JP2006314380A - Pinball game machine and simulation program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine and a simulation program capable of improving a rendering effect during a big winning game state of reporting the upper limit number of rounds in a round control. <P>SOLUTION: The Pachinko game machine decides the upper limit number of rounds in the round control which can be executed, the Pachinko game machine decides the number of the rounds for reporting the decided upper limit number of the rounds of the round control, and the Pachinko game machine reports that the round control can be executed to the decided upper limit number of the rounds in the decided round. The Pachinko game machine reports that shifting to a special game state is to be performed before a big winning game state ends on condition that it is decided to shift to the special game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine and a simulation program, and more particularly to a ball game machine and a simulation program for performing variable display of identification information and display control of effects accompanying it.

  Conventionally, in a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, identification is made on the display area of the variable display device, mainly on the condition that the game ball has passed the starting area provided in the game area where the game ball can roll. Variable display control means is provided for performing control for variably displaying information, and for performing control for deriving and displaying identification information for which variability display is being performed. The derivation-displayed identification information has a predetermined combination (specific display mode) and In such a case, there is provided a game that makes it possible to shift to a big hit gaming state (so-called “big hit”) advantageous to the player.

  Also, in such a ball game machine, generally, a variable ball entering device composed of a big winning opening and a shutter that opens and closes the big winning opening is provided in the gaming area, and in the big hit gaming state When the predetermined transition condition is satisfied after the variable pitching device is controlled to the first state in which the game ball can be received, round control for performing the second state in which the game ball is not received is performed. Such round control can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds.

  In addition, as the types of jackpot gaming state, for example, a special jackpot gaming state and a normal jackpot gaming state are set. The special jackpot gaming state is a jackpot gaming state in which the upper limit number of rounds for round control is relatively large, and the normal jackpot gaming state is a jackpot gaming state in which the upper limit number of rounds for round control is relatively small. In addition, after the end of the big hit gaming state, for example, based on the result of variable display of the identification information, the probable change state that is likely to shift to the big hit gaming state, or the normal gaming state that is less likely to shift to the big hit gaming state than the positive change state And so on.

Further, in this type of ball game machine, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, immediately after the start of the jackpot gaming state, the number of false upper limit rounds of round control is notified, and then before the number of false upper limit rounds is reached. Discloses an actual upper limit round number of round control. As a result, when the actual upper limit number of rounds is notified, the player is given an impression that the jackpot gaming state has been extended, the player is given a reasonable expectation for the continuation of the jackpot gaming state, and the interest is improved. It is illustrated.
JP 2003-88642 A

  However, in the above-described ball game machine, it is possible to give the player the impression that the jackpot gaming state has been extended, but the gaming state that transitions after the jackpot gaming state ends is a probabilistic state or a normal gaming state Is not only reported as a result of the variable display of the identification information, and the interest is not improved, and further improvement of the production effect is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine and a simulation program that improve the effect in the big hit gaming state that notifies the upper limit number of rounds of round control. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) Variable display means for variably displaying identification information and control for shifting to a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of the variable display of the identification information is in a specific display mode Big hit game state transition control means, a variable winning device provided in a game area where a game ball can roll and changeable between a first state in which a game ball is easily received and a second state in which a game ball is difficult to be received In the jackpot gaming state transferred by the jackpot gaming state transition control means, round control for controlling the variable winning device to the second state after setting the variable winning device to the first state is executed up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds. A possible jackpot gaming state control means, an upper limit round number determining means for determining an upper limit round number executable by the jackpot gaming state control means, and the upper limit round number determining means. The upper limit round number notifying means for notifying that the round control can be executed up to the determined upper limit round number, and the result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to be in a specific display mode after the jackpot gaming state ends. A special game state transition determining means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state, and the round control is performed up to the upper limit round number determined by the upper limit round number determining means. A notification round determining means for determining the number of rounds to be notified that execution is possible, and a transition to the special gaming state on condition that the special gaming state transition determining means determines that the special gaming state is to be transferred. Special gaming state transition notifying means for performing notification, and the upper limit round number notifying means is a loop determined by the notification round determining means. In the number of games, it has a function of notifying that round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined by the upper limit round number determination means, and the special gaming state transition notification means A bullet ball game machine having a function of notifying that a transition is made to a special game state before the game is finished.

  (2) The variable display control process for controlling the variable display of the identification information and the transition to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display mode. The first state in which the game ball is displayed in a rollable game area and accepts the game ball image in the big hit game state transition control process for controlling and the big hit game state transferred in the big hit game state transition control process And a variable control device image that can be changed to a second state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball, the round control that controls the second state after the first state is made can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds. In the big jackpot gaming state control process, the upper limit round number determining process for determining the upper limit round number executable in the jackpot gaming state control process, and the upper limit round number determining process An upper limit round number notifying process for notifying the determined upper limit round number, and determining whether or not the result of the variable display of the identification information shifts to a special gaming state in which a specific display mode is likely to be obtained after the jackpot gaming state ends. A number of rounds for notifying that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determination process. A notification round determination process for determining, and a special game state transition notification process for notifying the transition to the special game state on the condition that it is determined to shift to the special game state in the special game state transition determination process, In the upper limit round number notification process, the round number determined in the notification round determination process In the process of informing that round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determination process, and in the special gaming state transition notification process, before the jackpot gaming state ends A simulation program that causes a computer to execute a process of notifying that a transition to a special gaming state is performed.

  According to the invention described in (1) or (2), the number of rounds for reporting the upper limit number of rounds, whether or not to shift to the special game state, and up to the upper limit number of rounds in the determined round number A notification that the round control can be executed is performed, and a notification that the game is to be shifted to the special game state is made before the big hit game state is completed on the condition that the game is determined to be shifted to the special game state. Therefore, since the upper limit number of rounds of round control cannot be recognized until the upper limit number of rounds of round control is notified, it is possible to increase the expectation of how long round control will be performed, and during the big hit gaming state Since the transition to the special gaming state cannot be recognized until the transition to the special gaming state such as the probable change state is notified before the end of the big hit gaming state, the expectation for the transition to the special gaming state is enhanced. It is possible to improve the production effect during the big hit gaming state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the presentation effect during the big hit gaming state.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Composition of gaming machine]
An overview of the gaming machine in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko gaming machine (also referred to as “digital pachi”) is shown as a preferred embodiment for a gaming machine according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 fires a glass door 11, a wooden frame 12, a base door 13, a game board 14, a dish unit 21, a liquid crystal display device 32 for displaying an image, and a game ball. It includes a launching device 130, a substrate unit 400, a ball payout unit 500 that gives game value, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the glass door 11 described above is pivotally attached to the base door 13 so as to be openable and closable. Further, an opening 11a is formed in the center of the glass door 11, as shown in FIG. Further, a transparent protective glass 19 is disposed in the opening 11a. The protective glass 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of a game board 14 described later in a state where the glass door 11 is closed. In particular, the protective glass 19 may be disposed so as to face at least the entire area of the gaming area 15, but the front area 16 of the gaming board 14 that does not correspond to the gaming area 15 (hereinafter referred to as outside the gaming area 16). ) May be arranged so as to face each other.

  The glass door 11 is provided with a control panel 80 below the opening 11a. The control panel 80 includes a game ball lending operation unit 82, a menu operation unit 84 for menu screen display, menu selection, determination, and cancellation, a game operation unit 88 for operations related to the progress of the game, and the like. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the dish unit 21 described above is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be positioned below the glass door 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the dish unit 21 is provided with an upper dish 20 above it. A lower plate 22 is provided below the upper plate 20. The upper plate 20 stores game balls to be launched into a game area 15 described later. The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are provided with payout ports 20a and 22a for renting out game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls). When predetermined payout conditions are satisfied, The game balls stored in the ball payout unit 500 described later are discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the launching device 130 described above is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be located on the side of the dish unit 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the launching device 130 is provided with a launching handle 26 that can be operated by a player. The launch handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable, and the pachinko game can be advanced by operating the launch handle 26 by the player. Further, on the back side of the firing handle 26, a firing motor (not shown), a ball feed solenoid (not shown) and the like are provided. Note that the player who plays the game is located on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in which the operation of the launch handle 26 and the like is possible. That is, this pachinko gaming machine 10 can be played from the front.

  Further, a touch sensor (not shown), a firing stop switch (not shown), and the like are provided on the periphery of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the shooting handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the shooting motor according to the rotation angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is played. Fired sequentially on the board 14. Even when the launch handle 26 is being rotated, when the launch stop switch is operated, the game device 130 does not launch the game ball.

  It should be noted that the touch sensor provided on the firing handle 26 may be any sensor that can determine that the player has gripped the firing handle 26. It doesn't matter.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 14 described above is disposed in front of the base door 13 so as to be positioned behind the protective glass 19 in the glass door 11. The game board 14 is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin having transparency. Examples of the resin having transparency include various materials such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, and a methacrylic resin. That is, part or all of the game board 14 is formed by the translucent member so that the rear can be visually recognized. The game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front surface of which the launched game ball can roll. As shown in FIG. 3, the game area 15 is surrounded by a guide rail 30 and the like, and is an area in which a game ball can roll. The game area 15 of the game board 14 is provided with a plurality of obstacle nails (not shown). As described above, the game ball launched by the launching device 130 is guided by the guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14, and then collides with the above-described obstacle nails. As a result, the player moves down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the game board 14 can be exchanged for another game board by a game hall manager or the like, and by exchanging the game board, a variety of games can be provided. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, a start port 44, a shutter 40, and the like are provided in the center of the front surface of the game board 14. The variable display of the special symbol (an example of identification information) is executed on condition that a game ball has entered the start port 44. Further, as will be described in detail later, depending on the result of the variable display of this special symbol, a big hit gaming state (specific game state, so-called “hit”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state is obtained. When the big hit game state is reached, the shutter 40 is controlled to be in an open state, and the game ball may be easily received in the big prize opening 39.

