JP2006034478A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that reduce time when patterns vary and permits a game condition to be correctly understood and improves an interesting property even when the pattern variation time is reduced. <P>SOLUTION: A comprehensive CPU 37a determines a advance notification pattern in accordance with a variation pattern and stationary patterns. A sub CPU 33a outputs normal performance data based on the stationary patterns and the advance notification pattern. A liquid crystal type pattern display device 18 puts on a game performance on the basis of the normal performance data inputted. When a reduce switch SW1 is operated, the sub CPU 33a changes the normal performance data to reduced performance data associated with the advance notification pattern. The sub CPU 33a makes the liquid crystal type pattern display device 18 put on a reduced performance on the basis of the reduced performance data changed. <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 changes the time of a game effect by 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 addition, in the symbol variation (game effect), various notice effects (reach notice, jackpot notice, jackpot confirmation notice, specific jackpot confirmation notice, etc.) are performed. For this reason, even when the same game effect is executed a plurality of times based on one variation pattern (for example, when the same reach effect is executed a plurality of times), the presence / absence of the notice effect and the content of the notice effect are changed. Thus, each game effect can be seen as a different effect. Specific examples of changing the content of the notice effect include changing the background color of the symbol display device, causing a specific character to appear in the symbol display device, sounding a sound effect, and causing a specific lamp to emit light. . Thereby, the expectation with respect to the big hit which a player has can be varied for every game production.
JP-A-9-173552 ([0043] etc.) JP 2000-317077 A

  By the way, 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, the symbol variation is stopped by performing an operation to stop the symbol variation. It is supposed to let you.

  In addition, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, a high-speed fluctuation in which the symbol fluctuates at a high speed is set as an effective period during which the operation of the operation means (shortening switch SW1) is effective, and during the effective period 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.

  In the case of the above conventional gaming machine, when the operation means is operated, the time of symbol fluctuation is certainly shortened, but the production data is forcibly reconstructed by omitting some and simply connecting the remaining parts. Based on this, the symbols are merely displayed in a variable manner. Therefore, although the original production data includes useful game information such as a big hit notice, the game information is cut by restructuring the production data accompanying the shortening of the symbol variation time. There was a case. In other words, there is a problem that even if the player intends to present useful game information during the production to improve interest, there is a problem that the player cannot see the production including the game information, and it becomes difficult to grasp the game state. There was a thing. In order to solve the problem, it is conceivable to reduce the symbol variation by replacing the production data with another data. However, if the game information included in the original effect data is not related to the game information included in the replaced data, the game state may not be accurately grasped. Therefore, it is expected that the player feels dissatisfied and lowers interest.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to reduce the time of symbol variation, and even if it is shortened, it is possible to accurately grasp the gaming state. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the performance.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is related to the jackpot determining means for determining whether or not the big hit, and the time and contents of the game effect are associated with the determination result by the jackpot determining means. A variation pattern determining unit that determines a variation pattern, a stop symbol determining unit that determines a stop symbol that is finally stopped after a game effect is derived according to a determination result by the jackpot determination unit, and the variation pattern determination unit determines A notice effect determining means for determining a notice pattern associated with the content of the notice effect indicating the development of the game effect according to at least one of the changed pattern and the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determining means; The variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determination means, and the notice effect determination means are determined. Based on the notice pattern, the effect control means for outputting the effect data instructing the execution of the effect, and on the basis of the input effect data, a plurality of types of symbols are changed or stopped in a plurality of columns to perform a game effect. In a gaming machine comprising symbol display means and operation means operated during a game in order to shorten the time of the game effect, the effect with contents including the time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern and the notice effect When the operation means is operated with the shortened effect data storage means for storing the shortened effect data instructing execution and the shortened effect data related to the notice pattern based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means. When the abbreviated effect data selecting means and the abbreviated effect data selecting means select the abbreviated effect data, the effect data is reduced. An effect data changing means for changing to the shortened effect data selected by the outgoing data selecting means, and a shortened effect execution 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 characterized by comprising a means.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the invention, when the operating means is operated, the shortened effect is displayed on the symbol display means based on the shortened effect data instructing execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for displaying the symbol variation. In addition, the shortening effect is not performed by omitting a part of the effect data, but the shortening effect is performed by changing the effect data to the shortened effect data by the effect data changing means. Because this shortened effect data instructs the execution of the effect with the content including the notice effect that suggests the development of the game effect, the shortened effect including the information (notice effect) that the player wants to know is surely executed. Is done. Therefore, even if the player sees a shortened effect performed in a short time, the player can grasp the gaming state. Moreover, the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means is related to the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means. Therefore, by changing the effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means, it is possible to execute the shortened effect related to the notice effect that is derived during the game effect. Therefore, the player can accurately grasp the gaming state. Therefore, the interest can be improved even in the case of a shortened production.

  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.

  The “notice effect” refers to an effect suggesting the development of a game effect. Specific examples of the notice effect include a reach notice for notifying reach, a jackpot notice for notifying the jackpot, a jackpot confirming notice for notifying that the jackpot has been confirmed, and the multiple types of symbols may be a jackpot with a specific symbol combination. And a specific jackpot confirmation notice (claim 6).

  Specific examples of the notice effect include those in which characters, symbols, characters and the like displayed on the symbol display means explicitly suggest the development of the game effect, and those that suggest implicitly. As specific examples of notice effects that explicitly suggest the development of game effects, for example, the letters “reach”, “big hit”, “probable big hit”, “short time start”, “chance eyes” are displayed on the symbol display means The production to do. On the other hand, a specific example of the notice effect that implicitly suggests the development of the game effect is an effect of displaying a character such as a red robot or a golden robot on the symbol display means. As a specific example of the “notice effect”, the volume, type, etc. of the sound generated from the sound generating means are different from those in the normal effect, the light emitting color, brightness, lighting time, blinking interval of the light emitting means. However, there are effects that are different from the normal effects. 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.

  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 10 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” refers to a game effect time when the operating means is operated, that is, when a shortened effect is performed, for example, 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds. It is preferable to set the time to a certain degree. 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 an aspect of storing the 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 shortened effect data related to the notice pattern” refers to shortened effect data related to one or more notice effects included in the notice pattern. Specifically, it refers to shortened effect data including game information that is common to game information included in one or more of the notification effects included in the notification pattern.

  Note that “when the operation means is operated” refers to a case where the operation signal output by the operation of the operation means is switched from the off state to the on state, or from the on state to the off state. .

  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 shortened effect data. 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.

  The condition for changing the effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selection means is that the operation means is operated once, but the operation means is operated a plurality of times. It is good also as conditions. 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 in which the symbol combination when all symbols are stopped and displayed is the same as the normal effect executed based on the effect data, but is shorter than the normal effect. For example, it is assumed that a jackpot effect is executed in which all symbols are stopped and displayed with a symbol combination of “8, 8, 8” after a predetermined time fluctuation based on the effect data. In this case, when the operating means is operated, all symbols are stopped and displayed with a symbol combination of “8, 8, 8” after a time shorter than the predetermined time, as in the case where the shortened effect is not executed.

  As a specific example of the shortening effect, the effect is a shorter time than the normal effect that does not execute the shortening effect, and the characters, symbols, characters, etc. displayed on the symbol display means are different from the normal effect (for example, In the case of displaying a state where a red robot dances in a normal performance, an effect of displaying a still image of a golden robot) may be cited. As a specific example of the shortening effect, the volume and type of the sound generated from the sound generating means are different from those in the normal effect, and the emission color, brightness, lighting time, blinking interval, etc. of the light emitting means. An effect different from the case of the normal effect is included. 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.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, it is determined whether or not the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means is started when the operation means is operated. When the notice execution determination means determines that execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determination means is started, the shortened effect data selection means has started execution. The gist is to select shortened effect data corresponding to the latest stage of the notice effects.

  If the shortening effect data selection means selects shortening effect data corresponding to the previous stage effect among the notice effects, a known notice that is not advantageous to the player is made. Therefore, since a contradiction easily occurs between the notice effect and the shortened effect, the player may be confused. On the other hand, according to the invention described in claim 2, when the execution of the notice effect is started at the time when the operation means is operated, the shortened effect data selecting means is the last stage of the notice effect. Corresponding shortening effect data is selected, and the shortening effect executing means executes the shortening effect based on the selected shortening effect data. Thereby, since the shortening effect data related to the game effect being executed is selected, it is less likely that the player will be confused by executing the contradictory effect between the notice effect and the shortening effect.

  Note that the notice pattern may include a plurality of kinds of notice effects that are sequentially executed. For example, the notice pattern may include four types of notice effects (the reach notice, the jackpot notice, the jackpot confirmation notice, and the specific jackpot confirmation notice) that are sequentially executed. Further, “the most late stage notice effect of which execution has been started” refers to a jackpot notice when the notice effect whose execution has been started is, for example, a reach notice and a jackpot notice.

  Further, the processing by the “notice execution determination means” includes the jackpot determination means, the variation pattern determination means, the stop symbol determination means, the notice effect determination means, the shortened effect data selection means, the effect data change means and the shortening. Although it may be performed by a CPU separate from a CPU (central processing unit) having functions such as effect execution means, it is preferably performed by the same CPU, for example, by the CPU of the effect control means. preferable. In this way, the processing in the effect control means can be performed faster and more reliably.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the determination as to whether or not the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means is started, when the operation means is operated. If the notice execution determination means determines that execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determination means is not started, the shortened effect data selection means executes The gist is to select the shortened effect data corresponding to the notice effect that was scheduled for.

  Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the execution of the notice effect is not started at the time when the operation means is operated, the shortened effect data selection means is changed to the notice effect that is scheduled to be executed. Corresponding shortening effect data is selected, and the shortening effect executing means executes the shortening effect based on the selected shortening effect data. Thereby, the player can know the contents of the shortened effect that was originally scheduled to be performed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the notice execution determination unit includes a timer measurement unit that measures a time from the start of the game effect, and the measurement time measured by the timer measurement unit The gist is to determine whether or not the notice effect has been executed based on the operation means when the operation means is operated.

  If the presence / absence of the notice effect is determined based on the presence / absence of the flag set when the notice effect is executed, a plurality of flags are required when a plurality of notice effects are executed. However, according to the invention described in claim 4, since the notice execution determining means makes the determination based on the measurement time (time from the start of the game effect) measured by the timer measuring means, a plurality of notice effects are executed. Even if it is a case, it can be determined easily whether the notice effect was performed.

  In addition, as an aspect of measuring the measurement time by the timer measurement unit, there is a case where the CPU of the effect control unit determines a changing timer stored in the RAM. The measurement time may be measured by subtracting the changing timer set to a predetermined time, or is measured by adding the changing timer set to 0 ms until the predetermined time is reached. It may be a thing. The function of the timer measuring means is the jackpot determining means, the variation pattern determining means, the stop symbol determining means, the notice effect determining means, the shortening effect data selecting means, the effect data changing means, and the shortening effect executing means. The CPU may have a CPU separate from the CPU having functions such as the notice execution determination unit, but it is preferable to have the same CPU. In this way, the processing in the effect control means can be performed faster and more reliably.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means is based on a notice effect that is executed when the operating means is operated. As a gist of the above, it is intended to instruct the execution of an effect with a content including a notice effect that is not disadvantageous to the player.

  Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, shortening effect data selecting means includes shortening effect data including appropriate information (information that is not disadvantageous to the player over the notice effect being executed when operating the operating means). Will not confuse the player. For example, even after the jackpot finalizing notice is announced to confirm the big hit, the player is convinced of the big hit and operates the operation means. There will be no such thing. Therefore, the player will not be worried about whether it will be a big hit.

  “The notice effect that is not disadvantageous to the player based on the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated” is more than the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated. A notice effect that is not advantageous or disadvantageous to the player (that is, an equivalent notice effect) or a notice effect that is more advantageous to the player based on the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated. Say. As a specific example of the notice effect that is not disadvantageous to the player based on the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated, the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated is the reach notice. , Reach notice, the jackpot notice, the jackpot confirmation notice, and the specific jackpot confirmation notice. Further, when the notice effect performed when operating the operation means is a jackpot notice, a jackpot notice, a jackpot confirmation notice, and a specific jackpot confirmation notice may be mentioned. Furthermore, when the notice effect that is executed when operating the operation means is a jackpot confirmation notice, the jackpot confirmation notice or the specific jackpot confirmation notice is given, and the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated is a specific jackpot confirmation notice , The specific jackpot confirmation notice.

  As a specific example of the notice effect that is more disadvantageous to the player based on the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated, the notice effect that is executed when the operation means is operated is a jackpot notice. In case, reach notice. In addition, when the notice effect executed at the time of operation of the operation means is a jackpot confirmation notice, a reach notice or a jackpot notice is given. When the notice effect executed at the time of operation of the operation means is a specific jackpot confirmation notice, a reach notice , Jackpot notice, jackpot confirmation notice.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the notice pattern includes a reach notice for notifying reach, a jackpot notice for notifying the jackpot, a jackpot finalizing notice for notifying that the jackpot has been confirmed, and the plurality of types. Is associated with at least one of the specific jackpot confirmation notices for notifying that the symbol of the symbol will be a big hit with a specific symbol combination, the reach notice, the jackpot notice, the jackpot notice notice and the specific jackpot notice notice Are set so that they can be executed step by step in that order, and the shortening effect data selected by the shortening effect data selecting means is a notice at a later stage than the notice effect being executed when the operating means is operated. The gist is to instruct the execution of the production with contents including the production.

  Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 6, the notice effect included in the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means is a notice effect at a later stage than the notice effect being executed when the operating means is operated. It has become. As a result, since the appropriate information is included in the shortening effect data selected by the shortening effect data selecting means, the player is not confused. For example, despite the fact that the player has been convinced of the big hit after operating the operation means after the big hit final notice is announced, the jackpot notice in the previous stage will be performed before the big hit final notice. There will be no such thing. Therefore, the player will not be worried about whether it will be a big hit.

  As described in detail above, according to the inventions described in claims 1 to 6, the time of symbol variation can be shortened, and even if it is shortened, the gaming state can be grasped, which is interesting. Improvements can be made.

  In particular, according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, the shortening effect data selection means selects the shortening effect data including appropriate information, so that the player is not confused.

  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 plurality of types of symbols (“0” to “9” symbols) are varied in a plurality of columns and a symbol combination is derived in relation to the display effect. It is like that. 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). In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is used as symbol display means, but a dot matrix type, electroluminescence element type, 7 segment type electric symbol display device or the like may be used as symbol display means. Good.

  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.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper ball tray 15 is provided with a shortening switch SW <b> 1 as “operation means”. The shortening switch SW1 is operated during the game in order to shorten the remaining 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 S1 (see FIG. 3) to the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31. Further, the shortening switch SW1 is turned off when not being operated by the player, and the operation signal S1 is not output. As the shortening switch SW1 of the present embodiment, a touch sensor that outputs an operation signal S1 when a player's hand touches is used. Instead of using a touch sensor as the shortening switch SW1, a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) that outputs an operation signal only while operating the operation button, for example, an operation signal is output when the player's hand approaches. An electromagnetic switch (proximity switch), an optical sensor, or the like may be used as the shortening switch SW1. In the present embodiment, the shortening switch SW1 is provided on the upper ball tray 15, but the back side of the outer frame 11, the inner frame 12, the glass holding frame 14, the lower ball tray 19, the operation handle 20, and the ashtray 23. It may be provided in other places. Furthermore, if there are a plurality of types of shortening effects that are shorter than normal game effects, a plurality of shortening switches SW1 may be provided to correspond to the respective shortening effects.

  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 that constitutes a part of the “effect control means” and a part of the “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, etc.) is formed, and is stopped or temporarily stopped by a combination of big hits or combinations of 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. In addition, the super reach effect is an effect in which, for example, a special effect is performed in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped at the same symbol, and after the middle symbol is changed, the symbol combination is stopped and the symbol combination is derived. . 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 the sound is increased, and an effect in which the blinking of the lamp is intense.

  The ROM 31b shown in FIG. 2 stores a variation pattern distribution table (see FIG. 4) in which variation patterns P1 to P5 for symbol combination games are distributed. In the variation pattern distribution table of the present embodiment, a variation pattern P1 for a loss effect, a variation pattern P2, P3 for a loss reach effect, and a variation pattern P4, P5 for a jackpot effect are distributed. Note that the fluctuation patterns P2 and P4 indicate patterns for normal reach, and the fluctuation patterns P3 and P5 indicate patterns for super reach. As shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern distribution random numbers (in this embodiment, 50 integers from 0 to 49) are distributed to the variation patterns P1 to P5. 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 stops at a symbol different from the jackpot symbol in the case of normal reach. The variation pattern P3 indicates a pattern that becomes the base of the lost reach production in which the medium symbol stops at a symbol different from the big hit symbol after the development of super reach. The variation pattern P4 indicates a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which the middle symbol stops at the jackpot symbol in the case of normal reach. The variation pattern P5 indicates a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which the middle symbol stops at the jackpot symbol after the development of super reach. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the time for the lost effect, the lost reach effect, and the jackpot effect (symbol variation time) is different for each of the variation patterns P1 to P5. Specifically, the loss effect is executed for 10 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P1. Also, the lose reach effect is executed for 19 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P2, and the lose reach effect is executed for 39 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P3. Furthermore, the big hit effect is executed for 25 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P4, and the big hit effect is executed for 45 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P5.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the symbol variation display performed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is divided into sections K1 to K6 in accordance with the progress. In the section K1, the normal change before the reach formation is executed, but no notice suggesting the development of the game effect is executed. In the section K2, the reach notice for notifying that the normal change is executed and the reach may be reached may be executed. In the section K3, a reach effect is executed, and a big hit notice for notifying that it may be a big hit can be executed. In the section K4, a reach effect is executed, and a jackpot confirmation notice for notifying that a jackpot is confirmed can be executed. In the section K5, a reach effect is executed, and a specific jackpot finalizing notice for notifying that each symbol will be a big hit with a specific symbol combination may be executed. In the section K6, a re-lottery is executed in which all the temporarily stopped symbols are changed again. In other words, the timing at which each notice can be executed is determined in advance depending on the status of the symbol variation display in each of the sections K1 to K6. Further, as described above, since the advance notice that can be executed for each of the sections K1 to K6 is determined, the reach advance notice, the jackpot notice, the jackpot confirmation notice, and the specific jackpot confirmation notice can be executed step by step in that order. become. For this reason, as the advance notice is executed at a later stage, the possibility that the advance notice effect advantageous to the player is executed increases. Specifically, the jackpot notice that is executed at a later stage than the reach notice has a higher reliability of the jackpot that is advantageous to the player, and the jackpot confirmation notice that is executed at a later stage is a jackpot. Reliability is even higher. Also, in the specific jackpot confirmation notice that is executed later than the jackpot confirmation notice, there is always a probability fluctuation (a state where the lottery probability of the jackpot fluctuates with a high probability) that is more advantageous to the player than the case of only the jackpot. Be started.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the effect (losing effect) executed based on the change pattern P1, the change display of the symbol is divided only into the sections K1 and K2 according to the progress status, so only the reach notice is given. Can be executed. In the production based on the fluctuation patterns P2 and P3 (hasleach production), the fluctuation display is divided into sections K1 to K3 according to the progress status, so that the reach notice and the big hit notice can be executed. Further, in the production based on the fluctuation patterns P4 and P5 (big hit production), the fluctuation display is divided into sections K1 to K6 according to the progress status, so the reach announcement, the big hit announcement, the big hit final announcement and the specific big hit final announcement are executed. Can be done.

