JP5925165B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that launches a game ball on a game board surface.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, when a specific gaming state is reached, the player is caused to perform an operation of rotating the handle lever greatly, and the player is made to launch a game ball in the gaming area on the right side of the gaming board surface. A gaming machine that advances a game in an advantageous gaming state is known (for example, Patent Document 1). For example, a game machine that has a big winning opening that is opened in the right area of the game area when it is won by a special symbol lottery, and that allows the player to perform a right-handed operation in a special game state when a big win occurs Is known.

  In this type of gaming machine, not only a prize winning opening, but also a second starting opening provided with an opening and closing member such as an electric tulip that is opened when a normal symbol lottery is won is provided in the right area of the gaming area. There is also a thing, and after the special game in which the special winning opening is opened, the opening time when opening the opening and closing member is set to a relatively long time of 1 second or more until the predetermined period ends. There are some which advance the game in a state where the game ball can easily enter the second starting port. In such a gaming machine, after a special game has ended, after a predetermined period of time has passed, the opening time of the opening and closing member is set to a relatively short time of less than 1 second, even if the normal symbol lottery is won thereafter. In order to set, it will be in the gaming state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port. Therefore, after the special game is over, when a predetermined period elapses, the gaming state for allowing the player to perform a right-handed operation is completed. Therefore, the conventional gaming machine is the player at the timing when the predetermined period ends. On the other hand, it notifies that it returns from the right-handed operation state to the original left-handed operation state.

JP 2012-235916 A

  In the gaming machine as described above, when the normal symbol lottery is won and the opening / closing member is opened immediately after the special game is over and immediately before the predetermined period is over, the opening / closing member opening time is set to a relatively long time. Therefore, the state where the opening / closing member opens the second start port may continue for a certain period of time even immediately after the predetermined period ends.

  However, since the conventional gaming machine notifies that the right-handed operation state is returned to the original left-handed operation state at the timing when the predetermined period ends, the player can change the operation angle of the handle lever by such notification. The player immediately returns to the original state, and immediately after the end of the predetermined period, the player cannot enter the game ball into the second starting port, which is easy to enter, and the player cannot enjoy a sufficient profit. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to enjoy a sufficient profit immediately after the end of a predetermined period. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine (1), in which a game ball launched toward a first game area by a launching means (36a) can be entered. A starting port (13), a second starting port (14) into which a game ball launched toward a second game area different from the first game area by the launching means (36a) can enter, and a first Special game determination means (52) for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when a game ball enters the start port (13) or the second start port (14), and a special game determination When it is determined by the means (52) that the special game is to be performed, the special game control means (55) for performing the special game and the second start port (14) are operated to be opened when a predetermined condition is satisfied. After the special game is performed by the auxiliary game control means (57) for performing the auxiliary game and the special game control means (55), the second game is continued until the predetermined period ends. The game is controlled in the specific game state (ST3) in which the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means so that the game ball can easily enter the moving mouth (14), and then from the specific game state (ST3). And a game state control means (56) for controlling the game in a normal game state (ST1) in which the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means so that it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port (14). When the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) by the game state control means (56) ends, the end effect indicating that the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) is ended by the predetermined effect means An end effect control means (73a) for performing (12g), and the auxiliary game control means (57) is controlled when the game is controlled in the specific game state (ST3) by the game state control means (56). When the predetermined condition is satisfied, an auxiliary game for operating the second start port (14) in an open state for a predetermined opening time (Td) is performed. The end effect control means (73a) causes the end effect (12g) to be performed immediately before the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) ends, and the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) ends. The end effect (12g) is continuously performed until the timing after the opening time (Td ) has elapsed.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a gaming machine (1), wherein a first starting port (13) into which a game ball launched toward the first game area by the launching means (36a) can enter, A second start port (14) into which a game ball launched toward a second game area different from the first game area by the launching means (36a) can enter, and the first start port (13) or the second start area 2 Special game judging means (52) for judging whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player by entering a game ball at the starting port (14), and special game judging means (52) If it is determined to perform the special game control means (55) for performing the special game, and the auxiliary game for performing the auxiliary game for operating the second start port (14) to open when the predetermined condition is satisfied. After the special game is performed by the control means (57) and the special game control means (55), the game ball enters the second start port (14) until the predetermined period ends. After the game is controlled in the specific game state (ST3) in which the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means, the game ball is placed at the second start port (14) than in the specific game state (ST3). A game state control means (56) for controlling the game in a normal game state (ST1) in which the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means so as to make it difficult to enter the ball, and a specific game state by the game state control means (56) When the control of the game in (ST3) ends, the end effect control means (73a) that causes the predetermined effect means to perform an end effect (12g) indicating that the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) ends. ), And the auxiliary game control means (57) provides a predetermined release time (Td) when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the game is controlled in the specific game state (ST3) by the game state control means (56). ) To perform the auxiliary game that continuously or intermittently operates the second start port (14). The end effect control means (73a) performs the end effect (12g) immediately before the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) ends, and when the control of the game in the specific game state (ST3) ends. When the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means (57), the end effect (12g) is continuously performed until the auxiliary game ends.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, immediately after the end of the predetermined period in which the specific gaming state is performed, the player can enjoy a sufficient profit.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance structure of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement aspect of an electric tulip. It is a figure which expands and shows the rolling area | region where the game ball which won the 2nd big winning opening rolls. It is a block diagram which shows the control mechanism of a gaming machine. It is the block diagram which showed typically the main function structure in the main control board. It is a figure which shows the kind of special game performed by entering into a 1st starting port or a 2nd starting port. It is a figure which shows an example of the opening pattern of the 1st big prize opening in a special game, and the 2nd big prize opening. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the shutter interlock | cooperated with opening / closing operation | movement of a 2nd big winning opening. It is a figure which shows the transition of the game state by a game state control part. It is a figure which shows the difference of auxiliary | assistant game operation | movement of a normal game state and a specific game state. It is a timing chart in case an electric tulip is opened immediately before shifting from a specific gaming state to a normal gaming state. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a 1st start port switch process and a 2nd start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a normal symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of auxiliary | assistant game processing. It is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the effect control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the game effect performed by each of a normal game effect control part, a special game effect control part, and a specific game effect control part. It is a figure which shows the change of the production | presentation aspect in an image display after the transition from normal game state just before completion | finish of a specific game state. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the game effect process performed in an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of a fluctuation production start process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of a fluctuation production stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of an end effect control process. It is a figure which shows the timing when an end effect and a notification effect are performed when it transfers to a normal game state from a specific game state. It is a figure which shows the timing when an end effect and alerting | reporting effect are performed in the aspect different from FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. This gaming machine 1 is a ball-type gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's instruction operation enters various winning holes. The gaming machine 1 has a gaming machine main body 1a fixed to an island facility in a hall (store), and has a front frame door 3 in which a transparent glass plate 2 is fitted on the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a. ing. The gaming machine main body 1 a includes a gaming board 10 that rolls gaming balls inside the front frame door 3.

  The front frame door 3 is pivotally supported at the left end of the gaming machine main body 1a so that the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a can be opened and closed. The transparent glass plate 2 is for making the gaming board 10 attached to the inside of the gaming machine main body 1a visible while the front frame door 3 closes the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a. In addition, a shelf-shaped sphere storage unit 4 that protrudes to the front side is provided at the lower center of the front frame door 3. On the upper surface of the ball storage section 4, an operation button 6 that can be operated by the player is provided, and a storage tray for storing a game ball for launching on the game board 10 is provided. Further, the front frame door 3 is provided with a handle lever 5 that can be operated to rotate within a predetermined angle range in the clockwise direction so that the player can fire the game ball in the lower right part of the ball storage unit 4. Further, the front frame door 3 is provided with a frame lamp 7 that is lit in various patterns as the game progresses, above the transparent glass plate 2 and below the ball storage unit 4, and is positioned above the transparent glass plate 2. Speakers 8 are provided on both the left and right sides of the frame lamp 7 to output sound for various effects or notifications as the game progresses.

  When the front frame door 3 is in a closed state, the game board 10 forms a game area where the game ball can roll between the board surface and the transparent glass plate 2 fitted in the front frame door 3. When the handle lever 5 is operated by the player, the game ball is launched to the upper left part of the game area with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle, and then the game ball flows down while rolling in the game area. When the game ball enters the various winning openings provided on the game board 10, the gaming machine 1 pays out the prize ball to the storage tray of the ball storage unit 4.

  In the center of the game board 10, a center accessory 11 for performing various effects as the game progresses is provided. The game board 10 also has a first start port 13, a second start port 14, a first grand prize port 15, a second big prize port 16, and a through hole in addition to a large number of nails and windmills around the center actor 11. Known members such as a gate 21 and an out port 23 are provided. In addition to this, the game board 10 is also provided with a normal winning opening, a board lamp, etc. (not shown). Further, the game board 10 displays a special symbol corresponding to the determination result of the special game determination (big hit determination) by displaying a variation of the special symbol on the lower left part of the board surface outside the game area where the game ball rolls. , The number of holds due to the winning of the game ball is displayed at the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, or the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the through gate 21 is displayed A symbol display 22 is provided.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 has a first game area that is a left area of the center accessory 11 and a second game area that is a right area as game areas in which a game ball rolls. For this reason, when the operation angle of the handle lever 5 by the player is smaller than a predetermined angle, the hitting force is reduced, and the game ball launched into the game area flows down while rolling in the first game area. . On the other hand, when the operation angle of the handle lever 5 is larger than the predetermined angle, the hitting force is increased, and the game ball flows down while rolling in the second game area.

  In the gaming board 10 shown in FIG. 1, a through gate 21 is provided in a second gaming area corresponding to the right side of the center accessory 11. The through gate 21 is a gate through which a game ball launched toward the second game area may pass as indicated by an arrow F2. The through gate 21 is a gate that is a condition for the normal symbol lottery in the gaming machine 1. When the game ball passes through the gate, the normal symbol lottery is performed in the gaming machine 1. Then, the normal symbol variation display is performed on the symbol display 22 for a predetermined time according to the gaming state, and then the normal symbol lottery result is displayed.

  The first start port 13 is provided below the center accessory 11, and the second start port 14 is provided on the right side of the first start port 13. Here, the first start opening 13 is a winning opening through which a game ball launched toward the first game area may enter as indicated by an arrow F1. Therefore, the possibility that a game ball launched toward the second game area enters the first start port 13 as indicated by an arrow F2 is extremely low. On the other hand, the second start opening 14 is a winning opening through which a game ball launched toward the second game area may enter as shown by an arrow F2. Therefore, as shown by the arrow F1, the possibility that the game ball launched toward the first game area enters the second start port 14 is extremely low.

  Each of the first start port 13 and the second start port 14 is a winning port for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls, and whether or not to play a jackpot game that is a special game advantageous to the player in the gaming machine 1 It is a winning opening as a condition for performing a special game determination (decision determination) of whether or not. When the game balls that have entered the start holes 13 and 14 pass through the start detection area and the start condition is satisfied, the special game determination is performed in the gaming machine 1, and the special symbol variation display is started on the symbol display 22. At the same time, the symbol variation effect corresponding to the result of the special game determination is also started in the center accessory 11 or the like. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display and the symbol variation effect are finished, and the result of the special game determination is displayed. If the result of the special game determination indicates a jackpot, then the gaming machine 1 starts a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player as a special game.

  The symbol display 22 is arranged at the corner of the game board 10 and is provided at a position where it is difficult for the player to visually recognize. The display mode of the special symbol variable display is also difficult for the player to identify. Displayed in display mode. Therefore, the player recognizes the result of the special game determination or the like based on the result of the symbol variation effect performed mainly by the center accessory 11 or the like.

  Moreover, the 2nd starting port 14 is equipped with the electric tulip 14a which is the opening-and-closing member which opens and closes in the shape of a wing | blade in the vicinity position of the both right and left sides. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an operation mode of the electric tulip 14a, in which FIG. 2A shows a closed state and FIG. 2B shows an open state. The electric tulip 14a is blocked so that the game balls B1 and B2 rolling near the second starting port 14 do not enter the second starting port 14 when closed as shown in FIG. To do. In contrast, when the electric tulip 14a is in the open state as shown in FIG. 2B, the game balls B1 and B2 rolling in the vicinity of the second starting port 14 enter the second starting port 14. It will be in the auxiliary state which assists so that it may become easy to do. That is, the electric tulip 14 a is in an assisting state (open state) for assisting the game ball launched into the game board 10 to enter the second start port 14, and the game ball enters the second start port 14. It is an opening / closing member that is driven to a non-assisting state (closed state) that does not assist this. The electric tulip 14a is normally in the closed state shown in FIG. 2A, and does not assist the game ball entering the second start port 14. On the other hand, when the game ball launched on the game board 10 wins the normal symbol lottery performed by passing through the through gate 21 provided in the second game area, the electric tulip 14a displays the variation of the normal symbol. After the game is over, the game ball enters the open state shown in FIG. 2B continuously or intermittently for a predetermined time determined according to the game state at that time, and the game ball enters the second start port 14. It becomes an auxiliary gaming state that assists.