  As described above, the base door 13 on which the glass door 11, the game board 14, the dish unit 21, and the launching device 130 are disposed is pivotally attached to the wooden frame 12, as shown in FIG. An opening 13 a is formed at the center of the base door 13. For this reason, the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind the base door 13 can be viewed from the front through the transmissive game board 14 and the protective glass 19. Speakers 46L and 46R are disposed above the base door 13.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a special symbol display device 33 is disposed in the center of the game board 14. The special symbol display device 33 is a display device capable of 7-segment display, and performs variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game. The special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is configured by a plurality of symbol columns (for example, three columns), but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by, for example, a single symbol column. This special symbol is a symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, and the like. In this embodiment, numbers from “0” to “9” and a symbol “−” are used.

  “Variable display” is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner. For example, a “variable display” that is actually displayed in a variable state, a “stop display” that is displayed in a stopped state, etc. It is. In addition, “variable display” can be “derivation display” in which identification information is displayed as a result of a special symbol game. Further, the period from the start of the variable display to the derivation display is referred to as one variable display.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, in this special symbol display device 33, special symbols are derived and displayed, and the special symbols thus derived are displayed in a specific display mode (for example, “1”-“3”-“5”). , “5”-“7”-“9”, “3”-“6”-“9”, etc. are derived and displayed, so-called “hit display mode”). A big hit gaming state (specific gaming state) advantageous to the player is made. Also, if the special symbol that is derived and displayed is in a non-specific display mode (for example, a mode in which “1”-“2”-“3”, etc. are derived and displayed, so-called “outlier mode”), Does not enter the gaming state.

  In addition, the special symbol derived and displayed is a first special display mode (for example, “1”-“3”-“5”, etc.) in a specific display mode, so-called “special jackpot”. Based on the fact that the display mode is changed to “), a special big hit gaming state is entered. In this special jackpot gaming state, up to 16 rounds of control are performed. On the other hand, the special symbol derived and displayed is a first non-special display mode (for example, “5”-“7”-“9”, “ Based on the mode in which 3 ”-“ 6 ”-“ 9 ”, etc. are derived and displayed, the so-called“ ordinary jackpot display mode ”), the normal jackpot gaming state is entered. In this normal big hit gaming state, a maximum of eight round controls are performed.

  Also, the derived special symbol is a second special display mode (for example, “1”-“3”-“5”, “5”-“7”-“9”) among the specific display modes. Is a so-called “probability change jackpot display mode”), after the end of the jackpot gaming state, the state shifts to a probability changing state as a special gaming state. This probability change state is a state in which it is easier to shift to the big hit gaming state than in the normal gaming state. In other words, the probability variation state is a state in which the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved relative to the normal gaming state. On the other hand, the special symbol derived and displayed is a second non-special display mode (for example, “3”-“6”-“9”, etc.) that is not the second special display mode among the specific display modes. Based on the so-called “non-probability change big hit display mode”) that is derived and displayed, after the big hit gaming state ends, the game state shifts to the normal gaming state. This normal gaming state is a state in which it is more difficult to shift to the big hit gaming state than the probability variation state. Thus, the special symbol display device 33 performs variable display of the special symbol (an example of identification information). The special symbol display device 33 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of variable display means.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 described above is disposed on the base door 13 as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a for displaying an image relating to a game. The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14 through the opening 13a. Further, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed so that the display area 32a overlaps the whole or a part of the game board 14 through the opening 13a in the depth direction from the back side. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, images relating to various games, such as decorative symbols that are variably displayed in accordance with the variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, background images related to games, effect images, and the like, have predetermined modes. Will be displayed. That is, the liquid crystal display device 32 displays an effect image related to the game. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a for displaying an effect image relating to the game in a visually recognizable manner.

  In addition, on the liquid crystal display device 32, decorative symbols corresponding to a plurality of symbol rows are variably displayed in accordance with the variable symbol special symbol display in the special symbol display device 33. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 performs variable display of decorative symbols in each of a plurality of symbol rows (display rows). In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, three columns of symbols corresponding to the left column, the middle column, and the right column are displayed at the approximate center of the display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32, and the liquid crystal display device The 4th symbol displayed at the lower right of the display area 32a in 32 is included in the decorative symbol. The fourth symbol is displayed in a manner that is difficult for the player to visually recognize.

  When the derivation display of the decoration symbol is performed in the plurality of symbol strings and the result of the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is a specific display mode, the combination of the plurality of decoration symbols derived and displayed is A specific display mode (for example, “1”, “3”, “5” are all aligned in each of the three rows of decorative symbols, and the decorative symbol as the fourth symbol is “red”, “green”, “orange” And the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

  Further, when the result of variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is the first special display mode, a combination of the plurality of decorative symbols derived and displayed is, for example, in each of three rows of decorative symbols. All of "1", "3", and "5" are available, and the 4th symbol is displayed as a decorative symbol "red" or "green". Will be transferred to. On the other hand, when the result of variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is the first non-special display mode, the combination of the plurality of decorative symbols derived and displayed is, for example, three rows of decorative symbols. All of “1”, “3”, and “5” are aligned, and the decorative symbol is derived and displayed as “orange” as the fourth symbol, and the game shifts to the normal big hit gaming state of up to eight rounds. Become.

  In addition, when the result of variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is the second special display mode, a combination of the plurality of decorative symbols derived and displayed is, for example, in each of three rows of decorative symbols. All of “1”, “3”, and “5” are arranged, and the decorative symbol is derived and displayed as “red” as the fourth symbol, and it is easy to shift to the big hit gaming state after the big hit gaming state ends. It will shift to a certain change state. On the other hand, when the result of variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is the second non-special display mode, the combination of the plurality of decorative symbols derived and displayed is, for example, three rows of decorative symbols. All of “1”, “3”, and “5” are arranged, and the decorative symbol is derived and displayed as “green” or “orange” as the fourth symbol, and after the big hit gaming state, It will shift to the normal gaming state where it is difficult to shift to the big hit gaming state. In this way, the liquid crystal display device 32 performs variable display of decorative symbols. In addition to these decorative symbols, the liquid crystal display device 32 displays a background image, an effect image for effect, and the like.

  As described above, when a game is being played from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the player, that is, when the glass door 11 is in a closed state, a liquid crystal display is provided on the back side of the permeable gaming board 14. Since the device 32 is provided and the protective glass 19 having transparency is provided on the front side of the game board 14, the image displayed on the display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32 has transparency. It becomes visible to the player through the board 14 and the protective glass 19.

  For this reason, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed on the back side of the gaming board 14 having transparency, and by performing various effects in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a novel display that has not been found in conventional gaming machines. Production can be provided, and interest can be improved. Further, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a possibility that the size of the game area is reduced by increasing the size of the display area. Further, displaying various images without increasing the size of the display area may cause troublesome visual recognition for the player. Therefore, by executing various display effects, it is possible to execute a wide variety of effects independent of the size of the display area in the liquid crystal display device 32, and to improve the interest. In addition, since a gap is provided between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind the game board 14, an impact is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 32 when the obstacle nail is adjusted. The liquid crystal display device 32 can be prevented from being damaged and the product life of the liquid crystal display device 32 can be prolonged. It should be noted that the liquid crystal display device 32 may be provided with holes for arrangement of an accessory, a winning opening, a ball channel, a reel, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is used as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. It may be composed of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED (Light Emitting Diode), a segment LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or the like.

  The above-described wooden frame 12 is a wooden frame body, and a base door 13 is pivotally attached to the front thereof. In addition, in this embodiment, although it was set as the structure which used the wooden wooden frame 12, it is not restricted to this, For example, another aspect may be sufficient, for example, as a structure using metal and resin frames. Also good. An opening 12 a is formed at the center of the wooden frame 12. In the opening 12a, the base door 13, the liquid crystal display device 32, a substrate unit 400 described later in detail, a ball paying unit 500, and the like are disposed.

  The substrate unit 400 described above is pivotally attached to the rear of the base door 13. The board unit 400 incorporates various boards (not shown) on which a circuit for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 10 is formed, and these boards are covered by a board case (not shown). Yes.

  The ball dispensing unit 500 described above is pivotally attached to the rear of the base door 13. The ball payout unit 500 includes a ball storage tank (not shown) for storing game balls and a ball passage case (not shown). Will be led to the outlets 20a and 22a.

  In the game area 15 of the game board 14 described above, various types of accessories are provided. An example of various types of accessory will be described below with reference to FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, a special symbol display device 33 is provided above the center in the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  Also, above the game board 14, special symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d (indicated by reference numeral 34 in FIG. 4) for displaying the number of holds in the special symbol game are provided.

  In addition, ball passage detectors 54 a and 54 b are provided above the game area 15 of the game board 14. The ball passage detectors 54a and 54b are provided with blade members (so-called ordinary electric motors) provided on both the left and right sides of a starting port 44, which will be described later, on the main condition that it is detected that a game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof. 48 (which may be referred to as a “community”, hereinafter referred to as a normal electric combination) is changed from the closed state to the open state, and the game ball can easily enter the start port 44. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 48 is in the open state, the blade member 48 is closed so that it is difficult for the game ball to enter the start port 44.

  Further, below the game area 15 of the game board 14, there are provided game ball general winning openings 56 a to 56 d.

  In addition, a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed with respect to the special prize opening 39 is provided below the game area 15 of the game board 14. As described above, when the special symbol derived and displayed is in a specific display mode, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state, and the shutter 40 is in an open state (first state) in which the game ball can be easily received. It is driven to become. Further, this special winning opening has a general area (not shown) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 4), and a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls passes through the area or for a predetermined time. The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. In other words, in the open state, when a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls to the grand prize opening or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied, the big prize opening is put into a closed state (second state) where it is difficult to accept the game balls. To do. Subsequently, the shutter 40 that has been changed from the open state to the closed state is again driven to the open state on condition that the upper limit number of rounds has not been reached. In the present embodiment, the special winning opening 39 and the shutter 40 are provided in a game area where the game ball can roll, and are in a first state where the game ball is easily received and a second state where the game ball is difficult to receive. This corresponds to an example of a variable winning device that can be changed.