  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 judging means” for judging whether or not the big hit is made.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the random number for big hit determination matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 31a 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 shown in FIG. 2 sets the symbols (stopped symbols left, middle, right) that are finally stopped by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 to symbols of the same type in all columns. Decide to be. 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. That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “stop symbol determining means”. Then, 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, 10 possible integers from 0 to 9 are assumed as numerical values that can be used for the jackpot symbol random number, and one numerical value is associated with each symbol type (for example, symbol “7” is a jackpot symbol). The random number value “7” 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 random number for the jackpot symbol is “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, it is determined that each stop symbol is a specific symbol, and for the jackpot symbol If the value of the random number is “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, it is determined that each stop symbol is not the 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 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. Note that the probability variation may be continued until the next jackpot effect is started, or until the symbol variation display is executed a plurality of times (for example, 10,000 times). It may be continued.

  Then, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 reads the variation pattern distribution random number value from the RAM 31c, and determines one variation pattern from the variation patterns P4 and P5 for the big hit effect based on the value. Specifically, the main CPU 31a determines one variation pattern from the variation patterns P4 and P5 regardless of whether it is a big hit with a specific symbol or a big hit with a non-specific symbol. That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “variation pattern determining means”.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the big hit determination random number and the big hit determination value do not match), the main CPU 31a reads the reach determination random number value read from the RAM 31c and the reach stored in the ROM 31b. A reach determination is made as to whether or not to execute the lose reach by comparing with the determination value. 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, the stop symbol is determined based on the value of the lost symbol random number. If the value of the random symbol for losing symbol and the random number value for the losing left symbol (or the value of the random number for the losing right symbol) match, the main CPU 31a determines that the symbol in the stop symbol and the symbol in the stop symbol left (or the symbol in the stop symbol right) ) And stop symbols are determined so that they do not match. In the present embodiment, 10 integers from 0 to 9 can be used as the random numbers for the left symbol, the random symbol for the middle symbol, and the random symbol for the right symbol in the same manner as the random number for the big hit symbol. 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 and P3 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 A1 that designates a variation pattern and instructs the start of symbol variation (see FIG. 3). Next, the main CPU 31a performs a first left symbol designation command B1 for designating the stop symbol left, a first right symbol designation command C1 for designating the stop symbol right, and a first middle symbol designation command for designating the stop symbol. D1 is output (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 confirms a symbol variation time predetermined for each variation pattern P1 to P5 stored in the ROM 31b, and sets the symbol variation time in the RAM 31c as a variation timer (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 fluctuation time is 0 ms, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 ends the subtraction of the fluctuation timer and also determines the first confirmation command E1 (in FIG. 3) is output to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37.

  On the other hand, when determining that the remaining symbol variation time is not 0 ms, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 has been operated, that is, the operation signal S1 from the shortening switch SW1 is changed from the off state to the on state. It is determined whether or not it has been switched. When the main CPU 31a determines that the shortening switch SW1 has been operated, the fluctuation timer (symbol fluctuation time) stored in the RAM 31c is set to a time shorter than a preset time (1000 ms (= 1 second)). It is supposed to be rewritten. At the same time, the main CPU 31a generates a first variation time reduction command T1 (see FIG. 3) and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37.

  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 T1 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 that constitutes a part of the “production control means” and a part of the “main control means”. The overall CPU 37a includes a ROM 37b and a RAM 37c. It is connected. The overall CPU 37a updates the values of various random numbers such as a random number for notice effect distribution, a random number for re-drawing pattern distribution, and a random number for temporary stop symbol distribution used for determining the contents of the effect at predetermined intervals. . Then, the overall CPU 37a sets the updated value in the setting area of the RAM 37c and rewrites the value before the update.

  The ROM 37b stores a notice pattern distribution table (see FIG. 7) in which notice patterns YP1 to YP5 for notice are distributed. Each of the notice patterns YP1 to YP5 is assigned a random value for assigning the notice effect (in this embodiment, 50 integers from 0 to 49). Further, in each of the notice patterns YP2 to YP5, the contents of the notice effect that suggests the development of the game effect for each of the notice patterns YP2 to YP5 (the reach notice, the jackpot notice, the jackpot confirmation notice, and the specific jackpot confirmation notice) Is associated with at least one content. That is, the notice patterns YP2 to YP5 include a plurality of kinds of notice effects that are sequentially executed. More specifically, the notice pattern YP2 indicates a pattern when a reach notice command Y1 for executing a reach notice is included. The notice pattern YP3 indicates a pattern in the case where a jackpot notice command Y2 for executing a jackpot notice in addition to the reach notice command Y1 is included. The notice pattern YP4 shows a pattern in the case of including a jackpot confirmation notice command Y3 for executing a jackpot confirmation notice in addition to the reach notice command Y1 and the jackpot notice command Y2. The notice pattern YP5 shows a pattern in the case of including a specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4 for executing a specific jackpot confirmation notice Y3 in addition to the reach notice command Y1, the jackpot notice command Y2 and the jackpot confirmation notice command Y3. Note that the notice pattern YP1 indicates a pattern when no notice command is included. Also, since the notice pattern YP5 includes the most notice commands Y1 to Y4 (four), the notice effect time associated with the notice pattern YP5 is the longest. That is, the notice effect time is associated in advance for each of the notice patterns YP1 to YP5.

  In the reach notice that is executed based on the reach notice command Y1, an effect that the red robot makes a face from the bottom of the screen is performed. In the jackpot notice executed based on the jackpot notice command Y2, an effect that the whole body of the red robot appears on the screen is performed. In the big hit finalizing notice executed based on the big hit finalizing notice command Y3, an effect of enlarging the red robot is performed. In the specific jackpot confirmation notice executed based on the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, an effect is produced in which the giant robot changes from red to gold.

  The ROM 37b shown in FIG. 2 stores a re-lottery pattern determination table (see FIG. 8) to which the re-lottery re-lottery patterns SP1 to SP3 are distributed. Each of the re-lottery patterns SP1 to SP3 is assigned a random value for distributing the re-lottery pattern (in this embodiment, 50 different integers from 0 to 49). In the re-lottery executed based on the re-lottery pattern SP1, after all the symbols are temporarily stopped at the non-specific symbols, all the symbols are re-variable and the effect is confirmed and stopped at the combination of the non-specific symbols or the specific symbols. To be done. In the re-lottery that is executed based on the re-lottery pattern SP2, after all the symbols are temporarily stopped with non-specific symbols, all the symbols are re-variable and an effect is made to confirm and stop with a combination of specific symbols. The production of red robots will be performed. In the re-lottery executed based on the re-lottery pattern SP3, after all the symbols are temporarily stopped at the specific symbols, all the symbols are re-variable and fixed and stopped at the combination of the specific symbols, and a huge golden robot appears. Production to be performed.

  The ROM 37b shown in FIG. 2 stores a temporary stop symbol determination table (see FIG. 9) to which temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 before re-lottery are assigned. The temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 are assigned random values for temporary stop symbol distribution (50 integers from 0 to 49 in this embodiment). The temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 are determined based on the re-lottery pattern determined from the re-lottery pattern determination table (see FIG. 8).

  Further, the ROM 37b stores shortened effect selection tables 1 and 2 (see FIG. 10) to which the shortened effects TP1 to TP8, which are effects shorter than the normal game effect, are distributed. In the shortened effect TP1, an effect in which the characters “skip” are displayed is executed. In the shortening effect TP2, an effect in which the characters “reach?” Are displayed is executed, and in the shortening effect TP3, an effect in which the characters “big hit?” Are displayed. Further, in the shortened effect TP4, the character “big hit” is displayed, and the effect that the “giant red robot” appears is executed, and in the shortened effect TP5, the character “probable big hit” is displayed. At the same time, the production of the appearance of a “giant golden robot” is executed. Further, in the shortened effect TP8, an effect in which the characters “reach” are displayed is executed. In the shortened effect TP6, an effect in which the characters “probability changed?” Are displayed, and in the shortened effect TP7, an effect in which the characters “probability confirmed” is displayed. Yes.

  When the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input from the main CPU 31a, the overall CPU 37a stores the variation pattern designated by the first variation pattern designation command A1 in the RAM 37c. The general CPU 37a turns on (stores in the RAM 37c) a changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing. Further, the overall CPU 37a confirms the symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c from the ROM 37b, and sets (temporarily stores) the symbol variation time in the RAM 37c 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 overall CPU 37a starts subtraction of the symbol variation time stored as the variation timer. At this time, the symbol variation time is subtracted every predetermined interrupt period (4 ms).

  Further, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 outputs the first fluctuation pattern designation command A1 input from the main CPU 31a as the second fluctuation pattern designation command A2 (see FIG. 3). Note that the second variation pattern designation command A2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first variation pattern designation command A1. The second variation pattern designation command A2 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, when the first left symbol designation command B1 is input from the main CPU 31a, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 stores the stop symbol left designated by the command B1 in the RAM 37c. The overall CPU 37a outputs the first left symbol designation command B1 as the second left symbol designation command B2. The second left symbol designation command B2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first left symbol designation command B1. Similarly, when the first right symbol designation command C1 is input from the main CPU 31a, the general CPU 37a stores the stop symbol right designated by the command C1 in the RAM 37c, and the first middle symbol designation command D1 When input, the stop symbol designated by the command D1 is stored in the RAM 37c. Then, the overall CPU 37a outputs the first right symbol designation command C1 as the second right symbol designation command C2, and outputs the first middle symbol designation command D1 as the second middle symbol designation command D2. ing. The second right symbol designation command C2 has the same data configuration as the first right symbol designation command C1, and the second middle symbol designation command D2 has the same data configuration as the first middle symbol designation command D1. Are the same commands. These symbol designation commands B2, C2, and D2 are output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33.

