JP2001259154A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain a feeling of expectation of specific production such as a ready-to-win state by reducing the kinds of display control commands while making the most of the merit of differentiating the variation time of an image. SOLUTION: A main control device selects one of first and second conditions by drawing. The first condition has a plurality of first variation time as set objects, and the second condition has second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 including variation made by ready-to-win production, as set objects. The main control device sets one object, corresponding to the established state of the selected condition, out of the set objects as pattern variation time, and transmits a display command related to it. When making a pattern display corresponding to the display command with the second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 as the pattern variation time, an auxiliary control device receiving the command varies right and middle pattern lines again after stopping the variation of left, right and middle pattern lines at the same timing (t1, t1+1, t1+2) as variation stop timing in the case of shortest first variation time being pattern variation time, on the basis of the establishment of a third condition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly, to a game machine having a main control device and a sub-control device. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that transmits a display control command according to a result and displays an image on a display device in accordance with the display control command.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, using two control devices (main control device and sub-control device), symbols are variably displayed and stopped on a display incorporated in a game board.
There is known a pachinko gaming machine that generates a jackpot game state advantageous to a player.

For example, in a pachinko game machine of a type in which three symbol rows of left, middle and right are displayed on a display, when a winning of a game ball to a starting port is detected by a sensor, a main control device selects a lottery. Then, a display control command (display command) relating to the combination of the symbol variation time and the variation stop symbol is transmitted.
The fluctuation stop symbol includes a big hit symbol, a miss reach symbol, and a miss symbol. The symbol variation time differs depending on whether a reach effect is performed or not (when the reach effect is not performed). Furthermore, even when a reach effect is performed, the symbol variation time may vary depending on the type, content, and the like. Then, when the reach effect is performed, after the start of the change of all the symbol columns, the change stops in the order of the left symbol column and the right symbol column, and the variation of the middle symbol column after passing through one of the plurality of types of reach effects. Stops. In the case where the character deviates without performing the reach effect, the fluctuation is stopped in the order of the left symbol row, the right symbol row, and the middle symbol row after the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows.

When the sub-control device receives the display command, it activates the display according to the symbol change time and the change stop symbol specified by the command. On the other hand, after the transmission of the display command, when the symbol variation time indicated by the command elapses, the main controller transmits a determination command for determining that the variation has stopped. Then, if the combination of the fluctuation stop symbols in the left, middle, and right symbol rows is a predetermined jackpot combination, a state in which more winning balls can be obtained, such as opening a special winning opening ( Jackpot game state).

[0005] By the way, in the pachinko gaming machines, when a gaming ball wins the starting opening during a lottery or a big hit game state, the lottery corresponding to the variation is performed at that time. In other words, there is a so-called lottery held (standby) performed after the end of the process. The upper limit of the number of holds is determined for each model, and is, for example, “4”. In this type of pachinko machine, when the number of holds reaches the upper limit, no more holds are made, so the player releases the handle of the launch device in an attempt to reduce the number of holds by digestion. For example, there is a possibility that the progress of the game (such as launching a game ball) is interrupted. This interruption lowers the operating rate of pachinko machines and contributes to the disadvantage of pachinko halls. Also, for the player, if the game is interrupted each time the number of holds reaches the upper limit value or approaches the upper limit value, the smooth progress of the game cannot be enjoyed, and the fun is reduced by half.

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problem, when the number of holdings approaches or reaches the upper limit, the symbol variation time is shortened, more precisely, from the start of symbol variation, the left symbol is changed. It is known to shorten the time until the row stops changing to shorten the entire symbol changing time. If the number of holds is, for example, “0”, “1”, or “2”, the change of the left symbol row is stopped, for example, 11 seconds after the start of the change of all the symbol rows, but the number of holds is “3” or “4”. "In Case of,
For example, the change of the left symbol row is stopped after 5 seconds. The subsequent change and stop of the right and middle symbol rows are the same as described above.

As described above, in a pachinko gaming machine of the type in which the symbol variation time is switched according to the number of holdings, a plurality of types of reach effects with different symbol variation times, for example, a reach effect for 20 seconds, and a reach effect for 40 seconds are provided as reach effects. Is set as a display command transmitted from the main control device, for example, a condition relating to the number of holdings and a condition relating to the reach effect are set in association with each other (hereinafter referred to as “Technology 1”). Is considered).

[0008] Specifically, (1) the reserved number is "0",
“1” or “2”, which is transmitted when the reach effect is not performed (lottery result is out of order). (2) The number of reservations is “0”, “1” or “2”, and 20 (3) What is transmitted when the reach effect is performed for 40 seconds when the number of reservations is “0”, “1” or “2”, and (3) 4) The number of reservations is "3" or "4", which is transmitted when the reach effect is not performed (lottery result is out of order); (5) The number of reservations is "3" or "4"; A total of six types: those that are transmitted when a reach effect for 20 seconds is performed, and those that are transmitted when a reach effect is performed for (6) the number of holds is “3” or “4” and a reach effect for 40 seconds is performed Is a display command.

However, in the above-described technique 1, six display commands are required in spite of the short reach effect time of 20 seconds and 40 seconds, so that the control contents can be simplified and the program can be simplified. In order to simplify the design, etc., it has not sufficiently responded to a request to reduce the number of display commands as much as possible. Therefore, the present applicant has made two types of first
The first condition (for example, the number of reservations is “0”, “1” or “2”) for which the fluctuation time is set, and two types of second fluctuation times including the fluctuation time due to the reach effect are set. From the second condition (for example, a reach effect for 20 seconds), one corresponding to the lottery result is selected, and one fluctuating time according to the condition being satisfied is displayed as a symbol fluctuating time. Command setting method (hereinafter "Technology 2")
"). According to the technique 2, the display command includes, for example, a command including the pattern code “01”, a command including the pattern code “02”, a command including the pattern code “03”, and a pattern code “04” as described below. There are only four types of things.

A display command including the pattern code "01" is transmitted when no reach effect is performed (lottery result is out of order) and the number of holds is "3" or "4". As shown by the solid line in FIG.
After 5 seconds from the start of the change of all the left, middle and right symbol columns, stop the variation of the left symbol column, and after 6 seconds, stop the variation of the right symbol column at a symbol different from the stop symbol of the left symbol column, This is a control command for stopping the fluctuation of the middle symbol row after 7 seconds. The display command including the pattern code “02” is transmitted when no reach effect is performed (lottery result is out of order) and the number of holds is “0”, “1”, or “2”. As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 15A, the fluctuation of the left symbol row is stopped 11 seconds after the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows, and the fluctuation of the right symbol row is stopped 12 seconds later. This is a control command for stopping at a symbol different from the symbol and stopping the fluctuation of the middle symbol row after 13 seconds.

A display command including the pattern code “03” is, for example, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 15B, stops the fluctuation of the left symbol row 8 seconds after the start of the fluctuation of all symbol rows, and 9 seconds later. Control for stopping the fluctuation of the right symbol row at the same symbol as the stop symbol of the left symbol row, and performing a reach effect for 20 seconds (29 seconds after the start of the fluctuation), and then stopping the fluctuation of the middle symbol row. Directive. Here, the reason why the change stop timing of the left symbol row is set to 8 seconds after the start of the change is that the change stop timing when the display command including the pattern code “01” is transmitted (5 seconds after the start of the change).
This is because it is difficult to recognize whether or not a reach effect is performed until late. With this setting, it is not known whether a reach effect is performed before 5 seconds have elapsed from the start of the fluctuation. The display command including the pattern code “04” is substantially the same as the display command including the pattern code “03”. However, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. This is a control command for stopping the fluctuation of the middle symbol row after performing the reach effect for seconds (after 49 seconds from the start of the fluctuation).

[0012]

However, in the technique 2 described above, there is a limit in making it difficult to determine whether or not a reach effect is present. As the earliest case, the pattern code "0" is used.
When a display command including "1" is transmitted, it becomes clear that the reach effect is not performed when 5 seconds have elapsed from the start of the change of all the symbol rows. That is, if the player knows that "if the left symbol row does not stop after 8 seconds from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows, the reach effect for 20 seconds or 40 seconds will not be performed thereafter", If the change of the left symbol row stops 5 seconds after, it will be understood that the reach effect will not be performed at the time when 5 seconds elapse without waiting for 8 seconds to elapse. When this happens, the player
There is a possibility that the sense of expectation for the reach effect, which is a requirement for the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state, may be lost from a relatively early stage.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of display control commands such as display commands and to specify a reach effect while taking advantage of the advantage of varying the image fluctuation time according to predetermined conditions. The goal is to keep the player having a feeling of expectation for the performance to take place until late.

[0014]

Means for solving the above problems will be described below. The operation and the like will be described as necessary.

Means 1. A game situation detecting means for detecting a game situation, a lottery means for performing a lottery in accordance with a detection result of the game situation detecting means, a first condition for setting two or more types of first variable time, and a specific effect. A second set of at least one type of second change time including the change time
An image variation time determining unit that selects one according to the lottery result of the lottery unit from the conditions and sets one according to the satisfaction state of the selected condition among the setting targets as the image variation time; Main control means for transmitting a display control command relating to the image fluctuation time by the fluctuation time determination means, and activates the display in accordance with the image fluctuation time instructed by the display control instruction, and variably displays the image in a plurality of columns, A sub-control means for stopping variable display of each column in a predetermined stop order, wherein the sub-control means displays an image according to a display control command relating to an image variable time comprising the second variable time. At this time, based on the establishment of the third condition, the variation speed of at least the first column in the stop order is substantially the same as the variation stop timing of the corresponding column when the predetermined first variation time is the image variation time. After reducing by timing, game machine, characterized in that at least one of the reduced column, including changing speed pattern changing means for varying includes the start of the specific effect. Here, the decrease in the fluctuation speed includes both a case where the fluctuation decreases until the fluctuation stops and a case where the fluctuation speed decreases until just before the stop (the case where the fluctuation does not stop).

Means 1A. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined first variation time is the shortest of the two or more types of first variation times.

Means 1B. In the means 1 or 1A,
The gaming machine, wherein the variation speed pattern changing means is configured to return at least one variation speed of the reduced row as a variation in preparation for the start of the specific effect before the start of the specific effect. .