  The first big prize opening 15 is provided on the game board 10 on the right side of the second start opening 14. That is, the first big winning opening 15 is provided in the second game area. The first grand prize opening 15 is a first variable winning device that is driven to an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is normally in a closed state. Then, when a big game is won in the special game determination performed when the game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 and the start condition is satisfied, a special game to be started after that is determined in advance. In the round, the first grand prize opening 15 is driven to the open state, and the game ball can enter the first big prize opening 15. However, a game ball that may enter the first grand prize opening 15 is a game ball launched toward the second game area as indicated by an arrow F2.

  When the first grand prize opening 15 is opened, the open state continues until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winnings are counted. Therefore, when the first grand prize winning opening 15 is in an open state, it is possible to allow a predetermined number of game balls to enter before the predetermined time elapses, whereby the player obtains many prize balls. can do. Then, the first grand prize winning port 15 driven to the open state returns to the closed state when a predetermined time has elapsed or when a predetermined number of winnings are counted.

  The second grand prize opening 16 is provided on the right side of the center accessory 11. That is, the second grand prize opening 16 is also provided in the second game area, like the first big prize opening 15. The second big winning opening 16 is a second variable winning device that is driven to an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is normally in a closed state. Then, when a big game is won in the special game determination performed when the game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 and the start condition is satisfied, a special game to be started after that is determined in advance. In the round, the second grand prize opening 16 is driven to the open state, and the game ball can enter the second big prize opening 16. However, a game ball that may enter the second grand prize opening 16 is also a game ball that is launched toward the second game area as indicated by an arrow F2.

  When the second big prize opening 16 is opened, the opened state continues until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winnings are counted. Therefore, when the second grand prize winning opening 16 is in an open state, it is possible to allow a predetermined number of game balls to enter before the predetermined time elapses, whereby the player acquires a lot of prize balls. can do. And the 2nd big winning opening 16 driven to the open state returns to the closed state when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of winnings are counted.

  In the special game, a round game that selectively drives one of the first grand prize winning port 15 and the second grand prize winning port 16 to the open state is executed a predetermined number of times. Therefore, the first grand prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 are not simultaneously opened. In addition, a special game in which a round game that opens the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is performed a plurality of times gives an opportunity for the player to acquire more prize balls than usual. Since it is a game, it becomes a game state (special game state) that is particularly advantageous for the player. The opening time for continuing the opening state of the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is preset for each round according to the type of special game, and different opening times are set for each round. It is also possible to do. For example, in a specific round of a plurality of rounds performed as a special game, the opening time of the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to a short time that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter. You can also.

  In addition, the center accessory 11 includes an image display 12 configured by, for example, a color liquid crystal display in the center. The image display 12 can display three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c with symbols such as numerals, alphabets, and characters. As the special game determination is performed in the gaming machine 1 and the variation display of the special symbol is started, the image display 12 performs a symbol variation effect that varies the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c in the vertical direction. By starting the variation effect after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start, the effect of notifying the player of the result of the special game determination is performed. For example, if the symbol variation effect performed on the image display 12 stops when all three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are aligned with the same symbol, the player is likely to be a big hit with the stopped symbols aligned. To be notified.

  The image display 12 may perform various game effects between the start and stop of the symbol variation effect. For example, the normal reach effect in the normal reach state may be performed from the normal symbol variation effect, or the operation effect that prompts the player to operate the operation button 6 may be performed from the normal reach effect in the normal reach state. Further, when the player performs a button operation while performing the operation effect and the player succeeds in performing the operation effect, the image display device 12 shifts the normal reach effect in the normal reach state to the next stage, and a specific character or the like is displayed. There may be various development effects that display whether or not the target action can be achieved. Furthermore, when the special game is started in the gaming machine 1, the image display 12 displays a special game effect image or the like.

  In addition, the out port 23 is provided at the lowermost center of the game board 10 and did not enter any of the above-described various winning ports while rolling the first or second game area. The game ball is discharged to the back side of the game board 10 as an out ball.

  Further, a rolling area 17 is formed on the right side of the center accessory 11 in which a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 16 rolls when the second big prize opening 16 is open. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the rolling region 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the lower part of the rolling area 17 detects a winning of a game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 16 and discharges it to the back side of the game board 10. A discharge port 20 is provided. When the second big prize opening 16 is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 3A, the game ball B3 launched toward the second game area does not enter the rolling area 17. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, when the second grand prize winning opening 16 is in the open state, the game balls B4 and B5 launched toward the second game area are the second largest. A ball enters the winning opening 16, and these game balls B 4 and B 5 enter the rolling area 17. A part of the rolling region 17 is provided with a V gate 18 through which a game ball can pass and the passage of the game ball can be detected in the same manner as the through gate 21. That is, the rolling area 17 is a path that passes the V gate 18 as a path for guiding the game balls B4 and B5 that have entered the second grand prize opening 16 to the discharge opening 20, and V It has two passage areas, the second passage area 17b, which is a path that does not pass through the gate 18.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), when the V gate 18 detects the passing of the game ball B4 that has entered the second grand prize opening 16, it wins a big win in the special game determination performed after the special game ends. A high probability state in which the probability is higher than the normal probability. In other words, the V gate 18 is a gate that serves as an opportunity to shift to a high probability state in which the probability of winning the subsequent jackpot is higher than the normal low probability state (normal probability state). The upper portion of the V gate 18 is driven in conjunction with the opening operation of the second grand prize opening 16 and opens and closes the entry path to the V gate 18 by moving forward and backward with respect to the surface of the game board 10. A shutter 19 is provided. For example, when the second big prize opening 16 is driven to open, the shutter 19 opens the entry path to the V gate 18 at a timing delayed by a predetermined time of about 1 to 2 seconds from the opening timing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), when the game ball B5 enters the second big prize opening 16 when the shutter 19 closes the V gate 18, the game ball B5 enters the first passage area 17a. Therefore, without passing through the V gate 18, the air is guided to the discharge port 20 via the second passage region 17 b. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the game ball B4 enters the second big prize opening 16 when the shutter 19 is opened above the V gate 18, the game ball B4 is 1 enters the passage region 17a, passes through the V gate 18 and is led to the discharge port 20. As described above, the shutter 19 functions as a distribution unit that distributes the game balls that have entered the second grand prize winning opening 16.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the game ball enters the second big prize opening 16 during the special game that is won by winning the jackpot, and the game ball that enters the ball enters the rolling area 17. When passing through the first passing area 17a provided, the probability state of winning the subsequent jackpot is changed from the low probability state to the high probability state. The V gate 18 provided in the rolling area 17 is visible from the front side of the game board 10. Therefore, when a jackpot occurs in the gaming machine 1, the player can visually check whether or not the game ball has passed the V gate 18 during the jackpot special game, and the probability state thereafter is low. It is possible to grasp which is a high probability.

  When the special game is started, the gaming machine 1 as described above alternately drives the first and second big prize winning openings 15 and 16 provided in the second game area to the open state. Therefore, in a special gaming state in which a special game is performed, the game is progressed while allowing the player to operate the handle lever 5 so that the operation angle of the handle lever 5 is larger than a predetermined angle and launching a game ball toward the second game area. This is a gaming state (right-handed gaming state).

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 attached to the back side of the game board 10. On the back side of the gaming board 10, a main control board 30 that controls the main operation of the gaming machine 1 and a sub control board 31 that controls each part based on signals and commands output from the main control board 30 are provided. ing. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the sub control board 31 includes a payout control board 32, an effect control board 33, an image control board 34, a lamp control board 35, a launch control board 36, and the like.

  The main control board 30 includes a CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, and a RAM 30c. The main control board 30 has a first start port switch 41 for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start port 13, and a second start for detecting that the game ball has entered the second start port 14. A mouth switch 42, a through gate switch 43 for detecting that a game ball has passed through the through gate 21, an electric Chu solenoid 44 for opening and closing the electric tulip 14a, and a first big prize opening solenoid 45 for driving the first big prize opening 15 to open and close. The first grand prize opening switch 46 for detecting that a game ball has entered the first big prize opening 15, the second big prize opening solenoid 47 for opening and closing the second big prize opening 16, and the second grand prize opening 16 A second big prize opening switch 48 that detects that a game ball has entered the ball, a shutter solenoid 49 that drives the shutter 19 provided in the rolling region 17 of the second big prize opening 16, and a V gate. 8 Each V gate switch 50 game balls detects that passed is connected to. A symbol display 22 is connected to the main control board 30. The symbol display 22 includes a special symbol display 22a for displaying the variation of the special symbol based on the result of the special game determination, and a normal symbol display for performing the variation display of the normal symbol based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. A container 22b is provided.

  The main control board 30 performs payout control when each of the first start opening switch 41, the second start opening switch 42, the first big winning opening switch 46, and the second big winning opening switch 48 detects the entry of a game ball. A prize ball command is sent to the substrate 32. The payout control board 32 includes a CPU 32a, a ROM 32b, and a RAM 32c, and is configured to control a payout motor 32d provided on the back side of the game board 10. When a prize ball command is input from the main control board 30, A predetermined number of balls are paid out in accordance with the winning opening.

  In addition, the main control board 30 is configured to perform a special game determination for determining whether or not to perform a special game and a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 14a. For example, when the through gate switch 43 detects the passing of a game ball, the main control board 30 performs a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 14a, and the normal symbol display 22b displays the normal symbol. Based on the result of the lottery, the normal symbol variation display is started. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the main control board 30 stops the fluctuation display of the normal symbol at the winning symbol after a predetermined time has elapsed, and then drives the electric chew solenoid 44 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times so that the electric tulip 14a is operated. Let open. In addition, when the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 14a is in the open state, as described above, the game ball easily enters the second starting port 14, so the auxiliary game state in which the electric tulip 14a is opened is This is one of the game states advantageous for the player.

  In addition, when the first start port switch 41 or the second start port switch 42 detects the entry of a game ball, the main control board 30 performs a special game determination according to the entered start port, and a special symbol. In the display 22a, the special symbol variation display for a predetermined time based on the determination result is started. Then, the main control board 30 causes the effect control board 33 to perform the symbol change effect for a predetermined time according to the result of the special game determination as the special symbol display 22a starts the change display of the special symbol. In response, signals and commands are sent. In addition, when it is detected that the game ball has entered the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, when the change display of the previous special symbol is not completed, the main control board 30 accompanies the ball. Suspend the special symbol display. Then, when it is time to finish the display of the variation of the previous special symbol and start the next variation display, the main control board 30 performs the next special game determination by digesting the hold, and the special game determination Based on the result, the special symbol variation display is started.

  If the main control board 30 is found to have won the jackpot in the special game determination, the main control board 30 starts the special game according to the type of the jackpot after displaying the variation of the special symbol for a predetermined time. In each round during the game, the first grand prize opening solenoid 45 or the second big prize opening solenoid 47 is selectively driven to open the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16. The main control board 30 sends a signal or a command to cause the effect control board 33 to perform a special game effect corresponding to the special game as the special game is started.

  In the special game state, the main control board 30 drives the shutter solenoid 49 in conjunction with the drive of the second big prize opening solenoid 47, and when the V gate switch 50 detects the passage of the game ball, the special game thereafter. The probability of winning the jackpot in the determination is set to a high probability state. On the other hand, if the V gate switch 50 does not detect the passing of the game ball in the special game state, the main control board 30 sets the probability of winning the jackpot in the special game determination after the end of the special game to a low probability state. Set.

  In this embodiment, the number of times that the special game determination is performed in the high probability state is limited to a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), and the big hit is made while the predetermined number of special game determinations are performed in the high probability state after the special game ends. If the game is not won, then the probability state returns to the normal low probability state (normal probability state). The main control board 30 is configured to perform such probability variation control.

  Further, the main control board 30 is in a state in which the electric tulip 14a can be made more frequent and longer than usual during a period until the special game determination is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the special game is finished. The game is advanced in a specific game state in which the game ball can easily enter the second start port 14. And when the big hit is not won before the special game determination is made a predetermined number of times, the main control board 30 makes the frequency of opening the electric tulip 14a less by shifting from the specific game state to the normal game state, Moreover, even if the electric tulip 14a is opened, the opening time is extremely shortened so that the game is progressed in a gaming state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port 14.

