JP5272846B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a player from losing interest during a 2R big winning and the operation of a game hall from declining. <P>SOLUTION: When a game ball is hit toward a special flow-down path during the winning game (special winning game) of a special winning form, the game ball is detected, and which of a normal probability and a high probability a winning probability after the end of the special winning game is reported. Thus, even when the winning game of the special winning form is started, a player can hit the game ball toward the special flow-down path looking forward to having which is the winning probability after the special winning game reported. Further, the special flow-down path is a flow-down path where the game ball cannot enter a specified winning port, and since the player hits the game ball to such a special flow-down path, the decline of the operation of the game machine is effectively evaded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface.

  A ball that plays a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball when a game ball is fired toward a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances and a game ball enters any of the entrances Ball game machines are widely known. In addition, a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a special winning opening that is configured to be openable but normally closed are provided on the game board surface. A gaming machine that starts a hit game when stopped is also widely known. In a winning game, a round game in which a specific winning opening is kept open for a predetermined period is repeated a predetermined number of times. Therefore, when a winning game is started, a large number of game balls are inserted into the specific winning opening. It becomes possible to acquire a prize ball. In addition, after the winning game is over, the probability that the winning game is generated is changed again according to the type of the winning symbol for which the winning game is started. It has become.

  Furthermore, bullet ball machines that perform the following special jackpot games have also been developed. In other words, in the winning symbol, a special winning symbol that is difficult to distinguish from a disengaged symbol at first glance is set, and when this special winning symbol is stopped and displayed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter. In addition, a ball game machine has been developed that performs a round game in which a specific winning opening is opened and performs a special hit game in which the number of round games ends less than usual (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Such). This special winning game is completed in a relatively short time with almost no winning ball, so the player does not notice that the winning game has been played, and as a result, only the winning probability changes suddenly. The effect of giving the player an impression as if it was made is expected.

  However, as a result of the widespread recognition of the existence of a special winning game that ends with almost no prize balls, the player loses one hit game when a special winning game occurs. A tendency to cool down the game's interest, and to stop the game machine from operating until the special hit game ends, and the player stops launching the game ball. Has occurred.

  In view of these points, in order to give the player the pleasure of launching a game ball even during a special win game, and to avoid a decrease in the operation of the game machine, the game ball enters a specific winning opening during a special win game. In such a case, there has been proposed a technique for notifying the player of the winning probability that is changed with the end of the special winning game (Patent Document 3).

JP 2006-304870 A JP 2007-319252 A JP 2008-073162 A

  However, with the proposed technology, it is still difficult for a player to entertain a special hit game, and therefore, it is still difficult to avoid that the operation of the gaming machine is lowered. there were. The reason is that if a game ball is inserted into a special winning opening during a special winning game, the winning probability will be notified, but in the first place, a special winning game must have a gaming ball inserted into the specific winning opening. It is a difficult hit game. For this reason, even if the player continues to fire the game ball, in many cases, the game ball cannot be made to enter the specific winning opening and the game ends. In this case, no profit is obtained for the player, but rather, the player is penalized by the amount of the game ball that has been fired. And while the player repeatedly experiences such things, eventually, even if a special winning game is started, the game ball will not be fired without trying to enter the game ball at the specific winning opening. It is.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and even when a special winning game in which a game ball is difficult to enter at a specific winning opening is performed more than usual, the player's It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball and ball game machine capable of avoiding the interest in games from being cooled and avoiding a decrease in the operation of the game machine.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with a symbol display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols, and a special winning opening that is configured to be openable and normally closed, and the symbol display device When one of a plurality of types of winning symbols is stopped and displayed, a ball game machine that performs a winning game according to the corresponding symbol by opening the specific winning opening.
When a predetermined condition is established during the game, after the symbol display on the symbol display device is started, the symbol variation control means for stopping and displaying the winning symbol or the off symbol,
When the winning game is started, the corresponding game mode is a standard mode in which the specific winning opening is opened in a standard mode in which a game ball can be entered, or a game ball entered is more than the standard mode. A hitting mode setting means for setting according to the winning symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, in any of the special winning modes for opening the specific winning opening in a difficult special mode;
When the winning game of the special winning mode is finished, the winning probability, which is the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, is a normal probability according to the winning symbol that caused the corresponding game to start. Or a hit probability setting means for setting either high probability,
A first detection means provided inside the specific winning opening for detecting a game ball that has entered the specific winning opening;
The game ball launched on the game board surface is provided on a special flow path that is a path that flows down so as not to enter the specific prize opening, and the first detection means flows down a path other than the special flow path. Second detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball with a higher probability than the probability of detecting the game ball;
If a game ball is detected by the second detection means during the hit game in the special hit mode, the hit probability after the hit game in the special hit mode is either the normal probability or the high probability. and the probability state notification effect execution means for executing the notification effect for notifying whether,
Equipped with a,
The probability state notification effect executing means is means for executing the notification effect after the end game of the special hit mode,
A non-notification effect executing means for executing a non-notification effect not informing the hit probability in place of the notification effect when the first detection means detects a game ball during the hit game in the special hit mode; It is characterized by.

In such a ball game machine of the present invention, during a hit game (special hit game) in a special hit mode, a game ball is launched toward the special flow path, and the game ball is provided on the special flow path. When detected by the second detecting means, it is notified whether the hit probability after the end of the special hit game is a normal probability or a high probability. For this reason, even if the hit game of a special hit mode is started, the player looks forward to being notified of the hit probability after the special hit game, and plays the game toward the special flow down route. A ball can be fired. Further, the second detection means is provided on a special flow path in which a game ball cannot enter the specific prize opening, and has a higher probability than the first detection means (means for detecting a game ball that has entered the specific prize opening). A means for detecting a game ball. Therefore, if the player can obtain the profit of the notification of the probability state during the special hit game with a high probability, the player is allowed to flow down the special flow path instead of the specific winning opening with the low probability of entering the ball (second detection means). To fire the game ball). For this reason, it is possible to prevent the interest and operation of the gaming machine from falling during the special hit game, and it is possible to effectively increase the profit of the game hall. In addition, during the hit game (special hit game) in the special hit mode, when a game ball is launched toward the special flow path, and the game ball is detected by the first detection means provided on the special flow path, Instead of the effect of notifying whether the hit probability after the end of the special hit game is the normal probability or the high probability, a non-notification effect that does not notify the hit probability is executed. By doing so, the player tries to prevent the game ball from entering the specific winning opening as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of game balls that are fired toward the special flow path while suppressing the payout of game balls accompanying the entry to the specific winning opening, so that the operation of gaming machines can be increased efficiently. It becomes possible. Note that “execute a non-notification effect that does not notify the probability of hitting instead of the notification effect” not only performs an effect indicating that the hit probability is not notified, but also does not perform any effect (notify the notification effect). Not to do).