According to the means 1, 1A, and 1B, the lottery means performs a lottery in accordance with a game situation that changes with the operation of the player. In the image variation time determining means, the first
One of the condition and the second condition according to the lottery result is selected. Then, from among the setting targets of the selected condition (two or more types of first variation time in the first condition, and at least one type of second variation time in the second condition), one of the setting conditions according to the establishment condition of the condition is selected. The change time is selected and determined as the image change time. Therefore, when the image fluctuation time is determined based on whether the first condition is satisfied, one of the two or more types of first fluctuation time is selected regardless of whether the second condition is satisfied. Further, when the image fluctuation time is determined based on the state of establishment of the second condition, one of the one or more types of second fluctuation time is selected regardless of the state of establishment of the first condition. If the second variation time is of one type, it is selected.

In the main control means, a display control command relating to at least the image variation time is transmitted to the sub control means.
Therefore, the display control command to be transmitted includes a command that includes the first variation time as the image variation time (two or more types) and a command that includes the second variation time as the image variation time (one or more types). As a whole, there are three types in the least case. This number depends on whether the first condition is satisfied,
The number of display control commands is smaller than the type of display control command when there is a relationship with the presence or absence of the second condition (corresponding to the above-described technique 1). This is because the image fluctuation time when both conditions are combined is required when having the relevance, whereas such image fluctuation time is not required when there is no relevance. This difference causes a difference in the type of image fluctuation time and, consequently, in the type of display control command.

In the sub-control means, the display is driven and controlled in accordance with the image fluctuation time specified by the display control command.
As a result, the display starts to change the image in a plurality of columns. After that, the fluctuation of each column is stopped in a predetermined stop order,
When the image fluctuation time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation, the fluctuation of the last column is stopped.

In particular, in the case of a display control command in which the second variation time is set to the image variation time, an image is displayed in a mode according to the state of establishment of the third condition. When the third condition is satisfied, the variation speed of at least the first column in the stop order is the corresponding column when the predetermined first variation time (the shortest first variation time in the means 1A) is the image variation time. At about the same timing as the fluctuation stop timing. Here, in a general gaming machine, when a row stops fluctuating, the row that fluctuates at a high speed does not suddenly stop, but stops after the fluctuating speed gradually decreases. For this reason, the player is informed that at least when the fluctuation speed of the first row decreases, it is determined that the first row has a predetermined first speed.
Is the change time due to the image change time,
It is unclear whether the second variation time is based on the image variation time, that is, whether the specific effect is performed.

After the fluctuation speed is reduced, at least one of the columns targeted for the reduction is changed in preparation for the start of the specific effect (in the means 1B, the fluctuation speed is returned by the start of the specific effect). ). Due to fluctuations for this specific production,
It is clear that the image change is due to the image change time being the second change time instead of the predetermined first change time, and a specific effect will be performed. Then, a specific effect is performed, and the fluctuation is stopped when the image fluctuation time elapses.

On the other hand, when the third condition is not satisfied, the change of the image is started in a plurality of columns, and the specific effect is performed before the change of all the columns is stopped. In this case, at the timing before the specific effect is performed, it is unknown whether the specific effect is performed. For example, if the timing at which the specific effect is started is set later than the timing at which the first column in the stop order stops changing when the predetermined first change time is set as the image change time, the predetermined first change time is set to the predetermined first change time. At the fluctuation stop timing of each column in the case of one fluctuation time, it is unknown whether or not there is a specific effect.

As described above, the timing at which the specific effect is started is the shortest except when the first column in the stop order is earlier than the timing at which the variation stops when the predetermined first variation time is the image variation time. Even in the case of, the presence or absence of the specific effect is unknown until at least one of the columns fluctuates in preparation for the start of the specific effect. Therefore, the player's expectation that the specific effect will be performed will continue up to the change in preparation for the specific effect.

Means 2. In the means 1, in the display control command using the second variation time as the image variation time, information on the time from the start of the variation of the column to the time when the column involved in the start of the specific effect stops varying, and the stop order. In which the last column of the information includes information on the time until the change stops.

According to the means 2, if the two pieces of information relating to the above-mentioned time are common, whether the third condition is satisfied or not is satisfied, the predetermined condition is determined from the start of the column change. When the time has elapsed, the columns involved in starting the specific effect stop changing. A special effect is started with this stop. Then, the columns stop changing in the stop order, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the last column stops changing. Therefore, each column may be displayed in any manner from the start of the column change to the start of the specific effect. For example, the process may be resumed after the fluctuation speed of only a predetermined row is once reduced.

Means 3. In the first or second aspect, the main control unit includes a finalization control command transmission unit that transmits a finalization control command after the transmission of the display control instruction and an elapse of an image variation time instructed by the instruction. A gaming machine.

According to the means 3, after the display control command is transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means, when the image variation time specified by the display control command elapses, the final control command is issued from the main control means. Sent. That is, when the first variation time is set as the image variation time, the definite control command is transmitted when the image variation over the first variation time is stopped. When the second variation time is set as the image variation time, the definite control command is transmitted when the image variation is stopped over the second variation time. Since the above-described column fluctuation stop or fluctuation speed reduction before the specific effect is performed irrespective of the transmission of the definite control command, it is not the original fluctuation stop or fluctuation speed reduction but a temporary (virtual) fluctuation stop. Or it can be said that the fluctuation speed decreases. Therefore, there is no possibility that the virtual fluctuation stop or the fluctuation speed decrease adversely affects the specific effect and the type of the display control command.

Means 4 In any one of the means 1 to 3, further comprising a variable stop image determining means for determining a variable stop image according to a lottery result of the lottery means, wherein the main control means, when transmitting the display control command, Information on the fluctuation stop image by the fluctuation stop image determination means is included in a display control command, and the sub-control means displays the fluctuation stop image specified by the display control command at the time of fluctuation stop. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

According to the means 4, the fluctuation stop image according to the lottery result of the lottery means is determined by the fluctuation stop image determination means. Information on the fluctuation stop image is included in the display control command and transmitted to the sub-control unit. Then, the variable display of the image is started by the sub control means in response to the display control command. When the image change time specified by the display control command has elapsed, the change is stopped at the specified change stop image.

Means 5 In any one of the means 1 to 4, further comprising a storage means for storing the number of detections of a predetermined game situation by the game situation detection means with a predetermined number as an upper limit, wherein the lottery means The main control means transmits the display control command for each lottery by the lottery means,
The gaming machine, wherein the first condition is related to the number of times of storage by the storage means, and the first variation time is set in a plurality of types according to the number of times of storage.

According to the means 5, when a predetermined game situation is detected by the game situation detection means during a lottery or a change in an image according to a display control command, the lottery corresponding to the detection is executed at that time. This is performed after the stop of the image fluctuation that is being performed. That is, the lottery is suspended (standby). In this case, the number of detections is stored by the storage unit with a predetermined number as an upper limit. In the lottery means, a lottery is performed in accordance with the number of times of storage by the storage means, and a display control command is transmitted from the main control means each time.

By the way, the image fluctuation time determining means:
When the image change time is determined based on the state of establishment of the first condition, the image change time is selected from the first change times according to the state of establishment of the first condition regarding the number of storages, and is set as the image change time. . The determination of the image fluctuation time is not affected by the condition of the second condition.

Therefore, for example, "the number of times of storage by the storage means is the upper limit or a value close to the upper limit" is the first condition, and when the condition is satisfied, the first fluctuation time is shorter than when the condition is not satisfied. Is the image fluctuation time, the following effects can be obtained. When the number of times of storage reaches the upper limit or a value close to the upper limit, the image fluctuation time is shorter than in the case where it is not, and the time required to finish holding the lottery is shorter. In other words, the number of lotteries per time increases, which makes it difficult for the number of storages to exceed the upper limit. The frequency of interruption of the game progress is reduced. Further, even if the number of storages reaches or approaches the upper limit value despite the shortening of the fluctuation time, the suspension is completed early, so that the interruption time per time can be reduced.

Means 6 In the means 5, as the first condition, the number of times of storage by the storage means is set to an upper limit value or a value close to the upper limit value, and the first variation time is calculated from two types of variation times having different lengths. When the first condition is selected according to the lottery result of the lottery means, the image fluctuation time determination means sets the longer fluctuation time as the image fluctuation time if the first condition is not satisfied, and A gaming machine characterized in that the shorter fluctuation time is used as the image fluctuation time.

According to the means 6, when the first condition is selected as a condition according to the lottery result of the lottery means, 2
One of the types of first fluctuation time is selected according to the state of establishment of the first condition as follows, and is set as the image fluctuation time. When the first condition is not satisfied, that is, when the number of times of storage by the storage unit is not the upper limit value or a value close to the upper limit value, the longer variation time is set as the image variation time. When the first condition is satisfied, that is, when the number of times of storage is the upper limit or a value close to the upper limit, the shorter change time is set as the image change time. Therefore, when the number of storages reaches the upper limit or a value close to the upper limit and the first condition is satisfied, the same operation and effect as the means 5 are obtained.

Means 7 In any one of the means 1 to 6, the fluctuating speed pattern changing means, upon displaying an image in response to a display control command using the second fluctuating time as an image fluctuating time, based on the failure of the third condition, A gaming machine wherein a variation in a first column in a stop order is stopped at a timing later than a variation stop timing of a corresponding column when a shortest first variation time is set as an image variation time.

According to the means 7, the image fluctuation time is the second
If the third condition is not satisfied, the change in the first column in the stop order is later than the change stop timing of the corresponding column when the shortest first change time is the image change time. Stopped at timing. Therefore, until the specific effect is performed, it is unknown whether the specific effect is performed.

Means 8. In any one of the means 1 to 7, the fluctuating speed pattern changing means, upon displaying an image in response to a display control command using the second fluctuating time as an image fluctuating time, based on the failure of the third condition, A gaming machine wherein the fluctuation in the first column in the stop order is stopped at the same or later timing as the fluctuation stop timing of the corresponding column when the longest first fluctuation time is the image fluctuation time.

According to the means 8, the image fluctuation time is the second
If the third condition is not satisfied, the change in the first column in the stop order is the same as the change stop timing of the corresponding column when the longest first change time is the image change time. Alternatively, the operation is stopped at a later timing. Therefore, it is unclear whether or not the specific effect is performed until at least the first column in the stop order when the longest first variation time is set as the image variation time until the variation stops. If the row does not stop at the timing at which the change should be stopped, it becomes clear that the specific effect is performed, and if it stops, it becomes clear that the specific effect is not performed.