  The production control board 33 includes a CPU 33a, a ROM 33b, and a RAM 33c, determines specific production contents based on signals and commands from the main control board 30, and controls the execution of the decided production. That is, the effect control board 33 controls each of the image control board 34 and the lamp control board 35 to execute an effect based on the determined specific effect contents. In this way, the effect control board 33 determines a specific effect to be performed for the entire gaming machine 1 based on an instruction from the main control board 30, and comprehensively controls the execution of the effect.

  For example, when the special game determination is performed by the main control board 30 and the special symbol variation display is performed for a predetermined time, the effect control board 33 displays the three decorative symbols 12a and 12b on the image display 12 during the predetermined time. , 12c is changed. In this symbol variation effect, the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are simply a normal symbol variation effect in which the up and down direction is changed, and various notice effects in which characters appear from such a normal symbol variation effect. Various effects are performed according to the result of the special game determination, such as an effect of transitional development. In addition, the operation buttons 6 are connected to the effect control board 33. Therefore, when it is detected that the operation button 6 has been operated at a predetermined timing at which the player can perform a button operation, the effect control board 33 can also perform an effect according to the button operation. .

  When a special game is played by the main control board 30, the effect control board 33 controls execution of a special game effect (a jackpot game effect) corresponding to the type of jackpot won in the special game determination.

  The image control board 34 includes a CPU 34 a, a ROM 34 b, a RAM 34 c, and a VRAM 34 d, and controls an image displayed on the image display 12. The image control board 34 starts a design variation effect that varies the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c based on an instruction from the performance control substrate 33, and shifts the design variation effect to a reach effect. Or shift to a more advanced production. Further, the image control board 34 displays a round of the current round during a special game based on an instruction from the effect control board 33 or displays a special game effect image such as a moving image. In the image control board 34, the VRAM 34 d is a memory for writing an image to be displayed on the image display 12. The CPU 34a executes various processes such as a background image display process, a decorative symbol display process, and a character image display process on the VRAM 34d, so that a background image, a decorative symbol image, a character image, etc. are displayed on the image display 12. The player can visually recognize the foreground image by displaying the images in a superimposed manner. Further, by such superimposing display, the image control board 34 can display various notification information to be notified to the player by superimposing it on an arbitrary effect image.

  Further, the image control board 34 is configured to output a sound effect for presentation, a sound for notification, and the like from the speaker 8 based on an instruction from the presentation control board 33. The effect sound effect is, for example, music corresponding to the effect image displayed on the image display 12. The notification sound is, for example, a sound based on notification information to be notified to the player, and is a sound for notifying the player of contents not related to the effect sound for the effect. The image control board 34 can simultaneously output the sound effect for the effect and the sound for notification from the speaker 8, but when outputting the sound for notification, the output level of the sound effect for the effect is set. It is preferable to make it easier for the player to hear the notification sound by lowering the normal output level.

  The lamp control board 35 includes a CPU 35a, a ROM 35b, and a RAM 35c, and performs control to turn on and off various lamps based on instructions from the effect control board 33. The lamp control board 35 controls, for example, lighting of the frame lamp 7 provided on the front frame door 3 and also controls lighting of the board lamp 24 provided on the board surface of the center accessory 11 and other game boards 10. Configured as follows.

  The image display 12, the speaker 8, the frame lamp 7, and the board surface lamp 24 are rendering means provided for performing various effects that can be easily perceived by the player as the game progresses in the gaming machine 1. .

  The launch control board 36 drives a launch solenoid 36a that launches a game ball based on the operating angle of the handle lever 5 that is rotated clockwise by the player. That is, the launch control board 36 controls the launch solenoid 36a to launch a game ball with a stronger hitting force as the operation angle of the handle lever 5 increases. In addition, when the operation of the handle lever 5 is continued, the firing control board 36 performs control so that the firing solenoid 36a continuously launches game balls at predetermined time intervals.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the main control board 30.

  The RAM 30c of the main control board 30 is provided with a game data storage unit 61 and a hold storage unit 62. The game data storage unit 61 stores various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, and the like as game data. The various random numbers stored in the game data storage unit 61 are random numbers that can take values within a predetermined range, and the values are sequentially updated by a random number update unit (not shown). Therefore, the values of various random numbers differ depending on the timing at which game data is read from the game data storage unit 61. The game data storage 61 also stores normal symbol random numbers used for normal symbol lottery as game data. On the other hand, the hold storage unit 62 temporarily stores the game data read out from the game data storage unit 61 for the special game determination by the game data acquisition unit 51 up to a predetermined upper limit and holds the game data. It is a storage area.

  In the ROM 30b of the main control board 30, a special game determination table 63, a variation pattern table 64, an open pattern table 65, and a normal symbol lottery table 66 are stored in advance. The special game determination table 63 is a table referred to for performing a special game determination. The special game determination table 63 includes a low-probability determination table and a high-probability determination table. In the low-probability determination table, a predetermined number of values are determined as winning values for which the jackpot random number is a jackpot. In the determination table for high probability, more winning values are set than in the determination table for low probability.

  The variation pattern table 64 is a table that is referred to in order to determine a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol for displaying the determination result when a special game determination is made on the main control board 30. The variation pattern table 64 includes a plurality of tables such as a table that is referred to when a jackpot random number indicates a jackpot, and a table that is referred to when a reach random number indicates a reach. Each of the plurality of tables included in the variation pattern table 64 is a table in which variation times of special symbols are associated with variation pattern random numbers on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, referring to the variation pattern table 64, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the result of the special game determination, the reach random number, or the like can be determined.

  The opening pattern table 65 is a table that is referred to in order to determine an opening pattern for opening each of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 in a special game performed when a big win is won in the special game determination. It is. In this release pattern table 65, a plurality of release patterns are defined, and a design random number is associated with each release pattern on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, if it is determined that the big win is won in the special game determination, the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 are set during the special game by referring to the open pattern table 65 based on the design random number. One opening pattern to be opened can be determined. The open pattern table 65 is for determining a symbol random number acquired by entering the first start port 13 and for determining a symbol random number acquired by entering the second start port 14. Are provided separately from the table. Therefore, even if the design random numbers are the same value, different opening patterns are determined depending on whether the ball is acquired by entering the first start port 13 and the case where it is acquired by entering the second start port 14. It has become so.

  The normal symbol lottery table 66 is a table referred to for performing the normal symbol lottery. In this normal symbol lottery table 66, winning values of normal symbol random numbers are determined in advance. In the normal symbol lottery table 66, for example, different winning values are defined for the normal gaming state and the specific gaming state, and the number of winning values in the specific gaming state is larger than the number of winning values in the normal gaming state. It is determined to be. For example, in the normal symbol lottery table 66, all the values that the normal symbol random number can take are determined in advance so that the normal symbol lottery wins with a probability of 100% in a specific gaming state. In the gaming state, only some selected values from the values that can be taken by the normal symbol random number are predetermined as winning values so that the winning probability is lower than that in the specific gaming state. However, the normal symbol lottery table 66 may not necessarily have different winning values for the normal gaming state and the specific gaming state.

  The CPU 30a of the main control board 30 controls the operation of the gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. Therefore, the CPU 30a functions as various processing units. FIG. 5 exemplifies some of the functions, and the CPU 30a includes a game data acquisition unit 51, a special game determination unit 52, a variation pattern determination unit 53, a special symbol control unit 54, a special game control unit 55, and a game state. It functions as the control unit 56 and the auxiliary game control unit 57.

  When each of the first start port switch 41 and the second start port switch 42 detects the entry of a game ball, the game data acquisition unit 51 receives a jackpot random number, a design random number, from the game data storage unit 61 at that timing. The game data including the fluctuation pattern random number and the reach random number is acquired. When the game data acquisition unit 51 acquires game data by entering the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the game data acquisition unit 51 stores the game data in the holding storage unit 62. The holding storage unit 62 distinguishes between game data acquired by entering the first starting port 13 and game data acquired by entering the second starting port 14 and sets each game data to a predetermined upper limit. It is possible to store up to a number (eg 4). Therefore, the game data acquisition unit 51 stores the game data acquired by entering the first starting port 13 in the reserved storage area for the first starting port, and the game acquired by entering the second starting port 14 The data is stored in the reserved storage area for the second start port. When the upper limit number of game data has already been stored in these reserved storage areas, the game data acquisition unit 51 discards the game data acquired from the game data storage unit 61 and holds the storage data 62. The process of storing in is not performed.

  The special game determination unit 52 reads the game data stored in the hold storage unit 62 and in the hold state, and performs a special game determination (big hit determination) based on the game data. In other words, the special game determination unit 52 refers to the special game determination table 63 based on the jackpot random number included in the game data, and determines whether or not the jackpot random number matches the winning value of the jackpot. As described above, the special game determination table 63 includes a high-probability determination table and a low-probability determination table. The special game determination unit 52 responds to the probability state at the time when the game data is read from the hold storage unit 62. One of the low-probability determination table and the high-probability determination table is selected, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number matches the jackpot winning value determined in the selected table. Based on such determination, winning or losing of the game data read from the holding storage unit 62 is determined. The low-probability determination table is a table in which the probability of jackpot is set to about 1/400, for example, and the high-probability determination table has a higher probability of jackpot than the normal probability determination table, for example, 1 The table is set to about / 68.

  The special game determination unit 52 does not read out the game data from the holding storage unit 62 when the special symbol control unit 54 displays the variation of the special symbol. In this case, at the timing when the special symbol variation display performed by the special symbol control unit 54 ends and the next variation display can be performed, the special game determination unit 52 reads the game from the hold storage unit 62. Data is read out and special game determination is performed based on the read out game data. At this time, if game data is stored in the reserved memory area for the second start port, the special game determination unit 52 reads the game data and performs a special game determination. That is, the special game determination unit 52 preferentially reads out the game data stored in the reserved memory area for the second starting port over the game data stored in the reserved memory area for the first starting port. It is configured to go on hold digestion.

  The variation pattern determination unit 53 determines the variation time of the special symbol when the special game determination unit 52 performs the special game determination. That is, the variation pattern determination unit 53 refers to the variation pattern table 64 based on the variation pattern random number included in the game data read by the special game determination unit 52 from the hold storage unit 62, thereby determining the variation time of the special symbol. decide.

  The special symbol control unit 54 displays the variation of the special symbol on the special symbol display 22a based on the variation time of the special symbol determined by the variation pattern determination unit 53. The special symbol variation display is stopped at the timing when the special symbol variation time determined by the variation pattern determination unit 53 starts after the special symbol variation display is started, and the special game determination unit 52 performs the special symbol variation display. A special symbol corresponding to the game determination result is displayed. For example, if the result of the special game determination is a loss, the special symbol control unit 54 displays a special symbol corresponding to the loss. On the other hand, if the jackpot is won, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed.

  The special game control unit 55 functions when the special game determination by the special game determination unit 52 is won in the big game and it is determined to shift to a special game advantageous to the player. When the special game control unit 55 determines that the big game is a big hit, the special game control unit 55 receives the first grand prize port 15 and the second big prize port in the special game state which is performed after the special symbol change display is stopped. An opening pattern for opening each of the is determined. Also, the special game control unit 55 selects each of the first grand prize winning port 15 and the second grand prize winning port in each of the plurality of rounds based on the determined release pattern as the special game is started. The special opening game that controls the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 to the open state during the special game is controlled.

  When the special game control unit 55 determines the release pattern in the special game state, the special game control unit 55 depends on which of the first start port 13 and the second start port 14 the game data acquired by winning is a big hit. Refer to different tables. For example, when the game data stored in the holding storage unit 62 as a result of entering the first start port 13 is a big hit, the special game control unit 55 corresponds to the first start port 13 from the opening pattern table 65. The table is read, and one release pattern is determined based on the design random number included in the game data. In addition, when the game data stored in the holding storage unit 62 as a result of entering the second starting port 14 is a big hit, the special game control unit 55 sets the table corresponding to the second starting port 14 from the opening pattern table 65. , And one open pattern is determined based on the design random number included in the game data. In other words, the special game control unit 55 determines the type of the special game to be performed after that when the jackpot is won in the special game determination. In this embodiment, the case where there are, for example, first to third special games as types of special games is illustrated.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the types of special games that are played by entering the first start port 13 or the second start port 14. First, FIG. 6A shows the types of special games when the game data acquired by entering the first start port 13 is determined to be a big hit. If it is determined that the game data acquired by the game ball entering the first start port 13 is a big hit, the special game control unit 55, as shown in FIG. One special game is determined from the third special games P1 to P3. In the example of FIG. 6A, the rate of occurrence of the first special game P1 is 40%, the rate of occurrence of the second special game P2 is 30%, and the rate of occurrence of the third special game P3 is 30%. It has become. Accordingly, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 and wins a big hit, any one of the first to third special games P1 to P3 is executed as a special game to be performed thereafter. Is done.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the types of special games when the game data acquired by entering the second starting port 14 is determined to be a big hit. When it is determined that the game data acquired by entering the game ball into the second start port 14 is a big hit, the special game control unit 55, as shown in FIG. The third special game P3 is determined as a special game to be executed. Therefore, when a game ball enters the second start port 14 and wins a big hit, the first or second special game P1, P2 is not performed, and the third special game P3 is always executed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an opening pattern of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 in the first to third special games P1 to P3. First, in the first to third special games P1 to P3, a round in which one of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 is opened a predetermined number of times in any special game (illustration example). (16 rounds in total). The first grand prize opening 15 is opened from the first round to the fourth round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened in the fifth round. Thereafter, the first big prize opening 15 is opened again from the sixth round to the fifteenth round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened again in the sixteenth round. The above points are common to any of the first to third special games P1 to P3.

