect process is executed, an image (see FIG. 13A) indicating the reach state of the effect symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15, for example. Prior to the start of execution of the button effect process, the display of the liquid crystal display unit 15 enters a game (for example, an enemy capture game) produced in the button effect mode from an image showing the reach state of the effect symbol (see FIG. 13A). It is switched to a button effect mode preview image (see FIG. 13B) for notifying the effect.

  When the button effect process is started, a button effect mode start image (see FIG. 13C) for notifying the player of the start of the button effect mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15, as will be described later. This button effect mode start image includes an illustration 57 for prompting the player to operate the effect button 11 and a message 58 for notifying the player of the start of the button effect mode.

  Thereafter, a button effect mode in-progress image (see FIG. 13D) for notifying the player that the button effect mode is in effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 as a background image. This button effect mode in-progress image is an image for providing the player with operation guidance for prompting the player to operate the effect button 11, and the illustration 59 and the effect for prompting the player to operate the effect button 11. And a message 60 for prompting the player to continuously operate the button 11.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the button effect process, first, CPU 31A transmits effect information for displaying button effect mode start image (see FIG. 13C) on liquid crystal display unit 15 to liquid crystal display control board 34 (see FIG. 12). Step S111). Thereby, the button effect mode start image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15.
Thereafter, the CPU 31A transmits effect information for causing the liquid crystal display unit 15 to display the button effect mode in-progress image (see FIG. 13D) as a background image over the button effect mode period (step S31). S112). Thus, the button effect mode image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 as a background image.

Next, the CPU 31A determines whether or not the button effect mode period has ended (step S113). This determination is made based on whether or not the value of the remaining period timer 49 is zero.
When it is determined that the button effect mode period has not ended (when the value of the remaining period timer 49 is not zero) (NO in step S113), the CPU 31A has a value of the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 being zero. Whether or not (step S114). The initial value of the reception prohibition timekeeping timer 48 is zero. The reception prohibition time counting timer 48 starts counting the reception prohibition time when the reception prohibition time is set in the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 in step S122 or S126 described later, and accepts when the reception prohibition time elapses. The value of the prohibition time timer 48 becomes zero. When the value of the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is reached, the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 holds a zero value until the reception prohibition time is set thereafter.

  If the value of the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is not zero (NO in step S114), the CPU 31A determines that reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited (reception prohibited state), and step S113. Return to. On the other hand, when the value of the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 is zero (YES in step S114), the CPU 31A determines that the reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is permitted (acceptance permission state). Then, it is determined whether or not the effect button 11 has been operated (step S115).

  Whether or not the effect button 11 has been operated is determined based on the output signal of the effect button 11. The output signal of the effect button 11 is, for example, always at the L level, and becomes H level when the effect button 11 is pressed. In step S115, for example, the CPU 31A determines whether or not the output signal of the effect button 11 is at the H level. If the output signal of the effect button 11 is at the H level, the effect button 11 is operated (the effect button 11 operation is accepted).

  The CPU 31A may determine whether or not the effect button 11 has been operated as follows. That is, in step S115, CPU 31A determines whether or not the output signal of effect button 11 is at the H level, and stores the history of the determination result. Then, when the output signal of the effect button 11 is continuously at the H level for five times or more including this time, the CPU 31A determines that the effect button 11 has been operated (the operation of the effect button 11 has been accepted). . For example, in the button effect mode, assuming that the processing after step S113 in FIG. 12 is executed every 2 msec calculation period, when the output signal of the effect button 11 is maintained at the H level for 10 msec or more, It is determined that the effect button 11 has been operated.

 Even when it is determined in step S114 that the reception is prohibited (NO in step S114), CPU 31A determines the level of the output signal of effect button 11 and stores the history of the determination result. It may be. In this way, when the reception prohibition period has elapsed (YES in step S114) and the process proceeds to step S115, the effect button 11 is operated in consideration of the determination result history stored in the previous reception prohibition state. It is possible to determine whether or not. Specifically, the CPU 31A determines that the output signal level of the effect button 11 is at the H level in step S115 after the operation button has changed from the reception disabled state to the reception permitted state. Determines whether or not the state in which the output signal is at the H level continues five or more times including the previous reception prohibition state. If it is determined that the state in which the output signal is at the H level continues five times or more, the CPU 31A determines that the effect button 11 has been operated (the operation of the effect button 11 has been accepted). To do.

  If it is determined in step S115 that the effect button 11 has not been operated (NO in step S115), the CPU 31A returns to step S113. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S115 that the effect button 11 has been operated (YES in step S115), the CPU 31A executes button lottery (step S116). Specifically, the CPU 31A acquires a button lottery random number from the button lottery random number counter 47, and compares the acquired button lottery random number with the winning numerical value stored in the button lottery table 45. If both match, the CPU 31A determines that the button lottery is won, and if both do not match, the CPU 31A determines that the button lottery is lost.