  Note that the “special prize opening” is normally closed but may be any prize opening that is opened in a winning game. For example, various prize openings such as a big prize opening and a feather prize opening are used. be able to. The “hit game” may be a game that is performed by opening a specific winning opening in response to the winning symbol being stopped by the symbol display device. For example, a big hit game, a small hit game, a feather It is possible to make a game or the like performed by using various kinds of objects by entering a game ball. In addition, “a special flow path that is a path that flows down so that a game ball launched on the surface of the game board does not enter the specific prize opening” means a flow path through which a flowing game ball cannot enter the specific prize opening For example, there is a route that is not directly connected to the flow-down route that allows the player to enter the specific winning opening. In addition, “the first detection means detects the passing of a game ball with a higher probability than the probability of detecting a game ball flowing down a path other than the special flow down path” means that the game ball is usually in a special hit game. The game ball flows down the special flow path more frequently than the frequency detected by the first detecting means after flowing through the path (the path other than the special flow path and the game ball can enter the specific winning opening). Thus, it suffices if the frequency detected by the second detection means is higher. For example, if the probability (frequency) is such that five game balls are fired so as to flow down a normal route during a special hit game, and one of them is detected by the first detection means (approximately 1 / 5), and the probability (frequency) detected by the second detection means is that two or more game balls are detected by the second detection means when five game balls are fired in the specific flow-down quantity. It is only necessary to be within the range (probability of about 2/5 or more).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ball game machine that does not cool the player's interest even if a special hit game occurs, and that can prevent the operation of the game machine from being lowered. .

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the fluctuation | variation display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with a fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control processing which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the big hit lottery process performed in the special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the big hit lottery table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the jackpot symbol determination table referred in order to determine a jackpot symbol. It is the flowchart which showed the fluctuation pattern determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the special electric accessory game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the special electric accessory game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit effect control process which CPU of a sub control board | substrate performs. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of 2R big hit effect processing performed by CPU of a sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of 2R big hit effect processing performed by CPU of a sub control board. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the effect which alert | reports that it is a timing which should be right-handed is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the alerting | reporting effect content is determined based on the number of special gate passages and the number of big winning entrances. It is explanatory drawing which showed the board | substrate surface structure of the game machine of the modification in which the flow-down path | route which one game ball can pass was formed from the upper part of the center apparatus to the lower right part.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Device configuration of a ball game machine (pachinko machine):
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Pachinko machine control contents:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
C-4. Big hit effect control processing:

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

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Further, two effect buttons SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these effect buttons SW1 and SW2 to select characters and game conditions appearing in the game effect.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower plate part 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided substantially at the center of the game area 11, and a starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided below the central device 26. The starting port 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. A start port switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of a game ball and a start port solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5) for operating a pair of wing pieces are provided inside the start port 17. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and when the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is likely to enter the normal state.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and can display various symbols such as design symbols and background symbols in a variable display and a stop display. Various symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

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

  A big winning device 31 is provided below the start port 17. The large winning device 31 includes a large winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an open / close door 31e for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a large winning opening solenoid 31m for operating the open / close door 31e (see FIG. 5). ) Etc. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied and the opening / closing door 31e is opened, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability. A jackpot gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous for the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d. Further, an out port 48 is provided below the special winning device 31, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  The special winning opening 31d is normally closed and is opened when the big hit game is started. The special winning opening 31d of the present embodiment corresponds to the “specific winning opening” in the present invention. It is supposed to be.

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

  Further, a special passage gate 37 is provided on the right side of the central device 26, and a special passage gate switch 37s for detecting the passage of the game ball is also provided inside the gate. A plurality of obstacle nails 23 are also provided around the special passage gate 37. Of these, the obstacle nail 23 provided above the special passage gate 37 is a game ball driven to the right side of the central device 26. The special passage gate 37 is arranged so as to be led. Further, the obstacle nail 23 provided below the special passing gate 37 is arranged so as to guide the game ball driven to the right side of the central device 26 to the out port 48 while avoiding the big winning opening 31d. That is, the game ball that is driven to the right side of the central device 26 is always guided to the out port 48 by the obstacle nail 23. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a flow path of game balls that cannot enter the big winning opening 31d (corresponding to the “special flow path” in the present invention) is formed on the right side of the central device 26. It will be. Further, the special passage gate 37 is provided on this flow-down path, and it is possible to detect a game ball passing by the special passage gate switch 37s. This corresponds to the “game ball detecting means” in the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute a normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute a special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 has one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter, a normal symbol). Called hold display LED 29b). Further, the special symbol display unit 30 displays seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LED 30a) and the number of special symbols reserved (hereinafter referred to as special symbol reserved number). The two LEDs (hereinafter referred to as special figure hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment uses these 12 LEDs to display a normal symbol, the number of ordinary symbols reserved, the number of special symbols, and the number of reserved special symbols will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, and three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed on the display screen. Among these, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c produce a game by performing a variable display in various manners every time the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. The special symbol display unit 30 stops and displays the special symbol in accordance with the timing at which the special symbol is stopped. At this time, since the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop symbol of the special symbol, the player can change the special symbol from the stop symbols of the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. It is possible to recognize stop symbols.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards, but focusing on its functions, the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the winning ball The main control board 200 for controlling the control, the sub-control board 220 for controlling the effects of the game using symbols, lamps, movable objects (movable accessories) and sound effects, and the effect display under the control of the sub-control board 220 It comprises an effect control board 230 that performs specific control of the device 27, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, a launch control board 260 that controls the play of the game ball, and the like. ing. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. Also, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. 5, only the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220, the ROM 222, and the RAM 223 are illustrated.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 has a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17, a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, A symbol display device 28 for displaying fluctuation stop display of normal symbols and special symbols is connected, and these solenoids 17m, 31m and the signals are output to the symbol display device 28 to control these operations. ing.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, The game is rendered by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp and the movable object (movable accessory). In addition, the operation signals from the effect buttons SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sub-control board 220 via the effect button board 228. In addition, a signal from a special pass gate switch 37 s provided in the special pass gate 37 is also input to the sub-control board 220. Accordingly, when the game ball launched by the player to the right side of the central device 26 passes through the special pass gate 37, the game ball is detected by the special pass gate switch 37s. As a result, the sub-control board 220 can detect that the game ball has passed through the special passing gate 37.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, the signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via the payout control board 240. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. In addition, under the control of the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be fired (launch permission signal) toward the launch control board 260. In response to the launch permission signal, performs various controls for launching the game ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the firing handle 8, and the player can aim the launch position by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29 a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, the normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open.

  Also, if the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored as a hold, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of normal symbols held is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided in the symbol display device 28. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), both of the two normal figure hold display LEDs 29b are turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit. When there are two holds, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right-side normal map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three holds, the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights. When the number of hold increases further to the upper limit of four, the left and right map hold display LEDs 29b blink. In this way, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of holds from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two common figure hold display LEDs 29b.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30. When a game ball enters the start port 17, the special symbol change display is started. The display is stopped with any of the symbols described below.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a stop display mode of special symbols. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol LED 30a of the special symbol display unit 30 is composed of seven LEDs, and the special symbols are displayed by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, 10 special symbol stop display modes are provided, and a specific lighting state is set for each stop display mode. Further, the stop display modes of these 10 kinds of special symbols are roughly classified into five symbols. First, the stop display modes of the two special symbols shown at the top in the figure are classified as “normal jackpot symbols”, and the stop display modes of the two special symbols shown in the second row from the top are “probable big hits”. It is classified as “design”. In addition, the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown in the third row from the top is classified as “2 round (2R) normal jackpot symbols”, and the stop display of the two special symbols shown in the fourth row from the top The mode is classified as “2 round (2R) probability variation big hit symbol”, and the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown at the bottom is further classified as “outgoing symbol”.

