JP2006020797A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that provides information which a player wants to get even if pattern variation time is reduced and improves interest by diversifying a reduction performance. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 is structured so as to repeat lot drawing for second variation of all patterns provisionally stopped by a liquid crystal pattern display device 18. A sub CPU 33a selects normal reduction performance data including information showing whether a jackpot will occur, when a reduction switch SW1 operating timing is before second lot drawing and selects second lot drawing reduction performance data including information indicating whether all the patterns will be determinedly stopped as special patterns when the operating timing is during the second lot drawing. The sub CPU 33a changes normal performance data to make a normal performance to be carried out to reduction performance data selected and makes reduction performance to be carried out on the basis of the changed reduction performance data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that shortens the time of symbol variation by an operating means.

  In the conventional pachinko gaming machine, when the game ball wins at the starting port, the symbol change is started by the symbol display device. If there is a game ball winning during the symbol variation, the number of the game balls that are reserved for starting is added. When the symbol variation is completed, the symbol for starting is decremented by 1 and a new symbol variation is started. . However, there is an upper limit (4) for the number of starting reserved balls, and even if there is a winning at the starting port when the upper limit has been reached, the starting reserved ball number will not be added (the prize balls are paid out). However, the player feels uncomfortable. In addition, in the state where the start holding ball has reached the upper limit, the number of start holding balls is not added, so that the player stops firing the game ball. As a result, the operation of the gaming machine is stopped, which is not preferable as a hall.

  In recent years, game machines tend to have a longer time for symbol variation in order to increase interest. However, for some players, long-term symbol variation may be uncomfortable. In order to solve such a problem, there has been proposed a gaming machine capable of shortening and stopping symbol fluctuations by operating an operation means such as a shortening button by a player (for example, Patent Document 1). , 2).

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, even when the symbol variation continues, when the operating means (the symbol stop unit) is operated, an operation for stopping the symbol variation is performed, and the symbol is confirmed and stopped. It has become.

In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, a high-speed fluctuation in which the symbol fluctuates at a high speed is set to an effective period during which the operation of the operation means (shortening switch SW1) is effective. When the operating means is operated, the high-speed fluctuation of the symbol is immediately terminated, and the second half of the symbol fluctuation (the effect of reaching reach) is skipped.
JP-A-9-173552 ([0043] etc.) JP 2000-317077 A

  By the way, when symbol variation is started on the symbol display device, a temporary lottery may be performed in which all symbols are temporarily stopped by a combination of symbols that will reach a big hit through reach, and then all symbols are re-variable and fixed stop is performed. . The operation means is operated at various timings (for example, before reach formation (during normal change), after reach formation, at the time of re-lottery, etc.) during symbol changes. The information that the player wants to know varies depending on the progress of the symbol variation when the operating means is operated. For example, the player is interested in whether or not a reach will occur before the reach is formed, is interested in whether or not it will be a big hit after the reach is formed, and a specific symbol ( We are interested in whether or not to be promoted to (probability variation).

  However, in the case of the above conventional gaming machine, only a shortening effect that shortens the time of symbol variation is performed based on the shortened effect data that is forcibly reconfigured by omitting a part and simply connecting the remaining part. Absent. As a result, the same shortening effect is always performed regardless of the progress status of the symbol variation when the operating means is operated. In this case, if the shortened effect data includes information that is unnecessary in a specific situation, the player may be confused. For example, if the information indicating whether or not the big win is included in the shortened performance data even though the big hit is already confirmed, the player does not lose. I feel anxious. In addition, since a common shortening effect is performed regardless of the operating means in any situation, there is no change even if the game is repeated, and it is easy to get bored. In order to solve such a problem, if the information that the player wants to know is not included in the shortened effect data, the shortened effect itself becomes meaningless.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to obtain information that the player wants to know even when the time of symbol variation is shortened, and to achieve a variety of shortening effects. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest by having a game.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 relates to a jackpot determining means for determining whether or not to win a jackpot, and the time and contents of the game effect are associated with each other according to the determination result by the jackpot determining means. The effect control means for selecting the selected variation pattern, outputting the effect data instructing the execution of the effect with the time and content based on the selected variation pattern, and a plurality of types of symbols based on the input effect data After a temporary stop with a symbol combination that changes in multiple rows and makes a big hit, all symbols can be re-varied and re-lottery can be performed to confirm and stop, and all symbols can be confirmed and stopped with a specific symbol that triggers probability variation A gaming machine comprising possible symbol display means and operation means operated during a game in order to shorten a game effect time, and shorter than the time based on the variation pattern Shortening effect data storage means for storing a plurality of types of shortening effect data instructing execution of effects in time, and whether the timing when the operation means is operated is before re-lottery or during re-lottery When it is determined that the operation timing determination means and the operation timing of the operation means are before the re-lottery, normal shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not the big hit is selected, while the operation of the operation means When it is determined that the timing is being redrawn, unlike the information included in the normal shortening effect data, the re-lottery shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not all symbols are fixedly stopped at the specific symbol. The abbreviated effect data selecting means selects the abbreviated effect data selecting means to select and the effect data instructing the execution of the effect with the time and content based on the selected variation pattern. Effect data changing means for changing to the shortened effect data, and a shortened effect executing means for causing the symbol display means to execute a shortened effect based on the shortened effect data changed by the effect data changing means. The gist of the gaming machine is as follows.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, either the normal shortening effect data or the re-lottery shortening effect data is selected depending on whether the operation timing of the operating means is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery. The shortening effect is executed based on the shortened effect data. The normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery shortening effect data include different information that the user wants to know before and during the re-lottery. For this reason, the player can obtain information he / she wants to know even when the time for symbol variation is shortened. Further, by preventing unnecessary information from being included in the normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery shortening effect data, when the operating means is operated, a shortening effect that contradicts the progress status of the symbol variation is not executed. Therefore, the player is not confused. Furthermore, since different shortening effects can be performed each time the operating means is operated, the shortening effects can be varied. Therefore, since it becomes difficult to get tired, it is possible to improve the interest even in the case of a shortened production.

  The “big hit” state refers to a state in which symbols in all rows are temporarily stopped or fixedly stopped in accordance with a symbol combination in which a big hit occurs. On the other hand, the “not a big hit” state means a state in which symbols in all rows are fixedly stopped by a symbol combination in which a loss occurs.

  The “game effect time” refers to the time from when a plurality of types of symbols start to fluctuate in a plurality of columns until all symbols are confirmed and stopped.

  An example of the contents of the game effect is to perform a variable display of symbols by the symbol display means. For example, when multiple types of symbols fluctuate in the left, right, and middle three columns, and stop in the order of left → right → middle, for example, all the columns are confirmed and stopped with completely different types of symbols, left column and middle With the column fixed and stopped with the same type of symbols, the right column of symbols is fixed and stopped with a different type of symbol from the left and middle columns, or the right and middle columns are fixed and stopped with the same type of symbols. In this state, it is possible to perform a lost effect in which the symbols in the left column are confirmed and stopped with symbols different from those in the right column and the middle column. In addition, in the state where the left column and the right column are confirmed and stopped with the same type of symbols, the middle row of the symbols is determined and stopped with a type of symbols different from the symbols of the left and right columns, For example, it is possible to perform a big hit effect in which all rows are confirmed and stopped with the same kind of symbols. Further, examples of the symbol variation display include a high-speed variation in which the symbols in all the rows vary at a high speed, a low-speed variation in which the symbols vary at a low speed, and a frame feed variation in which each symbol varies, for example, about 3 symbols per second. Further, the contents of the game effect include generating sound from the sound generating means, causing the light emitting means to emit light, and the like.

  Further, as an operation means, a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) that outputs an operation signal only while operating the operation button, for example, an electromagnetic switch (proximity switch) that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand approaches. ) Or an optical sensor, for example, a touch sensor that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand comes into contact. Examples of the place where the operating means is provided include an outer frame, an inner frame, a glass holding frame, an upper ball tray, a lower ball tray, an operation handle used for launching a game ball, and the back side of an ashtray.

  The operation timing of the operation means refers to a timing at which an operation signal output by operation of the operation means is switched from an off state to an on state, a timing at which an on state is switched to an off state, or the like.

  The “time based on the variation pattern” refers to a game effect time when the operation means is not operated, that is, when a normal game effect is performed. The “time based on the variation pattern” is set to, for example, about 5 seconds in the case of the loss effect. In the case of the lost reach effect or the jackpot effect, the time is set to be longer than that of the lost effect, for example, about 15 seconds to 60 seconds.

  The “time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern” means a game effect time when the operation means is operated, that is, when a shortened effect is performed, and is set to a time of about 1 second, for example. It is preferred that This is because if the “time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern” is too long, the game performance time cannot be sufficiently shortened. On the other hand, if the “time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern” is too short, the variation display of the symbol ends too early, so it is not possible to know what variation display was being performed, which reduces the interest. Because there is a possibility of connection.

  In addition, as a mode of storing a plurality of types of shortened effect data, storing the shortened effect data in a storage area provided in a ROM (read only storage device) of the effect control means may be mentioned.

  The operation timing determination means determines whether the operation timing of the operation means is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery. It is preferable to determine whether the operation timing is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery by comparing whether or not. The operation timing determination means may further determine whether the operation timing of the operation means is before reach formation or after reach formation. In this case, the shortening effect data selection means selects the shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not to reach when the operation timing of the operation means is determined to be before reach formation, When it is determined that the operation timing of the operation means is after reach formation, the shortened effect data including information indicating whether or not a big hit is selected is selected.

  “Normal shortening effect data” is data selected by the shortening effect data selection means before the re-lottery, specifically, before the reach formation (during normal fluctuation) or after the reach formation. is there. “Before re-lottery” is a state before all symbols are stopped by a big win or a combination of lost symbols, so that the player is interested in whether or not a big win will occur. Therefore, the normal shortening effect data includes information indicating whether or not a big hit is made, in addition to information indicating the time and content of the shortening effect. On the other hand, “re-lottery shortening production data” is shortened when the operating means is operated during re-lottery, specifically when all symbols temporarily stopped with the symbol combination that is a big hit This data is selected by the effect data selection means. During the re-drawing, since it is already determined that it is a big hit, the player shows an interest in whether or not all symbols are fixedly stopped at a specific symbol that triggers the start of probability variation. Therefore, the re-lottery shortening effect data includes information indicating whether or not all symbols are fixedly stopped at a specific symbol, in addition to information indicating the time and content of the shortening effect.

  Here, the information indicating whether or not it is a big hit included in the normal shortening effect data, and the information indicating whether or not all symbols included in the redraw lottery shortening effect data are confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol are implicit. However, it is preferable to be explicit. The explicit information may be displayed for a short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds) as long as the player can understand the contents. Specific examples of the explicit information include, for example, letters such as “big hit”, “losing”, “probable change big hit”, “probable change fixed”, “short time fixed”, and “chance eyes”. On the other hand, as a specific example of the implied information, a character with a small number of appearances in the game, for example, a golden robot that appears when a red robot is frequently displayed can be cited. Moreover, the character which gives a negative image to a player, for example, the broken robot etc. are mentioned.