  If it is determined that the button lottery is won (YES in step S117), the CPU 31A determines the content of the effect as “winning effect” (step S118). Further, the CPU 31A increments (+1) the progress value stored in the progress value storage unit 46 in the memory 31B by 1 (step S119). At the start of the button effect process, the progress value in the progress value storage unit 46 is set to zero. Next, the CPU 31A determines whether or not the progress value has reached “5” (step S120).

When the progress value has not reached “5” (NO in step S120), the CPU 31A executes the “winning effect” in accordance with the information indicating the “winning effect” and the progress value storage unit 46. Effect information including a degree of progress value (in this case, a value not less than “1” and not more than “4”) is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control board 34 (step 121).
Thereby, the “winning effect” (140 msec) is executed by the liquid crystal display control board 34. In this case, for example, a winning effect image as shown in FIG. 13E is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. In this example, the winning effect image includes the background image of FIG. 13D, the image 61 representing the button lottery result, and the progress display unit 55. The image 61 representing the button lottery result includes a message “hit!” Indicating that the button lottery has been won, and a rectangular frame surrounding the message. The degree of progress displayed by the degree-of-progress display unit 55 corresponds to the degree of progress value in the progress value storage unit 46 (in this case, a value of “1” or more and “4” or less).

The winning effect image may be an image as shown in FIG. 13G. The winning effect image shown in FIG. 13G is not only the message “hit!” But also a diagonal line in the rectangular frame constituting the image 61A representing the button lottery result, and the winning effect shown in FIG. 13E. It is different from the image.
Further, the CPU 31A sets the reception prohibition time (150 msec) corresponding to the “winning effect” among the reception prohibition times stored in the reception prohibition time storage unit 44 in the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 (step S122). . Thereby, the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 starts counting the reception prohibition time set therein. Thereafter, the process returns to step S113. In this case, since the reception prohibition time (150 msec) is set in the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 in step S122 and the reception prohibition time elapses, it becomes NO in step S114. Operation reception is prohibited (reception prohibited state).

  When it is determined in step S120 that the progress value has reached “5” (YES in step S120), the CPU 31A displays information indicating “winning effect” in order to execute the “winning effect” accordingly. And the effect information including the progress value (in this case, “5”) in the progress value storage unit 46 is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control board 34 (step 123). Then, the CPU 31A ends the button effect process.

  When the effect information is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control board 34 in step S123, the “winning effect” (140 msec) is executed by the liquid crystal display control board 34. In this case, for example, a winning effect image as shown in FIG. 13E described above is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. However, the degree of progress displayed on the degree of progress display unit 55 corresponds to the degree of progress value (in this case, “5”) in the degree-of-progress value storage 46. Specifically, the uppermost display portion 56 (display portion described as “success”) of the progress display portion 55 is lit. Thereafter, the screen of FIG. 13E is erased together with the background image of FIG. 13D by the liquid crystal display control board 34, and as shown in FIG. 13H, a screen indicating that the game produced in the button effect mode is successful is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. 15 is displayed. This screen contains the message “Success!”. In this case, in the liquid crystal display unit 15, super reach A (special effect) is executed.

  As a result of the button lottery in step S117, if the button lottery is lost (NO in step S117), the CPU 31A determines the production content to be “out of phase production” (step S124). Then, in order to execute “out of effect”, the CPU 31A transmits to the liquid crystal display control board 34 the information indicating the “out of effect” and the effect information including the progress value in the progress value storage unit 46 (step 125). ).

  Thereby, the “offset effect” (120 msec) is executed by the liquid crystal display control board 34. In this case, an off-stage effect image as shown in FIG. 13F is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15, for example. In this example, the offending effect image includes the background image of FIG. 13D, the image 62 representing the button lottery result, and the progress display unit 55. The image 61 representing the button lottery result includes a message “OUT!” Indicating that the button lottery has been lost, and a rectangular frame surrounding the message. The degree of progress displayed on the degree of progress display section 55 corresponds to the degree of progress value in the progress degree value storage section 46.

  Further, the CPU 31A sets the reception prohibition time (130 msec) corresponding to the “out of effect” among the reception prohibition times stored in the reception prohibition time storage unit 44 in the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 (step S126). . As a result, the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 starts counting the reception prohibition time counter set therein. Thereafter, the process returns to step S113. In this case, since the reception prohibition time (130 msec) is set in the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 in step S126 and the reception prohibition time elapses, it becomes NO in step S114. Operation reception is prohibited (reception prohibited state).

  When it is determined in step S113 that the button effect mode period has ended (when the value of the remaining period timer 49 is zero) (YES in step S113), the CPU 31A indicates that the button effect mode period has ended. Is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control board 34 (step S127). Then, the CPU 31A ends the button effect process.