  The special symbol display unit 30 performs a special symbol variation display by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed according to any stop display mode. Then, when any of the “normal jackpot symbol”, “probability variation jackpot symbol”, “2R normal jackpot symbol”, or “2R probability variation jackpot symbol” (so-called jackpot symbol) is stopped and displayed, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The big hit game that becomes the state is started. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when either the “normal jackpot symbol” or the “probability big hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, the game ball that has been launched enters the ball with a high probability, and the winning prize opening 31d. The big hit game that opens is started. On the other hand, when the “2R normal big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, the special big hit game 31d is opened so that the game ball does not easily enter. (Special jackpot game) is started. This point will be described in detail later.

  In addition, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed with the “probable big hit symbol” shown in the second row from the top of FIG. If displayed, the probability that the special symbol will be stopped and displayed in the jackpot symbol until the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, until the next jackpot game is generated or the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times). A state (so-called probability variation state or simply a probability variation state) is set in which the (big hit probability) is set to a high probability.

  In addition, even if a game ball has entered the starting port 17, the special symbol variation display cannot be started (for example, when the special symbol variation display, or a big hit game) Even so, the fact that a game ball has entered the start port 17 is stored as a special symbol hold. Then, when the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner, it is possible to perform the variable display using the stored hold. The number of reserved special symbols stored (the number of special figure hold) is displayed by the special figure hold display LED 30b. The mode of displaying the number of special figure hold using the special figure hold display LED 30b is exactly the same as the case of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG. 6B, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Various effects using design symbols are performed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the above-described special symbol variation display and stop display. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, three design symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display that constitutes the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design is prepared by designing nine numbers from “1” to “9” as a design. The design symbol may be a design in which characters, figures, symbols, and the like are designed in addition to numbers, and may be in a form that allows the player to identify the jackpot lottery result of the special symbol.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left design symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right design symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The medium design symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination (stop display mode) of the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is interlocked with the stop display mode of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. It is configured. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at “normal jackpot symbol” or “probability big hit symbol”, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the “probable big hit symbol”, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number, and “normal big hit” When the “design” is stopped, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at either “2R normal big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol”, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are not combined in the same symbol. (For example, “1”-“3”-“5”, “2”-“4”-“6”, etc.) are stopped and displayed. Furthermore, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the “off symbol”, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c except for the combinations corresponding to “2R normal big hit symbol” and “2R probability variable big hit symbol”. Are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not have the same design. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “2R normal big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol”, the effect display device 27 has three designs. The symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination. However, there is no distinction between the case where the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “2R normal big hit symbol” and the case where the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “2R probability variable big hit symbol”. From the combination of the displayed design symbols 27a, 27b and 27c, it is not possible to know whether the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as “2R normal big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol”. Yes.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents. The timing for confirmation (stop display) is also set the same. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the left design symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right design symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In this case, the player pays attention to the change in the design that the middle design symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last stops at the same design and enters a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last design with the two design symbols stopped at the same design is called a reach effect, and it is possible to enhance the player's interest by performing the reach effect. It has become.

C. Game machine control contents:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a start opening return process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric game game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (payball related process) for paying out the game ball as a prize ball (S10). In this processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to a game ball winning (such as the start opening switch 17s or the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process related to a prize ball (S10), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed ( S18). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S18: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S18: no). . When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S18: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S20). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S18: no), the normal symbol game process (S20) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S20), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not there is a regular symbol hold (whether or not the number of holds is “0”). If there is a hold, a normal symbol lottery is performed. Here, the holding of the normal symbol is set when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 36, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the holding number is “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a missing symbol (see FIG. 6A). Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the start port 17 is open (S28). If it is being opened (S28: yes), a process (starting port returning process) for returning the opened starting port 17 to the normal state is performed (S30). On the other hand, if the start port 17 is not open (S28: no), the start port return process does not need to be performed and is skipped.

  In the starting port return process (S30), if any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the starting port 17 has elapsed, or whether a prescribed number of game balls have entered the starting port 17 When any of the above conditions is satisfied, a process for returning the open start port 17 to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 5 seconds when the opening time extension function described below is activated (1 when the number of times of opening is 1). The number of times of opening is extended to about 5 seconds, or when the number of times of opening is a plurality of times, the total of the plurality of times of opening is extended to about 5 seconds). On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S30) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish.

  Following the start port return process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game process is to be started, that is, whether or not the special symbol variation stop display is to be performed (S38). This determination is made by detecting whether or not a big hit game is being played. Here, the jackpot game is a special symbol game process, which will be described later, and a special symbol change display is started. The game is started when the symbol is stopped. In addition, the big hit game of the present embodiment is performed by repeating a round game performed with the special winning opening 31d in an open state a plurality of times. If a big hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeat the big hit game. Therefore, it is detected whether or not a big hit game is being played. As a result, when it is not in the big hit game, it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S38: yes), and the special symbol game process (S40) described below is started. On the other hand, if it is already a big hit game, it is determined that the special symbol game process is not performed (S38: no), and the special symbol game process (S40) is skipped. As described above, when a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, the ball is stored as a special symbol hold, and the number of special symbols held is the upper limit value. The process of storing the hold until reaching “4” and the process of adding “1” to the number of hold of the special symbol (and changing the display of the special figure hold display LED 30b) are also performed with the determination of S38.

C-2. Special design game processing:
10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process (S40) is started, it is first determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S400). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner.

  When the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S400: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S402). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. If it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S402: no), the number of special symbols held (special It is determined whether or not the figure hold count is “0” (S404). As described above, the special symbol hold can be stored until the special figure hold number reaches the upper limit “4”. If the special figure hold number is “0” (S404: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the special figure hold number is not “0” (S404: no), the special symbol jackpot lottery process is started (S406).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the big hit lottery process. As shown in the figure, when the big hit lottery process is started, first, the big hit lottery random number is read (S4060). Here, the big hit lottery random number is a random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 and stored in association with the hold. And the big hit lottery random number memorize | stored in the oldest timing is read out from the stored big hit lottery random numbers.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state (S4062). If it is not in the probability variation state (S4062: no), a big hit lottery table for non-probability variation is selected (S4064). If there is (S4062: yes), a big hit lottery table for probability change is selected (S4066). Here, the jackpot lottery table is a table in which the jackpot lottery result is set in association with the jackpot lottery random number, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Further, during the probability variation state, a dedicated flag called a probability variation flag is set to ON, and it can be determined whether or not the probability variation state is in effect based on the state of this flag. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as a probability change flag.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the jackpot lottery table. FIG. 13 (a) shows a jackpot lottery table for non-probability change, and FIG. 13 (b) shows a big hit lottery table for probability change. As shown in the drawing, in the jackpot lottery table, the jackpot lottery random number of either “big hit” or “out” is associated with the jackpot lottery random number. As is clear from comparison between FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the jackpot lottery table for probability variation has a larger number of random numbers than the jackpot lottery table for non-probability variation. Is set to

  When the big hit lottery table is selected according to the gaming state, the big hit lottery is performed using the selected table (S4068). That is, referring to the selected jackpot lottery table, the jackpot lottery result corresponding to the acquired jackpot lottery random number value is read out to determine whether it is “big hit” or “out”. As described above, the jackpot lottery table for probability change that is referred to during the probability variation state is “big hit” for many random numbers compared to the jackpot lottery table for non-probability variation that is referenced when not in the probability variation state. Since the jackpot lottery result of is set, the jackpot lottery result becomes “big hit” with a higher probability during probability change than during non-change probability.