  Note that the information included in the redraw lottery shortening effect data is different from the information included in the normal shortening effect data, but the portion (for example, background) that is not directly related to the portion indicating the information that the player wants to know in the symbol display means It may be duplicated.

  As an aspect of changing the effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selection means, for example, the effect data stored in a storage area of a RAM (read / write storage device) is overwritten with the effect data stored in the storage area. For example, the effect data is erased from the RAM, and the shortened effect data read from the shortened effect data storage means is stored in the storage area of the RAM.

  Note that the condition for changing the effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means is that the operating means is operated once, but the operating means is operated multiple times. As a condition. In this way, when the player accidentally touches the operation means, it is possible to prevent the shortened performance from being executed against the player's intention.

  The “shortened effect” refers to an effect that is shorter than an effect that is executed based on the effect data, and that results are the same when all symbols are stopped and displayed. For example, even when a jackpot effect is executed based on the effect data, even if the operation means is operated to execute a shortened effect, all symbols form a jackpot as in the case where the shortened effect is not executed. Stopped display with symbol combination.

  As a specific example of the shortening effect, characters, symbols, characters, etc. displayed on the symbol display means are different from the normal effect in which the shortening effect is not executed (for example, when displaying a red robot in the normal effect, For example, an effect of displaying a golden robot). Further, as a specific example of the “shortening effect”, the volume, type, etc. of the sound generated from the sound generating means is different from the case of the normal effect, the emission color of the light emitting means, the brightness, the lighting time, the blinking interval. Etc., there may be a production different from the normal production. The effect performed by the sound generation means and the light emission means is preferably executed at the same timing as the effect performed by the symbol display means.

  In addition, as processing by the “big hit determining means”, “operation timing determining means”, “shortening effect data selecting means”, “effect data changing means” and “shortening effect executing means”, the CPU of the effect control means (central processing) Etc.). Note that the functions of the jackpot determining means, the operation timing determining means, the shortening effect data selecting means, the effect data changing means, and the shortening effect executing means may be provided to each of a plurality of CPUs or a single CPU. Good.

  In addition, when there is a plurality of operations of the operation means in the one-time symbol change display performed by the symbol display means, the operation of the operation means for the second and subsequent times may be invalidated or validated. . When validating the operation of the operation means for the second time and thereafter, the shortened effect data changed from the effect data by the operation of the first operation means is used for the time of the effect to be executed by the operation of the operation means for the second time and thereafter. Furthermore, it may be changed to another short shortening effect data. For example, in the case of the loss effect, the effect data in which the effect time to be executed is 12 seconds is changed to the shortened effect data in which the effect time to be executed is 3 seconds. . Then, the second operation means is changed to another shortened effect data in which the effect time to be executed is 1 second shorter.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the operation timing determination unit determines whether or not the variation pattern is for performing the re-lottery when the operation unit is operated. A variation pattern determining means; a remaining symbol variation time determining means for determining a remaining symbol variation time of a symbol variation display by the symbol display means when it is determined that the variation pattern is for re-lottery; The remaining symbol variation time comparing means for comparing whether or not the remaining symbol variation time is equal to or longer than the length of the re-lottery effect time, and the shortened effect data selection means comprises the compared remaining symbol variation When the time is equal to or longer than the length of the redrawing effect time, the normal shortened effect data is selected, and when the compared remaining symbol variation time is not equal to or longer than the length of the redrawing effect time That you choose the lottery shortening production data and the gist thereof.

  Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 2, before comparing whether or not the remaining symbol variation time is equal to or longer than the length of the re-lottery effect time, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern relates to the re-lottery. It comes to judge. For this reason, since the redrawing shortening effect data is not selected and the shortening effect relating to the redrawing is not executed even though the variation pattern is not related to the redrawing, the player is not confused. .

  In addition, since the variation pattern is determined by the re-lottery variation pattern determination unit in advance, it is possible to set the re-lottery effect time for each variation pattern before the comparison by the remaining symbol variation time comparison unit. As a result, since the re-lottery start timing as a comparison reference by the remaining symbol variation time comparison unit is accurately set, it is accurately determined whether the operation timing of the operation unit is before or during the re-lottery. be able to.

  Here, the “symbol change display” means that a state in which a plurality of types of symbols fluctuate in a plurality of columns is displayed on the symbol display means. In addition, “symbol variation time” means the time from when all symbols start to fluctuate until they are confirmed and stopped, for example, the performance time of jackpot game production performed after all symbols are confirmed and stopped with a combination of jackpots, etc. Is not included. Furthermore, the “remaining symbol variation time” refers to a time from an arbitrary point in the middle of the symbol variation display to a point in time when the symbol variation display ends.

  The remaining symbol variation time determination by the remaining symbol variation time determination means is, for example, how much symbol variation time remains when subtracting the symbol variation time set based on the game effect time It means to judge.

  In addition, the processing by the remaining symbol variation time determination unit and the remaining symbol variation time comparison unit may be performed by the CPU of the effect control unit. The functions of the remaining symbol variation time determination means and the remaining symbol variation time comparison means include the jackpot determination means, the operation timing determination means, the shortened effect data selection means, the effect data change means, and the shortened effect execution means. A CPU separate from the CPU having the function may be provided, or the same CPU may be provided.

  The invention according to claim 3 selects the variation pattern in which the time and contents of the game effect are associated with each other according to the determination result by the jackpot determining means for determining whether or not to win, and starts the variation of the symbol Main control means for generating and outputting a first fluctuation pattern command for instructing, general control means for outputting a second fluctuation pattern command based on the inputted first fluctuation pattern command, and input Based on the second variation pattern command, sub-control means for generating and outputting effect data instructing execution of the effect with the time and content of the game effect, and a plurality of types based on the input effect data After changing symbols in multiple rows and temporarily stopping with a combination of symbols that will be a big hit, you can redraw all symbols again to perform final lottery and open a probability variation. A game machine comprising a symbol display means capable of confirming and stopping all symbols at a specific symbol as an opportunity to be operated, and an operating means operated during a game in order to shorten the time of game production, wherein the main control means is When the operation means is operated, a first fluctuation time shortening command for instructing execution of an effect in a time shorter than the time based on the fluctuation pattern is output, and the overall control means is input A second variation time shortening command is output based on the first variation time shortening command, and the sub-control means instructs the execution of the rendering in a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern. Shortening effect data storage means for storing data, and an input type for determining whether the timing when the second variable time reduction command is input is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery And when determining that the input timing of the second variable time shortening command is before the re-lottery, the normal shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not the big hit is selected, When it is determined that the input timing of the second variable time shortening command is being redrawn, unlike the information included in the normal shortening effect data, information indicating whether or not all symbols are fixedly stopped at the specific symbol The shortened effect data selecting means for selecting the rendition effect data selecting means for selecting the redraw lottery shortened effect data and the effect data for instructing the execution of the effect with the time and content based on the selected variation pattern. Based on the effect data changing means for changing to effect data, and the shortened effect data changed by the effect data changing means, the shortened effect is displayed on the symbol display means. The gist of the gaming machine is characterized by comprising a shortening effect execution means to be executed.

  Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the normal shortening effect data or the replaying data depends on whether the input timing of the second variable time shortening command, that is, the operation timing of the operating means is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery. One of the lottery shortening effect data is selected, and the shortening effect is executed based on the selected shortening effect data. The normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery shortening effect data include different information that the user wants to know before and during the re-lottery. For this reason, the player can obtain information he / she wants to know even when the time for symbol variation is shortened. Further, by preventing unnecessary information from being included in the normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery shortening effect data, when the operating means is operated, a shortening effect that contradicts the progress status of the symbol variation is not executed. Therefore, the player is not confused. Furthermore, since different shortening effects can be performed each time the operating means is operated, the shortening effects can be varied. Therefore, since it becomes difficult to get tired, it is possible to improve the interest even in the case of a shortened production.

  In addition, since the change from the effect data to the shortened effect data is performed by the sub-control means instead of the main control means or the overall control means, the burden on the main control means and the overall control means can be reduced. Further, even when a plurality of processes need to be performed in a short period of time, since these processes can be shared by the main control means, the overall control means, and the sub-control means, the processing speed of the processes performed by the effect control means can be increased. improves.

  As described above in detail, according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the information that the player wants to know can be obtained even when the time of symbol variation is shortened, and there are various shortening effects. It is possible to improve interest by giving it a character.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a gaming machine of the present invention is embodied in a pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the surface side of the pachinko machine 10. On the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the machine body, a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is assembled so as to be openable and detachable. Further, on the front side of the middle frame 12, a glass holding frame 14 provided with a glass frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine and a top ball tray 15 are opened and closed in a horizontally opened state. It is assembled as possible. A frame lamp 16 a is provided on the front side of the glass holding frame 14, and a board surface lamp 16 b is provided in the game area 13 a of the game board 13. The frame lamp 16a and the board surface lamp 16b are adapted to produce effects by lighting decoration such as lighting (flashing) and extinguishing according to various game performance states (big hit, reach, etc.). In addition, speakers 17 that output various sounds (sound effects, speech sounds, etc.) according to the stage of the game are provided on both sides of the upper ball tray 15. A lower ball tray 19, an operation handle 20, an ashtray 23, and the like are mounted below the upper ball tray 15 on the front side of the middle frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a frame-shaped large decorative member 21 having a rectangular opening is attached to a substantially central portion of the game area 13 a of the game board 13. On the back side of the large decorative member 21, a liquid crystal symbol display device 18 (symbol display means) having a visible display portion H (display screen) is disposed. The visible display portion H is exposed from the rectangular opening and is visible. In the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, a game effect (display effect) based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, a symbol combination game is performed in which a symbol combination is derived by varying a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of columns in association with display effects. Further, when a plurality of types of symbols are temporarily stopped with a symbol combination that is a big hit, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 performs a re-lottery in which all symbols are re-variable to be confirmed and stopped. At this time, all symbols are fixedly stopped at a specific symbol (a symbol that triggers the probability variation) or a non-specific symbol (a symbol that does not trigger the probability variation).

  As shown in FIG. 1, below the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, there is provided a start winning opening 22 in which an ordinary electric accessory 22a is integrally formed. The ordinary electric accessory 22a is composed of a pair of blade members, and is opened and closed by an excitation action of a solenoid (not shown). Also, below the start winning opening 22, a large winning opening 24 that is opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown) is arranged. When a game ball is detected at the start winning opening 22, a symbol combination game is performed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, and a prize ball is paid out.