  Further, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether all of the variation pattern, the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol are stored in the RAM 37c. When the variation pattern and all the stop symbols are stored, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c is the variation pattern P4 or P5. That is, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern is selected when the big hit effect is executed. In the case of the variation pattern P4 or P5, the overall CPU 37a uses the stop symbol left stored in the RAM 37c to determine whether or not the jackpot symbol is a specific symbol that triggers the probability variation to start. It has become. When the jackpot symbol is a specific symbol, the overall CPU 37a turns on (stores in the RAM 37c) a specific symbol jackpot flag (TO flag).

  Then, the general CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 acquires values of the notice effect distribution random number, the re-lottery pattern distribution random number, and the temporary stop symbol distribution random number from the RAM 37c. Next, the overall CPU 37a obtains the specific effects of the symbol combination game from the notice pattern distribution table (see FIG. 7), the re-lottery pattern determination table (see FIG. 8), and the temporary stop symbol determination table (see FIG. 9). It comes to decide. More specifically, the general CPU 37a determines the notice pattern from the notice pattern distribution table based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the main CPU 31a, the value of the random number for notice effect distribution obtained from the RAM 37c, and the presence / absence of the specific symbol jackpot flag. Any one of YP1 to YP5 is determined. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “notice effect determining means”. Further, the overall CPU 37a redraws the lottery based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the main CPU 31a, the re-lottery pattern distribution random number value acquired from the RAM 37c, the notice pattern determined by the overall CPU 37a, and the presence / absence of the specific symbol jackpot flag. Any one of the redrawing patterns SP1 to SP3 is determined from the pattern determination table. Furthermore, the overall CPU 37a selects one of the temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 from the temporary stop symbol determination table based on the re-lottery pattern determined by the central CPU 37a and the value of the temporary stop symbol distribution random number acquired from the RAM 37c. One is decided.

  The overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 stores the determined notice pattern and redrawing pattern in the RAM 37c. Further, the overall CPU 37a, based on the determined production contents (notice pattern, re-lottery pattern, temporary stop symbol), produce content designation commands (preliminary commands Y1 to Y4, re-lottery pattern command F1, temporary stop symbol designation command G1). ) Is set. These commands are output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33.

  When the first confirmation command E1 for instructing the stop of all symbols is input from the main CPU 31a, the overall CPU 37a turns off the changing flag set by the overall CPU 37a. The general CPU 37a clears the changing timer stored in the RAM 37c (sets to 0 second). Further, the overall CPU 37a outputs the first confirmation command E1 as the second confirmation command E2 (see FIG. 3) to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32. . The second confirmation command E2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first confirmation command E1.

  The overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the first variable time shortening command T1 is input from the main CPU 31a, that is, whether or not the shortening switch SW1 is operated. In other words, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variation time reduction command T1 is generated by the main CPU 31a. When the overall CPU 37a determines that the first fluctuation time reduction command T1 has been input, the overall CPU 37a checks the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 37c. Further, the overall CPU 37a confirms the remaining symbol variation time stored in the RAM 37c as a variation timer, that is, measures the time (measurement time) from the start of the game effect. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “timer measuring means”.

  Then, the overall CPU 37a, based on the confirmed variation pattern and the remaining symbol variation time, the progress status of the symbol variation display at the time of input of the first variation time shortening command T1 (that is, which section the symbol variation display indicates ( 6))). More specifically, the overall CPU 37a calculates the elapsed time from the start of symbol variation display, based on the difference between the symbol variation time predetermined for the confirmed variation pattern and the remaining symbol variation time. As a result, the overall CPU 37a can determine which section the symbol variation display is in. As a result, the overall CPU 37a can determine whether or not the advance notice effect based on the advance notice pattern determined by the overall CPU 37a has been executed when the shortening switch SW1 is operated. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “notice execution determination means”.

  Further, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 confirms the notice pattern and the redrawing pattern stored in the RAM 37c. The overall CPU 37a determines one shortened effect from the shortened effect selection table 1 (see FIG. 10) based on the determined section and the confirmed notice pattern. For example, in the case of the section K2 and the notice pattern YP1, the shortening effect TP1 is determined. In the case of the section K3 and the notice pattern YP2, the shortening effect TP8 is determined. Thus, it is possible to solve the problem that the character “reach?” For notifying the reach effect is displayed in spite of the symbol variation display being in the section K3 (the section in which the reach effect can be executed). Furthermore, the overall CPU 37a determines one shortened effect from the shortened effect selection table 2 (see FIG. 10) based on the determined section and the confirmed re-lottery pattern.

  When the shortening effect is determined, the overall CPU 37a generates a shortening effect pattern command H1 indicating a shortening effect pattern performed within the time after rewriting. The overall CPU 37a applies the shortened effect pattern command H1 to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub of the display control board 33 prior to the second variation time reduction command T2 (see FIG. 3). It outputs to CPU33a.

  When the first variable time shortening command T1 is input, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 sets (stores) the delay time t1 (80 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 length of the command input period on the display control board 33. The command input period is a period during which a command necessary for executing a game effect once from the start of the variable display of symbols to the final stop is input to the sub CPU 33a. It should be noted that the number of commands required for one symbol variation display is maximized when the variation pattern P4 or P5 is stored in the RAM 37c and the announcement pattern YP5 is stored in the RAM 37c among the announcement patterns YP1 to YP5. . Specifically, the second variation pattern designation command A2, the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, the second middle symbol designation command D2, the reach notice command Y1. The jackpot notice command Y2, the jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, the re-lottery pattern command F1, the temporary stop symbol designation command G1, and the shortened effect pattern command H1 are required. The command input period is longer than the time required for causing the sub CPU 33a to input the maximum number of commands required for one symbol change display. That is, the command input period is set to a time obtained by adding a sufficient time to the time required for causing the sub CPU 33a to input the maximum number of commands. The command input period starts when the second variation pattern designation command A2 is input to the sub CPU 33a, and ends after 80 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 shortening command T2 (shortening command) 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 variation time shortening command T2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first variation time shortening command T1. In the state where the variation display of the symbol is being performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 and the command input period has elapsed (remaining delay time = 0 ms), the overall CPU 37a determines the second variation. The time reduction command T2 is immediately output.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display control board 33 includes a sub CPU 33a that constitutes a part of the “sub control means”, and a ROM 33b and a RAM 33c are connected to the sub CPU 33a. 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 P5. The normal effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to control the display content (symbol variation, character motion, etc.) of the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, that is, the time and content based on the variation patterns P1 to P5. This is information for instructing execution of production.

  Further, the ROM 33b shown in FIG. 2 stores a plurality of types of shortening effect data for display effects used when a shortening effect that is a shorter effect than the normal effect is performed. That is, the ROM 33b has a function as “shortened effect data storage means”. The shortened effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to instruct the execution of the effect with the content including the time shorter than the time based on the already set variation pattern and information that the player wants to know (the notice effect). It is. That is, the shortening effect data is information for instructing execution of the shortening effect determined by the overall CPU 37a. Note that the shortening effect is determined by the notice patterns YP1 to YP5 and the re-lottery patterns SP1 to SP3.

  The second variation pattern designation command A2 is input from the overall CPU 37a to the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. The sub CPU 33a receives the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, and the second middle symbol designation command D2 from the general CPU 37a. Further, the RAM 33c receives the reach notice command Y1, the jackpot notice command Y2, the jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, the re-lottery pattern command F1, and the temporary stop symbol designation command G1 from the general CPU 37a. Is entered.

  When the second fluctuation pattern designation command A2 is input, the sub CPU 33a turns on (stores in the RAM 33c) a changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing. Further, the sub CPU 33a checks the symbol variation time from the ROM 33b according to the variation pattern determined by the main CPU 31a, and sets (temporarily stores) the symbol variation time in the RAM 33c as a variation timer. The symbol variation time stored as the during-change timer is the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display.

  Further, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 determines the data (for example, variation pattern, left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol, notice pattern, redrawing pattern, and provisional data specified in the command based on the input commands. Stop symbol data) is stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c. Then, the sub CPU 33a sets (generates) any one of the plurality of types of normal effect data stored in the ROM 33b based on each data stored in the RAM 33c. Further, the sub CPU 33a stores the set normal effect data in the storage area of the RAM 33c. Thereby, the normal effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is executed. Specifically, when the second variation pattern designation command A2 is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the normal 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 performs a normal effect based on the display signal. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as a part of “production control means”.

  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.

  Further, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input from the overall CPU 37a. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “short command input determination means”. When the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 33a selects the shortened effect data related to the notice pattern determined by the overall CPU 37a from the plural types of shortened effect data stored in the ROM 33b. It is like that. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “shortening effect data selection means”. More specifically, when the overall CPU 37a (notice execution determination means) determines that the execution of the notice effect has been started, the sub CPU 33a reduces the shortened effect data corresponding to the latest stage notice effect that has been executed. Is supposed to be selected. For example, when the general CPU 37a determines the notice pattern YP4 and the notice effects whose execution has been started are, for example, the reach notice and the jackpot notice, the sub CPU 33a selects the shortened effect data corresponding to the jackpot notice. It is like that. That is, since the big hit announcement is executed in the section K3, the sub CPU 33a causes the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 to execute the shortening effect TP3 (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the sub CPU 33a uses the notice effect that is executed when the shortening switch SW1 is operated as a reference, and the shortening that instructs the execution of the effect with the content including the notice effect that is neither advantageous nor disadvantageous to the player. Production data is selected.