  The difference between the first to third special games P1 to P3 is the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 in each round. That is, the long opening and the short opening are determined for both the first grand prize opening 15 and the second big winning opening 16, and either one of the long opening and the short opening is provided for each round of each special game P1 to P3. Is set. In the case of long opening, the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to a relatively long time of about 30 seconds, for example. On the other hand, in the case of a short opening, the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to an extremely short time of about 0.2 seconds, for example. Therefore, when the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter the open big prize openings 15 and 16, whereas a short opening is not possible. In this case, it is difficult for a game ball to enter the open big winning openings 15 and 16. In either case of long open or short open, if a predetermined upper limit number (for example, about 9) of game balls enter while the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened. Even before the opening time elapses, the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed. However, in the case of a short opening, even if one or two game balls enter rarely while the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened, a predetermined upper limit is set. It can be said that the number of game balls (for example, about 9) hardly enters. Therefore, in the case of a short opening, there are many cases in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed when an opening time of about 0.2 seconds elapses.

  However, the opening time in the case of long opening is not limited to 30 seconds, and the opening time in the case of short opening is not limited to 0.2 seconds. For example, in the case of long release, it may be longer than the launch interval when game balls are continuously launched against the game board 10 and may be an open time in which a plurality of game balls can enter in the open state. On the other hand, in the case of short opening, for example, it may be an opening time that is shorter than the launching interval when game balls are continuously launched against the game board 10 and is difficult for the game balls to enter in the open state.

  In the first special game P1, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first grand prize opening 15 is long open from the first to the fourth round, and from the fifth round onward, the first big prize opening 15 or the second An opening pattern is determined in which all the big winning openings 16 are short-opened, and an opening special game based on the opening pattern is performed. In the second special game P2, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the first grand prize opening 15 becomes long open until the first to third rounds, and the first big prize opening 15 becomes short open in the fourth round. In the fifth round, the second grand prize opening 16 becomes long open, and in the sixth round and thereafter, an opening pattern is determined in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 are all short-opened. Based on the open special game. In the third special game P3, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), an opening pattern in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is long open in all the rounds from the first to the sixteenth rounds. Is determined, and an opening special game based on this opening pattern is performed.

  In any of the cases where the first to third special games P1 to P3 are performed, the electric tulip 14a is more frequently than usual until the predetermined period ends after the special game is performed. The game is driven to the open state (auxiliary game state), and the game proceeds in a specific game state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 14 as compared to the normal game state. Therefore, during the period from the end of the special game to the elapse of the predetermined period, the player can advance the game without reducing the number of prize balls acquired in the special game.

  The special game control unit 55 determines one special game among the first to third special games P1 to P3 by determining a symbol random number included in the game data determined to be a big hit. However, when a big hit is made by entering the second starting port 14, the third special game P3 is determined every time. When the gaming machine 1 shifts to the special game state, the special game control unit 55, based on the determined one special game release pattern, the first big prize winning solenoid 45, the second big prize winning solenoid 47 and the shutter solenoid. By driving 49, an open special game for opening the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is advanced. The special game control unit 55 monitors the V gate switch 50, and can detect if the game ball passes the V gate 18 while the special game is in progress.

  Here, paying attention to the fifth and sixteenth rounds when the second grand prize opening 16 is opened, in the open special game performed in the first special game P1, the second big prize opening 16 is short-opened in any round. Become. Therefore, when the first special game P1 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the possibility that a game ball will enter the second big prize opening 16 is extremely low. On the other hand, in the second special game P2, the second big prize opening 16 is long open in the fifth round, and in the third special game P3, the second big prize opening 16 is both in the fifth and sixteenth rounds. Long open. Therefore, when any of the second and third special games P 2 and P 3 is performed in the gaming machine 1, there is a possibility that a game ball will enter the second big prize opening 16.

  As described above, when a game ball entered while the second big prize opening 16 is opened passes through the V gate 18, the probability that the special game determination unit 52 determines that it is a big hit thereafter becomes a high probability state. Therefore, since the second and third special games P2 and P3 have a round game in which the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, a special state that can shift the probability state after the end of the special game to a high probability state. It becomes a game. On the other hand, since the first special game P1 does not have a round game in which the second grand prize opening 16 is opened long, the probability state after the end of the special game cannot be shifted to a high probability state. The probability state after the special game ends becomes a low probability state.

  In this way, the open special games performed in the first to third special games P1 to P3 are roughly divided from the viewpoint of whether the winning probability of winning the jackpot becomes a high probability state or a low probability state after the special game ends. The open special game performed in the first special game P1 is a first open special game in which the winning probability of winning the jackpot cannot be shifted to a high probability state after the special game ends, and the second and third special games P2, The open special game performed in P3 is a second open special game that can shift the jackpot winning probability to a high probability state after the special game ends.

  Here, even when the second grand prize opening 16 is short-opened, the possibility that the game ball enters the second big prize opening 16 is not zero. That is, the game ball may enter at the timing when the second grand prize opening 16 is opened for a short time of about 0.2 seconds. However, when a game ball enters the second grand prize opening 16 in such a short opening, the special game control unit 55 does not pass the V gate 18 so that the game ball does not pass through the V gate 18. Control the behavior. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the operation of the shutter 19 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the second big prize opening 16, where (a) shows the case of long open, and (b) shows the case of short open. ing. In either case of long open or short open, the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18 after a predetermined time Tx of, for example, several seconds elapses after the second big prize opening 16 is opened. The predetermined time Tx is the same time for the long opening and the short opening.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, the shutter is released at the timing T2 after a predetermined time Tx has elapsed since the second big prize opening 16 was opened at the timing T1. 19 opens the V gate 18. Even at the timing T2 when the V gate 18 is opened, the second grand prize opening 16 is in the opened state, so that a game ball entering the second big prize opening 16 in this state passes through the first passage area 17a. Pass V gate 18. Therefore, when the second grand prize opening 16 is opened long, if the game ball can enter the second big prize opening 16 while the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, it is almost certainly possible. It is possible to pass a game ball through the V gate 18. Therefore, the second and third special games P2 and P3 having a round in which the second grand prize winning opening 16 is opened long can make the probability state of the gaming machine 1 transition to the high probability state. It becomes.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the second big prize opening 16 is opened short, the timing T2 after a predetermined time Tx has elapsed since the second big prize opening 16 was opened at the timing T1. When the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, the second big prize winning opening 16 is already closed. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the second grand prize opening 16 during a short period of time when the second big prize opening 16 is short-opened, the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18 in the game ball. Since it passes through the rolling area 17 before playing, it does not pass through the V gate 18 provided in the first passing area 17a, but passes through the second passing area 17b and is discharged from the outlet 20 to the back side of the game board 10. Is done. When the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, the second grand prize opening 16 is already closed, so that a game ball does not enter the second big prize opening 16 at that timing. The game ball does not pass through the gate 18. Therefore, the 1st special game P1 which does not have the round by which the 2nd big winning opening 16 is opened long becomes a 1st open special game which cannot change the probability state of gaming machine 1 to a high probability state.

  And in this embodiment, the case where a game ball enters into the 2nd start port 14 and makes a big hit rather than the case where a game ball enters the 1st start port 13 and makes a big hit has a higher rate. The second open special game is executed, and if the game ball enters the second start port 14 and wins a big game, the probability state of the gaming machine 1 may be shifted to the high probability state. Becomes higher.

  Next, the gaming state control unit 56 controls the transition of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the transition of the gaming state by the gaming state control unit 56. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the gaming state control unit 56 causes the gaming machine 1 to operate in the normal gaming state ST1. In the normal game state ST1, the probability of winning a jackpot in the special game determination is set to a low probability state. Further, in this normal gaming state ST1, even when a normal symbol lottery performed by passing a game ball through the through gate 21 is won, a game with a low possibility that the game ball will enter the second starting port 14 is low. State. Therefore, in this normal gaming state ST1, when the player operates the handle lever 5 at a relatively small operation angle, as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. 1, the game ball is launched toward the first gaming area, This is a gaming state (left-handed gaming state) in which the game is advanced with the aim of entering the first starting port 13.

  Then, when a big win is won in the special game determination performed in the normal game state ST1, the game state control unit 56 shifts from the normal game state ST1 to the special game state ST2 as indicated by an arrow A1. As a result, a special game is started in the gaming machine 1, so that the special game state ST2 is a game state (right-handed game state) in which the player advances the game while firing a game ball toward the second game area. Become. When the special game ends, the game state control unit 56 shifts the game state from the special game state ST2 to the specific game state ST3 as indicated by an arrow A2. At this time, if the game ball passes the V gate 18 during the special game, the game state control unit 56 sets the probability of winning the jackpot in the special game determination to a high probability state, and the game ball during the special game. Is not passing through the V gate 18, the probability is set to a low probability state.

  The specific game state ST3 is a game state that continues for a predetermined period after the special game is finished until the special game determination is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) and the variation display of the special symbol is ended a predetermined number of times. During the predetermined period, when the big game is won by the special game determination, the game state control unit 56 shifts from the specific game state ST3 to the special game state ST2 as indicated by an arrow A3. On the other hand, if the jackpot is not won during the predetermined period, that is, if the change display of the special symbol at the predetermined number of times (100th time) is lost and stopped, the gaming state control unit 56, as shown by the arrow A4 Transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1.

  The specific game state ST3 is a game state in which a game ball can easily enter the second start port 14 when a normal symbol lottery performed by passing a game ball through the through gate 21 is won. Therefore, in this specific game state ST3, when the player operates the handle lever 5 at a relatively large operation angle, as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. 1, the game ball is launched toward the second game area, This is a gaming state (right-handed gaming state) in which a game is advanced with the aim of causing a game ball to enter the second start port 14. Therefore, when a transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, an operation performed by the player on the handle lever 5 shifts from the right-handed gaming state to the left-handed gaming state.

  The auxiliary game control unit 57 shown in FIG. 5 acquires the normal symbol random number from the game data storage unit 61 at the timing when the through gate switch 43 detects the passing of the game ball, and based on the normal symbol lottery table 66. The normal symbol lottery is performed. When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the auxiliary game control unit 57 starts the normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display 22b, stops the variation display after a predetermined time, and displays the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the normal symbol lottery is won, after stopping the normal symbol fluctuation display, by driving the electric chew solenoid 44, the electric tulip 14a is continuously or intermittently opened to assist. Let the game play. The auxiliary game control unit 57 is configured to hold the normal symbol lottery based on the normal symbol random number up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) when the normal symbol random number is obtained during the normal symbol variation display. The

  The operation of the auxiliary game controlled by the auxiliary game control unit 57 is different between the normal game state ST1 and the specific game state ST3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the difference in the auxiliary game operation between the normal game state ST1 and the specific game state ST3. First, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), in the normal game state ST1, the variation time Ta of the variation display of the normal symbol started when the auxiliary game control unit 57 performs the normal symbol lottery is a relatively long time ( For example, if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 14a is released after the fluctuation time Ta has elapsed. In the normal game state ST1, the auxiliary game control unit 57 sets the opening time Tb of the electric tulip 14a to a relatively short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and drives it to the opening state, so that the electric tulip 14a is opened. In this state, the possibility that the game ball enters the second start port 14 is reduced.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the specific game state ST3, the variation time Tc of the variation display of the normal symbol that is started when the auxiliary game control unit 57 performs the normal symbol lottery is relatively long. If the short time (for example, 3 seconds) is set and the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 14a is released after the fluctuation time Tc has elapsed. In the specific game state ST3, the auxiliary game control unit 57 sets the opening time Td of the electric tulip 14a to a relatively long time (for example, 3.5 seconds) and drives the electric tulip 14a to the opening state. In this case, there is a high possibility that the game ball enters the second start port 14.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart when the electric tulip 14a is opened immediately before the transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1. As shown in FIG. 11, when the electric tulip 14a is opened at the timing Te immediately before the transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, the opening time Td is a relatively long time (for example, 3.5 seconds). Set to Therefore, the open state of the electric tulip 14a is continued even after the transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1. Therefore, at the timing of transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the player stops the operation of the handle lever 5, or the operation angle is reduced and the game ball is directed toward the first game area. If the state is returned to the firing state, it becomes impossible to enter the game ball into the second starting port 14 which is in a state where it is easy to enter the ball immediately after the transition to the normal game state ST1.