  The upper ball tray 15 is provided with a shortening switch SW1 as “operation means”. The shortening switch SW1 is operated during a game in order to shorten the time of the game effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. The shortening switch SW1 is turned on when operated by the player and outputs an operation signal (see FIG. 3) to the main CPU 31a (see FIG. 2) of the main control board 31. Further, the shortening switch SW1 is turned off when it is not operated by the player and does not output an operation signal. As the shortening switch SW1 of the present embodiment, a touch sensor that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand touches is used. Note that the shortening switch SW1 may be provided in another place such as the ashtray 23 or the operation handle 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control board 31, a sound / lamp control board 32, a display control board 33, and an overall control board 37. An overall control board 37 is connected to the main control board 31, and an audio / lamp control board 32 and a display control board 33 are connected to the overall control board 37. The control signal output from the main control board 31 is input to the overall control board 37, and the control signal output from the overall control board 37 is input to the sound / lamp control board 32 and the display control board 33. It has become.

  The main control board 31 includes a main CPU 31a as “main control means”, and a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c are connected to the main CPU 31a. The main CPU 31a uses a jackpot determination random number, a jackpot design random number, a reach determination random number, a lost left design random number, a lost middle design random number, a lost right design random number, and a variation pattern distribution used in various lotteries relating to the symbol combination game. The values of various random numbers such as random numbers are updated at predetermined intervals. Then, the main CPU 31a rewrites the value before update by setting the updated value in the setting area of the RAM 31c. The RAM 31c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. The ROM 31b stores a control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 (main processing program, timer interrupt processing program, power-off processing program, etc.) and a plurality of types of variation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is a period from the start of the change of the symbols in each column displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 (starting the symbol combination game) to the stop of the symbols in all columns (termination of the symbol combination game). The pattern which becomes the base of this game effect (a display effect, a light emission effect, and an audio effect) is shown.

  The variation pattern is associated with the time and content of the game effect for each variation pattern, and at least the time of the game effect can be specified. The variation patterns for the symbol combination game are classified into a loss effect, a lose reach effect, and a jackpot effect, and a plurality of types of variation patterns are assigned to each category. Lost effect (normal fluctuation) is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to stop at the combination of lost without passing the reach effect. The lose reach effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to stop at the combination of loses after reaching the reach effect. The jackpot effect is an effect in which the symbol combination game is developed so as to stop at the jackpot combination after reaching the reach effect. The reach effect is an effect that is performed after a reach (normal reach, super reach, premier reach, etc.) is formed, or until it is stopped or temporarily stopped by a combination of jackpots or losers. Note that the normal reach effect refers to an effect in which after the middle symbol is changed while the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped at the same symbol, the symbol combination is stopped and the symbol combination is derived. This normal reach production has a high appearance rate, but has a low reliability level for a big hit. Superreach production is, for example, when the left and right symbols are stopped at the same design, after temporarily stopping by changing the middle symbol, performing a special effect and re-changing the middle symbol to stop the decision An effect that derives a symbol combination. This super reach production has a lower appearance rate than the normal reach production, but has a high degree of reliability as a big hit. Note that the “special effect” refers to, for example, an effect in which a character appears, an effect in which the background is switched, an effect in which sound is increased, and an effect in which the lamp blinks intensely. Furthermore, the premier reach production is, for example, in a state where the left design and the right design are stopped at the same design, after temporarily stopping by changing the middle design, performing a special effect and re-changing the middle design again This is an effect of stopping, performing a more special effect, changing the middle symbol once more, and then deciding to stop and deriving a symbol combination. This premier reach production has a lower appearance rate than the super reach production, but has a high degree of reliability as a big hit (in this embodiment, the big hit is confirmed). Note that “a more special effect” means, for example, an effect in which a character that appears less frequently appears, an effect in which the background changes, an effect in which the sound is further increased, and a flashing in which the lamp flashes more intensely.

  The ROM 31b shown in FIG. 2 stores a variation pattern distribution table T1 (see FIG. 4) in which the variation patterns P1 to P16 for the symbol combination game are distributed. In the variation pattern distribution table T1 of the present embodiment, a variation pattern P1 for a loss effect, a variation pattern P2 to P5 for a loss reach effect, and a variation pattern P6 to P16 for a big hit effect are distributed. Note that the fluctuation patterns P2, P3, P6, and P7 indicate patterns for normal reach, the fluctuation patterns P4, P5, and P8 to P15 indicate patterns for super reach, and the fluctuation pattern P16 indicates a pattern for premium reach. Show. As shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern distribution random numbers (50 integers from 0 to 49 in this embodiment) are distributed to the variation patterns P1 to P16. Note that the fluctuation pattern P1 indicates a pattern serving as a base for the loss effect. The variation pattern P2 indicates a pattern that is a base for a lost reach effect in which the middle symbol is fixedly stopped at a symbol five before the big hit symbol in the case of normal reach. The fluctuation pattern P3 indicates a pattern that serves as a base for a lost reach effect in which the middle symbol is fixedly stopped at the symbol immediately before the jackpot symbol in the case of normal reach. The fluctuation pattern P4 shows a pattern that becomes the base of the lost reach production in which the middle symbol is fixedly stopped at the symbol five times before the big hit symbol after the development of super reach. The fluctuation pattern P5 shows a pattern that becomes the base of the lost reach production in which the middle symbol is fixedly stopped at the symbol immediately before the jackpot symbol after the development of super reach. The variation pattern P6 indicates a pattern that serves as a base for a jackpot effect in which the middle symbol is fixed and stopped with a big hit symbol (the specific symbol or the non-specific symbol) in the case of normal reach. The fluctuation pattern P7 indicates a pattern that serves as a base for the jackpot effect in which the big hit symbol (specific symbol or non-specific symbol) once passes through the reach line and then returns to the middle symbol in the normal reach. The variation pattern P8 indicates a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which the medium symbol is fixedly stopped at the jackpot symbol (specific symbol) after the development of super reach. Fluctuation patterns P9 and P13 are patterns that serve as a base for a jackpot effect in which all the symbols are temporarily stopped with a combination of symbols that is a big hit with a non-specific symbol after the development of super reach, and then are re-variable and fixedly stopped with a non-specific symbol. Is shown. Fluctuation patterns P10, P11, P14, and P15 are the bases of jackpot effects in which all symbols are temporarily stopped with a combination of symbols that is a big hit with non-specific symbols after super-reach development, and then changed again and fixed stop with specific symbols. Shows the pattern. The fluctuation pattern P12 indicates a pattern that serves as a base for the jackpot effect in which the jackpot symbol (specific symbol) once passes through the reach line after the development of the super reach, and then returns to the middle symbol to be confirmed and stopped. The variation pattern P16 shows a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which the middle symbol is fixedly stopped at the jackpot symbol (specific symbol) after the development of the premium reach.

  Next, various processes related to the symbol combination game executed by the main CPU 31a (such as jackpot determination, reach determination, stop symbol, variation pattern determination) will be described.

  The main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 reads out the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value, which are updated every predetermined period, from the RAM 31c when the winning of the game ball is detected, and stores the values in the RAM 31c. Store (store) in a predetermined storage area. Then, immediately before the start of the symbol combination game, the main CPU 31a compares the jackpot determination random number stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 31c with the jackpot determination value stored in the ROM 31b to determine whether or not it is a big hit. A big hit judgment (hit lottery) is performed. That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “big hit determining means” for determining whether or not to win big hits.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the big hit determination random number matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 determines the big hit. In the present embodiment, the numerical value that can be taken as the jackpot determination random number is 0 to 946 (total of 947 different integers). Then, the main CPU 31a uses the three jackpot determination values determined in advance from the values that can be taken as the jackpot determination random number, and sets the jackpot lottery probability to 3/947 (= 315.7 / 1) to the jackpot Make a decision.

  When the big hit is determined, the main CPU 31a determines the symbols (stopped symbol left, middle, right) to be finally stopped by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 so that all the columns are of the same type. . Specifically, stop symbol left, stop symbol middle, and stop symbol right (each stop symbol is the same type) are determined based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number stored in the RAM 31c. The determined stop symbol left, stop symbol, and stop symbol right are finally derived as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. In the present embodiment, the numbers that can be taken by the random numbers for the jackpot symbol are eight integers from 0 to 7, and one numerical value is associated with each symbol type (for example, the symbol “1” is a jackpot symbol) The random number value “0” is associated). Then, the main CPU 31a stores the data corresponding to the determined stop symbol left, stop symbol, and stop symbol right in the RAM 31c until the process related to the next symbol combination game is performed.

  Further, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not each stop symbol is the specific symbol based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number stored in the RAM 31c. Specifically, if the value of the jackpot symbol random number is “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, it is determined that each stop symbol is a specific symbol, and the value of the jackpot symbol random number is If “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, it is determined that each stop symbol is not a specific symbol but the non-specific symbol. When it is determined that each stop symbol is a specific symbol, the main CPU 31a, after the jackpot game effect (the effect that is performed after all symbols are stopped with a combination of jackpots), the jackpot lottery probability fluctuates with high probability. Start the probability variation. When the probability variation is started, the main CPU 31a performs a big hit determination by using 15 big hit determination values from among the numerical values that can be taken by the big hit determination random number and setting the lottery probability for the big hit as 15/947. That is, the number of jackpot determination values at the time of probability change is five times that before the probability change. The probability variation may be continued until the next jackpot game effect is started, or until the symbol variation display is executed a plurality of times (for example, 10,000 times). It may be continued for a while.

  Then, the main CPU 31a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the RAM 31c, and determines one variation pattern from the variation patterns P6 to P16 for the big hit effect based on the value. Specifically, in the case of a big hit with a specific symbol, the main CPU 31a determines one variation pattern from among the variation patterns P6 to P8, P10 to P12, and P14 to P16. Further, when a big hit is made with a non-specific symbol, the main CPU 31a determines one variation pattern from among the variation patterns P6, P7, P9, and P13. In the production based on the variation patterns P9 and P13, a re-lottery is performed in which all symbols temporarily stopped with the non-specific symbols are re-variable and fixedly stopped with the non-specific symbols. In the production based on the fluctuation patterns P10, P11, P14, and P15, all symbols that have been temporarily stopped with non-specific symbols are re-drawn so that all symbols are re-variable and fixed and stopped with the specific symbols. Note that the re-lottery is not performed in the production based on the variation patterns P6 to P8, P12, and P16.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the big hit determination random number does not match the big hit determination value), the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 stores the reach determination random number value read from the RAM 31c and the ROM 31b. The reach determination value is compared with the stored reach determination value to determine whether to execute the lose reach. When the determination result of reach determination is affirmative (the value of the reach determination random number matches the reach determination value), the main CPU 31a determines the loss reach. The main CPU 31a determines the stop symbols left, middle, and right so that the left column and the right column are the same type of symbols, and the middle column is a different type of symbols from the left and right columns. Specifically, the stop symbol left and the stop symbol right (both stop symbols are of the same type) are determined based on the value of the lost symbol for random symbol. Then, based on one variation pattern among the variation patterns P2 to P5 for the lost reach effect, the stop symbol is determined. For example, based on the variation pattern P2, the stop symbol is determined to be a symbol five before the jackpot symbol that is the same type as the stop symbol left. In this embodiment, in the same manner as the value of the random number for the jackpot symbol, the numerical values that can be taken by the random numbers for the left symbol for the loss, the random number for the middle symbol for the loss, and the random number for the right symbol for the loss are eight different integers from 0 to 7. And one numerical value is associated with each symbol type. Further, the main CPU 31a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the RAM 31c, and determines one variation pattern from among the variation patterns P2 to P5 for the lost reach effect based on the value.