Means 9 In any one of the means 1 to 7, the fluctuating speed pattern changing means, upon displaying an image in response to a display control command using the second fluctuating time as an image fluctuating time, based on the failure of the third condition, When the fluctuation in the first column in the stop order is later than the fluctuation stop timing of the corresponding column when the shortest first fluctuation time is the image fluctuation time, and the longest first fluctuation time is the image fluctuation time A gaming machine that stops before a corresponding column's fluctuation stop timing.

According to the means 9, the image fluctuation time is the second
When the third condition is not satisfied and the time is composed of the fluctuation time, the fluctuation in the first column in the stop order passes the fluctuation stop timing of the corresponding column when the shortest first fluctuation time is the image fluctuation time. After that, when the longest first variation time is set as the image variation time, the corresponding column is stopped before the variation stop timing arrives. Therefore, when the first column stops changing when the shortest first change time is set as the image change time, whether or not the specific effect is performed is unknown, but the longest first change time is determined as the image change time. In this case, before the first row stops changing, it becomes clear whether the specific effect is performed.

Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the specific effect is performed based on a combination of fluctuation stop images when a column stops changing from a first to a second predetermined number in the stop order. A gaming machine, wherein the fluctuating speed pattern changing means sets at least the predetermined number of columns as a target for lowering and returning the fluctuating speed.

According to the means 10, when a display control command in which the second variation time is set as the image variation time is transmitted, the display stops the variation of the column from the first stop sequence to the second predetermined sequence. The specific effect is performed based on the combination of the fluctuation stop images at that time. For example, a specific effect is performed when the combination of the fluctuation stop images matches a predetermined combination. The specific effect is performed at the same timing whether the third condition is satisfied or not.
In particular, in the case where the third condition is satisfied and the return of the fluctuation speed is performed before the specific effect, at least the predetermined-th column is a target of the fluctuation speed reduction and a target of the return. The fluctuation speed of the predetermined row temporarily decreases, but then returns, and always changes before the start of the specific effect, so that the specific effect is not adversely affected.

Means 11. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the specific effect is performed based on a combination of fluctuation stop images when a column stops changing from a first to a second predetermined number in the stop order. When the third condition is satisfied, when the third condition is satisfied, the changing speed pattern changing means may change the changing speed of the column up to the predetermined number when displaying the image in response to the display control command using the second changing time as the image changing time. After decreasing at the substantially same timing as the corresponding row when the shortest first variation time is set as the image variation time, returning at least one variation speed of the reduced row by the start of the specific effect. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

According to the means 11, when the image fluctuation time is made up of the second fluctuation time and the third condition is satisfied, the fluctuation speed of the predetermined columns including the first column in the stop order is satisfied. Decreases at substantially the same timing as the corresponding column when the shortest first variation time is set as the image variation time. Then, at least one fluctuating speed of the lowered row is restored. For this reason, if the combination of the variable stop images in the first to predetermined columns in the stop order is not the predetermined combination, the player feels as if the specific effect is not performed. However, if the fluctuating speed is restored thereafter, it becomes clear that the specific effect is performed. Therefore, the expectation of the player once weakened will be expanded again.

Means 12. Any one of the means 1 to 11
In one embodiment, the specific effect comprises a reach effect performed prior to the occurrence of a special game state advantageous to the player, wherein the second condition is related to a reach effect time, and the second variable time is a reach effect. A gaming machine wherein a plurality of types are set according to types of time.

According to the means 12, when the second condition is selected and the image fluctuation time is determined based on the fulfillment status, the second condition is selected from among the second fluctuation times set according to the type of the reach effect time. , One is selected according to the state of establishment of the second condition. At this time, it is not affected by the state of establishment of the first condition.

Means 13. In the means 12, a plurality of types of the reach effect, the type of reach effect time is set less than the type of reach effect,
The sub-control means includes a reach type determining means for determining a type of a reach effect to be displayed during a reach effect time when displaying an image in accordance with a display control command using the second change time as an image change time. A gaming machine.

According to the means 13, when the image is changed in a plurality of columns by the sub-control means in response to the display control command in which the second change time is the image change time, the image is displayed during the reach effect. The type of reach effect is determined by the reach type determining means. As described above, the type of the reach effect is not determined by the main control unit. The display control command does not include information on the type of reach effect to be displayed during the reach effect. Included is information about the type of reach production time. Since the type of the reach effect time is set to be smaller than the type of the reach effect, even if the number of the reach effect types is large, the type of the reach effect time and, consequently, the type of the image fluctuation time can be reduced. This is effective in reducing the number of display control commands.

Means 14. In the means 12 or 13, the image variation time determining means includes: a reach determining means for determining whether or not a reach effect is to be performed based on a lottery result of the lottery means; And a condition selecting means for selecting the first condition and selecting the second condition in accordance with the determination of the execution of the reach effect.

According to the means 14, when determining the image fluctuation time by the image fluctuation time determining means, first, the reach determining means determines whether or not a reach effect is to be performed based on the lottery result of the lottery means. Based on the result of the determination, the condition selecting means selects one of the conditions as follows. When it is determined that the reach effect is not performed, the first condition is selected, and when it is determined that the reach effect is performed, the second condition is selected. Therefore, when it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed, the image variation time is determined based on the state of establishment of the second condition regardless of the state of establishment of the first condition. An image change time is selected from the second change times according to the state of establishment of the second condition relating to the reach effect time.

Means 15. Any one of the means 1 to 14
In the meantime, the changing speed pattern changing means, when displaying an image according to a display control command using the second changing time as the image changing time, when the third condition is satisfied, prior to the return of the changing speed, The columns from the last to the last in the stop order are stopped at substantially the same timing as the corresponding columns when the shortest first variation time is set as the image variation time, and the variation speed in the last column in the stop order is minimized. Wherein the first variation time is reduced at substantially the same timing as the last row when the image variation time is used as the first variation time.

According to the means 15, when the image fluctuation time is made up of the second fluctuation time and the third condition is satisfied, the display includes the first column in the stop order and is one more than the last.
The previous column is stopped at substantially the same timing as the corresponding column when the shortest first variation time is set as the image variation time. Thereafter, the fluctuation speed in the last column in the stop order is reduced at substantially the same timing as that of the last column when the shortest first fluctuation time is the image fluctuation time.

For this reason, if the player sees each row stopping to fluctuate in the stop order, as long as the number of stopped rows is small, the fluctuation stop of each row is the shortest first fluctuation time. It is unclear whether this is due to the image variation time or whether the second variation time is the image variation time, that is, whether a specific effect is performed. However, as the number of rows of stops increases, the fluctuation stop of each row is rather a fluctuation stop when the shortest first fluctuation time is set as the image fluctuation time, and no specific effect is performed. It feels like Then, if the fluctuation of the last column does not completely stop, and if it stops, at the time when at least one fluctuation speed of the lowered column is restored, the fluctuation of the image is the shortest. This is due to the fact that the second variation time is used as the image variation time instead of the first variation time, and it is clear that a specific effect will be performed.
Therefore, not only can the player keep the expectation that the specific effect is performed until late, but also the expectation that has once faded can be expanded.

Means 16. Any one of the means 1 to 15
In the meantime, the changing speed pattern changing means, when displaying the image in accordance with the display control command using the second changing time as the image changing time, if the third condition is satisfied, immediately before the last in the stop order. Are stopped at substantially the same timing as the corresponding column when the shortest first fluctuation time is set as the image fluctuation time, and the fluctuation speed in the last column in the stop order is changed to the shortest first fluctuation time by the image fluctuation time. A gaming machine characterized in that the speed is lowered at substantially the same timing as the last row in the case of time, and thereafter, the fluctuation speeds of all the rows are restored.

According to the means 16, in the same manner as the means 15, the fluctuation is stopped in order from the first column in the stop order, and the fluctuation speed of the last column is reduced. Then, after the decrease, all fluctuations are restored. Therefore, the player:
After the image change corresponding to the current lottery is stopped, the user feels as if the image change corresponding to the next lottery has started.

Means 17. Any one of the means 1 to 14
In the meantime, the changing speed pattern changing means, when displaying an image in response to a display control command using the second changing time as the image changing time, based on the satisfaction of the third condition, only the changing speed in the first column in the stop order. , At the same timing as the variation stop timing of the first column when the shortest first variation time is set as the image variation time, and then returns.

According to the means 17, when the image fluctuation time is made up of the second fluctuation time and the third condition is satisfied, the fluctuation speed in the first row in the stop order is the shortest first fluctuation time. Is reduced at substantially the same timing as the first column in the case where is the image variation time. Thereafter, the fluctuation speed of the first row is restored. For this reason, if the fluctuation of the first column does not completely stop, the fluctuation speed is restored when the fluctuation speed is sufficiently reduced (at the time when the fluctuation speed immediately before the stop is reached). At a certain point in time, it becomes clear that the image fluctuation is due to the second fluctuation time being the image fluctuation time instead of the shortest first fluctuation time, and a specific effect will be performed.

Means 18. Any one of the means 1 to 17
In the gaming machine, the fluctuating speed pattern changing means returns the row whose fluctuating speed has been once reduced to the original fluctuating speed immediately after the row has been lowered.

[0061]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention embodied in a pachinko game machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming board 2 having a gaming area 1 is incorporated in a pachinko gaming machine. The game area 1 is provided with a starting port 3, a special symbol display (hereinafter simply referred to as "display") 4, and a special winning opening 5 respectively. The starting port 3 includes a passage (not shown) for the game ball 6, and a blade 3a for narrowing or expanding the entrance of the passage.

The display 4 comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) and is located above the starting port 3. As the display 4, a CRT, a dot matrix,
A light emitting diode (LED), electroluminescence (EL), a fluorescent display tube, or the like may be used. Display 4
Displays a variety of images, some of which include a plurality of symbol rows.

Examples of the plurality of symbol rows include a left symbol row 7, a middle symbol row 8 and a right symbol row 9 arranged in the left-right direction with respect to each other. Good. Further, the plurality of symbol rows may be arranged in a direction other than the left-right direction, for example, in a vertical direction.
Each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 includes a plurality of types of symbols 10. These symbols 10 include numbers, characters, and combinations thereof. The character includes a person, an animal, a character, a figure, a symbol, and the like. The number of the symbols 10 simultaneously displayed in each of the symbol columns 7 to 9 may be one or plural. When one symbol 10 is effectively displayed for one symbol column, the number of big hit lines is one,
Usually, it is called one line.