  When the effect mode period end information is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control board 34 in step S127, after the image in the button effect mode is erased by the liquid crystal display control board 34, as shown in FIG. 13I, in the button effect mode. A screen indicating that the game to be rendered has failed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. This screen contains the message “Fail!”. In this case, in the liquid crystal display unit 15, super reach B (special effect) is executed.

  FIG. 14 is a time chart for explaining operations of the effect control board 31 and the liquid crystal display control board 34 in the button effect mode (button effect mode period). When the button effect mode is started, the operation of the effect button 11 is permitted (acceptance permission state). Further, after the button effect mode start image (see FIG. 13C) is displayed, the button effect mode in-progress image (see FIG. 13D) for prompting the operation (sequential hitting) of the effect button 11 is displayed. This button effect mode image is displayed over the button effect mode period (until the button effect process ends).

  When a button operation is performed in the acceptance-permitted state, the button operation is accepted. Then, a button lottery is performed, and an acceptance prohibition period for prohibiting acceptance of button operations is set. When the button lottery is won, the winning effect is executed. The effect time of the winning effect is 140 msec in this example. In addition, the reception prohibition period set when the button lottery is won is 150 msec in this example. During the reception prohibition period, the button operation reception is prohibited (reception prohibited state). When the acceptance prohibition period elapses, the acceptance is permitted again.

  On the other hand, if the button lottery is lost, the off-line effect is executed. The production time of the off-line production is 130 msec in this example. In addition, the reception prohibition period set in the case where the button lottery is lost is 140 msec in this example. During the reception prohibition period, the button operation reception is prohibited (reception prohibited state). When the acceptance prohibition period elapses, the acceptance is permitted again.

As indicated by a broken line in FIG. 14A, even if a button operation is performed during the reception prohibition period, the button operation is not accepted, and the operation becomes invalid.
When the button effect mode ends (the button effect process ends), the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited (acceptance prohibited state). In addition, the display of the button effect mode in-progress image (see FIG. 13D) for prompting the operation of the effect button 11 (continuous hitting) is deleted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation of the effect button 11 is accepted in the button effect mode, the button lottery is executed, and the contents of the effect according to the button lottery result (“winning effect” or “out of effect”). ) Is executed (see steps S115 to S126). When the operation of the effect button 11 is accepted, the reception prohibition time is set in the reception prohibition time counting timer 48 (see steps S122 and S126), and the operation of the effect button 11 is accepted until the reception prohibition time elapses. Is prohibited (see step S114).

  The reception prohibition time is set to a time longer than the production time of the production content according to the button lottery result, and therefore, when the production content according to the button lottery result is being executed, reception of the operation of the production button 11 is prohibited. The For this reason, when the effect content according to the button lottery result is being executed, the effect content is prevented from being stopped halfway due to the operation of the effect button 11.

  In the button effect mode, during the period when the reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited, the operation is not accepted even if the player operates the effect button. For this reason, even in the button effect mode, the player may not operate the effect button 11. In this embodiment, in the button effect mode, an image for prompting the operation of the effect button 11 as shown in FIG. 13D (image during the button effect mode) even during a period in which the reception of the operation of the effect button 11 is prohibited. Is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the player from operating the effect button 11 during the button effect mode.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form. For example, in the embodiment, when the operation of the effect button is accepted, the button lottery is performed, and the content of the effect to be executed is determined based on the button lottery result, but when the operation of the effect button is accepted Production contents to be executed may be set in advance. In that case, button lottery is unnecessary.

In the embodiment, the reception prohibition time is determined according to the content of the effect to be executed. However, if the reception prohibition time is longer than the maximum value of the effect content that can be executed, it is executed. It may be set at a certain time regardless of the content of the effect to be performed.
In addition, when a plurality of types of button effect modes are prepared as button effect modes, the reception prohibition time may be determined for each type of button effect mode.

Further, an image for prompting the operation of the effect button 11 (the image during the button effect mode shown in FIG. 13D) may be displayed on a display provided separately from the liquid crystal display unit 15 on the game board 5. .
Further, the progress display section 55 may be a digital display instead of a level meter display. Further, the progress display section 55 may be displayed on a display device provided separately from the liquid crystal display means on the game board 5. Further, the game progress in the button effect mode may be notified by a light effect by the game lamp or the game lamp 27 of the game board 5. Furthermore, the game progress in the button effect mode may be output from the speaker 28 as a sound. In addition, the game progress in the button effect mode is selected from two or more kinds of display on the display (including the liquid crystal display unit 15), lighting on the game lamp (including the game lamp 27), and sound output from the speaker 28. You may make it perform in combination.