  If the determination result of reach determination is negative (the reach determination random number value and the reach determination value do not match), the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 determines a loss (a loss without a reach). Then, the main CPU 31a determines stop symbols left, middle, and right so that all the columns do not become the same type of symbols. Specifically, the stop symbol left is determined based on the value of the lost symbol for the left design, the stop symbol is determined based on the value of the random symbol for the lost symbol, and the stop is determined based on the value of the random number for the lose right symbol. Determine the symbol right. If the value of the lost symbol random number and the value of the lost right symbol random match, the main CPU 31a determines the stop symbol right so that the stop symbol left does not match the stop symbol right. The main CPU 31a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the RAM 31c, and determines the variation pattern P1 for the loss effect based on the value.

  Then, the main CPU 31a that has determined the stop symbol and the variation pattern outputs a predetermined control command to the central CPU 37a of the central control board 37 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main CPU 31a first generates and outputs a first variation pattern designation command (first variation pattern command) that designates a variation pattern and instructs the start of symbol variation (FIG. 3). reference). Next, the main CPU 31a outputs a first left symbol designating command for designating the stop symbol left, a first right symbol designating command for designating the stop symbol right, and a first middle symbol designating command designating the inside of the stop symbol. To do.

  Further, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 confirms a predetermined symbol variation time for each variation pattern P1 to P16 stored in the ROM 31b, and sets the symbol variation time as a variation timer in the RAM 31c (temporarily). Remember. The symbol variation time stored as the variation timer is the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display.

  The main CPU 31a starts subtraction of a variation timer (symbol variation time) stored in the RAM 31c when the variation display of the symbol is started on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. This variation timer (symbol variation time) is subtracted every predetermined interrupt period (4 ms).

  Further, the main CPU 31a subtracts a variation timer (symbol variation time) and measures (confirms or determines) the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display. Specifically, after subtracting the symbol variation time, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the symbol variation time stored in the variation timer (in other words, the remaining symbol variation time) has become 0 ms. ing.

  When it is determined that the remaining symbol variation time is 0 ms, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 ends the subtraction of the variation timer and also uses a first confirmation command (FIG. 3) to instruct the stop of symbols in each column. Output).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining symbol variation time is not 0 ms, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 is operated, that is, the operation signal from the shortening switch SW1 is switched from the off state to the on state. It is determined whether or not. When the main CPU 31a determines that the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the main CPU 31a rewrites the variation timer (symbol variation time) stored in the RAM 31c to a time (1 second) shorter than a preset time. ing. At the same time, the main CPU 31a generates a first variation time shortening command (see FIG. 3) for instructing execution of an effect in a time shorter than the time based on the variation patterns P1 to P16, and the overall control board 37 To the overall CPU 37a.

  When the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the remaining symbol variation time is longer than 1 second. That is, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 is operated immediately before the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 ends the symbol variation display. When the remaining symbol variation time is shorter than 1 second, the main CPU 31a does not output the first variation time shortening command and does not rewrite the symbol variation time. That is, the main CPU 31a invalidates the operation of the shortening switch SW1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the overall control board 37 includes an overall CPU 37a as “overall control means”, and a ROM 37b and a RAM 37c are connected to the overall CPU 37a. The general CPU 37a outputs the first variation pattern designation command input from the main CPU 31a as a second variation pattern designation command (second variation pattern command) (see FIG. 3). . Note that the second variation pattern designation command is a command having the same data structure as the first variation pattern designation command. The second variation pattern designation command is output to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33. As a result, the specific contents of the game effects executed by the sound / lamp control board 32 and the display control board 33 are comprehensively controlled by the overall control board 37.

  Further, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 outputs the first left symbol designation command input from the main CPU 31a as a second left symbol designation command. The second left symbol designation command is a command having the same data structure as the first left symbol designation command. Similarly, the overall CPU 37a outputs the first right symbol designation command input from the main CPU 31a as a second right symbol designation command, and the first middle symbol designation command input from the main CPU 31a as the second symbol designation command. It is output as a middle symbol designation command. The second right symbol designation command is a command having the same data configuration as the first right symbol designation command, and the second middle symbol designation command is a command having the same data configuration as the first middle symbol designation command. is there. These symbol designation commands are output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33.

  When the remaining symbol variation time becomes 0 ms and the first confirmation command for instructing the stop of all symbols is input from the main CPU 31a, the general CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 is output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 as a confirmation command (see FIG. 3). The second confirmation command is a command having the same data structure as the first confirmation command.

  The general CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variable time shortening command is input from the main CPU 31a. In other words, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variation time reduction command is generated by the main CPU 31a. When determining that the first variable time shortening command has been input, the overall CPU 37a sets (stores) the delay time t1 (200 ms) (see FIG. 3) in the RAM 37c as a delay timer. The delay time t1 stored as this delay timer becomes the remaining delay time. The delay time t1 is set to be longer than the longer data generation period of the data generation period on the display control board 33 and the data generation period on the sound / lamp control board 32. The data generation period on the display control board 33 starts when the second variation pattern designation command is input to the sub CPU 33a, and ends after 200 ms. The data generation period in the sound / lamp control board 32 starts when the second variation pattern designation command is input to the sub CPU 32a, and ends after 30 ms.

  The general CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 starts to subtract (count) the delay timer set in the RAM 37c. The delay time t1 set as the delay timer starts to be subtracted from the next interrupt for which the delay timer is set, and thereafter is subtracted every predetermined interrupt period (4 ms). .

  Furthermore, the overall CPU 37a subtracts the delay timer (delay time t1) and measures (confirms and determines) the remaining delay time. Specifically, after subtracting the delay time t1, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the delay time t1 (in other words, the remaining delay time) stored as the delay timer has become 0 ms. Yes.

  If it is determined that the remaining delay time is 0 ms, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 sends a second variable time reduction command (see FIG. 3) to the sub CPU 32a and the display control board of the voice / lamp control board 32. This is output to 33 sub CPUs 33a. The second variable time reduction command is a command having the same data configuration as the first variable time reduction command.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display control board 33 includes a sub CPU 33a that constitutes a part of “production control means” and “sub control means”, and a ROM 33b and a RAM 33c are connected to the sub CPU 33a. Yes. The RAM 33c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Various image information (design image information, background image, character image, appearance character image, reach effect, etc.) is stored in the ROM 33b.

  The ROM 33b stores a plurality of types of display effect normal effect data (effect data) used when a normal game effect (normal effect) is performed. Each normal effect data is stored in association with each of the variation patterns P1 to P16. The normal effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to control the display content (symbol variation, character movement, etc.) of the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, that is, the time and content based on the variation patterns P1 to P16. This is information for instructing execution of production.

  Further, the ROM 33b shown in FIG. 2 stores a plurality of types of normal shortening effect data (shortening effect data) for display effects used when a normal shortening effect that is a shorter effect than the normal effect is performed. Yes. That is, the ROM 33b has a function as “shortened effect data storage means”. Note that the normal shortened effect data for display effects includes information that the player wants to know, specifically, information indicating whether or not it will be a big hit, and the data structure is completely different from the normal effect data for display effects. have. Each normal shortening effect data is associated with each normal effect data. That is, each normal shortening effect data is associated with each of the variation patterns P1 to P16. The normal shortening effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to instruct execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the already set variation pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the normal shortening effect to be executed is associated with each variation pattern P1 to P16. Specifically, for example, the normal shortening effect A is executed for 0.8 seconds based on the variation patterns P1, P2, P4, and P6, and the normal shortening effect B is 0. 0 based on the variation patterns P3, P5, and P7 to P11. This is executed for 8 seconds, and the normal shortening effect C is executed for 0.8 seconds based on the variation patterns P12 to P16. That is, the normal shortening effects A to C are executed during the symbol variation time (1 second) of the rewritten variation timer. Further, the normal shortening effect data includes data having different contents of the normal shortening effects A to C to be executed. It should be noted that the normal shortening effect data may include data having different time lengths for the normal shortening effects A to C to be executed.

  The normal shortening effect A shown in FIG. 6 can be executed in the case of all effects (the loss effect, the lose reach effect, and the jackpot effect). The normal shortening effect B can be executed in the case of a lose reach effect and a jackpot effect. In other words, the normal shortening effect B is not executed in the case of the loss effect. Further, the normal shortening effect C can be executed only in the case of the big hit effect. In other words, the normal shortening effect C is not executed in the case of the loss effect and the loss reach effect. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the reliability that is a big hit is usually different for each of the shortening effects A to C. Specifically, the reliability of the normal shortening effect A is the lowest and the reliability of the normal shortening effect C is the highest. In the normal shortening effect A, the characters “skip” are displayed, and an effect in which one red robot appears is performed. In the normal shortening effect B, the characters “skip” are displayed and the effect that one silver robot appears is performed. In the normal shortening effect C, the characters “skip” and “big hit” are displayed. In addition to the display, an effect is produced in which one golden robot appears. Note that the silver or gold robot, which is a character that appears less frequently than the red robot, is game information that implicitly indicates that it will be a big hit. Further, the character “big hit” is game information that explicitly indicates that the big hit.

  In addition, the ROM 33b shown in FIG. 2 stores a plurality of types of re-lottery shortening effect data (shortening effect data) for display effects used when a re-lottery shortening effect that is an effect shorter than the normal effect is performed. Has been. The redrawing shortening effect data for display effects includes information that the player wants to know, specifically, information indicating whether or not all symbols are confirmed and stopped at the specific symbols. The data structure is completely different from the normal effect data and the normal shortened effect data. Each re-lottery reduction effect data is associated with some normal effect data. That is, each re-lottery shortening effect data is associated with each of the variation patterns P9 to P11 and P13 to P15. The re-lottery reduction effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to instruct the execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the already set variation pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the re-lottery shortening effect to be executed is associated with each of the variation patterns P9 to P11 and P13 to P15. Specifically, for example, the re-lottery reduction effect a is executed for 0.8 seconds based on the fluctuation patterns P9, P10, P13, and P14, and the re-lottery reduction effect b is set to 0.8 seconds based on the fluctuation patterns P11 and P15. Executed. That is, the re-lottery shortening effects a and b are executed during the symbol variation time (1 second) of the rewritten variation timer. Further, the re-lottery shortening effect data includes data having different contents of the re-lottery shortening a and b to be executed. The re-lottery shortening effect data may include data having different time lengths for the re-lottery shortening a and b to be executed.