  On the other hand, even if the general CPU 37a (notice execution determination means) determines that the execution of the notice effect has not been started, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 shortens the notice effect that is scheduled to be executed. Production data is selected. For example, when the general CPU 37a determines the notice pattern YP4 and the notice effect that is scheduled to be executed becomes the reach notice, the jackpot notice, and the jackpot confirmation notice, the sub CPU 33a determines the reach notice, the jackpot notice, and the jackpot confirmation notice. Shortening effect data corresponding to any of the above can be selected. If the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is the section K3, the sub CPU 33a causes the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 to execute the shortening effect TP3 corresponding to the big hit notice executed in the section K3 (see FIG. 10).

  Then, the sub CPU 33a changes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c to the set 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 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 shortened effect. More specifically, when the second variation time shortening command T2 is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the shortening effect data into a display signal and outputs the display signal to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 executes a shortening effect based on the display signal. That is, the sub CPU 33a has a function as “shortening effect executing means”.

  Further, when the second variation time shortening command T2 is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 changes the symbol variation time stored as a variation timer in the RAM 33c. . Specifically, the sub CPU 33a is changed to a time (920 ms) obtained by subtracting the command input period (80 ms) from the time (1000 ms) rewritten by the main CPU 31a.

  Thereafter, when the second confirmation command E2 is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 33a turns off the changing flag stored in the RAM 33c. The sub CPU 33a clears the changing timer stored in the RAM 33c (sets to 0 second). Further, the sub CPU 33a applies all of the information to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 based on the second left symbol designating command B2, the second right symbol designating command C2 and the second middle symbol designating command D2 inputted at the start of the change. The stop of the symbol is instructed. 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.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sound / lamp control board 32 includes a sub CPU 32a constituting a part of “sub control means”, and a ROM 32b and a RAM 32c are connected to the sub CPU 32a. 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. Normal effect data for sound effects and normal effect data for light emission effects are associated with each of the variation patterns P1 to P5. The normal effect data for sound effect is information for the sub CPU 32a to control the sound output mode (the type of sound effect, the type of language sound, the sound output time, etc.) of the speaker 17, that is, the fluctuation patterns P1 to P1. This is information for instructing the execution of the production with the time and content based on P5. 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 P5. This is information for instructing execution of production.

  Note that the normal effect data for the sound effect and the light effect has the same data configuration as the normal effect data for the display effect. Also, the normal effect data for audio effects and the normal effect data for light emission effects have the same data structure. Accordingly, the shortened effect data for the sound effect and the light effect are also in the same data configuration as the shortened effect data for the display effect. Also, the shortened effect data for the sound effect and the shortened effect data for the light emitting effect have the same data structure. Furthermore, the shortened effects for the sound effects and the light emitting effects are effects corresponding to the shortened effects TP1 to TP8. In the shortened effect TP1, 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 shortened effect TP2, a voice “Leach may” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b blink. In the shortened effect TP8, a voice “reach” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are turned on. In the shortened effect TP3, a sound “Big hits” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are lit. In the shortened effect TP4, a sound “big hit” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash intensely. In the shortened effect TP5, a sound “probability big hit” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash more intensely. In the shortened effect TP6, a sound “probable change” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are turned on. In the shortened effect TP7, the sound “confirmed with certainty” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash intensely.

  The second variation pattern designation command A2 is input from the overall CPU 37a to the sub CPU 32a shown in FIG. When the second variation pattern designation command A2 is input, the sub CPU 32a sets (generates) any one of a plurality of types of normal effect data for sound effects, and sets the normal effect data thus set. Are stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c. Further, the sub CPU 32a sets (generates) 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 A2, and the light emission effect normal corresponding to the second variation pattern designation command A2. Light emission control is performed based on the effect data. 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 E2 is input from the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2, the sub CPU 32a instructs the speaker 17 to stop the sound output and turns off the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. It comes to direct.

  When the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 32a sets any one of a plurality of types of shortened effect data for audio effects. Then, the sub CPU 32a changes the normal effect data for sound effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c to the set shortened effect data for sound effect. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 32a deletes the normal effect data for sound effects stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c, and stores the set shortened effect data for sound effects. Thereby, the effect by the speaker 17 is switched from the normal effect to the shortened effect. More specifically, when the shortening effect pattern command H1 is input, the sub CPU 32a converts the shortening effect data for the sound effect into an audio signal and outputs the sound signal to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 executes a shortened effect based on the audio signal. Note that the type and sound output time of the sound output from the speaker 17 in the shortened presentation of the present embodiment are different from the type of sound and the sound output time output from the speaker 17 in the normal effect.

  Further, the sub CPU 32a is configured to set any one of a plurality of types of shortened effect data for the light emitting effect. Then, the sub CPU 32a changes the normal effect data for the light emission effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c to the set short effect data for the light emission effect. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 32a erases the normal effect data for the light emission effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c, and stores the set short effect data for the light emission effect. Thereby, the effect by the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b is switched from the normal effect to the shortened effect. More specifically, when the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the normal effect data 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 execute a shortened 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 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 P5. Then, the main CPU 31a sets the first variation pattern designation command A1 indicating the determined variation pattern, and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37. The set first variation pattern designation command A1 is output after the next interrupt process. Further, the main CPU 31a checks a symbol variation time predetermined for each variation pattern P1 to P5, 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. The main CPU 31a then includes a first left symbol designating command B1 for designating the stop symbol left, a first right symbol designating command C1 for designating the stop symbol right, and a first middle symbol designating command D1 for designating the stop symbol. Is output to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37. The set first left symbol designating command B1, first right symbol designating command C1, and first middle symbol designating command D1 are the next interrupt processing (the first variation pattern designating command A1 is output). Are sequentially output every 4 ms.

  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. 11, 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 S1 input from the shortening switch SW1 is switched from the off state to the on state. That is, the main CPU 31a determines the rising edge of the operation signal S1. When it is determined that the operation signal S1 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 S1 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 S1 is 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 or not the remaining symbol variation time stored as the variation timer is longer than 1 second, that is, the timing at which the operation signal S1 input from the shortening switch SW1 is switched on. It is determined whether or not the change display is just before ending. When the remaining symbol variation time is shorter than 1 second (step S160: N), the main CPU 31a does not perform the setting of the first variation time shortening command T1 and the variation timer rewriting processing (steps S170 and S180). Then, 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 S170, the main CPU 31a sets the first variation time reduction command T1, and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37 after the next interrupt processing. In step S180, the main CPU 31a rewrites the remaining symbol variation time stored as the variation timer to a time (1 second) shorter than a preset time. The rewritten remaining symbol variation time is set to a length that allows the shortening effects TP1 to TP8 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. Further, even when the variation timer is subtracted without being rewritten because the shortening switch SW1 is not operated, when the variation timer reaches 0 ms, the main CPU 31a determines “NO” in the 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 the first confirmation command E1 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 (variation process) of step S310 shown in FIG. 12, the first variation pattern designation command A1, the first left symbol designation command B1, the first right symbol designation command C1, from the main CPU 31a, When a command such as the first medium symbol designation command D1, the first variable time shortening command T1, and the first confirmation command E1 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. Specifically, one command is input per interrupt.

  The subroutine of FIG. 13 includes the processes of steps S410 to S660. In step S410, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the changing flag is turned on (during symbol change). If it is determined that the changing flag is off (step S410: N), the symbol combination game has not been performed, that is, the symbol change display has not yet started, and therefore the overall CPU 37a is stored in the RAM 37c. The process proceeds to step S430 without subtracting the changing timer (step S420).

  In step S430, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input (step S430: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S440. On the other hand, when the first variation pattern designation command A1 is not input (step S430: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S480 without performing the processes of steps S440 to S470.

  In step S440, the overall CPU 37a stores the variation pattern designated by the first variation pattern designation command A1 in the RAM 37c, and proceeds to the processing in step S450. Note that the stored variation pattern is used for determining a notice and determining a shortened effect. Then, the overall CPU 37a sets the second variation pattern designation command A2 in step S450, and proceeds to the processing in step S460. The second variation pattern designation command A2 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 after the next interrupt processing. Further, since the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input in the process of step S430, the overall CPU 37a turns on the varying flag (stores in the RAM 37c) in step S460, and proceeds to the process of step S470. . Further, the overall CPU 37a confirms the symbol variation time from the ROM 37b from the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c in step S470, sets (temporarily stores) a changing timer (design variation time) in the RAM 37c, and executes this subroutine. finish. For example, when the variation pattern P1 is stored in the RAM 37c, the symbol variation time is set to 10 seconds.

  In step S480, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first left symbol designation command B1 is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first left symbol designation command B1 is not input (step S480: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S510 without performing the processes of steps S490 and S500. On the other hand, when the first left symbol designation command B1 is input (step S480: Y), the overall CPU 37a stores the stop symbol symbol designated by the first left symbol designation command B1 in the RAM 37c in step S490, The process proceeds to step S500. The stored stop symbol left is used to determine the advance notice. In step S500, the overall CPU 37a sets a second left symbol designation command B2. The second left symbol designation command B2 is a command output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 after the next interrupt process.

  In step S510, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first right symbol designation command C1 is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first right symbol designation command C1 is not input (step S510: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S540 without performing the processes of steps S520 and S530. On the other hand, when the first right symbol designation command C1 is input (step S510: Y), the overall CPU 37a stores the stop symbol right designated by the first right symbol designation command C1 in the RAM 37c in step S520, and The process proceeds to step S530. The stored stop symbol right is not particularly used for determining the advance notice. In step S530, the overall CPU 37a sets the second right symbol designation command C2. The second right symbol designating command C2 is a command that is output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 after the next interrupt process.