  A start opening 44 having a start winning ball sensor 116 (see FIG. 4) is provided above the shutter 40. When a game ball wins at the starting port 44, a special symbol game, which will be described later, is started, and the state shifts to a variable display state in which the special symbol is variably displayed. As the predetermined variable display start condition, in this embodiment, the main condition is that the game ball has won the start opening 44 (the game ball has passed through the start area). In other words, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied (provided that the game ball has passed through the start area), the special symbol is variably displayed. In the embodiment, the predetermined variable display start condition is that a game ball has won the start opening 44, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used.

  In addition, when a game ball wins the start opening 44 during the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game, the game ball wins the start opening 44 until the special symbol in the variable display is derived and displayed. Execution (start) of variable display of special symbols based on is suspended, that is, when a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied but a predetermined variable display start condition is not satisfied (a predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied) In such a case, execution (start) of variable symbol special display is suspended until a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. If the special symbol is derived and displayed in a state where the execution of the variable display of the special symbol is suspended, the execution of the variable display of the special symbol that is suspended is started. In addition, the special symbol variable display executed when the special symbol is derived and displayed is once. For example, in the state where execution of variable display of special symbols is held three times, when a special symbol is derived and displayed, one of the variable displays of special symbols held is executed once, and the remaining two symbols are displayed. The batch is held. Further, an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the variable symbol variable display is suspended up to four times. Thus, when the variable display of the identification information in the special symbol game is suspended, the special symbol suspension display device 34 displays the number of suspensions.

  In the present embodiment, it is configured to hold the variable symbol special display up to four times as an upper limit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or more times may be set as the upper limit. As such, it may be configured to suspend variable display of special symbols, and may be configured to suspend without setting an upper limit. Of course, you may comprise so that the variable display of a special symbol may not be suspended.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment is shown in FIG.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub control circuit 200 as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the game. The sub-control circuit 200 controls effects according to the progress of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the main ROM 68. Thus, the main CPU 66 functions as various means described later.

  A program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored in the main ROM 68. In addition, a jackpot determination table and an effect to be referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery are selected. Various tables such as an effect condition selection table to be referred to at the time are also stored. A specific program will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded and recorded in the main RAM 70 after the power is turned on. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium. In this embodiment, the main CPU 66, the main ROM 68, and the main RAM 70 are provided separately. However, a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. Specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 70 include the following.

  The main RAM 70 includes a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a presentation condition selection random number counter, a big prize opening number of times counter, and a big prize opening prize counter. , A waiting time timer, a special prize opening time timer, a variable relating to an output including data indicating the number of holdings in a special symbol game, data for supplying a command to the sub-control circuit 200 to be described later, a variable, etc. Yes.

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game. The specific area passing flag is for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area. The high probability flag indicates whether or not to relatively increase the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state.

  The jackpot determination random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a special symbol derived and displayed when the jackpot of the special symbol is determined. The effect condition selection random number counter is for determining a variation display pattern of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided. Further, although it is out of place, a reach determination random number counter for determining whether or not to reach may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The special prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the special prize opening 39. Note that the timer in the present embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening 39 is opened (so-called “round number”) in the big hit gaming state. The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the big prize winning opening 39 during one round and passed through the count sensor 104. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserves is held when the game ball is won at the start opening 44, but when the variable symbol display cannot be executed, the variable symbol is held, but the variable special symbol display is held. Indicates the number of times.

  In the present embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub-control circuit 200).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a special symbol display device 33, a special symbol hold display device 34, a count sensor 104, a general winning ball sensor 106, 108, 110, 112, a passing ball sensor 114, 115, a starting winning ball sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a large winning opening solenoid 120, a backup clear switch 124, and the like are connected.

  The special symbol display device 33 performs variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game in accordance with a signal from the main control circuit 60.

  The special symbol hold display device 34 displays the number of reserved special symbols in the special symbol game in response to a signal from the main control circuit 60.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 are provided in the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b. The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b.

  The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 44. The start winning ball sensor 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start opening 44.

  The normal electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 48 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 48 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 1 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. Connected to the payout / launch control circuit 126 are a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150. Specifically, the payout / launch control circuit 126 has a CPU (not shown) for controlling the payout / launch control circuit 126 and a ROM (a program for causing the CPU to execute processing). And a RAM (not shown) which is a work area of the CPU. Further, a lending operation unit 82 is connected to the card unit 150, and an operation signal is supplied to the card unit 150 in accordance with the operation.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130. The payout device 128 is employed as an example of a payout means for paying out game media when the launched (injected) game media passes through a predetermined area. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 is employed as an example of a payout control unit that performs drive control of the payout unit.

  In addition, the launching device 130 is provided with a device for launching a game ball such as the launching motor and the touch sensor described above. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is turned in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the firing motor according to the turning angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is fired. It is sequentially fired on the game board 14 by the motor. Note that such a launching device 130 is employed as an example of a launching unit that launches a game medium in response to a player's operation. Further, the payout / firing control circuit 126 is employed as an example of a firing control unit that controls driving of the firing unit.

  Further, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46 (46L and 46R in FIG. 1), a decorative lamp. Control of the lamp 132 including (not shown) is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply commands to the sub control circuit 200 and to prevent signals from being supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that signals can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208 as a storage unit, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, a sound control circuit 230 for performing control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, The lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamp 132 including a decoration lamp. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60. The sub control circuit 200 is connected to a menu operation unit 84, a game operation unit 88, and the like that can be operated by a player, and an operation signal is supplied to the sub control circuit 200 according to the operation (operation state). The

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. A specific program will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as the storage means. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 are not limited thereto. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the main ROM 68 and executed by the main CPU 66. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 68 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned.

  In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 is a circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 32, and includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP), an image data ROM that stores data for generating various image data, A frame buffer for buffering image data, a D / A converter for converting image data as an image signal, and the like are included.

  The display control circuit 250 is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with data supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  In response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, the display control circuit 250 displays various image data such as decorative design image data, background image data, and production image data indicating a decorative design on the liquid crystal display device 32. The image data to be stored is temporarily stored in the frame buffer. Then, the display control circuit 250 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing, whereby an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the display control circuit 250 performs control to display an image related to the game on the liquid crystal display device 32.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals, and the like.

  The sound source IC controls sound generated from the speaker 46. The sound source IC selects one sound data from a plurality of sound data stored in the sound data ROM in accordance with a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206. The sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speaker 46.

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a decoration data ROM storing a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns, and the like.

[Game state progress determination table]
The gaming state progress determination table stored in the main ROM 68 in the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Even if the game state progress determination table described below is not stored in the main ROM 68, data and programs having such functions may be stored in the main ROM 68. A similar game state progress determination table is also stored in the program ROM 208.

  The gaming state progress determination table stored in the main ROM 68 is a table for determining a progressing gaming state based on the result of variable display of identification information. In this gaming state progress determination table, as shown in FIG. 5, the big hit special symbol, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state, the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state, and the big hit decoration symbol are stored in association with each other. Has been. The jackpot decorative symbol includes a decorative symbol corresponding to each of the left column, the middle column, and the right column, and a decorative symbol as a fourth symbol.

  Specifically, when the big hit special symbol is derived and displayed as “1”-“3”-“5”, the maximum round number in the big hit gaming state is determined as “16”, that is, the special big hit game The game state after the end of the jackpot gaming state (special jackpot gaming state) is determined as a probable change state, and each of the three rows of the jackpot decoration symbol is “1”, “3”, “5”. Any one of the three is derived and displayed, and the fourth symbol of the jackpot decoration symbol becomes “red”.

  In addition, when the big hit special symbol is derived and displayed as “3”-“5”-“7”, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined as “16”, that is, shifts to the special big hit gaming state. The game state after the end of the jackpot gaming state (special jackpot gaming state) is determined as a probable change state, and each of the three rows of the jackpot decoration symbol is “1”, “3”, or “5” The three symbols are derived and displayed, and the fourth symbol of the jackpot decoration symbol is blue.

  In addition, when the big hit special symbol is derived and displayed as “5”-“7”-“9”, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined as “16”, that is, transition to the special big hit gaming state. The game state after the end of the jackpot gaming state (special jackpot gaming state) is determined as the normal gaming state, and each of the three rows of the jackpot decoration symbol is “1”, “3”, or “5” The three symbols are derived and displayed, and the fourth symbol of the jackpot decoration symbol is green.

  Also, when the big hit special symbol is derived and displayed as “1”-“2”-“4”, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined as “16”, that is, transition to the special big hit gaming state. The game state after the end of the jackpot gaming state (special jackpot gaming state) is determined as the normal gaming state, and each of the three rows of the jackpot decoration symbol is “1”, “3”, or “5” The three symbols are derived and displayed, and the fourth symbol of the jackpot decoration symbol becomes white.

  Also, when the big hit special symbol is derived and displayed as “3”-“6”-“9”, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined as “8”, that is, the normal big hit gaming state is entered. The game state after the end of the jackpot gaming state (ordinary jackpot gaming state) is determined as the normal gaming state, and each of the three rows of the jackpot decoration symbol is “1”, “3”, or “5” The three symbols are derived and displayed, and the fourth symbol of the jackpot decoration symbol becomes orange.

  In addition, when the big hit special symbol is derived and displayed as “5”-“6”-“7”, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined as “8”, that is, shifts to the normal big hit gaming state. The game state after the end of the jackpot gaming state (ordinary jackpot gaming state) is determined as the normal gaming state, and each of the three rows of the jackpot decoration symbol is “1”, “3”, or “5” The three symbols are derived and displayed, and the fourth symbol of the jackpot decoration symbol is black.