On the display 4, the symbols 1 in each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 are displayed.
The fluctuation of 0 is started all at once based on the winning of the game ball 6 to the starting port 3. In the following description, the symbol 10
Is simply referred to as “design variation” or “fluctuation”. The fluctuation is stopped in a predetermined stop order, for example, in the order of the left symbol row 7, the right symbol row 9, and the middle symbol row 8. When the fluctuation of all the symbol columns 7 to 9 stops, the combination of the displayed symbols (the fluctuation stop image, hereinafter referred to as “stop symbol”) changes to a predetermined jackpot combination (specific display result, hereinafter, “big hit”). Combination "), that is, a combination of stop symbols of the same type when the stop symbols are arranged along the big hit line (for example, 777). When the jackpot combination is established, the special electric accessory is activated, and it becomes possible to obtain a jackpot game state as a special game state advantageous to the player, that is, to acquire more prize balls. In addition, as described above, determining whether or not “the occurrence of the big hit game state” with the variation stop mode of the symbol 10 on the display 4 as an essential requirement is also referred to as “lottery”.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine enters the reach gaming state prior to the jackpot gaming state. Here, the reach game state refers to a state immediately before the big hit game state. As one aspect, there is a state in which the change is performed based on a combination of stopped symbols when the symbol row stops changing from the first to the second and subsequent predetermined numbers in the stop order. For example, when the left symbol row 7 is the first symbol row in the stop order and the right symbol row 9 is a predetermined symbol row, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 is caused by the left symbol row 7 on the big hit line. Stops at a symbol 10 of the same type as that of the stop symbol of FIG.
If you stop at 0, you will end up with a jackpot combination,
Included in reach gaming state. In addition, when the fluctuation is stopped, the fluctuation is integrally changed in a manner of a big hit combination, and when the stop at the symbol 10 finally results in the big hit game state, the changing state is also changed to the reach game state. included. This is what is usually called full rotation (all symbols) reach.

In the reach game state, the reach effect as a specific effect is displayed on the display 4. This reach production,
This is one of a plurality of reach effect groups. At the time of the reach effect, in addition to the above-described fluctuations in the symbol rows 7 to 9, a state in which the character performs a reach action (also referred to as a reach action) according to a predetermined reach pattern is displayed. In these reach effects, the display contents are different for each type. For example, when a plurality of types of symbols representing a person are set as characters, and “normal reach”, “super reach”, and “special reach” are set as reach patterns, the display content is set for each combination of the character and the reach pattern. different. Note that the expected values for the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state in the three types of reach patterns are different from each other.

The plurality of reach effects described above are divided into several types of reach effect groups in terms of display time (variable time, reach effect time). For example, when there are four types of reach effects of α, β, γ, and δ having different display contents, these reach effects are in a reach effect group X having a reach effect time of 20 seconds and a reach effect group Y having a reach effect time of 40 seconds. Divided. The former group X has α,
The reach production of β belongs to the group Y, and the reach production of γ, δ belongs to the latter group Y.

It has already been described that, based on the winning of the game ball 6 to the starting opening 3, the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9 is started and the lottery is performed. However, during the lottery and the occurrence of the big hit game state, In addition, when the game ball 6 further wins in the starting opening 3, the lottery for that is performed after the end of the fluctuation performed at that time, or more precisely, after the end if the big hit game state occurs. If the big hit game state does not occur, the change is performed after the change is stopped. This is referred to as “the lottery is suspended (standby)”. The upper limit value of this suspension is determined for each model, and is “4” in the present embodiment. Above the display 4, a holding lamp 11 composed of an LED, a light bulb and the like is incorporated. The number of the holding lamps 11 is the same as the above-described upper limit (in this case, four). The hold lamp 11 is turned on each time a lottery is held, and is turned off each time a lottery corresponding to the hold is performed.

The special winning opening 5 is located below the starting opening 3, and includes a winning area 12, a shutter 13, and a special winning opening solenoid (hereinafter simply referred to as “solenoid”) 14. A V zone 15 opens at the center of the winning area 12,
Passages 16 are opened on both left and right sides. Solenoid 14
Is driven and connected to a shutter 13 to excite the shutter 13 to open the winning area 12 by deactivating the shutter 13 and to erect the shutter 13 to close the winning area 12 by demagnetization. Passing of the game ball 6 through the V zone 15 is a condition for opening the winning area 12 again. Therefore, the winning area 12
When the winning game ball 6 passes through the V zone 15 during the opening of the game, the winning area 12 is closed and then opened again. The winning area 12 is repeatedly opened. However, the number of repetitions is limited, and after the repetition is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times), the winning area 12 is not opened in principle, and the big hit game state ends.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine incorporates a speaker 17 and a lamp 18 for the purpose of enhancing the gaming effect. Speaker 1
Numeral 7 emits a sound effect or changes the type of the sound effect according to the progress of the game. The lamp 18 changes the mode of light irradiation according to the progress of the game. Typical examples of this mode include a lighting state, an extinguishing state, and a blinking state of each lamp 18. In each state, a light color, brightness, and the like are changed, and a light-emitting state in which a ratio of a lighting time and a light-off time is changed in a blinking state is also included. As the lamp 18, similarly to the above-described holding lamp 11,
An LED, a light bulb or the like is used. As the lamp 18, besides the type that emits light in a single color, a special type that can switch the emission color (for example, an LED of a multi-color emission type) can be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, a start-up switch 21, a V-zone switch 22, and a count switch 23 are mounted on the game board 2 as sensors for detecting a game situation which changes according to the operation of the player. Have been. The starting port switch 21 corresponds to a game situation detecting means, and detects a winning of the gaming ball 6 into the starting port 3. The V zone switch 22 detects the passing of the game ball 6 in the V zone, and the count switch 23 detects the winning of the game ball 6 in the winning area 12 (V zone passing and passage passing).

As shown in FIG. 2, pachinko gaming machines include:
Based on the detection results of the switches 21 to 23 described above, the display 4, the holding lamp 11, the solenoid 14, the speaker 17
A main controller 24, a sub-controller 25, a speaker board 26, and a lamp board 27 are provided to drive and control the lamp 18 and the lamp 18, respectively. A main control unit 28, which is a main part of the main control unit 24, includes a read-only memory (ROM) in which a predetermined control program and initial data are stored in advance, and an RO.
A central processing unit (CPU) that executes various arithmetic processes according to the M control program and the like, a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily stores the arithmetic results of the CPU, and the like are provided. The main control unit 28 includes switches 21 to 23,
The holding lamp 11 and the solenoid 14 are respectively connected. An interface (I / F) 31 is connected to the main controller 28 via an output port 29. The interface 31 is connected to the speaker 17 via a speaker board 26 and the lamp 18 via a lamp board 27.

The main controller 28 controls the driving of the holding lamp 11 and the solenoid 14 based on the detection signals from the switches 21 to 23, and sends two control commands to the sub-controller via the output port 29 and the interface 31. Device 2
Send to 5. The two control commands include a display command as a display control command and a confirmation command as a confirmation control command. The display command includes one (1) that includes display pattern information and one (3) that includes symbol information for each symbol row.
One).

The display pattern information is composed of a combination of keyword information expressed by one byte and content information expressed by one byte. The keyword information indicates that the content information is to be transmitted. The content information includes a plurality of types of pattern codes. The pattern code is set for each combination of the symbol variation time as the image variation time and the variation pattern of the symbol 10 typified by a reach effect. The symbol variation time means that after all the symbol columns 7 to 9 start to vary simultaneously, the variation is stopped in the order of the left symbol column 7 and the right symbol column 9, and finally the middle symbol column 8 stops varying. It is time to take.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, pattern codes "01", "02", "03", "04"
Are set. Pattern code "01"
Corresponds to a combination of the first variation time ΔT1 and the table A, and the pattern code “02” corresponds to the first variation time ΔT2.
(> ΔT1) and the combination of Table B.
The pattern code “03” corresponds to the combination of the second variation time ΔT3 and the table C, and the pattern code “04”
Corresponds to the combination of the second variation time ΔT4 (> ΔT3) and the table D. In the present embodiment, the first fluctuation times ΔT1 and ΔT2 are set to “7 seconds” and “13 seconds”, and the second fluctuation times ΔT3 and ΔT4 are set to “29 seconds” and “49 seconds”. Then, the display pattern information including the combination (2 bytes) of the keyword information and the content information described above is transmitted as the first display command.

Tables A to D correspond to a sub-controller 2 to be described later.
5 is stored in the program ROM 32 and is referred to when determining a variation pattern. As shown in FIG. 4, the fluctuation patterns determined with reference to the tables A and B are fluctuation patterns (first normal fluctuation pattern, second normal fluctuation pattern) that do not include the fluctuation due to the reach effect. According to the first normal fluctuation pattern, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 11, when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 stops, and then a predetermined time elapses. The fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 stops after (for example, one second), and the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops after a predetermined second (for example, one second). According to the second normal variation pattern, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
When a predetermined time t2 (> t1) elapses from the start of the fluctuation of ９9, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 stops, and after a predetermined second (for example, 1 second), the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 stops, and then a predetermined time. After a second (for example, one second), the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops. In the present embodiment, the times t1 and t2 are set to “5 seconds” and “11 seconds”, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fluctuation pattern determined with reference to the table C is the reach effect group X
, And specifically includes an α-reach variation pattern including a variation due to an α-reach effect, and a β-reach variation pattern including a variation due to a β-reach effect. According to these reach variation patterns, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the time t3 + 1 has elapsed from the start of the variation of all the symbol columns, the variation of the right symbol column 9 stops, and then the variation due to the reach effect is performed for 20 seconds. Then, the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops.

The reach fluctuation pattern of both α and β is
It has first and second two types of patterns. According to the first pattern, as shown in FIG.
When the predetermined time t3 elapses from the start of the fluctuation of the symbol pattern, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 stops, and after a predetermined second (for example, one second), the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 stops, and then the fluctuation due to the reach effect becomes 20 seconds. After that, the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops.

Here, from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9,
The time until the change of the first column (the left symbol column 7) in the stop order stops is assuming that the shortest first variation time ΔT1 is the symbol variation time, that is, the symbol 10 is varied according to the first normal variation pattern. It is set longer than when it is set. This is for the following reason. If it is set to be short, when the left symbol row 7 stops changing, the player will know whether or not a reach effect is performed. On the other hand, if they are set to the same value, there is no problem as in the case where they are set to be short. However, if the left symbol row 7 does not stop changing even at the same set timing, not only the player can know that the reach effect has not been performed and the game is off, but also the second A period (5 to 6 seconds) until the left symbol row 7 stops changing according to the normal change pattern is wasted. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the time t1 is 5 seconds, the time t3 is set to 8 seconds. Of course, the time t3 may be a number of seconds other than 8 seconds as long as it is longer than 5 seconds.