  In step S540, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first medium symbol designation command D1 is input from the main CPU 31a. If the first medium symbol designation command D1 has not been input (step S540: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S570 without performing the processes of steps S550 and S560. On the other hand, when the first medium symbol designation command D1 is input (step S540: Y), the overall CPU 37a stores the stop symbol designated by the first medium symbol designation command D1 in the RAM 37c in step S550, The process proceeds to step S560. Note that the stored stop symbol is not particularly used for determining the advance notice. In step S560, the overall CPU 37a sets a second medium symbol designation command D2. The second medium symbol designation command D2 is a command output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 after the next interrupt processing. The processing in steps S570 to S660 will be described later.

  Here, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 13 ends, the overall CPU 37a shifts to the process (effect determination process) in step S320 shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 14 includes the processes of steps S810 to S880. In step S810, the overall CPU 37a determines whether all of the variation pattern, the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol are stored in the RAM 37c. If even one of the variation pattern and each stop symbol is not stored (step S810: N), the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine without performing the processing of steps S820 to S880. For example, when the processes of steps S820 to S880 are executed once, the overall CPU 37a sets “NO” as the determination in step S810. On the other hand, if all of the variation pattern and each stop symbol are stored (step S810: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S820. In step S810, the overall CPU 37a makes an affirmative determination only when the stop symbol is stored in the process of step S550 shown in FIG.

  In step S820, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c in the process of step S440 is the variation pattern P4 or P5. That is, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern is selected when the big hit. When the variation pattern is P4 or P5 (step S820: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S830. On the other hand, if it is neither the fluctuation pattern P4 nor P5, that is, if it is one of the fluctuation patterns P1, P2, P3 (step S820: N), the overall CPU 37a does not perform the processes of steps S830 and S840, but performs the process of step S850. Migrate to

  In step S830, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the jackpot symbol is a specific symbol that triggers the probability variation to start. Specifically, the stop symbol left stored in the RAM 37c in the process of step S490 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the stop symbol left is a specific symbol. Since the variation patterns P4 and P5 are patterns for executing the big hit effect, all the symbols are the same. Therefore, instead of using the left stop symbol for determining whether the symbol is a specific symbol, the right stop symbol or the middle stop symbol may be used.

  When the big hit symbol is the specific symbol (step S830: Y), the overall CPU 37a turns on the specific symbol big hit flag (TO flag) in step S840 (stores in the RAM 37c), and proceeds to the processing of step S850. The specific symbol jackpot flag is used for determining the advance notice and the redrawing pattern. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is not a specific symbol (step S830: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S850 without performing the process of step S840.

  In step S850, the overall CPU 37a receives from the RAM 37c the values of the effect distribution random numbers (notification effect distribution random numbers, re-lottery pattern distribution random numbers, temporary stop symbol distribution random numbers) that are updated every predetermined cycle. Acquired and proceeds to the process of step S860. In step S860, the overall CPU 37a determines specific contents of effects of the symbol combination game. More specifically, the overall CPU 37a determines the notice pattern from the notice pattern distribution table (see FIG. 7), determines the re-lottery pattern from the re-lottery pattern decision table (see FIG. 8), and temporarily stops the symbol determination table (see FIG. 9), the temporary stop symbol is determined. For example, the variation pattern P5, the value of the random number for distribution of the notice effect is 40, the value of the random number for re-lottery pattern distribution is 24, the value of the random number for temporary stop symbol distribution is 11, and the specific symbol big hit flag is on If it is, the overall CPU 37a determines the notice pattern YP5 from the notice pattern distribution table. Next, the overall CPU 37a determines the re-lottery pattern SP2 from the re-lottery pattern determination table. Further, the overall CPU 37a determines the temporary stop symbol 2 from the temporary stop symbol determination table.

  In step S870, the overall CPU 37a stores the notice pattern and the redrawing pattern determined in step S860 in the RAM 37c, and the process proceeds to step S880. In step S880, the overall CPU 37a performs an effect content designation command (reach notice command Y1, jackpot notice command Y2, jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, re-lottery pattern command F1, temporary stop symbol designation command G1, etc.) Is set and this subroutine is terminated. If the example shown in step S860 is used, the following command is set. First, on the basis of the notice pattern YP5 determined in step S860, the reach notice command Y1, the jackpot notice command Y2, the jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, and the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4 are set. The corresponding re-lottery pattern command F1 is set based on the re-lottery pattern SP2 determined in step S860, and the corresponding temporary stop symbol designation command G1 is set based on the temporary stop symbol 2 determined in step S860. Set. It should be noted that the effect content designation command set in step S880 is sent to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 every time an interrupt is executed once from the next interruption process. One output (every 4 ms).

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is completed, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S330 (shortening switch process) shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG. In step S910 of FIG. 16, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the shortening flag is turned on. If the shortening flag is not turned on, the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine. Thereafter, the overall CPU 37a shifts to the processing of step S310 (variation processing) shown in FIG. 12 in the next interrupt processing, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG. In this case, if the changing flag is turned on in the previous interrupt process, the changing timer (symbol changing time) is further subtracted in the process of step S420. If the first variation pattern designation command A1, the first left symbol designation command B1, the first right symbol designation command C1 and the first middle symbol designation command D1 have already been input, the general CPU 37a The determinations in steps S430, S480, S510, and S540 are NO, and the process proceeds to step S570.

  In step S570, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variable time reduction command T1 has been input. When the first variable time shortening command T1 is not input (step S570: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S620 without performing the processes of steps S580 to S610. On the other hand, when the first variable time reduction command T1 is input (step S570: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S580. In the process of step S580 shown in FIG. 13 (shortening effect determination process), the overall CPU 37a executes a subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 15 includes the processes of steps S710 to S750. In step S710, the overall CPU 37a confirms the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c in step S440, and proceeds to the process in step S720. In step S720, the overall CPU 37a checks the changing timer (remaining symbol changing time) stored in the RAM 37c, and proceeds to the process of step S730. In step S730, the overall CPU 37a displays what symbol variation display is being performed when the shortening switch SW1 is operated based on the variation pattern confirmed in step S710 and the remaining symbol variation time confirmed in step S720 ( Which section of the sections K1 to K6 is present) is determined. For example, when the remaining pattern variation time is 9 seconds in the variation pattern P4, the difference between the symbol variation time (25 seconds) and the remaining symbol variation time (9 seconds) of the variation pattern P4, that is, the variation display of the symbol The elapsed time from the start of is calculated as 16 seconds. As a result, it is determined that the symbol variation display is in the section K4 (see FIG. 6). Further, when the remaining pattern variation time is 38 seconds in the variation pattern P5, the difference between the symbol variation time (45 seconds) and the remaining symbol variation time (38 seconds) is calculated as 7 seconds. Thereby, it is determined that the symbol variation display is in the section K2 (see FIG. 6).

  In step S740, the overall CPU 37a confirms the notice pattern and re-lottery pattern stored in the effect determination process (step S880) shown in FIG. 14, and proceeds to the process in step S750. In step S750, if the section determined in step S730 is any one of sections K1 to K5, the overall CPU 37a shortens based on the section determined in step S730 and the notice pattern confirmed in step S740. One shortening effect is determined from the effect selection table 1 (see FIG. 10), and this subroutine is terminated. For example, in the section K2 and the notice pattern YP5, the overall CPU 37a determines the shortening effect TP2. In step S750, if the section determined in step S730 is section K6, the overall CPU 37a selects the shortening effect based on the section determined in step S730 and the re-lottery pattern confirmed in step S740. One shortening effect is determined from Table 2 (see FIG. 10), and this subroutine is terminated.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 15 ends, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S590 shown in FIG. In step S590, the overall CPU 37a sets the shortened effect pattern command H1 to be output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32, and proceeds to the process of step S600. The set shortened effect pattern command H1 is output after the next interrupt process. Further, the timing at which the shortened effect pattern command H1 is output is delayed when other untransmitted commands are accumulated. For this reason, the shortening effect time in the present embodiment varies. Further, since the first variable time shortening command T1 is input in the process of step S570, the overall CPU 37a turns on the shortening flag (stores in the RAM 37c) in step S600, and proceeds to the process of step S610. The shortening flag is turned on after the first variation time shortening command T1 is input until the second variation time shortening command T2 is set, that is, until the delay timer subtraction is completed. . In step S610, the overall CPU 37a sets the delay timer to the delay time t1 (80 ms), and proceeds to the process of step S620.

  In step S620, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first confirmation command E1 is input from the main CPU 31a. If the first confirmation command E1 has not been input (step S620: N), the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine without performing the processing of steps S630 to S660. Thereafter, since the variation process is continuously executed in the next interrupt process, the variation timer (symbol variation time) stored in the RAM 37c is decremented by 4 ms in the process of step S420.

  On the other hand, when the first confirmation command E1 is input (step S620: Y), the overall CPU 37a turns off the changing flag that was turned on in step S460 in step S630, and proceeds to the process of step S640. . In step S640, the overall CPU 37a clears the changing timer set in step S470 (sets to 0 seconds), and proceeds to the process in step S650. In step S650, the overall CPU 37a clears (deletes) the variation pattern, stop symbol left, stop symbol right, stop symbol, notice pattern, re-lottery pattern, and specific symbol jackpot flag stored in the RAM 37c, and step S660. Move on to processing. In step S660, the overall CPU 37a sets the second confirmation command E2 and ends this subroutine. The second confirmation command E2 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.