  When the big hit lottery is thus performed, the symbol determination random number is read out (S4070). Here, the symbol determining random number is a random number that is acquired together with the above-mentioned jackpot lottery random number and stored in association with the hold when a game ball enters the start port 17. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the big hit lottery result is “big hit” (S4072), and a special symbol stop symbol is determined according to the big hit lottery result. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, as the special symbol stop symbols, eight types of jackpot symbols and two types of outlier symbols are provided. Therefore, when the big hit lottery result is “big hit” (S4072: yes), a stop symbol is determined from the eight types of big hit symbols (S4074). The stop symbol is determined by referring to a dedicated table called a symbol determination table based on the acquired symbol determination random number.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jackpot symbol determination table that is referred to in order to determine a jackpot symbol. This jackpot symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. As shown in the figure, in the jackpot symbol determination table, the six types of jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 7 are set in advance in association with the symbol determination random numbers. When the special symbol jackpot lottery result is “Big Jack”, the special symbol is stopped at any jackpot symbol by reading the jackpot symbol corresponding to the acquired symbol decision random number while referring to the jackpot symbol decision table You can decide whether to display it.

  On the other hand, when the big hit lottery result is “miss” (S4072: no), a stop symbol is determined from two types of miss symbols (see FIG. 7) (S4076). The process of determining an out symbol as a stop symbol of a special symbol is performed by referring to an out symbol determination table in which the out symbol is preset for the symbol determination random number.

  When the special symbol stop symbol (either the big hit symbol or the off symbol) is determined according to the big hit lottery result as described above, the big hit lottery process in FIG. Return.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the special symbol game process, after returning from the big win lottery process (S406), the process for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol (variation pattern determination process) is started (S408). Here, the variation pattern of the special symbol is a mode in which the special symbol is variably displayed. However, as described above, since the variation display of the special symbol only blinks the special symbol LED 30a, Corresponds to the time (variation time) during which the special symbol is variably displayed. However, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device 28 and the design symbol variation 27a, 27b, 27c variation display performed by the effect display device 27 are linked to each other. Therefore, when the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol is determined, the time for variably displaying the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined. Then, the content of specific variation display (effect display) is determined by the sub-control board 220 within the range of the variation display time. This point will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation pattern determination process performed to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. When the variation pattern determination process (S408) is started, first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a short-time state (S4080). Here, the short time state is a gaming state in which the special symbol variation time is set short. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the big hit game is ended even if the special symbol is “normal jackpot symbol”, “probable big hit symbol”, “2R normal big hit symbol”, or “2R probability variable big hit symbol”. The time-short state is started later, and is continued until the next big hit game is generated or the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches the upper limit number of times. Further, during the time reduction state, a dedicated flag called a time reduction flag is set to ON, and this time reduction flag is also assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 in the same manner as the probability variation flag described above. ing.

  If the time reduction flag is set to OFF and it is determined that the time reduction state is not set (S4080: no), the normal time variation pattern table is selected (S4082). On the other hand, if the time reduction flag is set to ON and it is determined that the gaming state is the time reduction state (S4080: yes), the time reduction variation pattern table is selected (S4084). Here, the variation pattern table is a dedicated table that is referred to in order to determine the variation pattern. A plurality of variation patterns are set in advance in the variation pattern table, and correspond to the variation times of special symbols that differ for each variation pattern. In addition, as described above, when the gaming state is the short-time state, the special symbol variation time is set to be short. A normal-time fluctuation pattern table to be referred to when the state is not the short-time state is provided, and an appropriate fluctuation pattern table is selected according to the gaming state. Note that these variation pattern tables are stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  When the variation pattern table corresponding to the gaming state is selected in this manner, a variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S4086), and then it is determined whether or not the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (S4088). Here, the variation pattern determination random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern. The big hit lottery result has already been determined in the big hit lottery process (S406 in FIG. 10) before the change pattern determination process is started. Then, when the big hit lottery result is out (S4088: no), referring to the variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state, the variation pattern of losing is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number acquired previously. Is determined (S4090). On the other hand, when the big hit lottery result is a big hit (S4088: yes), it is determined whether the big hit mode is “2R normal big hit” or “2R probability variable big hit” (S4092). As described above, if the big win lottery result is a big hit, the mode of the big hit is determined as any one of “normal big hit”, “probable big hit”, “2R normal big hit”, and “2R positive big hit” (FIG. 12). reference). When the big hit mode is “2R normal big hit” or “2R positive big hit” (hereinafter, “2R normal big hit” and “2R positive big hit” may be simply referred to as “2R big hit”) ( S4092: yes), referring to the selected variation pattern table, the variation pattern for 2R big hit is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number (S4094). On the other hand, when it is determined that the big hit mode is not “2R big hit” (S4092: no), the big hit mode is “normal big hit” or “probable big hit” (hereinafter, “normal big hit” and “probable big hit”). Are collectively referred to as “15R big hit” in some cases, so that the fluctuation pattern for 15R is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number while referring to the selected fluctuation pattern table ( S4096).

  As described above, when the winning variation pattern or the unsuccessful variation pattern is determined according to the special symbol jackpot lottery result, the variation pattern determining process of FIG. 15 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. .

  In the special symbol game process of FIG. 10, when returning from the variation pattern determination process (S408), the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is started (S410). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment can display the ten types of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. When the special symbol fluctuation display is started, after subtracting “1” from the number of special symbols held (S412), a command (fluctuation) for designating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol determined in the variation pattern determination process described above. After the pattern designating command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S414), a command (stop design designating command) for designating the stop symbol of the special design determined according to the big hit lottery result is also the sub-control board 220. (S416).

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command in this manner, and thereby the variation time of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the special symbol halt symbol. You can get information about. Therefore, the display mode (variable display mode of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) to be performed by the effect display device 27 is determined according to these pieces of information, and a control command for instructing the determined display mode is sent to the effect control board 230. Output toward. By doing so, various effect displays using the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also performed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the special symbols performed on the symbol display device 28.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern and stop symbol of the special symbol as described above and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command to the sub-control board 220, FIG. The special symbol game process shown is finished, and the game control process shown in FIG.

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S400: no in FIG. 10) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S400 performed first (S400: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are already determined and the special symbol variation display is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S418). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether or not the predetermined variation time has elapsed by starting the variation display of the special symbol and setting the timer at the same time. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S418: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S418: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is output to the sub-control board 220 (S420). At the same time, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with the symbol determined in advance (S422). Next, after setting the special symbol stop display time (S424), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S426). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S426: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  Note that the special symbol variation display is performed by the symbol display device 28, and when the variation time has elapsed, the processing for stopping and displaying the big hit symbol or the off symbol depending on the result of the big hit lottery is performed as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. It is performed in the symbol game process. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment that executes the special symbol game process corresponds to the “symbol variation control means” in the present invention.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S426: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped is one of the eight types of jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 11 S428). If the symbol that has been stopped is a jackpot symbol (S428: yes), the jackpot flag is set to ON (S430). Here, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the big hit flag is turned ON.