Moreover, although the example of the button effect mode of the game mode whether the display of the progress degree display part 55 reaches | attains the predetermined stage was shown, it cannot be overemphasized that another game mode may be sufficient.
Further, as the special effect, the execution of the predetermined super reach has been described as an example in each of the above-described embodiments, but other reach and the execution of the notice can be adopted as the special effect. In addition, the promotion effect that promotes to the probability change jackpot after the jackpot is established, the jackpot effect when the jackpot is established, the probability variation jackpot decision effect that determines the probability variation jackpot game, the high round jackpot decision effect that determines the jackpot game with many rounds, etc. Can be adopted as a special effect.

In addition, the production button 11 is given as an example of the production operation means. However, as long as the production button 11 can be operated from the outside, other buttons and other switches may be used. Also good.
In addition, with respect to the variation order of the special symbols in the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23, the variation in the order of entry in which the symbol variation operation is executed in the order of entry into the first or second special symbol start ports 18 and 28. A mode may be sufficient, and the mode of simultaneous variation in which both perform symbol variation operation independently may be sufficient.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 are arranged in an aggregated manner is taken as an example. However, the first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 are connected to the game board. 5 may be disposed at positions separated from each other. Moreover, it is not restricted to the structure which provides two of the 1st and 2nd special symbol starting openings 18 and 28, You may provide one as the special symbol starting openings 18 and 28.

In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.
The following features can be further extracted from this specification. The alphanumeric characters in parentheses indicate the corresponding components in the above-described embodiment.
1. A gaming machine (1) having a production operation means (11) that can be operated by a player and having an operation means use production mode for producing an effect using the operation of the production operation means. The operation guide means (31A, S112) for providing a player with operation guidance for prompting the operation of the operation means for operation in the operation means use effect mode, and the effect in the operation means use effect mode. When the operation of the operation means is accepted, the effect execution means (31A, S115 to S121, S123, S124 to S125) that executes the given effect content for the given effect time, and in the operation means using effect mode In the reception prohibition period, when the operation of the production operation means is accepted, the reception of the operation of the production operation means is prohibited until a predetermined time elapses immediately after that. A reception prohibition period setting means (31A, S122, S126) for setting the operation guidance means, and the operation guiding means operates the effect operation means even during the reception prohibition period set by the reception prohibition period setting means. A gaming machine configured to provide a player with operational guidance for prompting.
In this configuration, when the operation of the effect operating means is accepted in the operation means using effect mode, the effect executing means executes the given effect content for the given effect time. Further, when an operation of the production operation means is accepted in the operation means using production mode, the acceptance prohibition period setting means prohibits the acceptance of the operation of the production operation means immediately after a predetermined time elapses. A reception prohibition period is set. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the production contents from being stopped halfway due to the operation of the production operation means when the given production content is being executed by the production execution means.
Further, even during the reception prohibition period set by the reception prohibition period setting means, operation guidance for prompting the operation of the operation means for presentation is provided to the player. It is possible to prevent the operation means from being operated.
2. A plurality of types of effect contents executed by the effect execution means are prepared, and the reception prohibition period setting means is a reception prohibition period corresponding to the effect time of the effect contents executed by the effect execution means when the reception prohibition period is set. Are configured to set The gaming machine described in 1.
3. A plurality of types of operation means use effect processing using the operation means for effect are prepared, and the reception prohibition period is set according to the type of operation means use effect processing. The gaming machine described in 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ball game machine 11 Effect button 15 Liquid crystal display unit 31 Effect control board 31A CPU
34 Liquid crystal display control board 45 Button lottery table 46 Reception prohibition time storage unit 48 Reception prohibition time clock timer 49 Remaining period timer

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a production operation means that can be operated by a player, and an operation means use production mode for performing production using the operation of the production operation means.
Operation guidance means for providing a player with operation guidance for prompting the operation of the operation means for performance during the operation means utilization effect mode;
In the operation means using performance mode, performs a lottery for each accepting an operation of the presentation for the operation means, when you win the lottery is run only produce a predetermined period of time a "winning performance", when it was defeated in the lottery is Production execution means for executing “out of phase production” for a predetermined production time;
When the number of lottery wins reaches a predetermined number in the operation means use effect mode, the first special effect is executed thereafter, and the lottery win count is increased until the operation means use effect mode ends. If the predetermined number of times has not been reached, then a special effect execution means for executing a second special effect different from the first special effect;
In the operation means use effect mode, when an operation of the effect operation means is received, a reception prohibition period is set in which the operation operation of the effect operation means is prohibited until a predetermined time elapses immediately after that. And a reception prohibition period setting means to
The operation guide means is configured to provide a player with operation guidance for prompting the operation of the effect operation means even during the reception prohibition period set by the reception prohibition period setting means. Machine.

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