According to the second pattern, as shown in FIG. 13, the variation speed of at least the first row (the left symbol row 7) in the stop order corresponds to the case where the shortest first variation time ΔT1 is the symbol variation time. After the drop at the same timing as the change stop timing of the row (the left symbol row 7), at least one variation speed of the lowered symbol row returns to the start of the reach effect in the case of following the first pattern. . The target of reduction and return of the fluctuation speed is at least the symbol row (right symbol row 9) for determining the presence or absence of the reach effect, and here, the middle and right symbol rows 8 and 9.

According to the second pattern, the variation of the left symbol sequence 7 stops when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the start of the variation of all the symbol sequences 7 to 9, and after a predetermined second (for example, one second), the right symbol sequence 7 9 stops, and then a predetermined time (for example, 1)
After the second), the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops, and immediately after the stop, the fluctuation of the right and middle symbol rows 9 and 8 starts simultaneously (re-fluctuation). When the time t1 + 4 (= t3 + 1) elapses, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 stops, and after the fluctuation by the reach effect is performed for 20 seconds, the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops.
Therefore, in the second pattern, the timing when all the symbol rows 7 to 9 stop changing for the first time is the same as the timing when all the symbol rows 7 to 9 stop changing according to the first normal fluctuation pattern.

The determination is made with reference to the table C up to the stage of the α-reach variation pattern and the β-reach variation pattern, and is not determined up to any of the first pattern and the second pattern. It is the sub-control device 25 to be described later that determines these.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fluctuation pattern determined with reference to Table D is the reach effect group Y
Is a pattern that includes fluctuations due to reach productions belonging to
Specifically, it is composed of a γ-reach variation pattern including a variation due to a γ-reach effect, and a δ-reach variation pattern including a variation due to a δ-reach effect. These γ, δ reach fluctuation patterns are obtained at time t3 + 1 from the start of fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9.
Most of the points such as the point where the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 stops when the time elapses and the point that the first and second patterns have two types are common to the α and β reach fluctuation patterns described above. I do. The difference from the reach variation pattern of α and β is only in the point that the variation in the middle symbol array 8 stops after the variation due to the reach effect is performed for 40 seconds from the stop of the variation of the right symbol array 9.

The symbol information is composed of information relating to stopped symbols, and, like the above-mentioned display pattern information, is composed of a combination of keyword information expressed by one byte and content information expressed by one byte. When the symbol rows 7 to 9 stop changing in the order of left → right → middle, following the transmission of the first display command, symbol information including a combination of keyword information and content information on the left symbol row 7 is displayed. Sent as the second display command. Subsequently, symbol information including a combination of keyword information and content information on the right symbol column 9 is transmitted as a third display command. Then, the symbol information including the combination of the keyword information and the content information relating to the middle symbol row 8 is transmitted as the fourth display command. Each piece of keyword information indicates that content information for each symbol row will be transmitted.
Each content information includes a pattern code corresponding to a stop symbol in each of the symbol columns 7 to 9. In this way, a total of three display commands including the symbol information (2 bytes) for each symbol column are transmitted continuously.

The finalizing command is a control command transmitted from the main control unit 28 when the symbol change time as time information included in the display command has been transmitted after the transmission of the display command.

Although detailed description is omitted, the main control unit 28 transmits commands corresponding to the display command and the determination command to the speaker board 26 and the lamp board 27, respectively. In response to this command, the speaker board 26
A command signal for generating a sound effect is output from the speaker 17 in synchronization with the timing at which the symbol 10 starts or stops changing on the display 4. Here, when reach effects with the same fluctuation time are performed, the same command signal is used. This is because the command includes information on the symbol variation time, but does not include information on the type of the reach effect. Therefore, for example, the reach effect and the β reach effect belong to the reach effect group X of 20 seconds, but the same (common) sound effect is generated in each case. The same applies to the reach effect group Y of 40 seconds. Similarly, the lamp board 27 outputs a command signal for causing the lamp 18 to generate light in a plurality of types.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sub control unit 25 includes a program ROM 32, a CPU 33, a RAM 40, a VDP
(Video display processor) 34, image ROM 3
5, video RAM 36, display drive circuit (driver) 3
7, input / output port 38 and interface (I / F) 3
9 is provided. The CPU 33 is connected to the interface 31 of the main controller 24 via an input / output port 38 and an interface 39. The program ROM 32 stores a control program required for the CPU 33 to control the display 4. When receiving the display command and the determination command from the main control device 24, the CPU 33 executes various arithmetic processes according to the control program in the program ROM 32. Then, a control signal for controlling the display 4 is sent to the VDP 34 in accordance with the calculation results. The RAM 40 temporarily stores the calculation result by the CPU 33.

The image ROM 35 stores in advance data on frequently used images among various images displayed on the display 4. The VDP reads data from the image ROM 35 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 33,
Using the data, image data to be displayed on the display 4 is generated. The video RAM 36 temporarily stores the image data generated by the VDP 34. The VDP 34 converts the image data stored in the video RAM 36 into a driver 37.
Output to The driver 37, based on the image data,
Various images are displayed on the display 4.

The direction of signal flow between the main and sub-control devices 24 and 25 is restricted to one direction. Is transmitted, but no signal is transmitted to the reverse (sub controller 25 → main controller 24).

Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. 5 to 8 are flowcharts of each processing executed by the main controller 24. FIG. 5 shows a routine for storing the values of various counters in the memory each time the game ball 6 wins the starting opening 3. 6 and 7 show the display command and the confirmation command based on the calculation result in the storage processing routine.
5 and a routine for controlling the operation of the special electric accessory. FIG. 8 shows a subroutine executed in the special electric accessory control routine. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of each process executed by the sub control device 25, and shows a routine for controlling the operation of the display 4 based on a display command from the main control device 24. FIG. 10 shows a subroutine executed in the image display processing routine.

The processing of the various routines described above is executed based on the group of counters and the passage determination flag Ft. The counter group includes a hold counter Ch and a round counter C.
r, a winning counter Ce, an internal random number counter, an out-of-reach random number counter, left, middle, and right symbol counters, a character type counter, a reach group counter, a variation pattern counter C, and a reach variation counter are included.

The hold counter Ch is for counting the number of lottery holds, and is "0", "1", "2",
The values of “3” and “4” are taken in order. Ch = 0 means that the state is not suspended or the lottery is being performed. The round counter Cr is for counting the number of rounds, and the winning counter Ce is for counting the winning number of the game balls 6 in the winning area 12 based on the detection result of the count switch 23. The internal random number counter is for determining the occurrence of the big hit gaming state, and the off-reach random number counter is for determining the off-reach or the like. Here, the out-of-reach refers to a state in which after reaching the above-described reach game state, the combination does not eventually become a jackpot.

Each of the left, middle, and right symbol counters is for determining a stop symbol or the like in each of the symbol columns 7 to 9, and the character type counter is for determining the type of the character. The reach group counter indicates whether the reach effect belongs to the reach effect group X of 20 seconds or 4
This is for determining whether or not to belong to the reach effect group Y of 0 seconds. The variation pattern counter C is a symbol pattern 7
-9 are determined. The reach variation counter uses α, β, γ,
When any of the reach variation patterns of δ is selected by the sub-control device 25 irrespective of the command, this is for determining whether the reach variation pattern is the first pattern or the second pattern. .

The table group includes the four tables A, B, C, and D described above. Each of the tables A to D has the same number of memory spaces as possible values of the variation pattern counter C. For example, if the variation pattern counter C updates the value in a range of “0” to “CC” every predetermined time and returns to an initial value “0” when a specific value “CC” is reached, The number is “CC + 1”.

In each memory space of the table C, α-reach effect determination data or β-reach effect determination data is stored. For example, in the memory space of “0” to “CC”, the data for determining the α reach effect is stored in “0” to “C1-1”, and the data for determining the β reach effect is stored in “C1” to “CC”. It is remembered. Similarly, each memory space of the table D stores γ-reach effect determination data or δ-reach effect determination data. For example,
“0” to “C2” in the memory space of “0” to “CC”
−1 ”stores the data for determining the γ-reach effect, and“ C
Δ reach effect determination data is stored in “2” to “CC”.

The pass determination flag Ft is used to determine whether or not the game ball 6 has passed through the V zone.
It is set to “0” when the passage is not detected by the V zone switch 22, and is set to “1” when the passage is detected. It should be noted that each of the initial values of the counters Cr and Ce and the passage determination flag Ft (the value when the power to the pachinko gaming machine is turned on) is “0”.

In the storage processing routine of FIG. 5, the main controller 24 first determines in step S10 whether or not the game ball 6 has won the starting port 3 based on the detection result of the starting port switch 21. If this determination condition is not satisfied, the storage processing routine is terminated. If so, it is determined in step S20 whether the value of the hold counter Ch is smaller than the upper limit value (in this case, “4”). . If this determination condition is not satisfied (Ch ≧ 4), the storage processing routine ends, and if it is satisfied (Ch <4), “1” is added to the hold counter Ch in step S30. As described above, every time the game ball 6 wins the starting port 3, the value of the hold counter Ch is set to "1" with the upper limit as a limit.
It is added by each. Even if there is a prize above the upper limit, the hold is not stored.

Subsequently, in step S40, of the plurality (four in this case) of the holding lamps 11, the lamp corresponding to the value of the holding counter Ch is turned on. Step S5
At 0, the values of the internal random number counter and the out-of-reach reach random number counter are obtained, and out-of-position symbols are obtained for each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 based on the value of each of the symbol counters. Here, the acquisition means a process of reading the value of each counter and storing the value in a memory. Further, the off symbol is a symbol for generating an off state that does not go through the reach game state and does not become the big hit game state.

In the special electric accessory control routine of FIG. 6, the main controller 24 first determines in step P10 whether the value of the hold counter Ch in the storage processing routine is not "0". If this determination condition is not satisfied (Ch = 0), that is, if the lottery is not suspended,
When the special electric accessory control routine is completed and satisfied (Ch = 1, 2, 3, 4) in step P20,
The lamp corresponding to the value of the hold counter Ch among the hold lamps 11 is turned off, and "1" is subtracted from the hold counter Ch in step P30.