  On the other hand, when the game state shifts from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the operation state performed by the player on the handle lever 5 in order to advance the game changes, so the gaming machine 1 It is necessary to notify that the operation state of 5 is changed.

  Therefore, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment notifies the player that the operation state of the handle lever 5 is changed when the operation state performed by the player on the handle lever 5 changes at the timing when the game state transitions. In particular, when shifting from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, the player suddenly stops the operation of the handle lever 5 at the transition timing while performing such notification, or The game is shifted from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1 by performing an effect that reduces the operation angle and causes the game ball to be returned to the state where the game ball is launched toward the first game area. Immediately after that, it is configured such that a large number of game balls can be made to enter the second start port 14 which is in a state where it is easy to enter. Hereinafter, specific processing performed in such a gaming machine 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing main operations in the main control board 30. The CPU 30a of the main control board 30 sets a process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 as a timer interrupt process for a certain period of time (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation, except in special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Repeat every time. When this process is started, the main control board 30 performs a random number update process (step S101), a first start port switch process (step S102), a second start port switch process (step S103), and a gate switch process (step S104). ), Various switch processes (step S105), prize ball process (step S106), special symbol process (step S107), special game process (step S108), normal symbol process (step S109), auxiliary game process (step S110), Then, the output process (step S111) is sequentially executed as a series of processes, and when the series of processes is completed, the initial value random number update process (step S112) is repeatedly executed. Thereafter, the interruption by the timer occurs again with the passage of time, so that the execution of the processes after the random number update process (step S101) is started again. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated.

  In the random number update process (step S101), the process of updating the values of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, ordinary symbol random numbers stored in the game data storage unit 61 of the RAM 30c is performed. Is called. In the first start port switch process (step S102), the game data acquisition unit 51 described above monitors the state of the first start port switch 41, and the game ball that has entered the first start port 13 passes through a predetermined area. Thus, when the first start port switch 41 is turned on, processing for acquiring game data from the game data storage unit 61 is performed. In the second start port switch process (step S103), the game data acquisition unit 51 described above monitors the state of the second start port switch 42, and the game ball that has entered the second start port 14 passes through a predetermined area. Thus, when the second start port switch 42 is turned on, processing for acquiring game data from the game data storage unit 61 is performed. In the gate switch process (step S104), the auxiliary game control unit 57 monitors the state of the through gate switch 43. When the game ball passes through the through gate 21 and the through gate switch 43 is turned on, a normal symbol lottery is performed. In order to do this, a process of obtaining a normal symbol random number is performed. In the various switch processes (step S105), a process of inputting signals from all other switches (for example, a big prize opening switch) is performed. In the winning ball process (step S106), a process of counting the number of winnings in various winning ports and setting a winning ball command based on the counted value is performed. In the special symbol processing (step S107), special game determination processing by the special game determination unit 52, the variation pattern determination unit 53, and the special symbol control unit 54, special symbol variation processing based on the result of the special game determination, and the like are performed. In the special game process (step S108), the operation of the open special game for opening the first grand prize port 15 and the second big prize port 16 is controlled. In the normal symbol process (step S109), a variation display process of the normal symbol by the auxiliary game control unit 57 and a process associated with the variation display process are performed. In the auxiliary game process (step S110), the opening / closing operation control of the electric tulip 14a by the auxiliary game control unit 57 is performed. In the output process (step S111), a process of outputting a control command, game data, and the like from the main control board 30 to each of the payout control board 32 and the effect control board 33 is performed. Commands and data to be output to each substrate are generated in each process of steps S102 to S110, and are set in the RAM 30c in advance. Therefore, in this output process (step S111), a process for reading and outputting the commands and data set in the RAM 30c is performed. In the initial value random number update process (step S112), initial values of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, ordinary symbol random numbers stored in the game data storage unit 61 are updated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the first start port switch process (step S101 in FIG. 12) and the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 12). First, as shown in FIG. 13A, in the first start port switch process (step S102), it is determined whether or not a game ball enters the first start port 13 and the first start port switch 41 is turned on. Judgment is made (step S201). If the first start port switch 41 is not turned on, the first start port switch process is terminated. If the first start port switch 41 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U1 stored in the hold memory area for the first start port of the hold storage unit 62 is less than the upper limit (step S202). . In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S202), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, and the first start port switch process is terminated. On the other hand, if the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S202), the value of the hold number U1 is incremented by 1 (step S203). Then, game data resulting from entering the first start port 13 is read from the game data storage unit 61, and various random number values included in the game data are stored in the hold memory area for the first start port of the hold storage unit 62. (Step S204). Depending on the value of the jackpot random number read out at this time, it is determined whether the jackpot is “losing” or “lost”. In the case of “big hit”, the type of special game to be played as the big hit game is determined by the value of the read design random number. In the case of “losing”, whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined based on the read reach random number value. Then, the main control board 30 sets game data including various read random numbers as game data for transmission for transmitting to the effect control board 33 (step S205). The transmission game data set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by entering the first start port 13. When the game data setting is completed, the first start port switch process is terminated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, in the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 12), a game ball enters the second start port 14 and the second start port switch 42 is turned on. It is determined whether or not (step S301). If the second start port switch 42 is not turned on, the second start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port switch 42 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U2 stored in the hold storage area for the second start port of the hold storage unit 62 is less than the upper limit value (step S302). . If the number of holdings U2 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S302), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, so the second start port switch process is terminated. On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S302), 1 is added to the value of the hold number U2 (step S303). Then, game data resulting from entering the second start port 14 is read from the game data storage unit 61, and various random numbers included in the game data are stored in the hold storage area for the second start port of the hold storage unit 62. (Step S304). Based on the values of the various random numbers read at this time, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and in the case of a loss, whether or not a reach effect is performed. Then, the main control board 30 sets game data including various read random numbers as transmission game data for transmitting to the effect control board 33 (step S305). The game data for transmission set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by entering the second starting port 14. When the game data setting is completed, the second start port switch process is terminated.

  Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the gate switch process (step S104 in FIG. 12). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 21 and the through gate switch 43 is turned on (step S401). If the through gate switch 43 is not turned on, the gate switch process is terminated. If the through gate switch 43 is on, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is less than the upper limit value (step S402). If the number of reservations G has reached the upper limit (NO in step S402), the number of reservations cannot be increased any more, and the gate switch process is terminated. On the other hand, when the reserved number G is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S402), 1 is added to the value of the reserved number G (step S403). Then, the normal symbol random number for the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the through gate 21 is read, and the random number value is stored in the RAM 103 (step S404).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol process (step S107 in FIG. 12). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in a special game (during a big hit game) (step S501). If the special game is in progress, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation processing because the variation display of the new special symbol cannot be performed until the special game (big hit game) is completed (step). YES in S501). On the other hand, when the special game is not being executed (NO in step S501), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying the variation of the special symbol (step S502). If the special symbol variation display is not in progress (NO in step S502), it is determined whether or not the number of holds U2 is 1 or more (step S503). When the holding number U2 is 1 or more (YES in step S503), the main control board 30 reads the game data stored first in the holding storage area for the second start port of the holding storage unit 62 (step S504). ), 1 is subtracted from the value of the holding number U2 (step S505). Then, the other reserved storage areas stored in the reserved storage area for the second start port are sequentially shifted (step S506).

  On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is 0 (NO in step S503), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the hold number U1 is 1 or more (step S507). When the holding number U1 is 1 or more (YES in step S507), the main control board 30 reads out the game data stored first in the holding storage area for the first start port of the holding storage unit 62 (step S508). ), 1 is subtracted from the value of the holding number U1 (step S509). Then, the other reserved storage areas stored in the reserved storage area for the first start port are shifted (step S510). If the number of holdings U1 is 0 (NO in step S507), it means that there is no holding based on entering the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14 which is the starting condition for the special game determination. Then, the process is terminated without starting the special symbol variation display.

  When the game data is read out in either step S504 or step S508, the process proceeds to a process for determining a special game based on the read game data (steps S511 to S517). That is, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state (step S511), and if it is a high probability state, selects and reads the high probability determination table. (Step S512) If not in the high probability state, the determination table for low probability is selected and read (Step S513). Then, the main control board 30 executes a special game determination process for determining whether or not to play a jackpot game as a special game advantageous to the player (step S514). In this special game determination process (step S514), whether or not the jackpot is determined based on the jackpot random number included in the game data read in step S504 or S508, and the special symbol is determined based on the determination result and other random numbers. The variation time for performing the variation display is determined.

  After performing the special game determination process (step S514), the main control board 30 performs a symbol variation effect including a variation display of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c corresponding to the variation time determined in the special game determination process. A change start command for causing the effect control board 33 to execute is set in the RAM 30c (step S516). Then, the main control board 30 starts the special symbol variation display on the special symbol indicator 22a (step S516), and starts the variation time measurement in order to continue the variation display until the variation time elapses (step S516). S517).

  On the other hand, when the variation of the special symbol is being displayed in step S502 (YES in step S502), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the variation time has ended (step S518). Here, it is determined whether or not the variation time measured in step S517 has reached the variation time determined in the special game determination process (step S514) when the special symbol variation display is started. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S518), the special symbol variation display is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (YES in step S518), the main control board 30 sets a variation stop command for stopping the variation effect performed by the effect control board 33 in the RAM 30c ( Step S519). Then, the special symbol display on the special symbol display 22a is stopped at the stop symbol corresponding to the determination result of the special game determination (step S520), and the measured variation time is reset (step S521). Then, the main control board 30 executes a stop process (step S522).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the suspension processing (step S522 in FIG. 15). In this process, after the change display of the special symbol is stopped, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the normal gaming state ST1 or the specific gaming state ST3 to the special gaming state ST2, or from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state. A process of changing the probability of winning the jackpot and returning from the high probability state to the low probability state is performed. When the stop process is started, the main control board 30 determines whether or not to shift to the special gaming state ST2 (step S571). When shifting to the special gaming state ST2 due to the occurrence of a big hit (YES in step S571). The special game state ST2 corresponding to the special game type is set (step S572). Then, a special game start command is set in the RAM 30c in order to cause the effect control board 33 to perform an effect corresponding to the special game (big hit game) (step S573). Thereafter, the main control board 30 starts executing a special game as a jackpot game (step S574).

  If the main control board 30 determines not to shift to the special gaming state ST2 (NO in step S571), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the specific gaming state ST3 (step S575). As a result, when the game state is the specific game state ST3 (YES in step S575), the main control board 30 decrements the count value SC, which is the remaining number of times of the special symbol variation display for continuing the specific game state ST3, by 1 (step). In step S576, it is determined whether the count value SC has become 0 (step S577). As a result, when the count value SC is not 0, the specific gaming state ST3 continues, and thus the in-stop process is terminated. When count value SC becomes 0 (YES in step S577), main control board 30 determines whether or not the current probability state is a high probability state (step S578). The probability state is changed and set to the low probability state (step S579). If the current probability state is not a high probability state, the process skips without performing step S579. Then, the main control board 30 shifts the gaming state from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1 (step S580).

  If the main control board 30 determines that the current gaming state is not the specific gaming state ST3 but the normal gaming state ST1 (NO in step S575), then the main control board 30 ends the processing without performing any special processing. This is the end of the stop process (step S522).

  Next, FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing details of the special game process (step S108 in FIG. 12). In this process, the opening / closing operation of the first grand prize winning port 15 and the second big prize winning port 16 after the start of the special game (big hit game) is controlled. The main control board 30 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a special game (step S601). If the special game is not in progress (NO in step S601), the opening / closing operation of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is not performed, and thus the special game process ends. On the other hand, when the special game is being performed (YES in step S601), the main control board 30 is in the opening operation of the special game started by the gaming machine 1 in the suspension process (step S574 in FIG. 16). It is determined whether or not (step S602). If the gaming machine 1 is in the opening operation (YES in step S602), the main control board 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed (step S603). . If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S603), the opening operation continues and the special game process is terminated.