  In this way, when the result of the derivation display of the special symbol is determined as a result that is a big hit, based on the special symbol that is derived and displayed, the maximum number of rounds in the decorative symbol that is derived and displayed and the big hit gaming state The gaming state to be transferred after the end of the big hit gaming state is determined. In addition, the big hit special symbol, whether the mode will be a big hit of the special big hit gaming state or the normal big hit gaming state, and whether the gaming state after the big hit ends will be a promiscuous state or a normal gaming state, It is difficult to identify. In addition, the fourth symbol of the decorative symbols is difficult for the player to visually recognize as described above. For this reason, even if it becomes a specific display mode, it is difficult for the player to specify the maximum number of rounds and the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state.

[Notification Round Decision Table]
The notification round determination table stored in the program ROM 208 in the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Even if the notification round determination table described below is not stored in the program ROM 208, data and programs having such functions may be stored in the program ROM 208.

  The notification round determination stored in the program ROM 208 is a table for determining rounds for performing various notifications. As shown in FIG. 6A, the notification round determination table includes a notification round determination table (maximum round) for determining the round for notifying the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state, and FIG. 6B. As shown, a notification round determination table (progressive gaming state) for determining a round for notifying the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is included. In each notification round determination table, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the number of notification rounds and the distribution rate are associated with each other. Also, the notification round determination table (maximum round) shown in FIG. 6A is referred to when it is determined to shift to the special jackpot gaming state in which the maximum number of rounds is 16 rounds. On the other hand, the notification round determination table (progressive game state) shown in FIG. 6B is referred to when the game state to be shifted after the end of the big hit game state is determined to be a probable change state.

  Specifically, in the notification round determination table (maximum round), as shown in FIG. 6 (A), a round for reporting the maximum number of rounds is determined as one round at a distribution ratio of “2%”. The round for notifying the maximum number of rounds at the distribution rate of “3%” is determined as 2 rounds, and the round for notifying the maximum number of rounds at the distribution rate of “5%” is determined as 3 rounds. The round that announces the maximum number of rounds at the distribution rate of “%” is determined as 4 rounds, and the round that notifies the maximum number of rounds at the distribution rate of “5%” is determined as 5 rounds, and “5%”. The round for notifying the maximum number of rounds is determined as 6 rounds with the allocation ratio of 5 and the round for notifying the maximum number of rounds is determined as 7 rounds with the allocation ratio of “5%” and the allocation of “50%”. Min In round of informing the maximum number of rounds is determined as 8 rounds.

  As described above, when the maximum number of rounds is determined to be 16 rounds, a notification round indicating that the maximum round is 16 rounds is determined between the first round and the eighth round. Specifically, the probability of being notified in the eighth round is the highest. When the maximum number of rounds is determined to be 8 rounds, an effect of losing the game at the 8th round is executed, and it may be notified that the maximum number of rounds is not 16 rounds.

  Further, in the notification round determination table (progressive gaming state), as shown in FIG. 6B, there are nine rounds for notifying the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state with a distribution ratio of “2%”. After the end of the jackpot gaming state with the distribution ratio of “3%”, the round to notify the gaming state after the end of the jackpot gaming state is determined as 10 rounds. The round for notifying the gaming state at 11 is determined as 11 rounds, and the round for notifying the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is determined as 12 rounds with an allocation rate of “25%”. The round for notifying the gaming state after the end of the jackpot gaming state is determined as 13 rounds, and the game after the end of the jackpot gaming state is determined as “5%”. The round for notifying the state is determined as 14 rounds, the distribution rate of “5%” is determined, and the round of notifying the game state after the end of the big hit gaming state is determined as 15 rounds, and the distribution rate of “50%” is determined. Thus, the round for notifying the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is determined as 16 rounds.

  As described above, when it is determined to shift to the probability change state after the end of the big hit gaming state, a notification round for shifting to the probability change state is determined between the ninth round and the sixteenth round. Specifically, the probability of being notified in the 16th round is the highest. If it is determined to shift to the normal gaming state after the big hit gaming state is finished, an effect of losing the game in the 16th round is executed, and it may be notified that the transition to the normal gaming state is made.

  Therefore, since the upper limit number of rounds of round control cannot be recognized until the upper limit number of rounds of round control is notified, it is possible to increase the expectation of how long round control will be performed, and during the big hit gaming state Since the transition to the special gaming state cannot be recognized until the transition to the special gaming state such as the probable change state is notified before the end of the big hit gaming state, the expectation for the transition to the special gaming state is enhanced. It is possible to improve the production effect during the big hit gaming state.

[Description of display screen]
In addition, a display screen related to the special symbol game executed in the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, not only the display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32 but also the display area 33a in the special symbol display device 33 is shown.

[Description of special symbol game]
In the special symbol display device 33, the special symbol is variably displayed as shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, when a special symbol is derived and displayed, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 7B, the special symbol is displayed. The variable display is executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (D), the special symbol displayed in a stopped state and displayed in the non-specific display mode does not shift to the big hit gaming state, as shown in FIG. The current gaming state is maintained, and as shown in FIG. 7F, a specific display mode (for example, “1”-“3”-“5”, “5”-“7”-“9”, On the condition that “3”-“6”-“9” and the like are derived and displayed, so-called “hit display mode”), the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state.

  If a special symbol is derived and displayed as the first special display mode (for example, “1”-“3”-“5”, etc.) among the specific display modes, the maximum round in the big hit gaming state is There will be 16 rounds. On the other hand, a special symbol is derived and displayed as the first non-special display mode (for example, “5”-“7”-“9”, “3”-“6”-“9”, etc.) among the specific display modes. In such a case, the maximum round in the big hit gaming state is 8 rounds.

  In addition, a special symbol is derived and displayed as a second special display mode (for example, “1”-“3”-“5”, “5”-“7”-“9”, etc.) among the specific display modes. In such a case, a probable change state is entered after the end of the big hit gaming state. On the other hand, when a special symbol is derived and displayed as the second non-special display mode (for example, “3”-“6”-“9”, etc.) among the specific display modes, after the jackpot gaming state ends Normal gaming state.

  In addition, on the display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32, variable display of a plurality of rows of decorative symbols for decorating the special symbols in the special symbol display device 33 is performed. Specifically, there are three rows of decorative symbols, which are displayed in the center of the display area 32a, consisting of a left column, a middle column, and a right column, and a decorative symbol as a fourth symbol displayed in the lower right of the display region 32a. Included in decorative designs. When the special symbol is derived and displayed, the decorative symbol is also derived and displayed as shown in FIG. And when the predetermined variable display start condition mentioned above is satisfied, the variable display of the decorative symbol is also executed as shown in FIG. Then, before the special symbol is derived and displayed, as shown in FIG. 7C, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the left column, and then the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the right column. Then, at the timing when the special symbol is derived and displayed, the middle row decorative symbol and the decorative symbol as the fourth symbol are stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbol is derived and displayed.

  In addition, the decorative symbol that is derived and displayed has a relationship with the special symbol that is derived and displayed. Specifically, when the special symbol is in a non-specific display mode, for example, there are three decorative symbols corresponding to three columns of “1”, “3”, and “5”. When the special symbols are in a specific display mode, the decorative symbols are, for example, three “1”, “3”, or “5” symbols corresponding to three rows. This is the mode. That is, when the symbols in the three columns are stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbols in the derived and displayed columns are not in the form of three identical symbols as shown in FIG. It is derived and displayed as a specific display mode, and the current gaming state such as the normal gaming state is maintained. On the other hand, the decorative symbols in a plurality of rows become reach as shown in FIG. 7E, and for example, any one of “1”, “3”, and “5” as shown in FIG. 7F. When three are arranged corresponding to three columns, the special symbol is derived and displayed as a specific display mode, and the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state.

  Further, when the symbols in the middle row are stopped and displayed, the fourth symbols that are stopped and displayed are, for example, “red”, “blue”, “green”, and “white” as shown in FIG. In some cases, the special symbol is derived and displayed as the first special display mode among the specific display modes. In this case, the maximum round in the big hit gaming state is 16 rounds. On the other hand, if the fourth symbol to be stopped is “orange” or “black”, for example, the special symbol is derived and displayed as the first non-special display mode among the specific display modes. Become. In this case, the maximum round in the big hit gaming state is 8 rounds.

  In addition, when the symbols in the middle row are displayed in a stopped state, as shown in FIG. 7F, for example, when the symbol 4 is “red” or “blue”, a special symbol is displayed. Of the specific display modes, the second special display mode is derived and displayed. In this case, the probability change state is entered after the end of the big hit gaming state. On the other hand, when the fourth symbol to be stopped is, for example, “green”, “white”, “orange”, “black”, the special symbol is the second non-special display among the specific display modes. It is derived and displayed as a mode. In this case, the normal gaming state is entered after the end of the big hit gaming state.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (A), when the game shifts to the big hit game state, round control is started, and various big hit effect images such as an effect in which the main character battles the enemy is accompanied by the round control. Is displayed. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, an image “maximum number of rounds of 16 is determined!” Is displayed in the fifth round, and the determined maximum number of rounds is notified. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 8C, in the eighth round, an effect is performed in which the hero defeats the enemy and wins. On the other hand, for example, when the maximum number of rounds is not 16 rounds but 8 rounds, for example, as shown in FIG. 8D, in the eighth round, an effect is performed in which the hero is defeated by the enemy and defeated. The In the present embodiment, the determined maximum number of rounds is not necessarily notified in the fifth round. For example, as shown in FIG. An image “Round confirmed!” May be displayed, and the determined maximum number of rounds may be notified.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, various jackpot effect images such as an effect of the hero fighting against the enemy are displayed again. As shown in FIG. The image “Probability change entry confirmed!” Is displayed, and it is notified that it has been decided to shift to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the 16th round, an effect is performed in which the hero defeats the enemy and wins. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that the game does not shift to the probable change state but shifts to the normal game state after the jackpot game state ends, for example, as shown in FIG. Defeated by the enemy and the defeat is performed. In the present embodiment, the fact that it has been decided to shift to the probability change state is not necessarily notified in the 14th round. For example, as shown in FIG. An image “Probability change entry confirmed!” May be displayed to notify that it is determined to shift to the probability change state.