Next, in step P40, a display command determining process is executed. For details, see step P4 in FIG.
In step 1, it is determined whether or not the value of the internal random number counter in step S50 is equal to a predetermined jackpot value. If this determination condition is satisfied, at step P42, the symbol corresponding to the big hit value (hereinafter, referred to as "big hit symbol") is stored in the memory as a stop symbol, and the routine goes to Step P45. On the other hand, if the judgment condition in Step P41 is not satisfied, in Step P43,
It is determined whether the value of the out-of-reach random number counter in step S50 is the same as a predetermined out-of-reach value. If this determination condition is satisfied, in step P44, the symbol corresponding to the out-reach value (hereinafter, referred to as "out-reach symbol") 10 is stored in the memory as a stop symbol, and the routine goes to step P45.

In step P45, which is a transition from step P42 or P44, the value of the reach group counter is obtained. Next, in Step P46, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach group counter is the same as the value corresponding to the reach effect group X of 20 seconds. If this determination condition is satisfied, the aforementioned "03" is set as the pattern code in Step P47, and if not, "04" is set as the pattern code in Step P48. Note that “belonging to the reach effect group X for 20 seconds” used in the determination process of Step P46 corresponds to the “second condition”.

On the other hand, if the determination condition in step P43 is not satisfied, in step P49, the symbol lost in step S50 is stored in the memory as a stopped symbol. Next, in step P50, it is determined whether or not the value of the hold counter Ch in the storage processing routine is any of “0” to “2”. If this determination condition is satisfied, "02" is set as the pattern code in Step P51, and if not, "01" is set as the pattern code in Step P52. Note that "the value of the hold counter Ch is any one of 1 to 2" used in the determination process of Step P50 corresponds to the first condition. Then, the step P
After performing the processing of steps 47, P48, P51, and P52, the display command determination processing routine is terminated, and step P in FIG.
Go to 60.

In step P60, the above-described first to fourth display commands are continuously transmitted to the sub-control device 25. Specifically, display pattern information including a combination of keyword information and content information is transmitted as a first display command. The content information includes one of four types of pattern codes “01” to “04”. Subsequently, the symbol information relating to the left symbol row 7 is transmitted as a second display command. Next, the symbol information on the right symbol row 9 is transmitted as a third display command, and subsequently, the symbol information on the middle symbol row 8 is transmitted as a fourth display command.
As described above, each symbol information is composed of a combination of keyword information and content information.

Next, in step P70, after the transmission of the display command, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation time indicated by the command has elapsed, that is, whether the symbol variation scheduled stop time corresponding to the stopped symbol has arrived. Is determined. Here, the symbol variation time differs for each pattern code, and as described above, for the pattern code “01”, ΔT1 (= 7)
Second), and in the pattern code “02”, ΔT2 (= 1
3 seconds). For pattern code “03”, ΔT3 (=
29 seconds) and ΔT4 in the pattern code “04”.
(= 49 seconds). If this determination condition is not satisfied, the process of step P70 is repeated. If the condition is satisfied, the process shifts to step P80, and a determination command indicating that the fluctuations of all the symbol arrays 7 to 9 at the end of the current control have been completed. Is transmitted to the sub control device 25.

Next, in step P90, it is determined whether or not the value of the internal random number counter in step S50 is equal to a predetermined jackpot value. Instead of this processing, it may be determined whether or not the combination of stopped symbols for each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 is a big hit combination. If the determination condition is not satisfied (the lottery result is out of order), the special electric accessory control routine is ended. If the determination condition is satisfied, the round counter Cr is reset in Step P100. In step P110, the winning counter Ce is reset, and the pass determination flag Ft is set to “0”. Subsequently, the solenoid 14 is excited in Step P120 of FIG. Then, the shutter 13 falls and the winning area 12 of the special winning opening 5 is opened. This opening allows the game ball 6 to enter the V zone 15 or the passage 16. Round counter Cr in step P130
Is added to "1".

Next, in step P140, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter Ce is equal to or less than a predetermined value Cemax. Is determined. If this determination condition is satisfied, the aforementioned step P1
Return to 40. As a result, after the opening of the winning area 12 starts, C
Unless the condition that more than emax game balls 6 win or the scheduled closing time comes, the winning area 12 is kept open. On the other hand, if one of the conditions in steps P140 and P150 is no longer satisfied, the solenoid 1 is turned off in step P160.
Degauss 4 Then, the shutter 13 is raised and the winning area 12 is closed, and it becomes impossible for the gaming ball 6 to win the winning area 12. In Step P170, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter Cr is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value Crmax. If this determination condition is satisfied, it is determined in step P180 whether or not the passage determination flag Ft is “1”, and if it is satisfied (Ft = 1), FIG.
The process returns to Step P110.

Therefore, once the big hitting game state occurs, the cycle of opening and closing the winning area 12 is repeated until the game ball 6 enters the V zone 15 at most Crmax times. For example, when the predetermined value Cemax is set to “10”, the opening time of the prize area 12 is set to “about 29.5 seconds”, and the predetermined value Crmax is set to “16”, the prize area 12 is set. (1) the game ball 6 is placed in the winning area 12
The winning area 12 is closed when one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) winning of 10 pieces, and (2) elapse of about 29.5 seconds. This cycle of opening and closing the winning area 12 is repeated up to 16 times on condition that the game ball 6 passes through the V zone. When either one of the determination conditions in steps P170 and P180 is not satisfied, the special electric accessory control routine ends.

Next, the image display processing routine of FIG. 9 performed by the sub-control device 25 will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. Note that FIG.
In １３13, a set of three frames indicates left, middle, and right symbol rows, numbers in the symbols indicate stop symbols, and blank portions indicate that symbols are fluctuating.

The sub control device 25 first determines in step D10 whether or not a display command has been received. If the display command has not been received, the image display processing routine ends. Initiate high speed fluctuations in columns 7-9. With this display, the player can see the left, center,
The three reels on the right appear to rotate at high speed in the vertical direction. In step D30, it is determined whether or not the pattern code in the first display command is “03”. If this determination condition is satisfied, it is determined in step D40 whether or not the value of the variation pattern counter C is in the range of 0 ≦ C <C1 by referring to table C.

If this determination condition is satisfied, α-reach variation processing is performed in step D50. For details, see FIG.
In step D51, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach variation counter is equal to a predetermined re-variable reach value. If this determination condition is not satisfied, the following processing is performed according to the above-described first pattern (see the solid line in FIG. 12).

In step D57, all the symbol rows 7 to 9
When the time t3 (= 8 seconds) elapses from the start of the fluctuation of the symbol pattern, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 is stopped. Symbol 1 displayed when stopped
0 is the same as the stop symbol included as the content information in the second display command, for example, “7”. In step D58, t3 + 1 (=
When 9 seconds have elapsed, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 is stopped. The symbol 10 displayed at the time of stop is the same as the stop symbol included as the content information in the third display command, and in this case, is the same as the stop symbol ("7") in the left symbol column 7. In step D59, after performing the fluctuation due to the α-reach effect for 20 seconds, that is, at time t
When 3 + 21 (= 29 seconds) has elapsed, the flow shifts to step D140 in FIG. Note that "the value of the reach variation counter is the same as the re-variable reach value" used in the determination process of step D51 corresponds to the "third condition".

On the other hand, if the judgment condition of step D51 is satisfied, the second pattern described above (see the solid line in FIG. 13)
, The following processing is performed. In step D52,
A predetermined time t1 (= 5) from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9
When the second) has elapsed, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 is stopped at a predetermined symbol (for example, “7”). In step D53, after the time t1 + 1 (= 6 seconds), the fluctuation of the right symbol
It stops at a predetermined symbol (for example, “3”). Step D5
In 4, at time t1 + 2 (= 7 seconds), the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 is stopped at a predetermined symbol (for example, “2”). Here, the timing (time t1, t1 + 1, t1 + 2) at which the fluctuation of each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 is the same as the timing at which the respective symbol rows 7 to 9 stop changing according to the first normal fluctuation pattern (see FIG. 11). It is.

In step D55, the middle symbol row 8
Immediately after the stop, the fluctuation of the middle and right symbol rows 8 and 9 starts simultaneously (re-fluctuation). The left symbol row 7 remains stopped. In step D56, when the time t1 + 4 (= 9 seconds) has elapsed, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 is stopped at the same symbol ("7") as the stop symbol of the left symbol row 7. The timing of this stop is determined by the processing in step D58, the right symbol row 9
(T3 + 1). Next, in Step D59, after the fluctuation due to the α reach effect has been performed for 20 seconds, that is, when the time t1 + 24 (= 29 seconds) has elapsed, the flow shifts to Step D140 in FIG.

If the condition of step D40 is not satisfied (C1.ltoreq.C.ltoreq.CC), .beta. Reach variation processing is performed in step D60. The content of this process is almost the same as the α-reach variation process in step D50 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The difference from the α-reach variation process is that in step D59, a β-reach effect having a different content from the α-reach effect is performed.

If the condition of step D30 is not satisfied, it is determined in step D70 whether the pattern code is "04". If this determination condition is satisfied, in step D80, the value of the variation pattern counter C is set to 0 ≦
It is determined whether or not the range is C <C2. If this determination condition is satisfied, a γ-reach variation process is performed in step D90. The content of the variation processing is based on the case of following the first pattern as in the case of the α-reach variation processing described above (FIG. 12).
There are two cases (see a two-dot chain line) and a case according to the second pattern (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13).

In the former case, the first pattern is followed in the α-reach variation processing until the time t3 + 1 (= 9 seconds) elapses from the start of the variation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9 (see the solid line in FIG. 12). Is the same as The difference is that the process shifts to step D140 in FIG. 9 after the γ-reach effect has been performed for 40 seconds from the stop of the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9, that is, when the time t3 + 41 (= 49 seconds) has elapsed.

In the latter case, the α-reach variation processing described above follows the second pattern until the time t1 + 4 (= 9 seconds) elapses from the start of the variation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9 (see the solid line in FIG. 13). Is the same as The difference is that the fluctuation due to the γ-reach effect has been performed for 40 seconds since the fluctuation stop of the right symbol row 9, that is, the time t1 + 44 (=
(49 seconds) has elapsed, the process proceeds to step D140 in FIG.