  When the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S603), the main control board 30 adds 1 to the current round value R that opens the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 (step S603). S604). The round value R is initialized to 0 at the time of occurrence of the jackpot, and becomes a round value to be performed this time by adding 1 in step S604. Then, the main control board 30 confirms an opening pattern for opening the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 as a special game (step S605), and this round R defined in the opening pattern. The opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set (step S606). Then, the main control board 30 opens one of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 corresponding to the current round R (step S607). When the first grand prize winning port 15 or the second grand prize winning port 16 is opened, the main control board 30 starts the measurement operation of the opening time set in step S606.

  Then, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the V gate switch 50 has detected the passing of the game ball (step S608), and if the V gate switch 50 has detected the passing of the game ball, the V gate passing command is determined. Is set in the RAM 30c (step S609). If the V gate switch 50 has not detected the passing of the game ball, the process of step S609 is skipped.

  Next, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S606 has elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening (step S610), and if the opening time has not elapsed (in step S610). In step S611, it is determined whether or not a predetermined upper limit number of game balls have been won through the open big winning opening. As a result, when the opening time has not elapsed and the number of winnings has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S611), the open state of the big winning opening continues, and the special game process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S610), or when the number of winning prizes to the big prize opening reaches the upper limit (YES in step S611), the main control board 30 is currently open. The first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed (step S612). Then, it is determined whether or not the current round R is a value indicating the final round (for example, 16) (step S613). If it is not the final round (NO in step S613), the special game continues, so the special game process is terminated as it is.

  If the current round R is the final round (YES in step S613), the main control board 30 executes the processing from step S614 onward to end the special game. That is, the main control board 30 resets the current round value R to 0 (step S614), and determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the V gate 18 during the special game (step S615). When the game ball has passed the V gate 18 (YES in step S615), the main control board 30 sets a high probability state as the jackpot winning probability in the subsequent special game determination (step S616). On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass the V gate 18 (NO in step S615), the low probability state is set as the jackpot winning probability in the subsequent special game determination (step S617).

  Thereafter, the main control board 30 sets the specific game state ST3 as the game state (step S618). Then, the main control board 30 sets the count value SC of the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol in the specific gaming state ST3 to 100 (step S619).

  The main control board 30 starts time measurement for the ending of the special game (step S620), and determines whether or not the ending has ended (step S621). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the ending was started, it is determined that the ending has not been completed (NO in step S621), and the special game process is terminated. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the ending was started, it is determined that the ending has ended (YES in step S621), and a special game end command is set on the effect control board 33 in order to end the special game effect. (Step S622), the special game is terminated (Step S623).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that the gaming machine 1 is not opening (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 18, and the main control board 30 determines whether the first grand prize port 15 or the second grand prize port. It is determined whether or not 16 is open (step S651). If it is open (YES in step S651), the processing from step S608 shown in FIG. 17 is executed. If not open (NO in step S651), it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 1 is ending a big hit game (step S652). If the ending is in progress (YES in step S652), the processes in and after step S621 shown in FIG. 17 are executed. If the ending is not in progress (NO in step S652), the elapsed time after the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed has passed a predetermined interval (interval time) of each round. Whether or not (step S653). If the interval time has not elapsed (NO in step S653), the special game process is terminated because it is not yet the timing to execute the next round. On the other hand, when the interval time has elapsed (YES in step S653), the processing after step S604 shown in FIG. 17 is executed to perform the next round.

  When a special game is started in the gaming machine 1 by the special game processing as described above, a round that opens the first grand prize port 15 or the second big prize port 16 with an opening pattern corresponding to the type of the special game is performed. It is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds). Also, when the special game ends, either the high probability state or the low probability state is set according to whether or not the game ball has passed through the V gate 18, and the game state after the special game ends. Becomes the specific gaming state ST3.

  Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the normal symbol processing (step S109 in FIG. 12). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S701). The term “in the auxiliary game” here means that the normal symbol lottery is won and the opening operation of the electric tulip 14a is continued. If the auxiliary game is being played (YES in step S701), the main control board 30 ends the normal symbol process without starting the normal symbol variation display. If it is not in an auxiliary game (NO in step S701), it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying a normal symbol variation (step S702). If the normal symbol is not being variably displayed (NO in step S702), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is 1 or more (step S703). If the number of holds G is 0 (NO in step S703), it means that there is no game ball passing to the through gate 21 which is a condition for normal symbol lottery, so that the normal symbol variation display is not started. Normal symbol processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the holding number G is 1 or more (YES in step S703), the main control board 30 reads game data (normal symbol random number) corresponding to the earliest holding (step S704), and the holding number G 1 is subtracted by 1 (step S705), and the storage area storing other hold is shifted (step S706). Then, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the normal symbol random number read from the hold is a predetermined winning value, and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S707). When the normal symbol lottery is won (YES in step S707), the main control board 30 sets a symbol (winning symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is won in the RAM 103 (step S708). If the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S707), a symbol (losing symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is lost is set in the RAM 103 (step S709).

  Then, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the specific gaming state ST3 (step S710), and when it is the specific gaming state ST3 (YES in step S710), The variation time is set to a relatively short first variation time (3 seconds in the illustrated example) (step S711). Also, if it is determined that the current gaming state is not the specific gaming state ST3 but the normal gaming state ST1 (NO in step S710), the normal symbol variation time is set to a relatively long second variation time (in the case of the illustrated example). 29 seconds) (step S712). Then, the main control board 30 starts normal symbol fluctuation display on the normal symbol indicator 22b based on the fluctuation time set in step S711 or S712 (step S713), and starts measurement operation of the fluctuation time (step S714). ).

  If the normal symbol variation display is in progress (YES in step S702), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the regular symbol variation time has ended (step S715). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation time at which measurement is started in step S714 has reached the variation time set in step S711 or S712. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S715), the normal symbol variation display is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is. When the variation time has ended (YES in step S715), the main control board 30 stops the variation display of the normal symbol and displays the symbol set in step S708 or S709 (step S716). Thereafter, the measured variation time is reset (step S717). Then, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S718), and if it is won (YES in step S718), an auxiliary game for opening the electric tulip 14a is started (step S719). As a result, the gaming state becomes an auxiliary game, but at this time, the electric tulip 14a is not yet driven to the open state. On the other hand, if the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S718), the normal symbol processing is terminated while the current state of the gaming machine 1 is maintained.

  Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the auxiliary game process (step S110 in FIG. 12). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S801). If the auxiliary game is not in progress (NO in step S801), it is not necessary to open the electric tulip 14a, and the auxiliary game process is terminated. On the other hand, if the auxiliary game is being performed (YES in step S801), the main control board 30 determines whether or not the electric tulip 14a is already open (step S802), and if the electric tulip 14a is not open. (NO in step S802), it is further determined whether or not the current gaming state is the specific gaming state ST3 (step S803). As a result, when it is in the specific gaming state ST3 (YES in step S803), the main control board 30 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 14a to a relatively long first opening time (3.5 seconds in the case of the example). It sets (step S804). In the case of not the specific gaming state ST3 but the normal gaming state ST1 (NO in step S803), the main control board 30 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 14a to a relatively short second opening time (0 in the illustrated example). .2 seconds) (step S805). Then, the main control board 30 drives the electric tulip 14a to the opened state (step S806) and starts measuring the elapsed time after the opening (step S807). At this time, the main control board 30 may set an auxiliary game start command indicating that the electric tulip 14a is open in the RAM 30c. On the other hand, if the electric tulip 14a has already been opened (YES in step S802), the processes in steps S803 to S807 are skipped. Thereafter, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S804 or S805 has elapsed (step S808). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S808), the electric tulip 14a Since the open state of is continued, the auxiliary game process is terminated. When the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S808), the main control board 30 returns the electric tulip 14a to the closed state (step S809), returns the auxiliary game to the finished state, and ends the auxiliary game processing ( Step S810). At this time, the main control board 30 may set an auxiliary game end command indicating that the electric tulip 14a is closed and the auxiliary game is ended in the RAM 30c.

  19 and 20, in the specific game state ST3, the electric tulip 14a is opened more frequently and for a longer time than in the normal game state ST1, and a game is played with respect to the second start port 14. The ball is ready to enter.

  Next, the effect control board 33 will be described. The effect control board 33 controls the execution of various effects corresponding to the operating state of the gaming machine 1 controlled by the main control board 30 by receiving various commands output from the main control board 30 by the above-described processing. To do. FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the effect control board 33. As shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 33 a of the effect control board 33 mainly functions as a normal game effect control part 71, a special game effect control part 72, and a specific game effect control part 73, and various types output from the main control board 30. It is configured to perform various game effects based on the command. The normal game effect control unit 71, the special game effect control unit 72, and the specific game effect control unit 73 are configured so that their operation states are switched in accordance with the transition of the game state shown in FIG.

  The normal game effect control unit 71 functions when the gaming machine 1 is in the normal game state ST1, and controls the symbol variation effect in the normal game state ST1. When the normal game effect control unit 71 receives a change start command from the main control board 30, the normal game effect control unit 71 is an effect pattern corresponding to a special symbol change time performed on the main control board 30, and the game effect in the normal game state ST <b> 1. The effect pattern to be performed is determined, and the design variation effect is executed by controlling each of the image control board 34 and the lamp control board 35 based on the determined effect pattern. In response to receiving the change stop command from the main control board 30, the normal game effect control unit 71 stops the symbol change effect and informs the player whether the result of the special game determination is a big hit or a loss. Produce a notice.

  The special game effect control unit 72 functions when the gaming machine 1 is in the special game state ST2, and controls the special game effect in the special game state ST2. The special game effect control unit 72 functions by receiving a special game start command from the main control board 30, and based on the special game start command, an effect pattern corresponding to the type of special game performed on the main control board 30 Then, an effect pattern to be performed as a game effect in the special game state ST2 is determined, and the special game effect is executed by controlling each of the image control board 34 and the lamp control board 35 based on the determined effect pattern. Let As the special game end command is received from the main control board 30, the special game effect control unit 72 ends the operation and then causes the specific game effect control unit 73 to function.

  The specific game effect control unit 73 functions in the specific game state ST3 after the special game is ended in the gaming machine 1, and controls the symbol variation effect in the specific game state ST3. When the specific game effect control unit 73 receives a change start command from the main control board 30, the specific game effect control unit 73 is an effect pattern corresponding to the change time of the special symbol performed on the main control board 30, and the game effect in the specific game state ST3 The effect pattern to be performed is determined, and the design variation effect is executed by controlling each of the image control board 34 and the lamp control board 35 based on the determined effect pattern. Then, in response to receiving the change stop command from the main control board 30, the specific game effect control unit 73 stops the symbol change effect and informs the player whether the result of the special game determination is a big hit or a loss. Produce a notice.

  When the next jackpot does not occur during the period until the symbol variation effect performed by the specific game effect control unit 73 ends a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), the operation of the specific game effect control unit 73 on the effect control board 33 The state ends, and then the normal game effect control unit 71 functions.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game effect performed by each of the normal game effect control unit 71, the special game effect control unit 72, and the specific game effect control unit 73. First, FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the image display 12 when the normal game effect control unit 71 performs a symbol variation effect in the normal game state ST1. As described above, the normal game state ST1 is a game state in which the player operates the handle lever 5 at a relatively small operation angle to advance the game while firing a game ball toward the first game area. It is a normal gaming state for the machine 1. In the normal game state ST1, the normal game effect control unit 71 performs a symbol variation effect in a normal effect mode as shown in FIG. In other words, the image display 12 advances the symbol variation effect by displaying the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c on the front side of the normal background image.

  FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the image display 12 when the special game effect control unit 72 performs a special game effect in the special game state ST2. As described above, the special game state ST2 is a game state in which the player operates the handle lever 5 at a relatively large operation angle to advance the game while firing a game ball toward the second game area. Therefore, the special game effect control unit 72 displays an effect image as shown in FIG. 22B on the image display 12 in the special game state ST2. Specifically, the special game effect control unit 72 displays an effect image corresponding to the jackpot on almost the entire display screen of the image display 12, and a part of the display screen of the image display 12 (FIG. 22 ( In the example of b), notification information 12d that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the second game area is displayed on the upper part of the screen). By displaying such notification information 12d on the image display 12, the player can recognize that the player has shifted to the right-handed gaming state. Accordingly, the player changes the operation state so that the operation angle of the handle lever 5 is increased and fires a game ball toward the second game area. In the special game state ST2, a player receives many prize balls. Can be earned.

  FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the image display 12 when the symbol variation effect in the specific game state ST3 is performed by the specific game effect control unit 73. In the specific game state ST3, the specific game effect control unit 73 performs a symbol variation effect in a mode different from the normal performance mode. For example, the specific game effect control unit 73 controls the image control board 34 to display a background image different from the normal image as the background image of the image display 12, and three decorative symbols 12 a, The progress of the symbol variation effect is controlled by causing the variation display of 12b and 12c to be performed. Further, in the specific game state ST3, as in the special game state ST2, a game in which the player operates the handle lever 5 at a relatively large operation angle and fires a game ball toward the second game area, and advances the game. State. For this reason, even in the specific game state ST3, the specific game effect control unit 73 gives the player a second game for a part of the display screen of the image display 12 (upper screen in the example of FIG. 22C). The notification information 12d that prompts the game ball to be launched toward the area is displayed. By displaying such notification information 12d on the image display 12, the player can grasp that the right-handed gaming state is continuing.

  Furthermore, the specific game effect control unit 73 displays a number-of-times display column 12e on a part of the display screen of the image display 12 as shown in FIG. 22C (in the lower right portion of the screen in the example of FIG. 22C), In the number display column 12e, the remaining number of symbol variation effects until the specific gaming state ST3 ends is displayed. Thus, the player can grasp how long the state in which the game can be advanced without continuing to reduce the number of prize balls acquired in the special game will continue. When the remaining number of times in the number display column 12e becomes 0 and the next symbol variation effect is started after the last symbol variation effect in the specific gaming state ST3 is ended, the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 71 is started. Will be done.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the specific game effect control unit 73 has an end effect control unit 73a. The end effect control unit 73a functions immediately before the game in the specific game state ST3 ends, and controls the execution of the end effect indicating that the game control in the specific game state ST3 ends. For example, the end effect control unit 73a functions at a timing when the remaining number of symbol variation effects in the specific gaming state ST3 becomes a predetermined number of times (for example, 0), and ends when performing the remaining predetermined number of symbol variation effects. The production is executed. That is, the end effect control unit 73a is configured to perform the end effect immediately before the game control in the specific game state ST3 ends.

  For example, the end effect control unit 73a is configured to be able to continue the end effect until a predetermined delay time elapses after the transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1. In other words, the end effect control unit 73a can cause the end effect to be continuously performed even after the transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1 and the normal game effect control unit 71 starts the next symbol variation effect. Is possible. The delay time during which the end effect control unit 73a continues the end effect even after the end of the specific game state ST3 is the same as the open time (for example, 3.5 seconds) of the electric tulip 14a that is opened immediately before the end of the specific game state ST3. Alternatively, it is set in advance as a longer time. Accordingly, when the end effect control unit 73a functions and starts the end effect immediately before the end of the specific gaming state ST3, the end effect is after the opening time of the electric tulip 14a has elapsed after the end of the specific gaming state ST3. It will be performed continuously until the timing of.

  On the other hand, the normal game effect control unit 71 includes a notification effect control unit 71a as shown in FIG. The notification effect control unit 71a functions at a timing when the gaming state shifts from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, and notifies the player that the gaming state has shifted from the right-handed gaming state to the left-handed gaming state. It controls the production. The notification effect control unit 71a displays notification information on the image display 12 to display the notification information to the player in the first game area when performing the notification effect of notifying that the transition from the right-handed gaming state to the left-handed gaming state is performed. A first notification effect that prompts the player to fire the game ball, and a second notification effect that prompts the player to fire the game ball in the first game area by outputting sound corresponding to the notification information from the speaker 8. And can be done.

  Therefore, when transitioning from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, the end effect by the end effect control unit 73a and the notification effect by the notification effect control unit 71a may be performed simultaneously.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a change in the effect mode on the image display 12 after the transition to the normal gaming state ST1 from immediately before the end of the specific gaming state ST3. If the end effect control unit 73a functions immediately before the end of the specific gaming state ST3, for example, an end effect 12g as shown in FIG. 23 (a) is displayed on the image display 12. That is, the end effect control unit 73a displays an image that displays the number of prize balls acquired in the specific game state ST2 as the end effect 12g on the front side of the background image different from the normal. At this time, the variable display of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c performed by the specific game effect control unit 73 is a part of the display screen of the image display 12 (the left corner of the screen in the example of FIG. 23A). To be done. In addition, at the timing when the display of the end effect 12g is started, the specific gaming state ST3 has not ended yet, so a part of the display screen of the image display 12 (the upper part of the screen in the example of FIG. 23A) The notification information 12d is displayed to urge the player to fire the game ball toward the second game area.

  When the specific game state ST3 ends and the state shifts to the normal game state ST1, the normal game effect control unit 71 starts the symbol variation effect. At this time, as shown in FIG. 23B, since the end effect 12g performed by the end effect control unit 73a is continuously displayed, the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, The variable display of 12c is performed on a part of the display screen of the image display 12 (the left corner of the screen in the example of FIG. 23B). This variation display is performed on the front side of the normal background image indicating that the normal gaming state ST1.

  Further, with the transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the notification effect control unit 71a functions in the normal game effect control unit 71, and a part of the display screen of the image display 12 (example in FIG. 23B) In the upper part of the screen), notification information 12f that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the first game area is displayed. For example, when receiving an instruction to start displaying the notification information 12f from the notification effect control unit 71a, the image control board 34 superimposes the notification information 12f on the front side of the display image displayed on the image display 12 at that timing. Thus, the notification information 12f is displayed superimposed on the front side of the effect image. At this time, the notification information 12f is displayed, for example, in a manner of scrolling from the right side of the screen to the left side. By displaying such notification information 12f on the image display 12, the player can recognize that the player has returned from the right-handed gaming state to the left-handed gaming state.

  The display state as shown in FIG. 23 (b) continues until the auxiliary game of the electric tulip 14a opened just before the end of the specific game state ST3 ends. Then, after the auxiliary game is finished and the electric tulip 14a is in the closed state, the display of the end effect 12g is finished, and the display screen of the image display 12 is changed from the screen of FIG. 23 (b) to the screen of FIG. 23 (c). Switch to the screen. In other words, the three game symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are displayed in a variable manner at the center position on the front side of the normal background image by the normal game effect control unit 71, and at the same time, the notification effect control unit 71a displays the image display 12. The notification information 12f is displayed on a part of the display screen (upper screen in the example of FIG. 23C).

  When the display screen of the image display device 12 is switched from the screen of FIG. 23B to the screen of FIG. 23C, the notification effect control unit 71a outputs a second sound corresponding to the notification information 12f from the speaker 8. The notification effect is started. Here, the notification information 12f displayed on the image display 12 is information perceived by the player visually recognizing the display screen of the image display 12, and the player visually recognizes the display screen of the image display 12. It is information that is not perceived in situations where it is not. On the other hand, the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f output from the speaker 8 is information that is perceived wherever the player looks. Therefore, the first notification effect for displaying the notification information 12f on the image display 12 cannot make the player surely know that the game state in which the game ball should be launched toward the first game area. In contrast to the effect mode, the second notification effect in which the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f is output from the speaker 8 indicates that the player is in a gaming state in which a game ball is to be launched toward the first game area. This is an effect that can be surely grasped. Therefore, when the first notification effect is compared with the second notification effect, the first notification effect is a passive effect mode, whereas the second notification effect is an active effect mode. I can say that. In the present embodiment, at the timing of transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, the first notification effect that is a passive effect mode is started to display the notification information 12f on the image display 12, and then By starting the second notification effect that is a positive effect mode at the timing after the auxiliary game by the electric tulip 14a is finished and outputting the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f from the speaker 8, the normal game state ST3 is started. A certain time difference is generated from the transition to the gaming state ST1 until the player is surely aware that the player has transitioned to the normal gaming state ST1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, immediately before the specific gaming state ST3 ends, the end effect 12g is displayed by occupying most of the displayable area of the image display 12, and the specific gaming state ST3 ends and the normal gaming state ST1. The display state of the end effect 12g is continued even after the transition to, and the display of the end effect 12g ends after the auxiliary game by the electric tulip 14a ends. Therefore, the notification information 12d to the notification information 12f at the timing at which the notification information for guiding the player in the direction of launching the game ball in the part of the display screen of the image display 12 has shifted from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1. However, it is difficult for the player to notice such a change. Then, the player surely notices that the game state has changed from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1 at the timing when the display mode is largely switched from the screen of FIG. 23 (b) to the screen of FIG. 23 (c). become. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment allows the player to continue the right-handed game when the game ball is easy to enter the second start port 14 immediately after the transition to the normal game state ST1. In addition, when it becomes difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 14, the player can return the operation state to the left-handed game.

  In addition, the notification effect performed by the notification effect control unit 71a is continuously performed after a transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1 until a predetermined period elapses. For example, the notification information 12f on the image display 12 may be continuously displayed until a predetermined time of about several tens of seconds elapses after the display is started, or may be predetermined after the display is started. It may be displayed continuously until the number of symbol variation effects is completed. The sound output from the speaker 8 may be continuously output repeatedly during the period when the notification information 12f is displayed on the image display 12, or may be output a predetermined number of times, for example, a few times. You may make it continue repeatedly until the output of minute ends. Then, when the period during which the notification effect is performed by the notification effect control unit 71a ends, the display screen in the subsequent symbol variation effect returns to the display screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the game effect process performed on the effect control board 33. This process is a process repeatedly executed at regular time intervals by the CPU 33a of the effect control board 33, for example. When starting this process, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a special game start command has been received (step S1001). When the special game start command is received, the special game effect control unit 72 functions and the execution of the special game effect is started (step S1002). If the special game start command has not been received, the process of step S1002 is skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a special game end command is received (step S1003). When the special game end command is received, the special game effect control unit 72 performs the special game. The effect is ended (step S1004). When the special game effect ends, the effect control board 33 sets the count value EC of the number of symbol fluctuations for managing the period during which the specific game effect control unit 73 functions to 100 (step S1005). The count value EC is initialized to 0 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, for example. When the special game end command has not been received, the processes in steps S1004 and S1005 are skipped.

  Next, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a change start command has been received (step S1006). When the change start command is received, the effect control board 33 executes a change effect start process (step S1007). FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the fluctuating effect start processing (step S1007). In this variation effect start process, the effect control board 33 first determines whether or not the count value EC is 0 (step S1101). As a result, if the count value EC is not 0 (NO in step S1101), the effect control board 33 decrements the count value EC by 1 (step S1102), and has the count value EC after decrement become 0? It is determined whether or not (step S1103). When the count value EC becomes 0 (YES in step S1103), the effect control board 33 causes the end effect control unit 73a of the specific game effect control unit 73 to function (step S1104), and the end effect by the end effect control unit 73a. The execution of 12g is started (step S1105). As a result, the end effect 12g as shown in FIG. 23A is displayed on the image display 12. Then, the effect control board 33 sets a notification start flag (step S1106) and starts time measurement (step S1107). The time measured here is an elapsed time after the execution of the end effect 12g is started. If the count value EC after decrement is not 0 (NO in step S1103), the processes in steps S1104 to S1107 are skipped. Then, the effect control board 33 starts the symbol variation effect by the specific game effect control unit 73 (step S1108). When the symbol variation effect is started, the specific game effect control unit 73 causes the number display column 12e to display the remaining number of symbol variation effects until the specific game state ST3 ends based on the count value EC.

  On the other hand, when the count value EC is 0 in step S1101 (YES in step S1101), the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the end effect 12g is being executed (step S1109). If the end effect 12g is being executed at this time, the effect control board 33 performs control so that the end effect 12g is continuously displayed (step S1110). On the other hand, when the end effect 12g is not executed, the process of step S1110 is skipped. Then, the effect control board 33 starts the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 71 (step S1111). The variation effect start process is thus completed. When the effect control board 33 has not received the change start command, such a change effect start process is not performed.

  Returning to FIG. 24, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not a change stop command has been received (step S1008). When the change stop command is received, the effect control board 33 executes a change effect stop process (step S1009). FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the variation effect stop process (step S1009). In this variation effect stop process, first, the normal game effect control unit 71 or the specific game effect control unit 73 that controls the symbol variation effect on the effect control board 33 stops the symbol variation effect (step S1201). Then, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the notification start flag is set (step S1202). When the notification start flag is set (YES in step S1202), the notification effect control unit 71a of the normal game effect control unit 71 functions on the effect control board 33 (step S1203), and the notification effect control unit 71a is an image display. 12, the process of displaying the notification information 12f is started (step S1204). Therefore, the notification effect is started with the end of the last symbol variation effect in the specific game state ST3. Then, the notification effect control unit 71a releases the notification start flag (step S1205), and sets a notification effect flag indicating that the notification effect is being executed (step S1206). If the notification start flag is not set in step S1202, the processes in steps S1203 to S1206 are skipped. The variation effect start process is thus completed. When the effect control board 33 has not received the change stop command, such a change effect start process is not performed.