  Subsequently, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d and the number of round games (round times) performed during the big hit game are set (S432). The opening time of the big winning opening 31d and the number of rounds are determined in advance according to the type of the big hit symbol. That is, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the “ordinary jackpot symbol” or “probable variation jackpot symbol” shown in FIG. 7, the opening time of the grand prize winning opening 31d is about 25 seconds and the number of rounds is 15 times. Set to On the other hand, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is “2R normal jackpot symbol” or “2R probability variable jackpot symbol”, the opening time of the grand prize winning opening 31d is about 6 seconds and the number of rounds is two times. Is set.

  When the opening time and the number of rounds of the big winning opening 31d are set in this way, it is determined whether or not the stopped big hit symbol is “2R normal big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol” (that is, “2R big hit symbol”). Judgment is made (S434). If it is not 2R jackpot, that is, if 15R jackpot (S434: no), a command (15R jackpot start command) indicating the start of the jackpot game with 15 rounds is sent to the sub-control board 220. (S436). On the other hand, if it is a 2R jackpot symbol (2R normal jackpot symbol or 2R probability variable jackpot symbol) (S434: yes), a command (2R jackpot) indicating that a special jackpot game with two rounds will be started. Start command) is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S438). In the following, “15R jackpot start command” and “2R jackpot start command” are collectively referred to as “jackpot start command”. When these jackpot start commands are received, the sub-control board 220 determines the specific contents of the presentation according to the command and performs the stage accompanying the jackpot game. This point will be described in detail later.

  When the jackpot start command is output as described above, it is subsequently determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S440). If the probability change flag is set to ON (S440: yes), the current game state is the probability change state, and the probability change function and the time reduction function (function to shorten the special symbol change time) are operating. It can be judged. Therefore, by setting the probability variation flag to OFF (that is, changing the value of the probability variation flag from “1” to “0”), the operation of the probability variation function is stopped (S442), and the time reduction flag is also set to OFF (that is, The operation of the time reduction function is also stopped by changing the value of the time reduction flag from “1” to “0” (S444).

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S440: no), it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S448). If the time reduction flag is set to ON (S448: (S448: yes), since it is determined that the current gaming state is the time-saving state and the time-saving function is operating, the time-saving flag is turned OFF to stop the time-saving function (S444). Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function (open extension function) of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) is also working. Therefore, when the time reduction flag is turned off to stop the time reduction function (S444), the special extension game process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is performed after the release extension flag is turned off to stop the release extension function (S446). Exit and return to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, if neither the probability variation flag nor the hourly flag is set to ON (S440: no, S448: no), the special symbol game process is exited as it is. Return to the game control process.

  The processing when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S428: yes) has been described. However, when the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (S428: no), the following processing is performed. I do.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short-time, that is, whether the short-time flag is ON (S450). If the hour / hour flag is ON (S450: yes), “1” is subtracted from the hour / hour counter (S452). Here, the short-time counter is a counter for counting the number of times that the big hit lottery has been performed in the short-time state, and when the big hit game is ended as will be described later, the big hit symbol that has started the big hit game It is set to an appropriate value depending on Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the time reduction counter has reached “0” (S454). If the value of the time reduction counter has reached “0” (S454: yes), the time reduction flag is set to stop the time reduction function. Is turned OFF (S444), and then the opening extension flag is also turned OFF to stop the opening extension function of the start port 17 (S446), and then the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. Return to 9 game control processing. On the other hand, if the value of the hour / hour counter has not yet reached “0” (S454: no), the special symbol game process is exited while the hour / hour state is maintained (while the hour / hour flag and the release extension flag are set to ON). Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S48). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. If the big hit flag is set to ON (S48: yes), the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts a special electric accessory game process described below (S50). On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set to ON (S48: no), the special electric accessory game process (S50) is skipped and the process returns to the head of the game control process, and the above-described prize ball related process (S10) and thereafter Repeat a series of processes.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called jackpot game is performed by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called jackpot game will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the big prize opening 31d is provided below the game board 10, and this special prize opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the big hit game is started, the big winning opening 31d is opened. Since the special winning opening 31d is greatly opened as compared to other winning openings, when the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with a high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a specified number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. Further, a game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round game (or simply round)”. If such a round game is repeated and a predetermined number of round games are consumed, the big hit game ends. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the jackpot game described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process (S50), it first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S500). The big winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the big winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not being opened (S500: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d (that is, the number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S502). As described above, during the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened and a predetermined number of round games are repeated. Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S500: no), it is determined whether or not the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d (number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S502). .

  As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening 31d has not reached the predetermined number (S502: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has elapsed. (S504). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is closed between the round game and the round game. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S504: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. The game is opened and a round game is started (S506). And after outputting the command (round number designation | designated command) which designates what round game the started round game is to the sub-control board 220 (S508), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Is temporarily terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball-related process (S10), the special electric equipment game process (S50) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Accordingly, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is also executed about every 4 msec. When the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 16 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S506, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S500 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S500: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (large winning opening open time) (S510). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S510, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined special winning opening opening time. As described above, the special winning opening time is set to 25 seconds if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is “normal big hit symbol” or “probable big hit symbol”, and the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is “2R normal”. In the case of “big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol”, it is set to about 6 seconds. Then, if the opening time has reached the opening time of the big prize opening (S510: yes), after closing the big winning opening 31d (S514), the special electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process.

  On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the big winning opening opening time (S510: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the big winning opening 31d has reached a prescribed number (S512). As described above, the big prize opening 31d is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d can be detected by the big prize opening 31s. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, every time a game ball is detected by the big prize opening switch 31s (every time a game ball enters the big prize opening 31d), a command indicating that is sent to the main control. It is transmitted from the board 200 toward the sub-control board 220. In this way, the number of game balls that have entered the grand prize opening 31d is counted, and if the number of game balls after the start of the round game reaches a specified number (S512: yes), the special prize opening 31d is closed (S514). ). On the other hand, if the specified number has not been reached (S512: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined special winning opening opening time, and the player has entered the special winning opening 31d. Since the number of game balls has not reached the specified number, the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 16 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special prize opening 31d reaches the big prize opening time (S510: yes), or a predetermined number of games in the special prize opening 31d The ball enters (S512: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S514). Thus, one round game is completed. When the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S500 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S500: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of round games have ended (S502). ). As described above, the predetermined number of times varies depending on the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed, and is set to 15 times in the case of “normal jackpot symbol” or “probable variation jackpot symbol”, “2R normal jackpot symbol” or “2R In the case of “probable big hit symbol”, it is set twice. If all round games have not ended (S502: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S504: yes), the special winning opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. After starting the round game (S506), a round number designation command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S508). On the other hand, if it is determined in S502 that the predetermined number of round games have been completed (S502: yes), the big hit flag is set OFF to end the big hit game (S516), and then the big hit game is ended. Is output to the sub-control board 220 (S518).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as a mode of the big hit game, the time for the big winning opening 31d to be opened during one round game is set to 25 seconds, and such a round game And a mode in which the time for the grand prize winning opening 31d to be open during one round game is set to 6 seconds, and such a round game is repeated twice. Yes. The former jackpot mode corresponds to the “standard hit mode” in the present invention, and the latter jackpot mode corresponds to the “special hit mode” in the present invention. In addition, the process of setting the jackpot mode to any of these according to the jackpot symbol is set in the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11 by setting the big winning opening opening time and the number of round games according to the jackpot symbol Is done by doing. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that performs the special symbol game process in this embodiment corresponds to the “hit state setting means” in the present invention.