  In this way, the number of rounds to be notified of the upper limit number of rounds, whether to shift to the special gaming state, is determined, and the notification that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit number of rounds in the determined round number is made. And, on the condition that it is determined to shift to the special gaming state, a notification is made that the transition to the special gaming state is made before the big hit gaming state ends. Therefore, since the upper limit number of rounds of round control cannot be recognized until the upper limit number of rounds of round control is notified, it is possible to increase the expectation of how long round control will be performed, and during the big hit gaming state Since the transition to the special gaming state cannot be recognized until the transition to the special gaming state such as the probable change state is notified before the end of the big hit gaming state, the expectation for the transition to the special gaming state is enhanced. It is possible to improve the production effect during the big hit gaming state.

[Game machine operation]
The processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 and FIGS. 14 to 22 below. Moreover, the state transition of the special symbol control process (FIG. 12) performed with the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 10, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 12, a special symbol control process relating to the progress of the special symbol game, the special symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display device 33, and the decorative symbols is executed (step S15). . As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the process in step S15 is repeatedly executed.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The following system timer interrupt process is executed in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process so as to increase the count values of the big hit determination random number counter, the big hit symbol determination random number counter, etc. by “1” (step S42). In this process, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of the game ball to the start port 44 or the like (step S43). In this processing, the main CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 data for paying out the game balls (winning the game balls) on the condition that the game balls have won the various winning ports. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs, etc. Various timer update processes are executed (step S44). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor, or the like (step S46). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demo display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of special symbol derived and displayed, a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation display pattern of the special symbol, and the like. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

  In the process of step S49, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Specifically, the main CPU 66 supplies to the payout / firing control circuit 126 a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls as a result of the game balls winning in various winning holes. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is restored to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

[Special symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S15 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S80 indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Will be executed and the special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

  In steps S72 to S80, which will be described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to perform various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag, as will be described later. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and allows one of the processes from step S72 to step S80 to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined in accordance with a waiting time timer or the like set for each step. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 14, the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved pieces when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a reserved number. , Derived special symbol, variation pattern of special symbol, etc. are determined. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S73 is executed after the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined this time has elapsed. On the other hand, when there is no pending number, a demonstration display process for displaying a demonstration screen is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

  In step S73, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management to the control state flag when the control state flag is the value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management. Set the waiting time after confirmation (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S74 is executed after the waiting time after determination has elapsed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S74.

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 15, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. . In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S75.

  In step S75, a big hit start interval management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 has a value (03) indicating that the control state flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, Based on the data read from the ROM 68, the variables positioned in the main RAM 70 are updated. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a special winning opening release command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The stored data indicating the big prize opening command is supplied as a big prize opening command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. . Thereby, in the sub-control circuit 200, it becomes possible to recognize that the special winning opening 39 has been opened. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

  In step S76, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the special prize opening number counter to “ Update the memory so that it increases by 1 ″. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a special winning opening release command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The stored data indicating the big prize opening command is supplied as a big prize opening command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. . Thereby, in the sub-control circuit 200, it becomes possible to recognize that the special winning opening 39 has been opened. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

  In step S77, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines that, when the control state flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is open, the big prize winning prize counter is a predetermined number (for example, “10” or the like), It is determined whether or not one of the conditions that the opening upper limit time has passed (the big winning opening opening time timer is “0”) is satisfied (a predetermined closing condition is satisfied). The main CPU 66 updates the variables positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 39 when such a condition is satisfied. The main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets data indicating an interval command between rounds in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the inter-round interval command stored in this way is supplied as an inter-round interval command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub-control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Thereby, in the sub-control circuit 200, it becomes possible to recognize that the special winning opening 39 has been closed. The main CPU 66 sets the special ball remaining ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S78 is executed after the winning ball residual ball monitoring time has elapsed. Note that the main CPU 66 does not execute the above-described processing when none of the conditions is satisfied. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S78.

  In step S78, a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 indicates that the control state flag is a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the winning game mouth, and when the remaining winning ball monitoring time in the winning game mouth has elapsed, It is determined whether or not the condition is equal to or greater than the maximum number of times of opening (the final round, specifically, 16 rounds in the special jackpot gaming state, 8 rounds in the normal jackpot gaming state). When such a condition is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed, the setting of step S79 is executed. On the other hand, when neither of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating management of the special winning opening reopening waiting time in the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S76 is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S79.

  Note that, as described above, the main CPU 66 that executes Step S75 to Step S78 sets the second prize winning port 39 and the shutter 40 (variable prize winning device) in the first state in the transferred big hit gaming state. The round control for controlling the state is controlled to be executable up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds. The main CPU 66 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of a big hit gaming state control means.

  In step S79, a big hit end interval process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game to the control state when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. Then, the main CPU 66 performs control to shift to a probability variation state when the big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol, and performs control to shift to the normal gaming state when the big hit symbol is a non-probability variation symbol. Become. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the data indicating the number of holdings (starting storage information) to be decreased by “1”. Then, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the big hit determination result is lost in the case where it is not the big hit gaming state. By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S80 shown in FIG. 12 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the big hit gaming state, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 12 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing step S77 shown in FIG. The processing of step S78 and step S76 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the specific game is executed. When a specific game is being executed and the end condition (specific game end condition) for the big hit gaming state is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, and “08” are set in this order. Thus, the processing from step S77 to step S80 shown in FIG. 12 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit gaming state is ended. The specific game end condition is that the big hit game state is ended on the condition that the maximum number of consecutive big hit rounds (the upper limit round number, for example, 8 or 16 rounds in the present embodiment) has ended.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101), and the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, this subroutine is terminated. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is “0”. If it is determined that the data indicating the reserved number is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103, and the reserved number is stored. If it is not determined that the data indicating “0” is “0”, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S103, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a variable for supplying a demonstration display command to the sub-control circuit 200 in the main RAM 70 in order to perform a demonstration display. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize that the customer waiting state (predetermined waiting state) has been reached. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S104, a process of setting a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a value indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S105.

  In step S105, a big hit determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the high probability flag, and selects one jackpot determination table from a plurality of jackpot determination tables having different numbers of jackpot determination values (big hit determination values) based on the read high probability flag. . For example, in the jackpot determination table at normal time, two jackpot determination values are set, but in the jackpot determination table at high probability, ten jackpot determination values are set, and based on the high probability flag By selecting the jackpot determination table, the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state is different. Thus, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value (for example, “77”), that is, when the gaming state is a probable variation state, the probability of transition to the big hit gaming state (specify the result of variable symbol special display) The probability of the display mode is improved over the normal time. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the jackpot determination random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the selected jackpot determination table. That is, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit based on the result of the reference in step S105. If the main CPU 66 determines that it is a big hit, it moves the process to step S107, and if it does not determine that it is a big hit, moves the process to step S108.

  In step S107, the main CPU 66 extracts a jackpot symbol random number extracted at the time of starting winning, determines a special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random value, and stores data indicating the special symbol in the main RAM 70 in a predetermined manner. Store in the area. The data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33. As a result, the special symbol is derived and displayed on the special symbol display device 33. Further, the data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied as a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. As a result, in the sub-control circuit 200, the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Further, based on the special symbol derived and displayed thus determined, the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined in step S137 described later. In addition, the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is determined based on the special symbol derived and displayed thus determined. Specifically, in the above-described step S79, when a special symbol is derived and displayed as the second special display mode among the specific display modes, the game proceeds to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state, When the special symbol is derived and displayed as the second non-special display mode, control for shifting to the normal gaming state is performed after the big hit gaming state is finished. In this way, the main CPU 66 that executes the process of determining the special symbol to be derived and displayed is a probability change state (an example of the special game state) in which the result of variable display of the identification information is likely to be in a specific display mode after the end of the jackpot game state. It will be decided whether or not to shift to. The main CPU 66 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of a special gaming state transition determination unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  On the other hand, in step S108, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines the off symbol as a special symbol and stores data indicating the special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33. As a result, the special symbol is derived and displayed on the special symbol display device 33. Further, the data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied as a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. As a result, in the sub-control circuit 200, the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a variation pattern distribution table for determining a variation pattern based on the special symbol determined in steps S107 and S108. Then, the main CPU 66 determines a variation pattern based on the rendering condition selection random number extracted from the rendering condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern distribution table, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The main CPU 66 determines the variation display mode (in particular, the variation display time) of the special symbol based on the data indicating such a variation pattern. The data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33. As a result, the special symbol display device 33 variably displays the variation pattern determined by the special symbol. Further, the data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

  In step S110, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 calculates the variation time based on the variation pattern determined by the process of step S109 and the variation time table indicating the variation time of the variation pattern, and sets a value indicating the variation time. This is stored in the waiting time timer, and the special symbol display device 33 starts the variable symbol variable display. Then, a process of clearing the storage area used for the current variation display is executed (step S111). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Special symbol display time management process]
The subroutine executed in step S74 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management (step S131), and whether or not the waiting time timer is “0”. A determination is made (step S132). In this process, if the main CPU 66 determines that the control state flag is a value indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time timer is “0”, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to step S133. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that the control state flag is a value indicating the special symbol display time management, or if the main CPU 66 does not determine that the waiting time timer is “0”, the main CPU 66 Exit the subroutine.