If the condition of step D80 is not satisfied (C2 ≦ C ≦ CC), δ is determined in step D100.
Perform reach variation processing. The content of this processing is substantially the same as the γ-reach variation processing in step D90 described above, and thus detailed description will be omitted. The difference from the γ-reach variation process is that a δ-reach effect having different contents from the γ-reach effect is performed.

On the other hand, if the determination condition in step D70 is not satisfied, it is determined in step D110 whether the pattern code is "01". If this determination condition is satisfied, a first normal fluctuation process is performed in step D120. More specifically, the variation pattern is set based on the value of the variation pattern counter C with reference to the table A. Here, no matter what the value of the variation pattern counter C is, the first normal variation pattern (FIG. 11)
(See the solid line) is the variation pattern.

Time t1 from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9
When (= 5 seconds) has elapsed, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 is stopped. The symbol 10 displayed at the time of stop is the same as the symbol of stop included as content information in the second display command, and is, for example, “7”. When the time t1 + 1 (= 6 seconds) has elapsed, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 is stopped. The symbol 10 displayed at the time of stopping is the same as the stopped symbol included as the content information in the third display command, and in this case, is different from the stopped symbol in the left symbol column 7 (for example, “3”). Then, when the time t1 + 2 (= 7 seconds) has elapsed, the flow shifts to step D140 in FIG.

If the determination condition in step D110 is not satisfied, a second normal fluctuation process is performed in step D130. More specifically, referring to Table B, a variation pattern is set based on the value of variation pattern counter C. Here, no matter what the value of the variation pattern counter C is, the second normal variation pattern (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11) is the variation pattern. And all the symbol rows 7-9
When the time t2 (= 11 seconds) elapses from the start of the fluctuation, the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 is stopped at a predetermined symbol (for example, “7”), and when the time t2 + 1 (= 12 seconds) elapses, the right The fluctuation of the symbol row 9 is stopped. Symbol 1 displayed when stopped
0 is the same as the stop symbol included as the content information in the second and third display commands. The stop symbol in the right symbol row 9 is different from the stop symbol in the left symbol row 7 (for example, “3”). Then, when the time t2 + 2 (= 13 seconds) has elapsed, step D1 of the image display processing routine of FIG.
Move to 40.

Steps D50, D60, D90, D
After the processing of 100, D120, and D130, step D1
At 40, the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 is stopped, and the image display processing routine ends. The symbol 10 displayed when the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 is stopped is the same as the stopped symbol included as the content information in the fourth display command. Here, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the timing at which the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 stops after the processing of steps D50 and D60 is the time t3 + 21 (= t1 + 2) from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9.
This is when 4) has elapsed. Similarly, step D90,
The fluctuation stop timing of the middle symbol row 8 after the processing of D100 is the time t3 + 4 from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9.
1 (= t1 + 44). Step D
As shown in FIG. 11, the timing of stopping the change of the middle symbol row 8 after the processing of 120, D130 is performed for all the symbol rows 7 to
This is when the time t1 + 2 or t2 + 2 has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation of No. 9.

Note that the above-described processing procedure in the present embodiment is an example, and can be appropriately changed. For example, one random number counter may be used to determine the occurrence of the big hit gaming state based on the value, or to determine the out-of-reach reach.

In the present embodiment, the main controller 24 described above is used.
Corresponds to a storage unit, a lottery unit, an image variation time determination unit, a reach determination unit, a condition selection unit, a main control unit, a fixed control command transmission unit, and a variation stop image determination unit. The various processes performed by the sub control device 25 correspond to a sub control unit, a changing speed pattern changing unit, and a reach type determining unit.

More specifically, the processing of steps S10 and S30 in the storage processing routine corresponds to the storage means.
Steps S10 and S50 in the storage processing routine and step P1 in the special electric accessory control routine
The processing of 0, P40 corresponds to lottery means. Steps P41 and P43 in the display command determination processing routine
The processes of P45 to P48 and P50 to P52 correspond to the image variation time determining means.
Step 43 corresponds to the reach determination means, and step P4
6 and P50 correspond to the condition selecting means. Steps P60, P70, P in the special electric accessory control routine
The processing at 80 corresponds to the main control means, and among them, the processing at steps P70 and P80 corresponds to the determination control command transmitting means. Step P in display command determination processing routine
The processing of 41 to P44 and P49 corresponds to the fluctuation stop image determining means.

Step D of the image display processing routine
Steps D10 to D140 correspond to the sub-control means, of which steps D50 (D51 to D58), D60 and D9
The processes of 0 and D100 correspond to the changing speed pattern changing unit, and the processes of steps D40 to D60 and D80 to D100 correspond to the reach type determining unit.

As described above, in this embodiment, the lottery is performed based on the values of the various counters when the game ball 6 wins the starting port 3. If the lottery result is a big hit or out of reach, the second condition is selected. And, no matter what condition the first condition is satisfied, the second variation time ΔT
One corresponding to the state of establishment of the second condition is selected from 3, T4, and this is set as a symbol variation time. If the lottery result is out of order, the first condition is selected. Then, regardless of the state of establishment of the second condition, the first variation time ΔT
One corresponding to the state of establishment of the first condition is selected from 1, T2, and this is set as a symbol variation time. Further, based on the lottery result, one of a big hit symbol, a missed reach symbol, and a missed symbol is selected to be a stop symbol.

Therefore, the type of the display command relating to the combination of the symbol variation time and the stop symbol is the first variation time ΔT
1, ΔT2 and a combination of a missing symbol, that is, a combination of two types including pattern codes “01” and “02”, and a combination of a second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 and a big hit symbol (or a missing reach symbol), , And two types including the pattern codes “03” and “04” (four types). One of these display commands is transmitted to the sub-control device 25. After the transmission of the display command, when the symbol variation time ΔT1 to ΔT4 elapses, the confirmation command is transmitted.

The above-mentioned four types are more reciprocal than when the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is satisfied (corresponding to technique 1 and six types of display commands). Few. The reason why there is a difference in the number of types of display commands is that if they have a relationship, an extra symbol variation time is required when both conditions are combined. Here, the difference is not so large as "2" (= 6-4), but this is because the number of reach effect groups is set as small as two (X, Y) for convenience of explanation. This difference increases as the number of reach staging groups increases. The same applies to the case where the number of types of symbol fluctuation time according to the number of holdings increases. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently respond to a request from the main control device 24 to reduce the types of display commands.

When the display command is transmitted as described above, the display unit 4 starts the variation display in all the symbol columns 7 to 9 and then stops the variation of the symbol columns 7 to 9 in a predetermined stop order. . The symbol 10 displayed at the time of stop is a stop symbol specified by the display command. In particular, in the display corresponding to the display command in which the second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 is the symbol variation time, when the third condition is satisfied, the variation of each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 is performed according to the second pattern, and Are stopped at the same timing as when the first variation time ΔT1 is set as the symbol variation time.

For this reason, if the player sees each symbol row 7 to 9 stopping to fluctuate in order, the fluctuation of each symbol row 7 to 9 is possible while the number of stopped symbol rows is small. It is unknown whether the stop is due to the shortest first variation time ΔT1 being the symbol variation time or the second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 being the symbol variation time, that is, whether or not a reach effect is performed. It is. However, as the number of stopped symbol rows increases, the fluctuation stop of each of the symbol rows 7 to 9 is rather a fluctuation stop when the shortest first fluctuation time ΔT1 is set as the symbol fluctuation time, He gets the impression that the reach production will not be performed and loses his expectation for the reach production.

However, immediately after the fluctuation of the middle symbol row 8 is stopped,
Since the right / middle symbol rows 9 and 8 start to change again, the player is instructed to stop changing the symbol rows 7 to 9 for the second fluctuation time Δ
This is because T3 and ΔT4 are set as the symbol variation time, and it can be seen that the reach effect will be performed. Thus, in the shortest case, the times t1, t1 + 1, t1 +
With the progress of 2, the symbol rows 7 to 9 stop changing in sequence, but it is not known whether or not the reach effect is performed until it is clear whether or not the symbol row that has stopped once starts to change again. Therefore, the player sets the expectation that the reach effect will be performed by starting the re-change (time t1 +
2). In addition,
Due to the re-variation of the right symbol rows 8 and 9, the sense of expectation once weakened expands.

If the third condition is not satisfied, the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9 is started, and the fluctuation of the left symbol row 7 is stopped when the time t3 (= 8 seconds) has elapsed, and the time t3 +
When 1 (= 9 seconds) has elapsed, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 is stopped, and the reach effect is started. The change stop timing of the left symbol row 7 is the shortest first change time ΔT1
Is longer than the fluctuation stop timing (time t1 (= 5 seconds)) when the symbol fluctuation time is the symbol fluctuation time, and the longest first fluctuation time ΔT
It is earlier than the fluctuation stop timing (time t2 (= 11 seconds)) when 2 is the symbol fluctuation time.

For this reason, if the left symbol row 7 does not stop changing when the time t1 has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9, the above-described re-change does not occur, but the reach effect is not produced. Possibilities remain. The reach effect is performed at the same timing regardless of whether the third condition is satisfied or not. Then, by observing the movement of the left symbol row 7 when the time t3 has elapsed, it is clear whether or not the reach effect is performed. That is, it is clear that the reach effect is performed when the left symbol row 7 stops changing, and it is clear that the reach effect is not performed when the left symbol row 7 continues to change and the change is not performed.

On the other hand, pattern codes "01" and "02"
When the symbol is displayed in response to the display command including the symbol, the symbol variation time that is selected from the first variation times ΔT1 and ΔT2 according to the state of establishment of the first condition regarding the number of holds is selected. That is, when the first condition is satisfied, the longest first fluctuation time ΔT2 is selected, and when the first condition is not satisfied, the shortest first fluctuation time ΔT1 is selected.

Therefore, when the number of reservations is the upper limit value “4” or a value “3” close to the upper limit value, the time required to complete the reservation becomes shorter. In other words, the number of lotteries per hour increases, which makes it difficult for the number of holds to exceed the upper limit. The frequency of interruption of the game progress (such as firing of the game ball 6) by the player is reduced. Further, even if the number of holdings reaches or approaches the upper limit value in spite of the shortening of the symbol variation time, the holdings are consumed early, so that the interruption time per time can be shortened. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operation rate of the pachinko gaming machine due to the interruption, and to reduce disadvantages that the pachinko hall suffers. Further, since the interruption of the game progress due to the interruption hardly occurs, the player can enjoy the smooth game progress.