  When the jackpot game is terminated as described above, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol that has started the jackpot game is a probability variation jackpot symbol or a 2R probability variation jackpot symbol (S520 in FIG. 17). If it is a normal big hit symbol or a 2R normal big hit symbol (S520: no), "100" is set to the hourly time counter (S522). On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol that has started the jackpot game is a probability variation jackpot symbol or a 2R probability variation jackpot symbol (S520: yes), "10000" is set in the hourly time counter (S524). Here, the short-time counter is a counter for counting the number of big hit lotteries in the short-time gaming state as described above. Since a big hit is always generated while the big hit lottery is performed 10,000 times, setting “10000” in the hour / hour counter is substantially the same as setting until the next big win occurs.

  Subsequently, the probability variation flag is turned ON only when “10000” is set in the hour / hour counter (S526). Then, in order to activate the time-shortening function and the opening extension function of the start port 17, the time-shortening flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON (S528, S530), and then the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. When the probability change flag is set to ON, the gaming state is set to the probability change state, and the probability that a big hit will be generated in the big hit lottery performed thereafter is set to a high probability. Since such processing is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “big hit probability setting means” of the present invention. Yes.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls while repeating the game control process as described above, and outputs a prize ball command to the payout control board 240, A jackpot lottery or a special symbol jackpot lottery is performed, and control is performed to advance the game while changing the gaming state to various gaming states such as a jackpot gaming state, a probable change state, and a short-time state. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 can perform the game as described above.

  In addition, as described above, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with “2R normal big hit” and “2R probability variable big hit” as big hit modes. In the big hit games performed in these modes, Since the time for which the big winning opening 31d is in an open state is relatively short and the round game is only two times, the big hit game is ended with almost no winning balls. For this reason, the player is unaware that the big hit game has been performed, and for example, if a “2R probability change big hit” occurs in a normal game state that is neither a probability change state nor a short-time state, suddenly (as though without going through the big hit game) ) If the player feels that the gaming state has changed to the probable state, or if a “2R normal big hit” occurs in the normal state, make the player think that the time-short state has suddenly started. It can be expected to enhance the interest of the player. However, when the existence of such a special jackpot game is widely known, the occurrence of 2R jackpot is perceived by the player. As a result, it is unfortunate that a big hit (2R big hit) in a mode in which almost no prize balls can be obtained has occurred, and there is a possibility that the interest in games will be reduced. In addition, during such 2R big hits, almost no prize balls can be obtained even if game balls are launched, so when the player notices the occurrence of 2R big hits, it stops firing game balls. There is also a possibility that the operation will drop. In view of this point, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a special passing gate 37 is provided on the right side of the central device 26 in an area where a game ball is launched but does not enter the big winning opening 31d. By performing such a production, it is possible to avoid such a problem. Below, in order to implement | achieve such a thing, the big hit effect control process which CPU221 of the sub control board 220 performs is demonstrated.

C-4. Big hit effect control processing:
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the big hit effect control process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. As shown in the figure, in the big hit effect control process (S600), it is determined whether or not a 15R big hit start command is received from the main control board 200 (S602). If no 15R big hit start command is received (S602: no) It is determined whether a 2R jackpot start command is received (S606). If a 2R jackpot start command has not been received (S606: no), it is determined again whether a 15R jackpot start command has been received (S602).

  In the sub-control board 220, such a determination is continuously repeated, and when it is determined that a 15R big hit start command is received from the main control board 200 (S602: yes), the 15R big hit effect process is started ( S604). In the 15R jackpot effect processing, the main winning board 31d is opened from the main control board 200 in accordance with a round game repeated for a standard number of times (15 times) in a standard mode in which the winning opening 31d is open for about 25 seconds. Each time a round number designation command is sent, a big hit game effect is performed up to 15R. When the 15R effect ends, the process returns to the big hit effect control process (S600) again, and the determination of whether or not the big hit start command is received from the main control board 200 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the 2R big hit start command has been received from the main control board 200 (S606: yes), the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 starts the 2R big hit effect process (S1000).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the first half of the 2R big hit effect process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the 2R big hit effect process. As shown in the figure, when the 2R big hit effect process is started, first, an effect is given to notify the player that it is time to “right-stroke” (S1002). That is, an image that prompts the player to aim at the special passing gate 37 provided on the right side of the central device 26 is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27. The effect control board 230 stores image data for displaying such an image in advance. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command for designating an image to the effect control board 230, The image data stored in the effect control board 230 is read and displayed on the effect display device 27. FIG. 21 is an explanatory view exemplifying a state in which an effect is provided on the screen of the effect display device 27 so as to notify the player that it is time to make a right stroke.

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the special winning opening 31d (S1004). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, every time a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d is detected by the big prize opening switch 31s, a command indicating that is transmitted from the main control board 200. It has become so. For this reason, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can easily determine whether or not a game ball has entered the special winning opening 31d.

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the game board 10 has a plurality of obstacle nails 23 so that the game ball driven to the right side of the central device 26 cannot enter the big winning opening 31d. Is provided. For this reason, if the player is making a right turn in accordance with the instruction displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27, it is determined in S1004 that no game ball has entered the big winning opening 31d. In such a case (S1004: no), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the special passing gate 37 (S1014).

  As described above, the game board 10 is provided with a plurality of obstacle nails 23 so that when game balls are driven into the right side of the central device 26, the game balls almost certainly pass through the special passing gate 37. Yes. The special pass gate 37 is provided with a special pass gate switch 37 s for detecting the passing of the game ball, and a signal from the special pass gate switch 37 s is input to the sub-control board 220. Therefore, if the player has fired a game ball on the right side of the central device 26 (if the player has made a right hit), it is determined that the game ball has passed through the special passing gate 37 (S1014: yes), “1” is added to the number of special gate passages (the number of game balls passed through the special passage gate 37) (S1016). Further, when the game ball does not pass through the special passing gate 37 (S1014: no), such as when the player is not firing a game ball, the process of adding “1” to the special gate passing number is not performed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a jackpot end command is received from the main control board 200 (S1018). As described above with reference to FIG. 16, at the end of the big hit game, a big hit end command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 (S518 in FIG. 16). Therefore, when the big hit end command has not been received from the main control board 200 (S1018: no in FIG. 19), the process returns to S1004 again to determine whether or not a game ball has entered the big winning opening 31d.

  The above is a description of the processing performed when it is determined that no game ball has entered the grand prize winning opening 31d after the start of the 2R big hit effect processing (S1002: no). On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has entered the grand prize opening 31d (S1004: yes), the number of the big prize opening balls (the game that entered the big prize opening 31d during the 2R big hit game) It is determined whether or not (the number of balls) is “0” (that is, whether or not it is the first ball entry) (S1006). As a result, if it is the first time during the 2R big hit game to enter the grand prize opening 31d, it is determined that the number of the big prize winning entrances is “0” (S1006: yes). In this case, a predetermined warning sound is generated to make the player realize that “the game ball should not be made to enter the big winning opening 31d now” (S1008). The ROM 222 of the sub control board 220 stores such warning sound audio data, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 reproduces the audio data read from the ROM 222 to generate a warning sound. Subsequently, after adding “1” to the number of balls received in the big winning opening (S1010), it is determined whether or not a jackpot end command is received from the main control board 200 (S1018). As a result, if the jackpot end command has not yet been received (S1018: no), the process returns to S1004 again to determine whether or not a game ball has entered the big winning opening 31d.