  In step S133, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it has been determined that it is a big hit by the process of step S106 of FIG. If the main CPU 66 determines that it is a big hit, it moves the process to step S137, and if it does not make a big hit, moves the process to step S136. In other words, in such a process, the main CPU 66 that determines that the game is a big hit performs a control to shift to a big win game state that is advantageous to the player, on the condition that the result of variable display of the identification information is in a specific display mode. It will be. The main CPU 66 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of the big hit gaming state transition control means.

  In step S136, a process of setting a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game as the control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a value indicating the end of the special symbol game in the control state flag. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, in step S137, the main CPU 66 determines the maximum number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol to be derived and displayed (special bonus symbol). In this process, the main CPU 66 refers to the gaming state progress determination table (see FIG. 5) and sets the maximum number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state to “16” based on the special symbol that is the jackpot determined in step S107 described above. “8” is determined and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. That is, the main CPU 66 that executes such processing determines the upper limit number of round controls that can be executed in the big hit gaming state. The main CPU 66 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of an upper limit round number determination unit.

  Then, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating the big hit start command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 (step S138). Further, the data indicating the big hit start command stored in this way is supplied as a big hit start command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize the maximum number of rounds in the big hit gaming state according to the received big hit start command, and executes the effect display in the big hit gaming state. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S134.

  In step S134, a process of setting a value (03) indicating jackpot start interval management as a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a value indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag. And the process which sets the time corresponding to a big hit start interval to a waiting time timer is performed (step S135). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads a predetermined time until the big hit gaming state is started. Then, the main CPU 66 stores the read value indicating the waiting time in the waiting time timer. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Sub control circuit main processing]
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 executes the sub-control circuit main process. The sub control circuit main process will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control circuit main process is a process that starts when the power is turned on.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, the sub CPU 206 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission and work area initialization (step S201). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  In step S202, the sub CPU 206 executes random number update processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 updates random number values of various random number counters positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S203.

  In step S203, the sub CPU 206 executes command analysis processing. Although details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the received command is analyzed, and processing corresponding to the analyzed command is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S204.

  In step S204, the sub CPU 206 executes display control processing. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 22, the sub CPU 206 performs image display control in the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 executes a sound control process for controlling sound generated from the speaker 46 (step S205) and a lamp control process for controlling light emission of various lamps 132 (step S206). When this process ends, the process is moved again to step S202.

  Thus, in the sub-control circuit main process, after the initial setting process in step S201 is completed, the processes from step S202 to step S206 are repeatedly executed.

[Command interrupt processing]
Further, the sub control circuit 200 executes the command interrupt process at a predetermined timing (for example, a timing at which a command is received). This command interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, the sub CPU 206 saves the register (step S <b> 221), and stores various received commands received from the main control circuit 60 in a command buffer positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. (Step S222). Then, the sub CPU 206 restores the register saved in step S221 (step S223). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[VDP interrupt processing]
Further, the sub control circuit 200 executes the VDP interrupt process at a predetermined timing (for example, at a certain period such as a vertical synchronization timing (1/60 s) in the display device). This VDP interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, the sub CPU 206 saves the register (step S231), increments the VDP counter positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210, and stores it (step S232). This VDP counter is a counter for displaying an image, and counts the timing for displaying the image. Specifically, the VDP counter is incremented by “1” every time this process called at each vertical synchronization timing is executed. Thereby, in the display control process (see FIG. 22) described later, the sub CPU 206 supplies data for performing display control to the display control circuit 250 every time the VDP counter increases by “2”. That is, the sub CPU 206 that executes this process counts the timing for displaying an image. Then, the sub CPU 206 restores the register saved in step S231 (step S233). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Command analysis processing]
The subroutine executed in step S203 in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 19, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not there is a reception command (step S401). In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not there is a received command depending on whether or not the command is stored in the command buffer in step S222 of the command interrupt process (see FIG. 17). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that there is a received command, it reads the command data from the command buffer positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S402), and moves the process to step S403. On the other hand, when determining that there is no received command, the sub CPU 206 ends this subroutine.

  That is, the sub CPU 206 that executes step S402 receives various commands (for example, a derived symbol designation command) transmitted by the main control circuit 60. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 206 that executes step S402 corresponds to an example of a command receiving unit.

  In step S403, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a derived symbol designation command has been received. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a derived symbol designation command has been received based on the command data read in step S402. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has received the derived symbol designation command, it moves the process to step S404. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the derived symbol designation command has not been received, it moves the process to step S411.

  In step S404, the sub CPU 206 executes a derived special symbol storage process. In this process, the sub CPU 206 sets data indicating a special symbol included in the received derived symbol designation command and displayed in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Then, the sub CPU 206 executes a derived decoration symbol determination process (step S405). In this process, the sub CPU 206 refers to the game state progress determination table (see FIG. 5), and determines a decoration symbol to be derived and displayed based on data indicating the set special symbol. Then, the sub CPU 206 sets effect data corresponding to the determined derived decoration design in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, in step S411, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a jackpot start command has been received. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a jackpot start command has been received based on the command data read in step S402. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the jackpot start command has been received, it moves the process to step S412. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the jackpot start command has not been received, it moves the process to step S421 in FIG.

  In step S412, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the maximum number of rounds is a big hit of 16 rounds. In this process, the sub CPU 206 refers to the gaming state progress determination table (see FIG. 5), and the maximum number of rounds is 16 rounds based on the data indicating the special symbol derived and displayed set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. It is determined whether or not it is a big hit. If the sub CPU 206 determines that the maximum number of rounds is a big hit of 16 rounds, it moves the process to step S413. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the maximum number of rounds is not a big hit of 16 rounds, it moves the process to step S414 without executing step S413.

  In step S413, the sub CPU 206 determines a notification round indicating that the maximum number of rounds is 16. In this process, the sub CPU 206 extracts a notification round determination random value. Then, the sub CPU 206 refers to the notification round determination table (maximum round) shown in FIG. 6A and determines the number of notification rounds based on the random number value for notification round determination. That is, the sub CPU 206 that executes such a process determines the number of rounds to be notified that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit number of rounds. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 206 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of notification round determination means. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S414.

  In step S414, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is a big hit that shifts to a certain change state after completion. In this process, the sub CPU 206 refers to the game state progress determination table (see FIG. 5) and shifts to the probabilistic state after the completion based on the data indicating the special symbols that are derived and displayed set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. It is determined whether or not it is a big hit. If the sub CPU 206 determines that it is a big hit that shifts to the probability change state after the end, it moves the process to step S415. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it is not a big hit that shifts to the probability change state after the end, the sub CPU 206 ends the present subroutine without executing step S415.

  In step S415, the sub CPU 206 determines a notification round to shift to the probability changing state. In this process, the sub CPU 206 extracts a notification round determination random value. Then, the sub CPU 206 refers to the notification round determination table (progressive gaming state) shown in FIG. 6B and determines the number of notification rounds based on the notification round determination random value. That is, the sub CPU 206 that executes such processing determines the number of rounds for which the transition to the probability changing state is notified. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, in step S421 in FIG. 20, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a special winning opening release command has been received. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a special winning opening release command has been received based on the command data read in step S402. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has received the special winning opening release command, it moves the process to step S422. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has not received the special winning opening release command, it moves the process to step S441 in FIG.

  In step S422, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the notification round is that the maximum number of rounds is 16. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is a notification round indicating that the maximum number of rounds is 16 based on the result determined in step S413. If the sub CPU 206 determines that the notification round is that the maximum number of rounds is 16, it sets 16 round finalized effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S423), and ends this subroutine. . On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the notification round is not the notification round indicating that the maximum number of rounds is 16, the process proceeds to step S426 without executing step S423 described above.

  When step S423 is executed in this way, the sub CPU 206 supplies the 16 round finalized effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. The display control circuit 250 displays an image of “Maximum number of rounds of 16 rounds!” As shown in FIG. 8B or FIG. 8E based on the 16-round finalized effect data, and the determined maximum round The number is notified by the liquid crystal display device 32 or the like. That is, the liquid crystal display device 32 can execute round control up to the maximum number of rounds (upper limit number of rounds) determined in step S137 in the number of rounds determined in step S413 for informing the determined upper limit number of rounds. Will be notified. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 corresponds to an example of an upper limit round number notification unit.

  On the other hand, in step S426, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is a notification round to shift to the probability changing state. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is a notification round to shift to the probability variation state based on the result determined in step S415. If the sub CPU 206 determines that it is a notification round to shift to the probability changing state, it sets the probability changing effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S427), and ends this subroutine. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the notification round is not to change to the probability changing state, the sub CPU 206 sets the battle effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 without executing step S427 described above (step S428). This subroutine is finished.

  When step S427 is executed in this way, the sub CPU 206 supplies the probability change effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. The display control circuit 250 displays an image “probability change entry confirmation!” As shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. 9E based on the probability change confirmation effect data, and enters the probability change state after the end of the big hit gaming state. It is notified that it has been decided to shift. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 notifies that the game state is to be changed to the special game state before the big hit game state is ended on the condition that it is determined in step S107 that the game state is to be changed to the special game state. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 corresponds to an example of a special gaming state transition notification unit. On the other hand, when step S428 is executed, the sub CPU 206 supplies battle effect data to the display control circuit 250 and the like. Based on the battle effect data, the display control circuit 250 causes the liquid crystal display device 32 to display a battle image between the main character and the enemy as shown in FIGS.

  In this way, the number of rounds to be notified of the upper limit number of rounds, whether to shift to the special gaming state, is determined, and the notification that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit number of rounds in the determined round number is made. And, on the condition that it is determined to shift to the special gaming state, a notification is made that the transition to the special gaming state is made before the big hit gaming state ends. Therefore, since the upper limit number of rounds of round control cannot be recognized until the upper limit number of rounds of round control is notified, it is possible to increase the expectation of how long round control will be performed, and during the big hit gaming state Since the transition to the special gaming state cannot be recognized until the transition to the special gaming state such as the probable change state is notified before the end of the big hit gaming state, the expectation for the transition to the special gaming state is enhanced. It is possible to improve the production effect during the big hit gaming state.