  In addition, the process of step S430-step S470, the process of step S480-step S500, the process of step S510-step S530, the process of step S540-step S560, the process of step S570-step S610, the process of step S620-step S660 is followed. It may be changed. For example, after performing the process of step S540 to step S560, the process of step S440 to step S470 may be performed.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 13 ends, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process (effect determination process) in step S320 shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG. In step S810 of FIG. 14, the overall CPU 37a determines whether all of the variation pattern, stop symbol left, stop symbol right, and stop symbol are stored in the RAM 37c. However, since the variation pattern, the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol are not stored in the RAM 37c, the overall CPU 37a ends the present subroutine without performing the processing of steps S820 to S880.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is completed, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S330 (shortening switch process) shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 16 includes the processes of steps S910 to S950. In step S910, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the shortening flag is turned on. When the shortening flag is turned on (step S910: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S920. In step S920, the overall CPU 37a subtracts the delay time t1 of the delay timer, and the process proceeds to step S930.

  In step S930, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the delay time t1 of the delay timer has reached 0 ms. If the delay time t1 is not 0 ms (step S930: N), the overall CPU 37a determines that the command input 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 reaches 0 ms (step S930: Y), the overall CPU 37a determines that the command input period has ended, and proceeds to the process of step S940.

  While the delay time t1 is being subtracted (during the command input period), the overall CPU 37a sends the second variable time reduction command T2 to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32. There is no particular processing to output to. Therefore, the overall CPU 37a reliably outputs a second variable time shortening command T2 while avoiding a command input period during which a plurality of types of commands are output.

  In step S940, the overall CPU 37a sets the second variable time reduction command T2, and proceeds to the process of step S950. The second variation time reduction command T2 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 after the next interrupt processing. In step S950, since the subtraction of the delay time t1 has been completed, 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 step S910 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 S1010 shown in FIG. 17, 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 S1010: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1020. In step S1020, the sub CPU 33a subtracts the changing timer stored in the RAM 33c, and the process proceeds to step S1030. In step S1030, the sub CPU 33a determines the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 based on the value of the changing timer subtracted in step S1020, the normal effect data set in step S1090, or the shortened effect data set in step S1100. The liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is caused to execute a normal effect or a shortened effect. Then, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1040. On the other hand, if it is determined that the changing flag is off (step S1010: N), the symbol combination game has not been performed, that is, the symbol change display has not yet started. Without subtracting (the processes of steps S1020 and S1030), the process proceeds to the process of step S1040.

  Step S1030 is a process in which the overall CPU 37a outputs to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 while monitoring the changing timer, and is a process necessary for changing the shortening effect time. For example, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated simultaneously with the start of symbol variation display, the maximum number of commands required for one symbol variation display (for example, from the second variation pattern designation command A2 to the shortening effect pattern command H1). After the eleven (see FIG. 3) are output to the sub CPU 33a, the second variable time shortening command T2 may be output. In this case, the shortened effect time is a time (956 ms) obtained by subtracting a period (11 × 4 ms) in which 11 commands are input to the sub CPU 33a from the time (1000 ms) when the main CPU 31a rewrites. On the other hand, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated after the command input period has elapsed (remaining delay time = 0 ms), the overall CPU 37a immediately outputs the shortening effect pattern command H1, so the shortening effect time remains 1000 ms. . Therefore, the shortened presentation time varies from 1000 ms at the longest to 956 ms at the shortest. For this reason, the optimal timing for switching from the display such as “skip” or “big hit” to the display such as “3” or “7” (stop symbol) differs depending on the length of the shortening effect. In addition, immediately before the end of the shortening effect (when the value of the changing timer approaches 0), all symbols determined by the main CPU 31a are displayed while swinging up and down. It depends on the length of time. Therefore, unless the changing timer is monitored and the output is performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, the stop symbol which is the greatest concern for the player cannot be displayed when the time of the shortening effect fluctuates. , There is a possibility that it is not possible to display a state where all symbols swing up and down.

  In step S1040, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not a command is input from the overall CPU 37a. When no command is input (step S1040: N), the sub CPU 33a ends the process here. On the other hand, when a command is input (step S1040: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1050. In step S1050, the sub CPU 33a determines the type of the input command. Then, the input commands are the second variation pattern designation command A2, the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, the second middle symbol designation command D2, the reach notice command Y1, the jackpot In the case of any one of the notice command Y2, the big hit confirmation notice command Y3, the specific big hit confirmation notice command Y4, the re-lottery pattern command F1, and the temporary stop symbol designation command G1, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1060. If the input command is the shortened effect pattern command H1, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1100. Furthermore, when the input command is the second variable time shortening command T2, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1110. Furthermore, when the input command is the second confirmed command E2, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1120.

  In step S1060, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the input command is the second variation pattern designation command A2. When the input command is the second variation pattern designation command A2 (step S1060: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1070. In step S1070, the sub CPU 33a turns on the changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing, and proceeds to the process of step S1080. In step S1080, 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 S1090. For example, the changing timer is set to 10 seconds for the fluctuation pattern P1, and the changing timer is set to 19 seconds for the fluctuation pattern P2. On the other hand, when the input command is not the second variation pattern designation command A2 (step S1060: N), that is, the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, and the second middle symbol. In the case of the designation command D2, reach notice command Y1, jackpot notice command Y2, jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, re-lottery pattern command F1, and temporary stop symbol designation command G1, the sub CPU 33a performs steps S1070, The process proceeds to step S1090 without performing the process in S1080.

  In step S1090, the sub CPU 33a stores the data of the variation pattern, left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol, notice pattern, redrawing pattern, and temporary stop symbol designated in the commands in the storage area of the RAM 33c. Then, 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 shortened effect pattern command H1 in step S1050, the sub CPU 33a adds the notice pattern determined by the general CPU 37a from the plurality of types of shortened effect data stored in the ROM 33b in step S1100. Select the related shortening effect data. Then, the sub CPU 33a changes the display effect normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c in step S1090 to the display effect shortened effect data, and ends the processing here.

  If the input command is the second variable time reduction command T2 in step S1050, the sub CPU 33a rewrites the variable timer stored in the RAM 33c in step S1110, and ends the processing here. To do. Specifically, the sub CPU 33a rewrites the time of the changing timer to 920 ms.

  When the input command is the second confirmed command E2, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1120. In step S1120, the sub CPU 33a turns off the changing flag that was turned on in step S1070, and proceeds to the process of step S1130. In step S1130, the sub CPU 33a clears the changing timer set in step S1080 or the changed timer rewritten in step S1110 (sets to 0 second), and proceeds to the processing in step S1140. . In step S1140, the sub CPU 33a determines the left symbol, right symbol, and middle symbol stored in step S1090 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. At this time, since the changing flag is off, the fixed stop symbol determined in step S1140 is not output in the process of step S1030. For this reason, the fixed stop symbol is output in the process of step S1140. In addition, you may make it output a fixed stop symbol by a process (illustration omitted) different from step S1140.

  Therefore, for example, when the big hit confirmation notice for executing the big hit confirmation is executed, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the overall CPU 37a displays the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 37c (here, the fluctuation pattern P4). Based on the remaining symbol variation time, it is determined that the symbol variation display during the operation of the shortening switch SW1 is in the section K4 (see FIG. 6). Further, the overall CPU 37a determines the shortening effect TP4 from the shortening effect selection table 1 (see FIG. 10) based on the determined section K4 and the notice pattern (referred to as the notice pattern YP4 here) confirmed from the RAM 37c. As a result, the shortening effect TP4 is executed, the letters “big hit” corresponding to the big hit confirmation notice are displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, and a huge red robot is displayed. Therefore, the advance notice made prior to the jackpot confirmation notice, that is, the known notice that is not advantageous to the player is not made. For example, the character “big hit?” Corresponding to the big hit notice is not displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Thus, the player can accurately grasp that the game state at that time is a state immediately before a big hit with a probability of 100%. Therefore, there is less possibility of giving the player anxiety about whether or not it will really be a big hit, despite the fact that the player has convinced of the big hit and operated the shortening switch SW1 after the big hit confirmation notice. In addition, since the symbol variation time is shortened, the player does not feel the symbol variation display uncomfortable. In addition, since the shortening effect TP4 is executed even if the symbol variation time is short, the player will continue 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.

  Further, when the specific jackpot finalizing notice for notifying that each symbol is a big hit with a specific symbol combination is executed, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is operated when the shortening switch SW1 is operated and the shortening effect TP5 is executed. In addition, the text “probable big hit” is displayed and a huge golden robot is displayed. Therefore, the advance notice made before the specific jackpot confirmation notice, that is, the known notice that is not advantageous to the player is not made. For example, the character “big hit” corresponding to the big hit confirmation notice is not displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Thus, the player can accurately grasp that the gaming state at that time is a state immediately before the probability variation is started with a probability of 100%. Therefore, when the player operates the shortening switch SW1 with certainty that the probability change will be started after the specific jackpot confirmation notice is made, it is not meaningful because it is already known that the jackpot will be won. The possibility of empathizing with the player is reduced. That is, the possibility that the player feels dissatisfied with not performing the expected performance is reduced. Further, in this case, the player can see a golden robot that attracts more attention than the red robot, and therefore has a further interest in the effect performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Moreover, the shortening effect TP5 in which the golden robot appears is more likely to start the probability variation than the shortening effect TP4 in which the red robot appears, and the possibility is 100%. Therefore, the player can know that the probability variation starts simultaneously with the execution of the shortened effect TP5. Therefore, the improvement of the further interest can be aimed at.

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

  (1) In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the shortening effects TP1 to TP8 are based on the shortening effect data instructing the execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern. Since one of them is executed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, the time for symbol variation display can be shortened. Further, the shortened effects TP1 to TP8 are not performed by omitting a part of the normal effect data, but the shortened effects TP1 to TP8 are performed by changing the normal effect data to the shortened effect data by the sub CPU 33a. Since this shortened effect data instructs the execution of the effect with the content including the notice effect that suggests the development of the game effect, the shortened effects TP1 to TP8 including the information (notice effect) that the player wants to know are displayed. Surely executed. Therefore, even when the shortened effects TP1 to TP8 performed in a short time are seen, the player can grasp the game state. Moreover, the shortening effect data selected by the sub CPU 33a is related to the notice patterns YP1 to YP5 determined by the overall CPU 37a. For this reason, by changing the normal effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the sub CPU 33a, it is possible to execute the shortened effects TP1 to TP8 related to the notice effect derived during the game effect. Therefore, the player can accurately grasp the gaming state. Therefore, even in the case of the shortened effects TP1 to TP8, it is possible to improve the interest.