  Thereafter, if the player notices the warning sound and switches to right-handed, it is determined that no game ball has entered the big winning opening 31d (S1004: no), but without switching to right-handed, it remains as it is. If the game ball is fired on the left side of the central device 26 and the game is continued, there is a possibility that the game ball may enter the special winning opening 31d. As a result, if it is determined that a game ball has entered the grand prize opening 31d (S1004: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of balls entered in the big prize opening is “0” (S1006). During the 2R jackpot game, if a game ball has already entered the grand prize opening 31d, as described above, “1” is added to the number of the big prize mouth entry (see S1010). It is determined that the number of balls entered in the winning opening is not “0” (S1006: no). In this case, the non-notification flag is set to ON (S1012). Here, as will be described later, the non-notification flag is a flag indicating whether or not to notify whether the jackpot occurrence probability is set to the normal probability or the high probability after the end of the 2R jackpot game. The non-notification flag is set to a predetermined address of the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220. When “1” is written to the predetermined address, the non-notification flag is set to ON, and the jackpot occurrence probability is notified. I will not be broken.

  While the above process is repeated, the main control board 200 will eventually send a jackpot end command, so that “yes” is determined in S1018, and then whether the number of passage through the special gate is “1” or more. It is determined whether or not (S1020 in FIG. 20). As described above, when the player hits the game ball on the right side of the central device 26 (when the player hits the right), the obstacle nail 23 is set so that most of the game balls pass through the special passing gate 37. If the player is hitting the right according to the instruction on the display device 27, the game ball has passed through the special passing gate 37 and the number of passing through the special gate should be “1” or more. Conversely, when the number of special data passing is not “1” or more (S1020: no), the player detects that a 2R jackpot has occurred and interrupts the launch of the game ball (so-called stop) It is considered that the game ball was being fired aiming at the big winning opening 31d against the right-handed instruction on the effect display device 27 (to be left-handed). Therefore, in such a case, after the 2R jackpot game is finished, the effect after the jackpot game is finished (state non-notification effect) is executed in such a manner that the probability of the jackpot occurrence is either the normal probability or the high probability. (S1026).

  As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is different between the 2R normal jackpot symbol and the 2R probability variable jackpot symbol, but the effect display device that the player confirms during the game. From the symbol combination stopped and displayed at 27, the player cannot recognize whether 2R normal big hit or 2R probability variation big hit has occurred. For this reason, when the state non-notification effect is performed, the player knows that the 2R big hit has occurred, but it is a 2R positive change big hit and whether the current gaming state is a positive change state, or the 2R normal big hit Therefore, the game is continued while wanting to know whether the current game state is just a normal state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of passage through the special gate is “1” or more (S1020: yes), it is determined whether or not the non-notification flag is set to ON (S1022). As described above with reference to FIG. 19, the non-notification flag is a flag that is set to ON when two or more game balls are entered into the big winning opening 31d during the 2R big hit game. As described above, the obstacle nail 23 on the game board 10 is set so that a game ball does not enter the big winning opening 31d if the player is hitting the right, so that two or more games are played. The fact that the ball has entered the big winning opening 31d means that at least one time during the 2R big hit, it is left-handed (launching a game ball on the left side of the central device 26) against the right-handed instruction of the effect display device 27. It is thought. Therefore, in this case, after the non-notification flag is turned OFF (S1024), an effect after the jackpot game is finished (state non-notification effect) in a mode that does not notify whether the probability of the big hit is a normal probability or a high probability. ) Is executed (S1026).

  On the other hand, when the number of passage through the special gate is “1” or more (S1020: yes) and the non-notification flag is not set to ON (S1022: no), whether or not the 2R big hit is the 2R probability variable big hit Is determined (S1028). That is, if the game ball passes through the special passing gate 37 during the 2R big hit and the number of the game balls entered into the big winning opening 31d is one ball, whether the current game state is a probable state or just a normal state To the player, it is determined whether or not the 2R big hit is a 2R probability variable big hit.

  As a result, when it is 2R probability variation big hit (S1028: yes), the content of the effect (probability variation notification effect content) for notifying that the gaming state is the probability variation state is determined (S1030). On the other hand, when it is not 2R probability variation big hit (S1028: no), the production content (normal notification production content) for notifying that the gaming state is not the probability variation state but the normal state is determined (S1030). Here, when determining the notification effect content (probability change notification effect content or normal notification effect content), the determination is made as follows based on the number of special gate passages and the number of balls received in the big prize opening.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the contents of the notification effect are determined based on the number of special gate passages and the number of balls received in the special winning opening. In addition, the method of determining the notification effect content based on the number of special gate passages and the number of balls received at the special winning opening may be used to determine the probability change notification effect content (S1030) or the normal notification effect content (S1032). Since these are exactly the same, FIG. 22 shows these two cases together.

  First, as an example, a description will be given of how to determine the notification effect content (probability change notification effect content or normal notification effect content) in accordance with the number of passage through the special gate when the number of balls received at the grand prize opening is “1”. In this case, if the number of passages through the special gate is 1 to 8, the content of the effect for notifying the current gaming state (probability change state or normal state) in a mode with low reliability is determined. On the other hand, if the number of passages through the special gate is 9 to 16, the content of the effect to be notified with medium reliability is determined. Further, if the number of passages through the special gate is 17 or more, it is determined as the effect content to be confirmed and notified whether the current gaming state is the certain change state or the normal state. That is, the more game balls are passed through the special passage gate 37, the higher the reliability of the current game state is notified.

  On the other hand, when the number of balls received in the big prize opening is “0”, even if the number of passage through the special gate is 1 to 8, the current gaming state is notified with medium reliability. Further, when the number of passage through the special gate is 9 or more, the current gaming state is confirmed and notified. Thus, as the number of special gate passages increases, the current gaming state is notified with high reliability. For this reason, when a player notices the occurrence of a 2R jackpot game, he will actively fire the game ball and make a right strike so that the gaming state is notified with high reliability after the jackpot game is over. .

  In addition, as is clear from the comparison of the case where the number of balls received at the grand prize opening is “1” and the case where the number is “0”, the number of balls received at the grand prize opening is “1” and the number of passes through the special gate is In the case of “9 to 16” and the case where the number of balls received in the grand prize opening is “0” and the number of special gate passages is “1 to 8”, the notification effect is performed with the same reliability. Also, when the number of balls received at the grand prize opening is “1” and the number of passes through the special gate is “17 or more”, and when the number of balls received at the big prize opening is “0” and the number of passes through the special gate is “9 or more” In both cases, the notification effect is performed with the same reliability. This means that even if only one game ball is accidentally entered into the big prize opening 31d during the 2R big hit, if eight game balls pass through the special passing gate 37, the big prize opening It shows that the entrance to 31d can be substantially canceled.