  Returning to FIG. 24 again, the effect control board 33 next determines whether or not the notification effect flag is set (step S1010). When the notification effect flag is set, the effect control board 33 executes an end effect control process (step S1011). FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the end effect control process (step S1011). In the end effect control process, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the measurement time when the measurement is started in step S1107 has passed a predetermined time. This predetermined time is a time obtained by adding a delay time corresponding to the opening time (Td) of the electric tulip 14a to the effect time (symbol change time) of the symbol change effect started in step S1108. Accordingly, the determination in step S1301 corresponds to determining whether or not the auxiliary game has ended after the transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1301), the supplementary game started immediately before the end of the specific game state ST3 may not end yet. And the end effect control process ends.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1301), the auxiliary game started immediately before the end of the specific game state ST3 has already ended. In this case, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not the end effect 12g is being executed (step S1302). If the end effect 12g is being executed, it is continuously performed by the end effect control unit 73a. The execution of the ending end effect 12g is ended (step S1303), and the display mode of the symbol variation effect is switched (step S1304). Thereby, the screen of FIG. 23B is switched to the screen of FIG. Then, the notification effect control unit 71a starts outputting the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f from the speaker 8 (step S1305). If the end effect 12g has already been executed in step S1302, the processes in steps S1303 to S1305 are skipped.

  Thereafter, the effect control board 33 determines whether or not to end the notification effect (step S1306). When the notification effect is ended, the notification control board 33 performs a notification effect end process (step S1307). Accordingly, the notification information 12f is not displayed on the image display 12, and the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f is not output from the speaker 8. Then, the effect control board 33 releases the notification effect flag (step S1308) and ends the end effect control process. When the notification effect flag is not set, such notification effect processing is not performed.

  By performing the above processing in the gaming machine 1, an end effect 12g indicating that the specific game state ST3 is ended immediately before the end of the specific game state ST3 is displayed on the image display 12, and the display state of the end effect 12g is displayed. Can be continued for a predetermined time after shifting to the normal gaming state ST1. In addition, when transitioning from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, a notification effect is started to prompt the player to launch a game ball in the first game area in a passive rendering mode, and then a predetermined time When it is time for the display of the end effect 12g to end, a notification effect that prompts the player to launch a game ball in the first game area in an active effect mode is started.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a start timing of an end effect and a notification effect that are performed when a transition is made from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1. As shown in FIG. 28, in the specific gaming state ST3, the execution of the end effect 12g is started at the timing Ts when the last (100th) symbol variation effect is started. The specific game state ST3 ends with the end of the last symbol variation effect, and the subsequent game state shifts to the normal game state ST1. When the electric tulip 14a is driven to the open state at the timing Te immediately before the end of the specific gaming state ST3, the electric tulip 14a is moved to the normal gaming state ST1 and the game ball is placed in the second starting port 14. Continue the open state where it is easy to enter the ball. The end effect 12g displayed at the timing Ts at which the last symbol variation effect is started in the specific gaming state ST3 ends the period Tr until the predetermined delay time Tp after the last symbol variation effect ends. The display state is continued until the electric tulip 14a is opened at least immediately after the transition to the normal gaming state ST1.

  On the other hand, the notification effect performed by the notification effect control unit 71a is started at the timing of transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1. At this time, the notification effect control unit 71 a first starts a notification effect for displaying the notification information 12 f on the image display 12. In this state, the player may not be aware that the notification effect is being performed, and continues the state in which the game ball is being launched toward the second game area. Therefore, it is possible to make the game ball enter the second starting port 14 in a state where the open state continues and it is easy to enter the ball. The notification effect control unit 71a ends the auxiliary game when the electric tulip 14a is in the closed state, and after the game ball is difficult to enter the second start port 14, the execution of the end effect 12g ends. In connection with this, the notification effect by outputting the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f from the speaker 8 is started. In this state, the end effect 12g is ended, and the player notices that the notification effect is being performed. Therefore, the state where the game ball is being launched toward the second game area is stopped, and thereafter Fires a game ball toward the first game area.

  In addition to the above, for example, when the main control board 30 transmits an auxiliary game start command or an auxiliary game end command when the electric tulip 14a is opened and closed, the end effect control unit 73a specifies the specific game state ST3. It is possible to determine whether or not the electric tulip 14a is being opened (in the auxiliary game) at the timing when the state has shifted to the normal gaming state ST1. For this reason, if the electric tulip 14a is open (in the auxiliary game) at the timing of transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the end effect control unit 73a continues the end effect until the auxiliary game ends. You may do it. That is, if the electric tulip 14a is open (during an auxiliary game) at the timing of transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the end effect control unit 73a continues to execute the end effect 12g, The end effect 12g may be ended at the timing when the auxiliary game end command is received from the control board 30. In this case, the end effect control unit 73a ends the end effect 12g at the transition timing when the electric tulip 14a is not being opened (in the auxiliary game) at the time when the specific game state ST3 is shifted to the normal game state ST1. On the other hand, when the electric tulip 14a is in the open state (in the auxiliary game) at the timing of transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the end effect control unit 73a continuously executes the end effect 12g, The execution of the end effect 12g is ended at the timing after receiving the auxiliary game end command. Therefore, in this case, even when the electric tulip 14a closes in about 1 second after the transition from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, the end effect 12g is executed in synchronization with the closing of the electric tulip 14a. Can be terminated.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the timing of the end effect and the notification effect performed when the specific game state ST3 is shifted to the normal game state ST1 in the above-described manner. In the example shown in FIG. 29 as well, the end effect 12g is started at the timing Ts when the last (100th) symbol variation effect is started in the specific gaming state ST3. The specific game state ST3 ends with the end of the last symbol variation effect, and the subsequent game state shifts to the normal game state ST1. When the electric tulip 14a is driven to the open state at the timing Te immediately before the end of the specific gaming state ST3, the electric tulip 14a is moved to the normal gaming state ST1 and the game ball is placed in the second starting port 14. Continue the open state where it is easy to enter the ball. The end effect 12g displayed at the timing Ts when the last symbol variation effect is started in the specific gaming state ST3 continues at least until the last symbol variation effect ends. When the end effect control unit 73a receives the auxiliary game start command from the main control board 30 immediately before the transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1, the electric tulip 14a is open (in the auxiliary game) ). Therefore, the end effect control unit 73a displays the display state of the end effect 12g displayed on the image display 12 if the electric tulip 14a is open at the timing of transition from the specific game state ST3 to the normal game state ST1. Let it continue. Then, the end effect control unit 73a receives an auxiliary game end command from the main control board 30 to close the electric tulip 14a and end the auxiliary game, and the game ball enters the second start port 14. Detect that it is difficult. Therefore, the end effect control unit 73a ends the execution of the end effect 12g at the timing Tq when the auxiliary game end command is received from the main control board 30. When the execution of the end effect 12g ends, the sound corresponding to the notification information 12f is output from the speaker 8, so that the player becomes aware that the notification effect is being performed, and the second game area The state where the game ball is being fired toward is stopped, and thereafter, the game ball is fired toward the first game area. However, the timing at which the end effect control unit 73a ends the execution of the end effect 12g is not necessarily limited to the timing Tq when the auxiliary game end command is received, and may be a timing after the timing Tq.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment shifts from the specific game state ST3 in which a game ball easily enters the second start port 14 to the normal game state ST1 in which the game ball does not easily enter the second start port 14. Accordingly, the operation mode of the handle lever 5 to be performed by the player is changed to a different operation mode, and the end effect 12g indicating that the game state shifts immediately before the game state shifts is ended. An effect control unit 73a is provided. The end effect control unit 73a causes the end effect 12g to be performed immediately before the control of the game in the specific game state ST3 ends, and also after the control of the game in the specific game state ST3 ends. The end effect 12g is continuously performed until the timing after the opening time has elapsed.

  Further, the end effect control unit 73a causes the end effect 12g to be performed immediately before the control of the game in the specific game state ST3 ends, and when the control of the game in the specific game state ST3 ends, the auxiliary game control unit 57 When an auxiliary game has been performed, the end effect 12g is continuously performed until the auxiliary game ends.

  According to such a gaming machine 1, immediately after the end of the specific gaming state ST3 that continues until the predetermined period ends after the end of the special gaming state ST2, the player immediately changes the operation state of the handle lever 5. Therefore, the game ball can be made to enter the second starting port which is easy to enter immediately after the end of the specific game state ST3, and the player can enjoy a sufficient profit. It becomes like this.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the image display 12 that displays the end effect 12g and the notification information 12f is configured by a color liquid crystal display is illustrated. It may be a dot matrix type display arranged in the above, or a segment display type display.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the end effect 12g which shows that specific game state ST3 is complete | finished is displayed on the image display 12, and the alerting | reporting information 12f which prompts | releases a game ball to a 1st game area is displayed. An example was explained. However, the display of the end effect 12g and the notification information 12f is not necessarily limited to the display on the image display 12, and is ended by turning on a predetermined lamp included in the frame lamp 7 or the panel lamp 24, for example. The effect 12g and the notification information 12f may be displayed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the right-handed gaming state is changed to the left-handed gaming state by shifting from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1 is exemplified. However, the operation state performed by the player on the handle lever 5 The change is not necessarily limited to the change from the right-handed gaming state to the left-handed gaming state. For example, when changing from the left-handed gaming state to the right-handed gaming state, the end effect or the notification effect may be performed in such an effect manner that the player can enjoy a sufficient profit.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment illustrated the case where the opening-and-closing member which opens and closes so that a game ball may enter the 2nd starting port 14 easily was the electric tulip 14a opened and closed in the left-right direction, the opening and closing member is not necessarily It is not restricted to such an electric tulip 14a. For example, the opening / closing member moves the second start port 14 by moving back and forth in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface of the game board 10 or by rotating around the axis provided in the horizontal direction of the board surface of the game board 10. It may be one that opens and closes.

1 gaming machine 8 speaker (notification means)
12 Image display (notification means, display means)
13 1st start opening 14 2nd start opening 33 Production control board (production control means)
36a firing solenoid (launching means)
52 Special game determination unit (special game determination means)
55 Special Game Control Unit (Special Game Control Unit)
56 Game state control unit (game state control means)
57 Auxiliary game control unit (auxiliary game control means)
73a End effect control unit (end effect control means)

Claims (2)

A first start port into which a game ball launched toward the first game area by the launching means can enter;
A second starting port into which a game ball launched toward a second game area different from the first game area by the launch means can enter;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed by entering a game ball into the first start port or the second start port;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed, special game control means for performing the special game;
An auxiliary game control means for performing an auxiliary game that activates the second start port when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
After the special game is performed by the special game control means, the auxiliary game control means performs the auxiliary game so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port until a predetermined period is over. In the normal game state in which the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means so that the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting port than the specific game state after controlling the game in the specific game state. Game state control means for controlling the game;
When the control of the game in the specific game state by the game state control means ends, the end effect control means for causing the predetermined effect means to perform an end effect indicating that the control of the game in the specific game state ends. When,
With
The auxiliary game control means includes
When the predetermined condition is satisfied when the is game at a particular game state is controlled by the game status control means, to perform an auxiliary game to actuate the second start hole before Symbol open state for a predetermined opening time,
The end effect control means includes:
Wherein with the control of the game at a particular game state causes the end effect from just before the completion, until timing after the control of the game at a particular game state has elapsed between the time of the open from the end, the ends A gaming machine characterized in that the production is continuously performed. A first start port into which a game ball launched toward the first game area by the launching means can enter;
A second starting port into which a game ball launched toward a second game area different from the first game area by the launch means can enter;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed by entering a game ball into the first start port or the second start port;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed, special game control means for performing the special game;
An auxiliary game control means for performing an auxiliary game that activates the second start port when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
After the special game is performed by the special game control means, the auxiliary game control means performs the auxiliary game so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port until a predetermined period is over. In the normal game state in which the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means so that the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting port than the specific game state after controlling the game in the specific game state. Game state control means for controlling the game;
When the control of the game in the specific game state by the game state control means ends, the end effect control means for causing the predetermined effect means to perform an end effect indicating that the control of the game in the specific game state ends. When,
With
The auxiliary game control means includes
If the predetermined condition is satisfied when the game is controlled in the specific game state by the game state control means, the second start port is operated to the open state continuously or intermittently for a predetermined release time. Let the game play,
The end effect control means includes:
The end effect is performed immediately before the control of the game in the specific game state is ended, and the auxiliary game is performed by the auxiliary game control means when the control of the game in the specific game state is ended. In this case, the game machine is characterized in that the end effect is continuously performed until the auxiliary game ends.

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