This embodiment has the following features in addition to the items described above. (A) The display command in which the second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 is the symbol variation time includes the symbol sequence (right symbol column 9) involved in the start of the reach effect from the start of the variation of all the symbol columns 7 to 9. Information about the time to stop,
Information about the time until the last column (middle symbol column 8) in the stop order stops changing is included. Since these two pieces of time information are common to the first pattern and the second pattern, the timing at which the right / middle symbol rows 9 and 8 stop changing is the same regardless of the pattern. is there. Therefore, the main controller 24 only needs to transmit one type of display command including information on the stop time of the right and middle symbol rows 9 and 8 for each reach variation pattern of α, β, γ, and δ.

(B) A plurality of reach effects are allocated to any of the reach effect groups X and Y of a smaller number. When the second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 is the symbol variation time, the type of the reach effect is determined from the reach effect groups X, Y based on the state of establishment of the second condition. For this reason, even if there are many types of reach effects, the types of reach effect times and, consequently, the types of symbol variation times can be reduced. This is effective in reducing the types of display commands.

(C) In FIG. 13, time t1, t1 +
The fluctuation stop at 1,1, t1 + 2 corresponds to the second fluctuation time ΔT3, Δ
Since it is performed irrespective of the transmission of the confirmation command along with the elapse of T4, it can be said that the fluctuation stop is not an original fluctuation stop but a virtual fluctuation stop. Therefore, there is no possibility that this virtual fluctuation stop will adversely affect the reach effect and the type of display command.

(D) At least the right symbol row 9 involved in the start of the reach effect is included as a target of the re-change. Therefore, the right symbol row 9 temporarily stops changing, but always changes before the start of the reach effect, and the stop of the change does not adversely affect the reach effect.

Note that the present invention can be embodied in another embodiment described below. (1) Instead of virtually stopping the fluctuation of the symbol rows 7 to 9, the fluctuation speed of the symbol rows 7 to 9 may be reduced to just before the fluctuation stop.

(2) Symbol fluctuation time is second fluctuation time ΔT
When the third condition is satisfied and the third condition is satisfied, all the symbol columns 7 to 9 are in a period from the start of the change until the symbol column (right symbol column 9) involved in the start of the reach effect stops changing. In, the display may be performed in a manner different from the above embodiment.

For example, only the variation speed of the first symbol row (left symbol row 7) in the stop order is the corresponding symbol row (left symbol row 7) when the shortest first variation time ΔT1 is the symbol variation time.
May be lowered (including stoppage) at substantially the same timing as the fluctuation stop timing, and then returned. In this way, if the fluctuation of the first symbol row (left symbol row 7) does not completely stop, the fluctuation stops again at the time when the fluctuation speed is sufficiently reduced (when the fluctuation speed immediately before the stop is reached). In this case, at the time when the fluctuation speed returns, the symbol fluctuation is not the shortest first fluctuation time ΔT1, but the second fluctuation times ΔT3, ΔT4.
Is the symbol variation time, and it can be seen that the reach effect is performed.

Further, the symbol sequence (right symbol column) related to the start of the reach effect is changed from the first symbol column in the stop order (left symbol column 7) to the symbol sequence to be reduced (including stop) and the return. 9). In this way, when the fluctuation speed of the right symbol row 9 decreases, unless the combination of the stop symbols from the left symbol row 7 to the right symbol row 9 is a predetermined combination,
The player feels as if the reach effect is not performed. However, if the fluctuation speed returns thereafter, it can be understood that the reach effect is performed. Therefore, although the sense of expectation for the reach effect is once weakened, it can be expanded thereafter.

Further, the symbol sequence (right symbol column 9) from the last to the last in the stop order is the corresponding column (right symbol column 9) when the shortest first variation time ΔT1 is set as the symbol variation time. Stop at substantially the same timing, and change the last symbol row (middle symbol row 8) in the stop order to the corresponding symbol row (middle symbol row 8) when the shortest first variation time ΔT1 is the symbol variation time. It is also possible to lower (including the stop) at substantially the same stop timing as described above, and then return the fluctuation speeds of all the symbol rows 7 to 9.

One example is shown in FIG. All pattern rows 7-9
When the time t1 (= 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation of
The left symbol row 7 stops changing, and when the time t1 + 1 (= 6 seconds) elapses, the right symbol row 9 stops, and the time t1 + 2 (=
When 7 seconds have elapsed, the middle symbol row 8 stops changing.
These fluctuation stops are virtual stops that are performed before the transmission of the fixed command. Immediately after the stop of the middle symbol row 8, all the symbol rows 7 to 9 start changing again. Even in this case, the same operation and effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. In addition, if the player does not pay attention to the change in the number of holds, after the symbol change corresponding to the lottery stops,
It gives the impression that the symbol change corresponding to the next lottery has started.

(3) The fluctuation speed of the symbol rows 7 to 9 does not necessarily have to return immediately after the decrease (including the stop), and the time from when the fluctuation speed reaches the minimum fluctuation speed to when it returns to the recovery is various. May be changed. Further, it is not always necessary to return the fluctuating speed once reduced to the speed before the reduction. For example, the reduced fluctuation speed may be maintained, or may be changed at a speed different from the fluctuation speed before the reduction. In short, it is only necessary that the symbol row fluctuates at least immediately before the start of the reach effect. In other words, it is only necessary to fluctuate in preparation for the start of the reach effect.

(4) A plurality of re-variation patterns may be prepared, and the pattern in which re-variation is performed may be switched according to conditions.

(5) The content of the first condition may be changed to a value different from the number of suspensions. Also, the content of the second condition is
You may change it to something different from the presence or absence of the reach effect.

(6) The second variation time determined based on whether the second condition is satisfied may be at least one type. There are a plurality of types of time to be the target of the second variation time, and all or some of the types may be determined based on the state of establishment of the second condition. The minimum value in the latter case is “1”.

(7) In the second fluctuation time ΔT3, ΔT4, the time from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9 to the start of the reach effect is set to the same value or a long value as the longest first fluctuation time ΔT2. You may. FIG. 14 shows an example of the former. In this case, the time t2 (= 11) from the start of the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 7 to 9
When the second symbol elapses, the left symbol row 7 stops changing, and when the time t2 + 1 (= 12 seconds) elapses, the fluctuation of the right symbol row 9 stops at the same symbol as the stopped symbol of the left symbol row 7. , 20
A reach effect for seconds or 40 seconds is performed. For this reason, it is unknown whether or not the reach effect is performed until the symbol row (right symbol row 9) involved in starting the reach effect stops changing. In the latter case, the longest first variation time ΔT2
It is unknown whether or not the reach effect is performed until the first column (the left symbol column 7) in the stop order when the symbol variation time is stopped. If the first symbol row (the left symbol row 7) stops at the timing to stop the fluctuation, it becomes clear that the reach effect is not performed, and if it does not stop, the reach effect is performed.

(8) The gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is:
It is only necessary to provide a display, and a pachinko gaming machine of a different type from the above-described embodiment, for example, a third type (rights)
Pachinko gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines that generate a jackpot game state after a plurality of lotteries are performed, and so-called probability-variable pachinko gaming machines in which the probability of a big hit becomes a high probability when a predetermined condition is satisfied. You may. In addition, any game machine other than the pachinko game machine may be used as long as it has a display device, for example, an arepachi, an arrangement ball, or the like.

(9) Speaker board 26 and lamp board 2
7 may be constituted by one substrate, and both the speaker 17 and the lamp 18 may be controlled by this common substrate. Alternatively, both the boards 26 and 27 may be omitted, and the main controller 24 may directly control the speaker 17 and the lamp 18.

(10) In the display corresponding to the display command in which the second variation time ΔT3, ΔT4 is the symbol variation time,
When the third condition is satisfied, at least the fluctuation speed of the left symbol row 7 is not the shortest first fluctuation time ΔT1, but the fluctuation stop timing of the corresponding row when the longest first fluctuation time ΔT2 is the symbol fluctuation time. After being lowered at substantially the same timing as above, at least one of the lowered symbol rows may be changed in preparation for the start of the reach effect.

[0155]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the types of display control commands while taking advantage of the fact that the image fluctuating time varies according to predetermined conditions, It is possible to keep the player having the expectation that the specific effect will be performed until late.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a game board of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a pattern code, a symbol variation time, and a reference table.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a fluctuation pattern counter and a fluctuation pattern for each table.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a storage processing routine executed by a main control device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a special electric accessory control routine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a special electric accessory control routine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a display command determination processing routine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an image display processing routine executed by the sub control device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an α-reach variation processing routine.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating an operation when a display command including pattern codes “01” and “02” is transmitted.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating an operation when a display command including pattern codes “03” and “04” is transmitted.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating an operation when a display command including pattern codes “03” and “04” is transmitted.

FIG. 14 shows another type of pattern codes “03” and “0”.
4 is a timing chart for explaining an operation when a display command including "4" is transmitted.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are timing charts for explaining a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 display 7 left symbol row 8 middle symbol row 9 right symbol row 10 symbol as image 21 starting port switch as game situation detecting means 24 main control device functioning as lottery means, image variation time determining means and main control means 25 Sub-controller functioning as sub-control means and fluctuating speed pattern changing means ΔT1, ΔT2 First fluctuation time ΔT3, ΔT4 Second fluctuation time

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game situation detection means for detecting a game situation, a lottery means for performing a lottery in accordance with a detection result of the game situation detection means, and a first condition for setting at least two types of first variation times ,
And selecting one according to the lottery result of the lottery means from among the second conditions for setting at least one type of second fluctuation time including the fluctuation time due to the specific effect, and selecting one of the selected conditions among the setting objects. Image fluctuation time determining means for setting one according to the establishment status as an image fluctuation time; main control means for transmitting at least a display control command relating to the image fluctuation time by the image fluctuation time determining means; The display device is operated in accordance with the set image change time, the image is displayed in a plurality of columns in a variable manner, and the sub-control means for stopping the variable display in each column in a predetermined stop order is provided. The control means, when displaying an image in response to a display control command relating to the image fluctuation time comprising the second fluctuation time, sets the fluctuation speed of at least the first column in the stop order based on the satisfaction of the third condition. When the predetermined first variation time is reduced at substantially the same timing as the variation stop timing of the corresponding row when the image variation time is set as the image variation time, at least one of the reduced rows is varied in preparation for the start of the specific effect. A gaming machine characterized by including a changing speed pattern changing means.