  (2) According to this embodiment, when the execution of the notice effect is started when the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the sub CPU 33a selects the shortened effect data corresponding to the latest stage of the notice effects. Then, the sub CPU 33a executes any one of the shortening effects TP1 to TP8 based on the selected shortening effect data. As a result, by executing the contradictory effect between the notice effect and the shortened effect, the possibility of giving the player anxiety about whether or not it is really a big hit and dissatisfaction that the expected effect is not performed is reduced.

  (3) The overall CPU 37a of this embodiment is obtained by adding the functions of the notice effect determining means, the timer measuring means, and the notice execution determining means to the existing overall CPU 37a. There is no need to make hardware changes such as adding parts (such as ICs). Therefore, an increase in cost of the overall control board 37 can be suppressed.

  (4) The sub CPU 33a of the present embodiment is obtained by adding the functions of the shortened command input determining means, the shortened effect data selecting means, the effect data changing means, and the shortened effect executing means to the existing sub CPU 33a. It is not necessary to make a hardware change such as adding a new electrical component (IC or the like) to the display control board 33. Therefore, the cost increase of the display control board 33 can be suppressed.

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

  In the embodiment described above, the sub CPU 33a executes the performance with the content including the notification effect that is neither advantageous nor disadvantageous to the player based on the notification effect that is executed when the shortening switch SW1 is operated. The abbreviated production data to be instructed was selected. For example, if the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is the section K3 (the section in which the jackpot notice can be executed), the sub CPU 33a is configured to execute the shortening effect TP3 according to the jackpot notice.

  However, the sub CPU 33a selects the shortened effect data instructing the execution of the effect with the content including the notice effect that is more advantageous to the player based on the notice effect that is executed when the shortening switch SW1 is operated. You may do it. For example, when the overall CPU 37a determines the notice pattern YP4 and the notice effects whose execution has been started are, for example, reach notice and jackpot notice, the sub CPU 33a selects the shortened effect data corresponding to the jackpot confirmed notice. It may be. In this case, if the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is the section K3, the sub CPU 33a does not execute the shortening effect TP3 but executes the shortening effect TP4 according to the big hit confirmation notice. In this way, an effect at a later stage than the effect performed before the operation of the shortening switch SW1, that is, an effect more advantageous to the player than expected, is executed, so that the player can be pleased. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the notice effect has been executed based on the measurement time measured by the overall CPU 37a. However, a flag may be set when the notice effect is executed, and it may be determined whether the notice effect is executed based on the presence or absence of the flag.

  In the above embodiment, the overall CPU 37a determines the shortened effect from the shortened effect selection table 1 based on the determined section and the confirmed notice pattern. For example, in the case of the section K2 and the notice pattern YP2, the shortening effect TP2 is determined. However, the shortening effect may be determined based on the shortening effect selected by the shortening effect selection table 1. For example, in the case of the section K2 and the notice pattern YP5, the overall CPU 37a first selects the shortened effect TP2 as a reference. Then, the overall CPU 37a determines one shortened effect from the four shortened effects TP2 to TP5 using a random number. In this way, even if the operation timing of the shortening switch SW1 is the same, different shortening effects can be executed, so that the player can be surprised.

  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 1 or 2, whether or not the notice pattern includes a plurality of kinds of notice effects that are sequentially executed, and whether or not the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means is started. If the notice execution determination means determines that the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determination means is started, the shortened effect data selection means executes Select the abbreviated production data corresponding to the most late stage of the announcement production that has started.

  (2) In claim 1 or 2, whether or not the notice pattern includes a plurality of kinds of notice effects that are sequentially executed, and execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means is started. If the notice execution determination means determines that the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determination means is not started, the shortened effect data selection means , Selecting shortened effect data corresponding to the notice effect that was scheduled to be executed.

  (3) In any one of claims 1 to 4, the abbreviated effect data selected by the abbreviated effect data selecting means is based on a notice effect being executed when the operating means is operated, and the game is more than that. Instructing the execution of the production with the content including the notice production that is advantageous to the user.

  (4) In any one of claims 1 to 6, the time of the notice effect is associated in advance for each notice pattern.

  (5) In any one of claims 1 to 6, the effect control means includes a variation pattern in which the time and content of the game effect are associated, a stop pattern from which the game effect is derived and finally stopped, and The main control means for determining the notice pattern associated with the contents of the notice effect that suggests the development of the game effect, and the effect data instructing the execution of the effect are output based on the determined variation pattern, stop pattern, and notice pattern. And a sub-control unit that, when the operation unit is operated, the main control unit instructs execution of an effect with a content that includes a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern and the notice effect. The sub-control means outputs the effect data based on the input shortened effect pattern command. The shortening effect data to change the effect data selection means has selected.

  (6) In the technical idea (5), the sub-control unit includes: a shortened command input determining unit that determines whether or not the shortened effect pattern command from the main control unit is input; Based on the effect data changing means for changing the effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means and the shortened effect data changed by the effect data changing means when it is determined that the effect data has been input. And the shortening effect executing means for causing the symbol display means to execute the shortening effect.

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. Operation signal, first variation pattern designation command, first left symbol designation command, first right symbol designation command, first middle symbol designation command, first variation time reduction command, first confirmation command, 2 variation pattern designation command, second left symbol designation command, second right symbol designation command, second middle symbol designation command, second variation time reduction command, re-lottery pattern command, temporary stop symbol designation command, The time chart which shows output modes, such as a shortening production pattern command and a 2nd confirmation command. A variation pattern distribution table used when determining a variation pattern. The table which shows the fluctuation pattern distribution random number. The time chart which shows the production | presentation performed based on a fluctuation pattern. A notice pattern distribution table used when determining a notice pattern. The re-lottery pattern determination table used when determining a re-lottery pattern. A temporary stop symbol determination table used when determining a temporary stop symbol. The shortening effect selection table 1 and the shortening effect selection table 2 used when determining 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 fluctuation | variation process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the production | presentation determination process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the shortening production | presentation determination process performed in the integrated CPU of a comprehensive 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 a gaming machine ... Liquid crystal type symbol display device 31a as symbol display means ... Main CPU as jackpot determination means, variation pattern determination means and stop symbol determination means
33a ... Sub CPU as effect control means, shortened effect data selection means, effect data change means, and shortened effect execution means
33b: ROM as a shortened effect data storage means
37a: General CPU as notice effect determining means, notice execution determining means, and timer measuring means
P1 to P5 ... fluctuation pattern SW1 ... shortening switches TP1 to TP8 as operating means ... shortening effects YP1 to YP5 ... notice pattern

Claims (6)

A jackpot judging means for judging whether or not a jackpot,
Variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern associated with the time and content of the game effect according to the determination result by the jackpot determining means;
Stop symbol determination means for determining a stop symbol to be finally stopped after the game effect is derived according to the determination result by the jackpot determination means,
In accordance with at least one of the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means and the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determination means, a notice pattern associated with the content of the notice effect that suggests the development of the game effect is provided. A notice effect determining means to determine;
Effect control that outputs effect data instructing execution based on the change pattern determined by the change pattern determining unit, the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determining unit, and the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining unit Means,
A symbol display means for performing a game effect by changing or stopping a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of columns based on the input effect data;
In a gaming machine comprising operating means operated during a game in order to shorten the time of game production,
A shortened effect data storage means for storing shortened effect data for instructing to execute an effect with a content that includes a time shorter than the time based on the variation pattern and the notice effect;
Based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means, shortened effect data selecting means for selecting the shortened effect data related to the notice pattern when the operation means is operated,
Effect data changing means for changing the effect data to the shortened effect data selected by the shortened effect data selecting means when the shortened effect data selecting means selects the shortened effect data;
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. A notice execution determination means for determining whether or not the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means is started when the operation means is operated;
When the notice execution determining unit determines that the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining unit is started, the shortened effect data selecting means is the last stage among the notice effects that have been executed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein shortening effect data corresponding to the game is selected. A notice execution determination means for determining whether or not the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determining means is started when the operation means is operated;
When the notice execution determination unit determines that the execution of the notice effect based on the notice pattern determined by the notice effect determination means is not started, the shortened effect data selection means corresponds to the notice effect that is scheduled to be executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein shortened effect data to be selected is selected. The notice execution determination means is
A timer measuring means for measuring the time from the start of the game effect is provided,
The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a determination as to whether or not a notice effect has been executed is made based on a measurement time measured by the timer measurement means when the operation means is operated.   The abbreviated effect data selected by the abbreviated effect data selection means is based on the notice effect that is executed when the operating means is operated as a reference, and the effect is executed with contents including a notice effect that is not disadvantageous to the player. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming machine is an instruction. The notice pattern includes a reach notice for notifying reach, a jackpot notice for notifying the jackpot, a jackpot confirming notice for confirming that the jackpot has been confirmed, and a notice that the multiple types of symbols will be a big hit with a specific symbol combination Is associated with at least one of the specific jackpot confirmation notices,
The reach notice, the jackpot notice, the jackpot confirmation notice and the specific jackpot confirmation notice are set to be executed step by step in that order,
The abbreviated effect data selected by the abbreviated effect data selection means instructs execution of an effect with contents including a notice effect at a later stage than the notice effect produced when the operation means is operated. The gaming machine according to claim 5.

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