  Further, the re-lottery shortening effects a and b can be executed only in the case of the jackpot effect. In other words, the re-lottery shortening effects a and b are not executed in the case of the lost effect and the lost reach effect. Further, the re-lottery shortening effect a can be executed in the case of all effects (an effect in which all symbols are confirmed and stopped at the specific symbols and an effect in which all symbols are confirmed and stopped at the non-specific symbols). The re-lottery shortening effect b can be executed only in the case of an effect in which all symbols are confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol. In other words, the re-lottery shortening effect b is not executed in the case of an effect in which all symbols are confirmed and stopped with non-specific symbols. Therefore, the probability that all symbols are fixedly stopped at a specific symbol and the probability variation starts is different for each of the re-drawing shortening effects a and b. Specifically, the probability that the probability variation is started when the re-lottery shortening effect b is executed is higher than the probability that the probability variation is started when the re-lottery shortening effect a is executed. In the present embodiment, when the re-lottery shortening effect b is executed, it is a probable big hit with a probability of 100%. As shown in FIG. 7, in the re-lottery shortening a, the characters “skip” are displayed and an effect in which three silver robots appear is performed. In the re-lottery shortening effect b, characters “skip” and “probability big hit” are displayed, and an effect in which three golden robots appear is performed. Note that the golden robot, which is a character that has a smaller number of appearances than the silver robot, is game information that implicitly indicates that all symbols are confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol. The character “probability big hit” is game information that explicitly indicates that all symbols are confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol.

  The sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 receives the second variation pattern designation command from the overall CPU 37a. Further, the second left symbol designating command, the second right symbol designating command, and the second middle symbol designating command are inputted to the sub CPU 33a from the overall CPU 37a.

  When the second variation pattern designation command is input, the sub CPU 33a sets (selects) any one of the plurality of types of normal effect data stored in the ROM 33b. The sub CPU 33a stores the set normal effect data in the storage area of the RAM 33c. Further, the sub CPU 33a sets (turns on) a changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “flag setting means”.

  Further, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 confirms a symbol variation time predetermined for each of the variation patterns P1 to P16, and sets (temporarily stores) the symbol variation time in the RAM 33c as a variable timer. . The symbol variation time stored as the during-change timer is the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display.

  The sub CPU 33a starts subtraction of the changing timer (symbol changing time) stored in the RAM 33c when the changing display of the symbols is started on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. The changing timer (symbol changing time) is subtracted every predetermined interruption period (4 ms).

  Further, when the variation pattern designated in the input second variation pattern designation command is for re-lotting, that is, when the variation pattern is any one of the variation patterns P9 to P11 and P13 to P15, the sub CPU 33a The temporary stop symbol (non-specific symbol) to be temporarily stopped before starting the re-lottery is determined. In the present embodiment, in the case of any of the variation patterns P9 and P13, the sub CPU 33a has the same design as the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol to be confirmed and stopped (each stop symbol is of the same type). Is determined as a temporary stop symbol. In the case of any of the variation patterns P10, P11, P14, and P15, the sub CPU 33a determines a symbol that displays a number one smaller than the number displayed by each stop symbol as a temporary stop symbol. ing. Further, the sub CPU 33a designates a symbol to be stopped in the symbol combination game based on the second left symbol designation command, the second right symbol designation command, and the second middle symbol designation command. For example, when a second left symbol designating command for designating the symbol “1” is input, “1” is displayed as the left symbol.

  As a result, since one liquid crystal type symbol display device 18 can enjoy symbol combinations of different kinds of effects, a freshness is produced in the symbol variation display, and it becomes possible to attract the player's interest.

  Thereafter, when the second confirmation command is input from the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2, the sub CPU 33a resets (turns off) the changing flag. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “flag reset means”. Further, the sub CPU 33a clears the changing timer stored in the RAM 33c (sets to 0 second). Further, the sub CPU 33a stops all symbols on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 based on the second left symbol designating command, the second right symbol designating command, and the second middle symbol designating command which are input at the start of variation. Is to direct. As a result, the designated symbol is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. At this time, when all the symbols stop and the display result is a big hit, the big hit game effect is started, and there is a chance to acquire a large number of game balls (prize balls) by opening the big prize opening 24 (see FIG. 1). Is granted.

  Further, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the second variation time reduction command is input from the overall CPU 37a. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “short command input determination means”. If it is determined that the second variation time reduction command is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the variation pattern determined by the main CPU 31a is for re-lottery, ie, the variation pattern P9. It is determined whether it is any one of -P11, P13-P15. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “re-lottery variation pattern determination means”. If it is determined that the variation pattern is for re-drawing, the sub CPU 33a determines the timing when the second variation time reduction command is input, that is, the timing when the shortening switch SW1 is operated. Whether it is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery is determined. That is, the sub CPU 33a has functions as “input timing determination means” and “operation timing determination means”.

  More specifically, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 subtracts the changing timer (symbol changing time) and displays the liquid crystal symbol display when it is determined that the changing pattern is for re-lottery. The remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display by the device 18 is measured (confirmed, determined). Specifically, after subtracting the symbol variation time, the sub CPU 33a measures the symbol variation time (in other words, the remaining symbol variation time) stored as the changing timer. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “remaining symbol variation time determination means”. Then, the sub CPU 33a compares whether or not the remaining symbol fluctuation time stored as the changing timer is longer than the length of the re-lottery effect time (5 seconds in this embodiment). Thereby, it is determined whether the input timing of the second variable time shortening command, that is, the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is before the lottery or during the lottery. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “remaining symbol variation time comparison means”.

  When the compared remaining symbol variation time is longer than 5 seconds, that is, when the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is before re-lottery, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. One of the normal shortening effect data is selected (read out). That is, the sub CPU 33a has functions as “shortening effect data selecting means” and “variation pattern reading means”. The sub CPU 33a changes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c to the selected normal shortened effect data. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 33a deletes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c, and stores the set normal shortened effect data. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “production data changing means”. Thereby, the effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is switched from the normal effect to the normal shortening effect. More specifically, when the second variable time shortening command is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the normal shortening effect data into a display signal and outputs it to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 executes a normal shortening effect based on the display signal. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “shortening effect executing means”.

  On the other hand, when the compared remaining symbol variation time is 5 seconds or less, that is, when the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is being redrawn, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 has a plurality of types stored in the ROM 33b. Any one of the re-lottery shortening effect data is selected (read out). Note that the information included in the re-lottery effect data is different from the information included in the normal shortened effect data. Then, the sub CPU 33a changes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c to the selected re-lottery reduction effect data. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 33a deletes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c and stores the set re-lottery shortening effect data. Thereby, the effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is switched from the normal effect to the re-lottery shortening effect. More specifically, when the second variable time reduction command is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the re-lottery reduction effect data into a display signal and outputs it to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 executes a re-lottery shortening effect based on the display signal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sound / lamp control board 32 includes a sub CPU 32a that constitutes a part of “production control means” and “sub control means”. The sub CPU 32a includes a ROM 32b and a RAM 32c. It is connected. The RAM 32c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Various control programs and the like are stored in the ROM 32b.

  Further, the sub CPU 32a is configured to set normal production data (production data) for sound production and normal production data (production data) for light emission used when normal production is performed. The normal effect data for sound effects and the normal effect data for light emission effects are associated with the variation patterns P1 to P16, respectively. The normal effect data for sound effect is information for the sub CPU 32a to control the sound output mode (type of sound effect, type of language sound, sound output time, etc.) of the speaker 17, that is, the variation patterns P1 to P1. This is information for instructing execution of the production with time and content based on P16. Further, the normal effect data for the light emission effect is information for the sub CPU 32a to control the light emission output mode of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b, that is, the time and content based on the variation patterns P1 to P16. This is information for instructing execution of production.

  The normal effect data for the sound effect and the light effect is the same data as the normal effect data for the display effect. Accordingly, the same data as the normal shortening effect data for the display effect is used for the normal shortening effect data for the sound effect and the light emitting effect, and the re-lottery shortening effect data for the sound effect and the light effect is also displayed. Data similar to the re-lottery shortening effect data for effects is used. Furthermore, the normal shortening effects for the sound effects and the light emitting effects are effects corresponding to the normal shortening effects A to C, and the re-lottery shortening effects for the sound effects and the light emitting effects are also the re-lottery shortening effects. The production corresponds to a and b. In other words, the normal shortening effect data for the sound effect and the light emitting effect include those having different contents of the normal shortening effects A to C to be executed. Includes different contents of the re-lottery shortening effects a and b to be executed. Note that the normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery reduction effect data for the sound effect are data having a completely different structure from the normal effect data for the sound effect, and the normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery reduction effect data for the light effect. Is data having a completely different structure from the normal effect data for the light emission effect. In the normal shortening effect A, a sound “skip” is output from the speaker 17, and a part of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b is turned on. In the normal shortening effect B, a sound “hot” is output from the speaker 17 and all the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are lit. In the normal shortening effect C, a sound of “hit” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash intensely. In the re-lottery shortening effect a, a sound “skip” is output from the speaker 17, and the frame lamp 16a and a part of the frame lamp 16a are turned on. In the redrawing shortening effect b, a sound “probability big hit” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the frame lamp 16a flash intensely.

  The second variation pattern designation command is input to the sub CPU 32a shown in FIG. 2 from the overall CPU 37a. Further, the second left symbol designating command, the second right symbol designating command, and the second middle symbol designating command are inputted to the sub CPU 32a from the general CPU 37a.

  When the second variation pattern designation command is input, the sub CPU 32a sets (selects) any one of the plurality of types of normal effect data for the sound effect, and sets the set normal effect data. The data is stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c. The sub CPU 32a sets (selects) any one of the plurality of types of normal effect data for the light emission effect, and stores the set normal effect data in the storage area of the RAM 32c. Thereby, the sub CPU 32a performs sound control based on the sound effect normal effect data corresponding to the second variation pattern designation command, and the light effect normal effect data corresponding to the second variation pattern specification command. The light emission control is performed based on the above. More specifically, the sub CPU 32a converts normal effect data for sound effects stored in the RAM 32c into sound signals and outputs the sound signals to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 can perform a predetermined notification operation (sound output) based on the audio signal. Further, the sub CPU 32a converts the normal effect data for the light emission effect stored in the RAM 32c into a light emission control signal and outputs it to the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. As a result, the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b can perform a predetermined notification operation (lighting, blinking, etc.) based on the light emission control signal.

  Thereafter, when the second confirmation command is input from the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2, the sub CPU 32a instructs to stop the sound output of the speaker 17 and to turn off the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. It is supposed to do.