  For example, even if only one game ball is entered into the grand prize opening 31d, if nine game balls are passed through the special passing gate 37, no game ball is entered into the special prize opening 31d. In addition, a notification effect similar to that when one game ball is passed through the special passing gate 37 can be obtained. Furthermore, if eight game balls are allowed to pass through the special passing gate 37 from that state, an effect to confirm and notify the current game state is generated as in the case where no game ball is inserted into the special winning opening 31d. It becomes possible to make it. Then, the number of game balls of 8 for substantially canceling the ball entering the big winning opening 31d is the number of winning balls per game ball that has entered the big winning opening 31d. For this reason, all the game balls that have been paid out by entering the grand prize opening 31d have been fired, so that the game hall is the same as having canceled the entry to the big prize opening 31d. . Therefore, by doing in this way, the player is given an opportunity to cancel the accidental entry to the big winning opening 31d, and for the gaming hall, the player can enter the big winning opening 31d. It is possible to get back the prize balls that were paid out for the entry, and to provide benefits to both.

  In S1030 of FIG. 20, the probability change notification effect content is determined as described above, and the normal notification effect content is determined in S1032. Thereafter, after the state notification effect is executed with the determined content (S1034), the 2R jackpot effect process shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is terminated.

  In addition, after the 2R jackpot game is over, whether the current gaming state is a probability change state in which the jackpot occurrence probability is set to a high probability or a normal state is notified according to the setting of the non-notification flag. The process of not informing is executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performing a state notification effect in S1034 of the 2R big hit effect process in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the “non-notification effect execution means” in the present invention.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention, when a 2R big hit game is generated, the game winning ball 31d is turned right so that the game ball cannot enter the special winning opening 31d. If the vehicle passes through the passing gate 37, the gaming state is notified after the end of the 2R big hit. Therefore, during the 2R big hit game, in order to notify the game state after the big hit game is over, the player can be given pleasure to pass through the special pass gate 37, and the player can launch a game ball. It is possible to avoid a decrease in the operation of the gaming machine.

  In addition, when a 2R big hit game is generated for the player, it is possible to select how to proceed with the subsequent game. That is, during 2R big hit, give up winning ball and switch to right-handed aiming to be notified of the game state after the big hit game ends, or give up noting that the game state will be notified, during 2R big hit In order to acquire a prize ball, it is possible to select whether to launch a game ball aiming at the special winning opening 31d. And by expanding the choices in this way, it becomes possible for the player to actively play the 2R jackpot game more actively, and as a result, the 2R jackpot game can be further enjoyed.

  In FIG. 22, the notification effect is shown by the number of game balls that have passed through the special pass gate 37 (the number of special gate passes) and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d (the number of balls that have entered the big winning opening). It has been described that one content is determined. However, a plurality of notification effects are set for each combination of the number of special gate passages and the number of balls received in the special winning opening, and the contents of the notification effects are determined by lottery from the plurality of notification effects. May be.

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

  For example, in the embodiment described above, the right nail 23 on the right side of the central device 26 has a special arrangement as shown in FIG. 2 in order to form a flow path for game balls that cannot enter the grand prize winning hole 31d. . However, since the adjustment of the obstacle nail 23 can be changed according to the judgment of the game hall, depending on the adjustment of the adjustment of the obstacle nail 23, the gage configuration on the right side of the central device 26 is a flow path that can enter the winning prize opening 31d. There is a risk of becoming.

  In order to prevent this, for example, the game board 10 is formed of resin (formed of a resin game board), and the obstacle nail 23 on the right side of the central device 26 is provided as a protrusion formed so as to protrude from the resin game board. Can be mentioned. In this way, by providing a protruding portion integrally formed with the resin game board instead of the obstacle nail 23, adjustment based on the judgment of the game hole becomes impossible, and it is impossible to reliably enter the winning prize port 31d. A route can be realized.

  Further, in addition to the protruding portion that is integrally molded with the resin game board, it is conceivable to provide the central device 26 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, the central device 26 is provided so as to occupy the right side of the game board. Further, a flow-down path through which one game ball can pass is formed from the upper part of the central device 26 to the lower right part. This flow-down path is formed so that the game ball can easily pass through when the player launches the game ball toward the right side of the game board (by performing so-called “right-handed”). Then, the special passage gate of the above-described embodiment is provided in this flow-down path so that 100% of the game ball passes when “right-handed” is made. Note that the game ball passing through the flow path and the special pass gate is discharged to a discharge position where it cannot enter the big winning opening 31d on the game board surface when reaching the flow path exit. Therefore, even with such a configuration, it is possible to realize a flow-down path in which it is not possible to reliably enter the winning prize port 31d.

  In the above-described embodiment, the special winning opening 31d is provided at the center lower side of the game board. However, the arrangement position of the special winning opening 31d is not limited to this, for example, the center of the gaming board. The upper side (above the central device 26), the right side of the game board (right side of the central device 26), the lower right side of the game board (lower right side of the central device 26), and the like may be various. Of course, depending on the position of the grand prize winning opening 31d, the game ball flow that cannot enter the big prize winning opening 31d and the game ball fired for the game ball to flow down the flow down path. Aspects are different. Therefore, when notifying the launching state of the game ball so as not to enter the big winning opening 31d during the special winning game, it is necessary to design an appropriate notification according to the arrangement position of the big winning opening 31d. (For example, when the big prize opening 31d is arranged on the right side of the game board (on the right side of the central device 26), the left side of the game board is directed to fire the game ball (left The player can be prevented from entering the special winning opening 31d during the special hit game).

1 ... Pachinko machine, 17 ... Start port, 27 ... Production display device,
28 ... Symbol display device, 31d ... Grand prize opening (specific prize opening),
37 ... Special pass gate, 37s ... Special pass gate switch,
200 ... main control board,
221 ... CPU (symbol variation control means, hit mode setting means, hit probability setting means),
220 ... Sub-control board,
221 ... CPU (probability state notification means, probability state notification effect execution means)

Claims (1)

A game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with a symbol display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols, and a special winning opening that is configured to be openable and normally closed, and the symbol display device When one of a plurality of types of winning symbols is stopped and displayed, a ball game machine that performs a winning game according to the corresponding symbol by opening the specific winning opening.
When a predetermined condition is established during the game, after the symbol display on the symbol display device is started, the symbol variation control means for stopping and displaying the winning symbol or the off symbol,
When the winning game is started, the corresponding game mode is a standard mode in which the specific winning opening is opened in a standard mode in which a game ball can be entered, or a game ball entered is more than the standard mode. A hitting mode setting means for setting according to the winning symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, in any of the special winning modes for opening the specific winning opening in a difficult special mode;
When the winning game of the special winning mode is finished, the winning probability, which is the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, is a normal probability according to the winning symbol that caused the corresponding game to start. Or a hit probability setting means for setting either high probability,
A first detection means provided inside the specific winning opening for detecting a game ball that has entered the specific winning opening;
The game ball launched on the game board surface is provided on a special flow path that is a path that flows down so as not to enter the specific prize opening, and the first detection means flows down a path other than the special flow path. Second detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball with a higher probability than the probability of detecting the game ball;
If a game ball is detected by the second detection means during the hit game in the special hit mode, the hit probability after the hit game in the special hit mode is either the normal probability or the high probability. and the probability state notification effect execution means for executing the notification effect for notifying whether,
Equipped with a,
The probability state notification effect executing means is means for executing the notification effect after the end game of the special hit mode,
A non-notification effect executing means for executing a non-notification effect not informing the hit probability in place of the notification effect when the first detection means detects a game ball during the hit game in the special hit mode; A ball game machine characterized by

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