  On the other hand, in step S441 in FIG. 21, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an inter-round interval command has been received. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an inter-round interval command has been received based on the command data read in step S402. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that an inter-round interval command has been received, it moves the process to step S442. On the other hand, when determining that the inter-round interval command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 sets effect control data corresponding to the received command (step S460), and ends this subroutine. As a specific example, the sub CPU 206 sets data indicating a variation pattern in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 in response to a variation pattern designation command or the like.

  In step S442, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the current round number is the eighth round. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the current number of rounds is the eighth round, the process moves to step S443. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the current number of rounds is not the eighth round, it moves the process to step S451.

  In step S443, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the special big hit gaming state in which the maximum number of rounds is 16 rounds. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the special big hit gaming state with the maximum number of rounds of 16 is based on the derived symbol designation command. If the sub CPU 206 determines that the special big hit gaming state with the maximum number of rounds of 16 is set, the battle victory effect data is set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S444), and this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the game is in the normal big hit game state where the maximum number of rounds is not 16 rounds, the sub CPU 206 sets the battle defeat effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S445), and ends this subroutine. To do.

  When the battle victory effect data is set in step S444, the sub CPU 206 supplies the battle victory effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. Based on the battle victory effect data, the display control circuit 250 causes the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an effect image in which the hero defeats the enemy and wins, as shown in FIG. Thereby, an effect that the maximum number of rounds is 16 is executed. On the other hand, when the battle defeat effect data is set in step S445, the sub CPU 206 supplies the battle defeat effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. Based on the battle defeat effect data, the display control circuit 250 causes the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an effect image in which the hero is defeated by the enemy and defeated, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the effect that the maximum number of rounds is 8 is executed.

  In step S451, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the current round number is the 16th round. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the current number of rounds is the 16th round, it moves the process to step S452. On the other hand, when determining that the current number of rounds is not the 16th round, the sub CPU 206 sets the inter-round interval effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S455), and ends this subroutine. Thus, when the inter-round interval effect data is set in step S455, the sub CPU 206 supplies the inter-round interval effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. The display control circuit 250 causes the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an interval effect image between rounds based on the interval effect data between rounds.

  In step S452, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not to shift to the probable change state after the end of the big hit gaming state. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not to shift to the probability changing state after the big hit gaming state based on the derived symbol designation command. If the sub CPU 206 determines that it will shift to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state, the sub CPU 206 sets the battle victory effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S453), and ends this subroutine. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it does not shift to the probable change state after the big hit gaming state, the sub CPU 206 sets the battle defeat effect data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S454), and ends this subroutine.

  When the battle victory effect data is set in step S453, the sub CPU 206 supplies the battle victory effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. Based on the battle victory effect data, the display control circuit 250 causes the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an effect image in which the main character defeats the enemy and wins, as shown in FIG. As a result, the effect of shifting to the probability changing state is executed. On the other hand, when the battle defeat effect data is set in step S454, the sub CPU 206 supplies the battle defeat effect data to the display control circuit 250 or the like. Based on the battle defeat effect data, the display control circuit 250 causes the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an effect image in which the hero is defeated by the enemy and defeated, as shown in FIG. As a result, the effect of shifting to the normal gaming state is executed.

[Display control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S204 in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 22, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the VDP counter is “2” (step S351). In this process, the sub CPU 206 reads the VDP counter value from the VDP counter counted in step S232 of the above-described VDP interrupt process (see FIG. 18), and determines whether it is “2”. That is, as described above, in the VDP interrupt process, the VDP counter is incremented by “1” every 1/60 s, so the sub CPU 206 determines whether 1/30 s has elapsed. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the VDP counter is “2”, it moves the process to step S352. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the VDP counter is not “2”, this sub-routine is terminated.

  In step S352, the sub CPU 206 executes control data output processing. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 supplies control data for displaying an image to the display control circuit 250. For example, the sub CPU 206 supplies control data indicating production such as data indicating image data to the display control circuit 250. Then, the sub CPU 206 sets “0” in the VDP counter (step S353). Then, the sub CPU 206 supplies a bank switching instruction to the display control circuit 250 (step S354). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Other Embodiments]
In this embodiment, the probability that the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state itself is increased (improved) is notified of whether or not to shift after the end of the big hit gaming state, but not limited to this, For example, the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state itself does not change, and notification of whether or not to shift to the short time state where the possibility of winning at the start port 44 is increased (improved) after the end of the big hit gaming state. May be performed. That is, what is necessary is just the notification of whether to shift to the special gaming state in which the result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to be a specific display mode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the determined round, by displaying an image indicating the maximum number of rounds or an image indicating transition to the probability variation state, notification of the upper limit number of rounds and notification of transition to the probability variation state However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by displaying a character or the like, notification of the upper limit number of rounds or notification of shifting to the probability change state may be performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, based on the result of variable display of identification information such as special symbols, the upper limit number of round control and whether or not to shift to the special gaming state after the big hit gaming state is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, regardless of the result of variable display of identification information such as special symbols, the upper limit number of rounds of round control and whether or not to shift to the special game state after the end of the big hit game state May be determined. In the present embodiment, the special symbol is an example of the identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a decorative symbol or the like may be an example of the identification information.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, various notifications are performed by displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various notifications may be performed by, for example, sound or light emission from a lamp. It may be. Further, any one of these or a combination thereof may be used.

[Composition of game board]
In the above-described embodiment, the entire game board 14 is configured by a member having transparency. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used. An example of a specific configuration of the game board will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 23, a plurality of obstacle nails are omitted for easy understanding.

  For example, a part of the game board may be configured with a member that does not have permeability. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23A, a game board 314 is formed by combining a member 314a having permeability and a member 314b (for example, wood) having no flat permeability. May be. Of course, as shown in FIG. 23 (A), not only the member 314a having transparency and the member 314b having no permeability are simply combined, but also as shown in FIG. 23 (B). It is good also as a structure which couple | bonds the member 315a which has transparency so that it may surround with the member 315b which does not have permeability.

  For example, you may comprise so that the process which shields a part of game board which has permeability | transmittance may be performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 23C, a part 316b of the game board 316 having transparency may be painted with a color having light shielding properties. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 316a, it is possible to configure a game board 316 that is partially transparent. Of course, instead of coating, a blasting process or a light scattering process for forming a fine rough surface by sandpaper may be performed to make it appear as if visible light is scattered and light is emitted.

  That is, the game board should just have a part at least partially permeable. In other words, if the display area 32a located at the rear of all or part of the game area 15 is configured so that an image can be viewed from the front through the vicinity of all or part of the game area 15. Good.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the gaming board 14 having transparency is used in part or in whole. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used, for example, games that do not have transparency. A board may be used.

[Configuration of display device]
A configuration using a gaming board that does not have transparency will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the door 311 is provided with a display device 332, and various effect images are displayed. The display device 332 includes a touch panel 351 for detecting a coordinate position touched by a player, transparent acrylic plates 353 and 355 as protective covers, and a transparent liquid crystal display device between the transparent acrylic plates 353 and 355. And a liquid crystal display device 354 to be stacked. The display device 332 (liquid crystal display device 354) can display a highly transmissive image in the display area. The liquid crystal display device 354 not only displays a highly transmissive image in the display area, but also performs variable display of special symbols, display of effect images for effects, and the like.

  Further, above and below the liquid crystal display device 354, a liquid crystal backlight 352 serving as an illumination device as a backlight of the liquid crystal display device 354 is provided. Further, the liquid crystal backlight 352 is controlled to be lit when power is supplied. For this reason, the liquid crystal backlight 352 is always driven at the time of power supply so that the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 354 can be clearly seen by the player. The liquid crystal backlight 352 is mainly a cold cathode tube, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  A obstacle nail 313 is driven into the game board 314. A game area 315 is provided between the game board 314 and the door 311, and a game ball 317 launched into the game area 315 can roll.

  The display device 332 includes a touch panel 351, transparent acrylic plates 353 and 355, a liquid crystal display device 354, a liquid crystal backlight 352, and the like. There is no problem even if only the liquid crystal display device 354 is provided without including the touch panel 351, the transparent acrylic plates 353 and 355, the liquid crystal backlight 352, and the like.

  As described above, the liquid crystal display device 354 is disposed in front of the game board 314 so that the display area and the whole or part of the game area 315 in the game board 314 overlap with each other, and an image with high transparency is displayed on the display area. Since display is possible, all or a part of the game area 315 is displayed through the liquid crystal display device 354 so that the image can be viewed from the front. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 354 is a device that is provided in front of the game board 314, has a display area that can be seen through the game board 314 and displays an effect image related to the game. The game board and the display device may be configured not to overlap in the depth direction.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of control circuits of the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another configuration may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. In addition, the sub control circuit 200 and the main control circuit 60 may be configured as one board.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first type pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second type pachinko gaming machine referred to as a wing mono, Hikoki mono, a first referred to as a right mono. It may be a three-type pachinko gaming machine or another mode.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the game machine 600 controls a game machine main body 604 that controls the progress of the game, displays various images, and generates various sounds. The display device 602 is electrically connected to display various images, and the operation unit 606 is electrically connected to the game machine body 604 and can be operated by the player. The game machine body 604 has a control unit (not shown) that performs the control as described above. Further, the game machine body 604 is detachable from an information storage medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, etc.) storing a program for causing the control unit to perform the control as described above.

[Simulation Program Embodiment]
Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, it is applicable also to the simulation program for making a computer perform various processes. This simulation program is a program for causing a computer to function as various means in the above-described embodiment.

  A simulation program simulating a pachinko game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a computer that executes the simulation program.