  Further, when the second variation time reduction command is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 32a selects any one of a plurality of types of shortening effect data (normal shortening effect data, re-lottery shortening effect data) for sound effects. One is selected (read). That is, the sub CPU 32a has functions as “shortening effect data selecting means” and “variation pattern reading means”. Then, the sub CPU 32a changes the sound effect normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c to the selected sound effect shortening effect data (normal shortening effect data or re-lottery shortening effect data). It is like that. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 32a deletes the audio effect normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c, and the selected audio effect shortening effect data (normal shortening effect data or re-lottery effect data). Is to be remembered. That is, the sub CPU 32a has a function as “effect data changing means”. Thereby, the effect by the speaker 17 is switched from the normal effect to the normal shortening effect or the re-lottery shortening effect. More specifically, when the second variation time reduction command is input, the sub CPU 32a converts the shortening effect data (normal shortening effect data or re-lottery reduction effect data) for the sound effect into an audio signal, and sends it to the speaker 17. It is designed to output. As a result, the speaker 17 executes a normal shortening effect or a re-lottery shortening effect based on the audio signal. That is, the sub CPU 32a has a function as “shortening effect executing means”. Note that the type and sound output time of the sound output from the speaker 17 in the normal shortening effect and the redrawing shortening effect of the present embodiment are different from the sound type and sound output time output from the speaker 17 in the normal effect. Yes.

  Further, the sub CPU 32a selects (reads out) any one of a plurality of types of shortening effect data for the light emitting effect (normal shortening effect data, re-lottery shortening effect data). Then, the sub CPU 32a changes the normal effect data for the light emitting effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c to the shortened effect data for the selected light effect (normal shortened effect data or re-lottery reduced effect data). It has become. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 32a erases the normal effect data for the light emitting effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c, and the shortened effect data for the selected light effect (normal shortened effect data or re-lottery reduced effect data). Is to be remembered. Thereby, the effect by the frame lamp 16a and the board lamp 16b is switched from the normal effect to the normal shortening effect or the re-lottery shortening effect. More specifically, when the second variation time shortening command is input, the sub CPU 32a converts the shortening effect data (the normal shortening effect data or the re-lottery shortening effect data) for the light emitting effect into the light emission control signal, and the frame lamp It outputs to 16a and the board surface lamp 16b. As a result, the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b execute a normal shortening effect or a re-lottery shortening effect based on the light emission control signal. In addition, the lighting mode and lighting time of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b in the normal shortening effect and the redrawing shortening effect of the present embodiment are different from the lighting mode and lighting time of the lamps 16a and 16b in the normal effect.

  Next, a process (special symbol start process) performed by the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31 will be described. The special symbol start process is a process executed to newly start the symbol variation display after the previous symbol variation display ends or after the big hit effect ends. Note that a program for performing this process is executed in the main CPU 31a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  The special symbol start process is started when a winning of a game ball is detected by the start winning port 22. In this case, the main CPU 31a subtracts 1 from the start holding ball, and the big hit determination random number, the big hit design random number, the reach determination random number, the lost left design random number, the lost middle design random number, the lost random number, which are stored in the RAM 31c upon winning. Read out the random number for the right design, the random number for the fluctuation pattern distribution, etc. Subsequently, the main CPU 31a performs determination based on these random number values and determines any one of the variation patterns P1 to P16. Then, the main CPU 31a sets a first variation pattern designation command indicating the determined variation pattern, and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37. Further, the main CPU 31a confirms a symbol variation time determined in advance for each of the variation patterns P1 to P16, and sets the symbol variation time as a variation timer in the RAM 31c. Further, the main CPU 31a determines the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol right based on the values of the jackpot symbol random number, the lost symbol random number, the loss middle symbol random number, and the lose right symbol random number. Then, the main CPU 31a outputs a first left symbol designating command for designating the stop symbol left, a first right symbol designating command for designating the stop symbol right, and a first middle symbol designating command for designating the stop symbol. .

  Next, processing (special symbol variation processing) performed by the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31 will be described. Note that a program for performing this process is executed in the main CPU 31a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  First, in step S110 shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 31a reads the symbol variation time set as the variation timer in the special symbol start process. In step S120, the main CPU 31a counts the symbol variation time (subtraction of the variation timer), and proceeds to the processing in step S130.

  In step S130, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the variation timer is 0 ms, that is, whether or not the symbol variation display has ended. When the variation timer is not 0 ms (step S130: Y), the main CPU 31a determines that the symbol variation display is being executed, and proceeds to the processing of step S140. In step S140, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening flag is off (not stored in the RAM 31c). That is, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 is operated even once during the current symbol variation display. If it is determined that the shortening flag is off (step S140: Y), the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S150.

  In step S150, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the operation signal input from the shortening switch SW1 has been switched from the off state to the on state. That is, the main CPU 31a determines the rising edge of the operation signal. When it is determined that the operation signal has not been switched from the off state to the on state (step S150: N), the main CPU 31a ends the process here. That is, when the operation signal is not switched to the ON state, the main CPU 31a does not perform processing such as rewriting of the variation timer (processing in steps S160 to S190). On the other hand, when it is determined that the input operation signal has been switched from the off state to the on state (step S150: Y), the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S160.

  In step S160, the main CPU 31a determines whether the remaining symbol variation time stored as the variation timer is longer than 1 second, that is, the timing at which the operation signal input from the shortening switch SW1 is switched to the on state. It is determined whether or not the display is just before the end. When the remaining symbol variation time is shorter than 1 second (step S160: N), the main CPU 31a does not perform the first variation time reduction command setting and variation timer rewriting processing (steps S170 and S180). The process proceeds to step S190. As a result, the operation of the shortening switch SW1 immediately before the symbol variation display ends is invalidated.

  On the other hand, when the remaining symbol variation time is longer than 1 second (step S160: Y), the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S170. In step S <b> 170, the main CPU 31 a sets the first variable time reduction command, and then outputs the command to the overall CPU 37 a of the overall control board 37. In step S180, the main CPU 31a rewrites the symbol variation time stored as the variation timer to a time (1 second) shorter than a preset time. The rewritten symbol variation time is set to a length that allows the normal shortening effects A to C and the re-lottery shortening effects a and b to be executed to the end. Thereafter, the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S190. In step S190, the main CPU 31a turns on the shortening flag (stores in the RAM 31c) and ends the processing here.

  After that, since the special symbol variation process is continuously executed at the next interrupt, the variation timer (symbol variation time) is decremented by 4 ms. In this case, since the shortening flag is turned on in step S190, the main CPU 31a sets “NO” in step S140. That is, the main CPU 31a determines that the shortening switch SW1 has been operated at least once during the current symbol variation display, and ends the processing here. In other words, the shortening flag is a flag for invalidating the second and subsequent operations of the shortening switch SW1 when the shortening switch SW1 is operated a plurality of times for one symbol change display.

  When the variation timer rewritten in step S180 reaches 0 ms, the main CPU 31a sets “NO” in step S130. For this reason, the main CPU 31a determines that the symbol variation display has ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S200. In step S200, the main CPU 31a sets a first confirmation command for instructing the stop of the symbols in each column, and proceeds to the process of step S210. In step S210, since the symbol variation display has ended, the main CPU 31a turns off the shortening flag that is no longer necessary, and ends the processing here.

  Next, processing (timer interrupt processing) performed by the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37 will be described. Note that a program for performing this processing is executed by the overall CPU 37a every predetermined interrupt cycle (every 4 ms).

  In the process (command check) of step S320 shown in FIG. 9, the main CPU 31a sends the first variation time reduction command, the first confirmation command, the first variation pattern designation command, and the first left symbol. When a command such as a designation command, the first right symbol designation command, and the first middle symbol designation command is input, the overall CPU 37a executes a subroutine shown in FIG. These commands are input to the overall CPU 37a at different interrupt cycles.

  The subroutine of FIG. 10 includes the processes of steps S410 to S490. In step S410, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variable time reduction command has been input. When the first variable time shortening command is input (step S410: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S420. On the other hand, if the first variable time reduction command is not input (step S410: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S440 without performing the processes of steps S420 and S430.

  In step S420, the overall CPU 37a turns on the shortening flag (stores in the RAM 37c), and proceeds to the process of step S430. The shortening flag is turned on until the second variation time shortening command is set after the first variation time shortening command is input, that is, until the delay timer subtraction is completed. In step S430, the overall CPU 37a sets the delay time t1 (200 ms) as a delay timer, and proceeds to the process of step S440.

  In step S440, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first confirmation command is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first confirmation command is input (step S440: Y), the overall CPU 37a sets the second confirmation command in step S450, and proceeds to the processing in step S460. The second confirmation command is a command for stopping and displaying the symbols, stopping the sound output from the speaker 17, and turning off the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. On the other hand, if the first confirmation command has not been input (step S440: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S460 without performing the process of step S450.

  In step S460, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variation pattern designation command is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first variation pattern designation command is input (step S460: Y), the overall CPU 37a sets the second variation pattern designation command in step S470, and proceeds to the processing in step S480. The second variation pattern designation command is output to the sub CPU 33 a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32 a of the sound / lamp control board 32. On the other hand, when the first variation pattern designation command has not been input (step S460: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S480 without performing the process of step S470.

  In step S480, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first left symbol designating command, the first right symbol designating command, and the first middle symbol designating command have been input from the main CPU 31a. When these symbol designation commands are input (step S480: Y), the central CPU 37a sets the second left symbol designation command, the second right symbol designation command, and the second middle symbol designation command in step S490. This subroutine is finished. The second left symbol designation command, the second right symbol designation command, and the second middle symbol designation command are commands output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32. is there. On the other hand, when the first left symbol designating command, the first right symbol designating command, and the first middle symbol designating command are not input (step S480: N), the overall CPU 37a does not perform the process of step S490. This subroutine is finished.

  In addition, you may change the order of the process of step S410-step S430, the process of step S440-step S450, the process of step S460-step S470, and the process of step S480-step S490. For example, after performing the process of step S460 to step S470, the process of step S440 to step S450 may be performed.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 10 is completed, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S330 (shortening switch process) shown in FIG. 9 and executes the subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 11 includes the processes of steps S510 to S550. In step S510, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the shortening flag is turned on. When the shortening flag is turned on (step S510: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S520. In step S520, the overall CPU 37a subtracts the delay timer (delay time t1), and the process proceeds to step S530.

  In step S530, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the delay timer (delay time t1) has reached 0 ms. If the delay time t1 is not 0 ms (step S530: N), the overall CPU 37a determines that the data generation period has not ended, and ends the processing here. Note that the subtraction of the delay time t1 is continued in the subsequent shortening switch processing, and the delay time t1 is subtracted by 4 ms. When the delay time t1 becomes 0 ms (step S530: Y), the overall CPU 37a determines that the data generation period has ended, and proceeds to the processing of step S540.

  Note that while the delay time t1 is being subtracted (during the data generation period), the overall CPU 37a performs processing related to the effect of symbol variation (specifically, a second variation time reduction command is displayed on the display control board 33). The process of outputting to the sub CPU 33a and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 is not performed. Therefore, the sub CPUs 32a and 33a do not have to simultaneously perform the process corresponding to the second variation time reduction command and the process of generating the normal effect data for the display effect, the sound effect, and the light effect. Therefore, the burden on the sub CPUs 32a and 33a is reduced.

  In step S540, the overall CPU 37a sets the second variable time reduction command, and proceeds to the process of step S550. The second variation time shortening command is a signal for executing a normal shortening effect or a re-lottery shortening effect, and is output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32. In step S550, since the subtraction of the delay time t1 has ended, the overall CPU 37a turns off the shortening flag that is no longer necessary, and ends this subroutine. In this case, the overall CPU 37a determines “NO” in the step S510 in the shortening switch process by the next interruption. For this reason, the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine without subtracting the delay time t1.

  Next, processing (timer interrupt processing) performed by the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 will be described. Note that a program for performing this processing is executed in the sub CPU 33a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  In step S610 shown in FIG. 12, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the changing flag is turned on. That is, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not a symbol combination game is being performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. When the changing flag is turned on (step S610: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S620. In step S620, the sub CPU 33a subtracts the changing timer stored in the RAM 33c, and the process proceeds to step S630. On the other hand, if it is determined that the changing flag is off (step S610: N), the symbol combination game has not been performed, that is, the symbol change display has not yet started. Without subtracting (the process of step S620), the process proceeds to the process of step S630.

  In step S630, the overall CPU 37a sends the second variation time reduction command, the second confirmation command, the second variation pattern designation command, the second left symbol designation command, and the second right symbol designation command. And it is determined whether or not a command such as the second medium symbol designation command has been input. When these commands are not input (step S630: N), the sub CPU 33a ends the process here. On the other hand, when these commands are input (step S630: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S640. Note that these commands are input to the sub CPU 33a at different interrupt cycles. In step S640, the sub CPU 33a determines what the input command is. When the input commands are the second variation pattern designation command, the second left symbol designation command, the second right symbol designation command, and the second middle symbol designation command, the sub CPU 33a executes step S650. Transition to processing. If the input command is the second variable time shortening command, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S700. Furthermore, when the input command is the second confirmed command, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S780.

  In step S650, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the input command is a second variation pattern designation command. If the input command is the second variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S660. In step S660, the sub CPU 33a turns on the changing flag, and proceeds to the process of step S670. In step S670, the sub CPU 33a sets a changing timer according to the changing pattern determined by the main CPU 31a, and proceeds to the process of step S680. For example, the changing timer is set to 5 seconds for the fluctuation pattern P1, and the changing timer is set to 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern P2. On the other hand, if the input command is not the second variation pattern designation command, that is, if it is the second left symbol designation command, the second right symbol designation command and the second middle symbol designation command, the sub CPU 33a The process proceeds to step S680 without performing the processes in steps S660 and S670.

  In step S680, the sub CPU 33a stores the variation pattern, left symbol, right symbol, and middle symbol data specified in these commands in the storage area of the RAM 33c, and proceeds to the process of step S690. In step S690, the sub CPU 33a sets display effect normal effect data (stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c) based on the variation pattern, and ends the processing here. Thereby, the generation of the normal performance data is started.

  If the input command is the second variation time reduction command in step S640, the sub CPU 33a checks the variation pattern stored in step S680 in step S700, and proceeds to the processing in step S710. In step S710, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the confirmed variation pattern is a specific variation pattern (variation pattern with re-lottery). If the confirmed variation pattern is not a specific variation pattern, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S740. On the other hand, when the confirmed variation pattern is a specific variation pattern, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S720. In step S720, the sub CPU 33a confirms the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 (confirms the value of the changing timer subtracted in step S620), and proceeds to the processing of step S730. To do.

  In step S730, the sub CPU 33a compares whether or not the remaining symbol variation time stored as the varying timer is longer than 5 seconds. When the changing timer is longer than 5 seconds, the sub CPU 33a determines that the input timing of the second changing time reduction command is before the re-lottery, and proceeds to the process of step S740. On the other hand, when the changing timer is 5 seconds or less, the sub CPU 33a determines that the input timing of the second changing time shortening command is being redrawn, and proceeds to the process of step S760.

  In step S740, the sub CPU 33a reads the variation pattern stored in step S680, determines the effect associated with the variation pattern as a normal shortening effect, and proceeds to the process of step S750. In step S750, the sub CPU 33a changes the display effect normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c to the display effect normal shortened effect data, and ends the processing here.

  On the other hand, in step S760, the sub CPU 33a reads the variation pattern stored in step S680, determines the effect associated with the variation pattern as the re-lottery shortening effect, and proceeds to the process of step S770. In step S770, the sub CPU 33a changes the display effect normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c to the display effect re-lottery reduction effect data, and the process ends here.

  If the input command is the second confirmed command in step S640, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S780. In step S780, the sub CPU 33a turns off the changing flag that was turned on in step S660, and proceeds to the process of step S790. In step S790, the sub CPU 33a clears the changing timer set in step S670 (sets to 0 second), and proceeds to the process of step S800. In step S800, the sub CPU 33a determines the left symbol, right symbol, and middle symbol stored in step S680 as the fixed stop symbols. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is instructed to stop all symbols, and the processing here ends.

  Therefore, if the shortening switch SW1 is operated when the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display is longer than 5 seconds, one of the normal shortening effects A to C is executed.

  For example, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated when the lose effect, the lose reach effect, or the big hit effect is performed, the normal shorten effect A or B is executed. When the normal shortening effect A is executed, the characters “skip” are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 18 and one red robot appears. In this case, since the symbol variation time is shortened, the player does not feel the symbol variation display uncomfortable. Moreover, since the normal shortening effect A is being executed even if the symbol variation time is short, the player continues to be interested in the effect executed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Therefore, even when the symbol variation time is shortened, the interest can be improved.

  On the other hand, when the normal shortening effect B is executed, the letters “skip” are displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 and one silver robot appears. In this case, since the player can see the silver robot attracting more attention than the red robot, the player is more interested in the performance performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Moreover, since the normal shortening effect B in which the silver robot appears is higher in reliability than the normal shortening effect A in which the red robot appears, the player expects that it will probably be a big hit. Can be given. Therefore, the improvement of the further interest can be aimed at.

  Furthermore, if the shortening switch SW1 is operated while the big hit effect is being performed, the normal shortening effect C may be executed. When the normal shortening effect C is executed, characters “skip” and “big hit” are displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, and one golden robot appears. In this case, the player can see the golden robot that attracts more attention than the red and silver robots, and is thus more interested in the effects performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. In addition, the normal shortening effect C in which the golden robot appears has a higher reliability than the normal shortening effect B in which the silver robot appears, and so is a jackpot notice with a reliability of 100%. The person can know that the normal shortening effect C is executed and at the same time a big hit. Therefore, the improvement of the further interest can be aimed at.

  Further, when the big hit effect is performed, when the remaining symbol variation time is 5 seconds or less and the re-lottery is being performed, if the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the re-lottery shortening a or the re-lottery reduction effect b is executed.

  When the re-lottery reduction effect a is executed, the letters “skip” are displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 and three silver robots appear. In this case, since the symbol variation time is shortened, the player does not feel the symbol variation display uncomfortable. Moreover, since the re-lottery shortening effect a is executed even if the symbol variation time is short, the player continues to be interested in the effect executed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Therefore, even when the symbol variation time is shortened, the interest can be improved.

  On the other hand, when the re-lottery shortening effect b is executed, characters “skip” and “probability big hit” are displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, and three golden robots appear. In this case, the player can see a golden robot that is more eye-catching than a silver robot, and is thus more interested in the performance performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. In addition, the re-lottery shortening effect b in which the golden robot appears has a higher probability of starting the probability variation than the re-lottery shortening effect a in which the silver robot appears, and the probability is 100%. Therefore, when the re-lottery shortening effect b is executed, the player is always promoted from the non-specific symbol to the specific symbol, so that the player can know that the probability variation starts. Therefore, the interest can be further improved.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) According to the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is before re-lottery, the normal shortening effect data is selected, and the normal shortening effect is based on the selected normal shortening effect data. Is executed. In addition, when the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is being re-lottery, the re-lottery reduction effect data is selected, and the re-lottery reduction effect is executed based on the selected re-lottery reduction effect data. The normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery shortening effect data include different information that the user wants to know before and during the re-lottery. For this reason, the player can obtain information he / she wants to know even when the time for symbol variation is shortened. In addition, by not including unnecessary information in the normal shortening effect data and the re-lottery shortening effect data, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated, a shortening effect that is inconsistent with the progress status of the symbol variation may be executed. It will not cause any confusion to the player. Furthermore, since a different normal shortening effect or a re-lottery shortening effect can be performed each time the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the normal shortening effect and the re-lottery shortening effect can be given diversity. Therefore, since it becomes difficult to get tired, it is possible to improve the interest even in the case of a normal shortening effect or a re-drawing shortening effect.

  (2) In the normal shortening effect C of the present embodiment, game information (characters “big hit”) that explicitly indicates that a big hit will be displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Also, in the re-lottery shortening effect b, game information (characters “probability big hit”) that explicitly indicates that all symbols are confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Thereby, the player can understand the contents even when the game information is displayed for only a short time. Therefore, even if the time for symbol variation is shortened, the player can surely obtain the information he wants to know.

  (3) The sub CPU 33a of the present embodiment is in addition to the existing sub CPU 33a, flag setting means, flag reset means, shortened command input determination means, re-lottery variation pattern determination means, input timing determination means, operation timing determination means, and remaining symbols. Only the functions of the fluctuation time determination means, the remaining symbol fluctuation time comparison means, the shortening effect data selection means, the fluctuation pattern reading means, the effect data change means, and the shortening effect execution means are added. For this reason, it is not necessary to make a hardware change such as adding a new electric component (IC or the like) to the display control board 33. Therefore, the cost increase of the display control board 33 can be suppressed.

  (4) The sub CPU 32a of this embodiment is obtained by adding functions of a shortened effect data selecting unit, a variation pattern reading unit, an effect data changing unit, and a shortened effect executing unit to the existing sub CPU 32a. Therefore, it is not necessary to make a hardware change such as adding a new electrical component (IC or the like) to the sound / lamp control board 32. Therefore, an increase in the cost of the voice / lamp control board 32 can be suppressed.

  In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the shortening effect (normal shortening effect or re-lottery shortening effect) is made different by determining whether the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery. However, the shortening effect may be changed by determining whether the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is before reach formation or after reach formation. Specifically, when it is determined that the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is before reach formation, shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not to reach is selected, and the operation timing is after reach formation. When it is determined that the reduction effect data includes information indicating whether or not it is a big hit. In this case, for example, whether or not the reach has been formed can be determined based on whether or not 5 seconds or more have elapsed since the start of the change of the symbol.