  As shown in FIG. 27, a computer 300A includes a computer main body 302, a display device 304 that displays an image in a display area 304a, and a keyboard 306 as an operation unit. A display device 304 and a keyboard 306 are electrically connected to the computer main body 302. In the present embodiment, the keyboard 306 is configured as the operation unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other modes as long as it can be operated, for example, a mouse, a controller, or the like.

  The computer main body 302 includes a control circuit (not shown). This control circuit includes a control unit (not shown) composed of a CPU, a storage unit (not shown) for storing various data, programs, etc., a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a ROM cartridge, etc., and a computer 300A. And a drive device (not shown) for reading data from a removable storage medium. Further, the control circuit includes an interface circuit (not shown) for controlling external devices such as the display device 304 and the keyboard 306.

  In this embodiment, a personal computer is used as the computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be in another mode. For example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. It may be a portable terminal device.

  In the present embodiment, a simulation program simulating a pachinko game in the above-described embodiment will be described. Specifically, this simulation program is for causing a computer to execute the following processing (steps).

  (A1) Variable display control processing for controlling variable display of identification information.

  (A2) A jackpot gaming state transition control process for performing control to shift to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of variable display of the identification information is in a specific display mode.

  (A3) In the big hit gaming state transferred in the big hit gaming state transition control process, the first state in which the game ball is displayed in a rollable game area and is easy to accept the game ball image, and the first is difficult to accept the game ball. A jackpot gaming state control process capable of executing round control for controlling the variable winning device image that can be changed to the second state to the second state after setting the first state, up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds.

  (A4) An upper limit round number determination process for determining an upper limit round number that can be executed in the jackpot gaming state control process.

  (A5) An upper limit round number notifying process for notifying the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determining process.

  (A6) Special game state transition determination processing for determining whether or not the result of variable display of the identification information shifts to a special game state in which the result of variable display of the identification information is likely to be in a specific display mode after the jackpot game state ends.

  (A7) Notification round determination processing for determining the number of rounds for performing notification that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determination processing.

  (A8) Special gaming state transition notification processing for notifying that the transition to the special gaming state is to be made on the condition that the special gaming state transition determination processing is determined to shift to the special gaming state.

  (A9) In the upper limit round number notification process, a notification that round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determination process in the round number determined in the notification round determination process. Processing to perform.

  (A10) In the special gaming state transition notifying process, a process for notifying that the state is shifted to the special gaming state before the jackpot gaming state is ended.

  As described above, by causing the computer 300A to execute the processes from (A1) to (A10), the number of rounds for reporting the upper limit number of rounds, whether to shift to the special gaming state, and the determined rounds are determined. The number is notified that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit number of rounds, and on the condition that it is decided to shift to the special gaming state, the fact that the transition to the special gaming state is made before the big hit gaming state ends. Notification. Therefore, since the upper limit number of rounds of round control cannot be recognized until the upper limit number of rounds of round control is notified, it is possible to increase the expectation of how long round control will be performed, and during the big hit gaming state Since the transition to the special gaming state cannot be recognized until the transition to the special gaming state such as the probable change state is notified before the end of the big hit gaming state, the expectation for the transition to the special gaming state is enhanced. It is possible to improve the production effect during the big hit gaming state.

  In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to function as various means according to a simulation program stored in a storage medium that can be inserted into and removed from the computer 300A, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or ROM cartridge. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the program is installed in the storage unit built in the computer 300A from the storage medium described above, and the above-described implementation is performed according to the simulation program stored in the storage unit built in the computer 300A. You may comprise so that a control part may function as various means in a form.

  In the above-described embodiment, the computer 300A is configured to execute various types of processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing is performed separately from other computers (for example, game servers). You may comprise so that it may be divided and performed.

  A simulation program executed using another computer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a game system that executes a simulation program.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the network 500 is connected to computers 300A, 300B,... And a game server 400, which is another computer. That is, these computers 300A, 300B,... Are communicably connected to the game server 400. The game server 400 includes a control unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a program, and the control unit executes various processes according to the program stored in the storage unit. To do.

  In this case, the processing specifically described in the above-described embodiment may be configured to be separately executed by the computers 300A, 300B,... And the game server 400.

  If an example of the simulation program imitating the pachinko game in this embodiment is given, the simulation program for executing the processes (A2) to (A4) and (A6) described above is stored in the storage unit of the game server 400 and described above. A simulation program for executing the processes (A1), (A5), (A7) to (A10) is stored in the storage unit of the computers 300A, 300B,. Thereby, the control unit of the game server 400 executes the processes (A2) to (A4), (A6), and the control units of the computers 300A, 300B,... (A1), (A5), (A7) To (A10) are executed. Of course, the above-described processing is an example, and various processing may be executed by another device.

  In the present embodiment, each of the computers 300A, 300B,... And the game server 400 is configured to execute various processes included in the simulation program. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of processes are included. A simulation program for executing the process is stored in the game server 400, and the simulation program is transferred from the game server 400 to the computers 300A, 300B,... In response to a download request supplied from the computers 300A, 300B,. By downloading, the computer 300A, 300B,... May be configured to execute a simulation program.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. That is, the present invention mainly provides variable display means for variably displaying identification information and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of variable display of the identification information is a specific display mode. The big hit gaming state transition control means for controlling the transition to the game state, the game area where the game ball can roll, provided in a first state where it is easy to accept the game ball, and a second state where it is difficult to accept the game ball A round control for controlling the variable winning device to the second state after the variable winning device is set to the first state in the jackpot gaming state transferred by the jackpot gaming state transition control means Jackpot gaming state control means that can be executed up to the upper limit round number, upper limit round number determination means that determines the upper limit round number that can be executed by the jackpot gaming state control means, and the upper limit round number Upper limit round number notifying means for notifying that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined by the number of game determining means, and the result of the variable display of the identification information after the end of the big hit gaming state is a specific display A special game state transition determining means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state that is likely to become a mode, and a ball game machine comprising the upper limit round number determined by the upper limit round number determining means The notification round determining means for determining the number of rounds to be notified that the round control is executable and the special gaming state are set on the condition that the special gaming state transition determining means determines to shift to the special gaming state. Special gaming state transition notifying means for notifying that the transition is to be made, the upper limit round number notifying means to the notification round determining means The number of rounds determined by the upper limit round number determining means has a function of notifying that round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number, and the special gaming state transition notifying means includes: It has a function of notifying that it will shift to the special game state before the jackpot game state is finished, but it is characterized by variable display means, jackpot game state transition control means, variable winning device, jackpot game Specific configurations of the state control means, the upper limit round number determining means, the upper limit round number notifying means, the special gaming state transition determining means, the notification round determining means, the special gaming state transition notifying means, and the like can be appropriately changed in design.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

1 is an external view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game board in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the game state progress determination table in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the notification round determination table in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the control process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the game board in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the door and game board which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the computer of one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the game system of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 14 Game board 26 Launch handle 32 Liquid crystal display device 32a Display area 33 Special symbol display device 39 Big prize opening 40 Shutter 44 Start opening 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
68 Main ROM
70 Main RAM
116 Start winning ball sensor 120 Large winning opening solenoid 200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM
250 Display control circuit

Claims (2)

Variable display means for performing variable display of identification information;
A jackpot gaming state transition control means for performing control to shift to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display mode;
A variable winning device that is provided in a game area in which a game ball can roll and can be changed between a first state in which a game ball can be easily received and a second state in which a game ball cannot be easily received;
In the jackpot gaming state transferred by the jackpot gaming state transition control means, it is possible to execute round control for controlling the variable winning device to the second state after setting it to the first state up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds. Big jackpot gaming state control means,
Upper limit round number determining means for determining the upper limit round number executable by the jackpot gaming state control means;
Upper limit round number notifying means for notifying that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined by the upper limit round number determining means;
A ball game machine comprising: special game state transition determining means for determining whether or not the result of variable display of the identification information transitions to a special game state in which the result of variable display of the identification information is likely to become a specific display mode after the jackpot game state ends Because
Notification round determination means for determining the number of rounds for performing notification that the round control is executable up to the upper limit round number determined by the upper limit round number determination means;
Special gaming state transition notification means for notifying that the transition to the special gaming state is performed on the condition that the special gaming state transition determining unit has determined to shift to the special gaming state,
The upper limit round number notifying means has a function of notifying that round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined by the upper limit round number determining means in the round number determined by the notification round determining means. Have
The bullet game machine according to claim 1, wherein the special game state transition notifying means has a function of notifying that the special game state is shifted to before the big hit game state is ended. Variable display control processing for controlling the variable display of identification information;
A jackpot gaming state transition control process for performing control to shift to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of variable display of the identification information has become a specific display mode;
In the big hit game state transferred in the big hit game state transition control process, the first state in which the game ball is displayed in a rollable game area and easily accepts the game ball image, and the second state in which it is difficult to accept the game ball A jackpot gaming state control process capable of executing round control for controlling the variable winning device image that can be changed to the second state after the variable state to the first state, up to a predetermined upper limit number of rounds,
An upper limit round number determining process for determining an upper limit round number executable in the jackpot gaming state control process;
An upper limit round number informing process for informing the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determining process;
A simulation program for causing a computer to execute a special game state transition determination process for determining whether or not the result of variable display of the identification information shifts to a special game state that tends to be in a specific display mode after the jackpot game state is finished. Because
A notification round determination process for determining a round number for performing notification that the round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determination process;
Special gaming state transition notification processing for notifying that the transition to the special gaming state is made on the condition that it is determined to transition to the special gaming state in the special gaming state transition determination processing;
In the upper limit round number notifying process, a process of notifying that round control can be executed up to the upper limit round number determined in the upper limit round number determining process in the round number determined in the notification round determining process; ,
In the special game state transition notification process, a simulation program causing a computer to execute a process of notifying that a special game state is to be transferred before the jackpot game state is ended.

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