  In the above embodiment, two types of shortening effects (normal shortening effect and re-lottery shortening effect) are performed for one variation pattern, but three or more types of shortening effects may be performed. For example, three types of shortening effects (a shortening effect during normal fluctuation, a shortening effect during a reach effect, and a re-lottery shortening effect) may be performed for one variation pattern.

  In the above embodiment, the type of shortening effect (normal shortening effect, re-lottery shortening effect) was divided according to the development of the game effect (before the re-lottery, during the re-lottery), but simply according to the time (For example, the type of the shortening effect is changed every 5 seconds after the change of the symbol is started).

  In the above embodiment, the sub CPU 33a compares the remaining symbol variation time stored as the varying timer with the length of the re-lottering effect time (5 seconds in this embodiment). The normal shortening effect or the redraw lottery shortening effect has been determined. However, the sub CPU 33a may determine a normal shortening effect or a re-lottery shortening effect according to an elapsed time (starting from 0 ms) after starting the change of the symbol.

  -The variation pattern P8 of the above embodiment is a pattern that becomes a base of a big hit effect in which the middle symbol is fixedly stopped with a big hit symbol (specific symbol) after the development of super reach, that is, a pattern that does not perform re-lottery. However, the variation pattern P8 may be a pattern for performing re-lottery. Specifically, the variation pattern P8 is a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which all symbols are temporarily stopped at a specific symbol after the development of super reach, and then are re-variable and fixedly stopped at the specific symbol. In this case, the time based on the variation pattern P8 is 45 seconds, which is the same as the case of the variation patterns P9 to P11.

  Further, in the above case, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated during the re-lottery in which all symbols are re-variable and fixed and stopped, the re-lottery shortening effect c different from the re-lottery shortening a and b is performed. It may be. This re-lottery shortening effect c is an effect that is performed when a temporary change is made after a specific symbol and then changes again, and a special effect is performed.

  -Since the fluctuation patterns P9 to P11 of the above embodiment have the same fluctuation time (45 seconds), they may be one fluctuation pattern P9 '. In this case, the main CPU 31a designates the variation pattern P9 ′ and generates a first variation pattern designation command and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a. Next, the overall CPU 37a outputs the first variation pattern designation command input from the main CPU 31a to the sub CPU 33a as the second variation pattern designation command. The sub CPU 33a then selects any one of the original three patterns P9 to P11 based on the jackpot symbol determined by the main CPU 31a (stop symbol left, stop symbol middle, and stop symbol right of the same type). To select. Similarly, the variation patterns P13 to P15 may be the same variation pattern P13 ′.

  In the above embodiment, if the shortening switch SW1 is operated before the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 starts the symbol variation display, the main CPU 31a may not output the first variation time reduction command. Good. That is, the main CPU 31a may invalidate the operation of the shortening switch SW1.

  In this way, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated at a timing before the symbol variation display is started, the operation of the shortening switch SW1 is invalidated. Therefore, immediately after the start of symbol variation display (for example, during the data generation period), the second variation time reduction command is output to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control substrate 33. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second variation time reduction command from affecting the variation display.

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In Claim 3, when the second variation pattern command is input, the sub-control unit sets a changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing, and all symbols Flag resetting means for resetting the changing flag when a confirmation command for instructing to stop is input.

  (2) In any one of claims 1 to 3, the information included in the shortened effect data is explicit.

  (3) In Claim 1 or 2, the operation timing determination means determines whether the operation timing of the operation means is before reach formation or after reach formation, and the shortening effect data selection When the means determines that the operation timing of the operation means is before reach formation, the means selects the shortened effect data including information indicating whether or not to reach, and the operation timing of the operation means is reached. Selecting the shortened effect data including information indicating whether or not the game is a big hit when it is determined that it is after formation.

  (4) In Claim 3, a period from when the second variation pattern command is input by the sub-control means to generation of the effect data is defined as a data generation period, and the overall control means When one variable time reduction command is input, the second variable time reduction command is output after being delayed until the end of the data generation period.

  (5) In Claim 1 or 2, when the operation means is operated before the symbol display means starts the variable display of the symbols, the effect control means invalidates the operation of the operation means. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the shortened effect data changed by the effect data changing means from affecting the change display of the symbols.

  (6) In claim 1 or 2, the effect control means performs the second operation when the operation means is operated a plurality of times in response to a single symbol change display performed by the symbol display means. Invalidating the operation of the operation means thereafter.

  (7) In Claim 1 or 2, the effect control means is the first time when the operation means is operated a plurality of times for the one time symbol change display performed by the symbol display means. The effect data is changed to the shortened effect data by the operation of the operating means, and the shortened effect data changed for the first time by the operation of the operation means for the second and subsequent times is further shortened for the effect to be executed. Change to another shortened production data.

  (8) In any one of claims 1 to 3, the plurality of types of shortened effect data stored in the shortened effect data storage means include those having different lengths of effect time to be executed. That it is.

  (9) In any one of claims 1 to 3, the plurality of types of shortened effect data stored in the shortened effect data storage means include different contents of effects to be executed. thing.

  (10) In Claim 3, the sub-control means includes a shortened command input determining means for determining whether or not the second variable time shortening command from the overall control means has been input, and the second variable time. When it is determined that an abbreviated command has been input, variation pattern reading means for reading out the variation pattern, and effect data for instructing performance execution with time and content based on the read variation pattern, the shortened effect data storage means Based on the effect data changing means for changing to the shortened effect data stored in the data, and the shortened effect data changed by the effect data changing means, the shortened effect causing the symbol display means to execute the shortened effect. An execution means.

The front view which shows the pachinko machine in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control board, a general control board, a display control board, an audio / lamp control board, etc. in a pachinko machine. Output modes of the operation signal, the first variation pattern designation command, the second variation pattern designation command, the first variation time shortening command, the second variation time shortening command, the first confirmation command, and the second confirmation command Time chart shown. A variation pattern distribution table used when determining a variation pattern. A table used to determine the variation pattern. A table used when normal effect data is changed to normal shortened effect data or re-lottery reduced effect data. A table showing the relationship between the type of shortening effect and the content of the shortening effect. The flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation process performed in main CPU of a main control board. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the command check performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the shortening switch process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in sub CPU of a display control board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 18 as game machine ... Liquid crystal type symbol display device 31a as symbol display means ... Main CPU as main control means and jackpot determining means
32a... Sub CPU as shortening effect data selecting means, effect data changing means and shortening effect executing means
33a: Re-lottery variation pattern determination means, input timing determination means, operation timing determination means, remaining symbol variation time determination means, remaining symbol variation time comparison means, shortened effect data selection means, effect data change means, and shortened effect execution means Sub CPU
33b: ROM as a shortened effect data storage means
37a: General CPU as general control means
P1 to P16 ... fluctuation pattern SW1 ... shortening switch as operation means

Claims (3)

A jackpot determining means for determining whether or not to win a jackpot;
An effect that selects a variation pattern associated with the time and content of the game effect according to the determination result by the jackpot determination means, and outputs effect data instructing execution of the effect with the time and content based on the selected variation pattern Control means;
Based on the effect data that was input, after a temporary stop with a combination of symbols that changed multiple types of symbols in multiple rows and a big win, it was possible to perform a re-lottery to re-variate all symbols and stop the final decision. A symbol display means by which all symbols can be confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol that triggers a change;
A gaming machine comprising operating means operated during a game in order to shorten the time of game production,
Shortened effect data storage means for storing a plurality of types of shortened effect data for instructing the execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern;
Operation timing determination means for determining whether the timing when the operation means is operated is before re-lottery or during re-lottery;
When it is determined that the operation timing of the operation means is before the re-lottery, the normal shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not the big hit is selected, while the operation timing of the operation means is being re-drawn. When it is determined that there is, unlike the information included in the normal shortened effect data, the shortened effect data selection for selecting the re-lottery shortened effect data including information indicating whether or not all symbols are fixedly stopped at the specific symbol Means,
Effect data changing means for changing the effect data instructing execution of the effect with time and content based on the selected variation pattern to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means,
A gaming machine comprising: a shortening effect executing means for causing the symbol display means to execute a shortening effect based on the shortening effect data changed by the effect data changing means. The operation timing determination means includes a re-lottery fluctuation pattern determination means for determining whether or not the fluctuation pattern is for performing re-lottery when the operation means is operated, and the fluctuation pattern performs re-lottery. The remaining symbol variation time determining means for determining the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, and the determined remaining symbol variation time of the redrawing effect time A remaining symbol variation time comparison means for comparing whether or not the length is longer than the length,
The shortened effect data selection means selects the normal shortened effect data when the compared remaining symbol variation time is equal to or longer than the length of the re-lottery effect time, and re-lots the compared remaining symbol variation time. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the re-lottery reduction effect data is selected when it is not longer than the length of the effect time. The first variation pattern command for selecting the variation pattern associated with the time and content of the game effect and instructing the start of variation of the symbol according to the determination result by the jackpot determining means for determining whether or not to win Main control means for generating and outputting
Overall control means for outputting a second variation pattern command based on the input first variation pattern command;
Based on the input second variation pattern command, sub-control means for generating and outputting effect data instructing execution of the effect with the time and content of the game effect;
Based on the effect data that was input, after a temporary stop with a combination of symbols that changed multiple types of symbols in multiple rows and a big win, it was possible to perform a re-lottery to re-variate all symbols and stop the final decision. A symbol display means by which all symbols can be confirmed and stopped at a specific symbol that triggers a change;
A gaming machine comprising operating means operated during a game in order to shorten the time of game production,
The main control means outputs a first fluctuation time shortening command for instructing execution of an effect in a time shorter than the time based on the fluctuation pattern when the operation means is operated,
The overall control means outputs a second variation time shortening command based on the input first variation time shortening command,
The sub-control means includes
Shortened effect data storage means for storing a plurality of types of shortened effect data for instructing the execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern;
Input timing determination means for determining whether the timing when the second variable time shortening command is input is before the re-lottery or during the re-lottery;
When it is determined that the input timing of the second variation time shortening command is before the re-lottery, normal shortening effect data including information indicating whether or not the big hit is selected is selected, while the second variation time is selected. When it is determined that the input timing of the shortening command is being redrawn, unlike the information included in the normal shortening effect data, the redrawing includes information indicating whether or not all symbols are fixedly stopped at the specific symbol. Shortening effect data selection means for selecting shortening effect data,
Effect data changing means for changing the effect data instructing execution of the effect with time and content based on the selected variation pattern to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means,
A gaming machine comprising: a shortening effect executing means for causing the symbol display means to execute a shortening effect based on the shortening effect data changed by the effect data changing means.

Images