JP2009195551A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a player from being confused by preventing an unintended operation of a game machine due to malfunction of a program. <P>SOLUTION: If a forenotice performance command stored in an output buffer is a command for specifying a performance content of a premium forenotice performance (in a case where a determination result of a step S12 is affirmative) when executing a jackpot forenotice performance, a general control CPU executes a prohibition process (a step S13). When the result of the prohibition process does not satisfy an execution condition (in a case where the determination result of the step 13 is negative), the general control CPU prevents the execution of a jackpot forenotice performance by the performance content of the premium forenotice performance (step S14). The constitution can prevent the appearance of the premium forenotice performance due to the malfunction of the program in a symbol variation game which is planned to be a failure. The constitution can prevent the unintended operation of the game machine by the malfunction of the program so as to prevent the confusion of the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention accompanies a symbol variation game with a plurality of types of jackpot announcement effects that suggest the possibility of whether or not a jackpot display result is derived for one symbol variation game during the symbol variation game. It is related with the game machine to perform.

Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, includes a variable display of a liquid crystal display type, for example, and a plurality of types of symbols are changed in the variable display in response to winning of a game ball at a start winning opening. A symbol variation game is being played. In such a pachinko gaming machine, there is also a type that performs a notice effect indicating the possibility of a big hit in the game (that is, the degree of expectation of the big hit) in one symbol variation game (for example, patent Reference 1). In patent document 1, the expectation degree of the big hit in each notice effect is determined by making the appearance rate of each notice effect different in the symbol change game that is different from the symbol change game that becomes a big hit. As a result, the player can increase the expectation for the big hit by the appearance of the notice effect. And in patent document 1, it becomes difficult to be selected in the symbol variation game that is out of place (the appearance rate is low), and when it is a notice effect selected in the symbol variation game that becomes a big hit, the expectation to the big hit comes to increase. ing. On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when it is a notice effect that is easy to select in a symbol variation game that is out of place (high appearance rate), it is difficult to select a notice effect that is difficult to select in a symbol variation game that disappoints the expectation of jackpot It cannot be raised so much.
JP 2003-102965 A (paragraph numbers [0050] to [0055])

  By the way, in such a notice effect, it is a big hit when it appears by being configured so that it can not be selected in a symbol variation game that is out of the game and can only be selected in a symbol variation game that is a big hit. A notice effect (so-called “premium notice”) that allows the player to recognize this is included. However, whether or not any notice effect on the program can be selected is a matter that is artificially determined by the program producer, and changes in the design that are out of the program's unintended program behavior (bugs). There is a possibility that a notice effect corresponding to the premium notice appears even though it is a game. For this reason, in such a case, the player may be confused.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to prevent an unintended operation of the gaming machine due to a malfunction in the program and to prevent confusion of the player. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a symbol variation game for displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of columns is displayed on a display means, and the display result of the symbol variation game is a jackpot display result. In this case, the player is given a jackpot game, suggesting whether or not the jackpot display result is derived in the game for one symbol variation game during the symbol variation game. In a gaming machine equipped with a notice effect execution means for executing a big hit notice effect in association with the symbol variation game, a main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine, and controls the game effect based on various determination contents of the main control unit A sub-control unit that performs a big-hit lottery unit for performing a big-hit lottery to determine whether or not a big hit is made, and displays the display result after starting at least the design-fluctuation game to change the symbol It is possible to specify the fluctuation time until the end of the game, and classify it as a fluctuation pattern for deviation determined when the lottery result of the big hit lottery is different from the fluctuation pattern for big hit determined when the lottery results Fluctuation pattern determining means for determining one fluctuation pattern based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery means from a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns, wherein the sub-control unit receives the determination result of the fluctuation pattern determining means In the case of the big hit variation pattern, the big hit display result is decided as the display result of the symbol variation game, and in the case of the deviation variation pattern, the deviation display result is decided as the display result of the symbol variation game. Display result determining means for determining whether or not the display result determined by the display result determining means is the jackpot display result Display result determination means, and a variation pattern determining means for selecting one jackpot warning effect from a plurality of types of jackpot warning effects including a specific jackpot warning effect that can be determined only when the jackpot variation pattern is determined Is determined based on the determined variation pattern, so that the notice effect determining means for determining the control content for executing the determined jackpot notice effect, and the jackpot notice effect determined by the notice effect determining means is the specific jackpot notice. Notice effect determining means for determining whether or not it is an effect; notice effect control means for controlling the notice effect executing means so that the jackpot notice effect determined by the notice effect determining means is executed in the symbol variation game; And the notice effect control means, when executing the jackpot notice effect, the determination result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative, and The gist is to perform control so that the jackpot notice effect is not executed when the determination result of the display result determination means is negative.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, when the notice effect control means executes the jackpot notice effect, the determination result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative and the display If the determination result of the result determination means is negative, control is performed so that the jackpot notice effect is not executed by rewriting the control contents that execute the specific jackpot notice effect to control contents that do not execute the jackpot notice effect. This is the gist.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the sub-control unit determines whether or not the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determining means is the jackpot variation pattern. The notice effect control means includes a determination result of the notice result determination means when the jackpot notice effect appears, and the determination result of the display result determination means and the change When at least one of the determination results of the pattern determination means is negative, the control is performed not to execute the specific jackpot notice effect, while the determination result of the notice effect determination means, the determination result of the display result determination means, The gist is to perform control so that the specific jackpot notice effect is executed when all the determination results of the determination result of the variation pattern determination means are affirmative. That.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, the big hit is given a high probability state in which the probability of the big hit is changed from a low probability of a normal state to a high probability. There is a big hit and a non-specific big hit that is not given the high probability state. In the case of the specific big hit, a high probability state gaming state is given after the big hit game ends, and in the case of the non-specific big hit, the big hit game The game state of the normal state is given after the end, and the main control unit determines whether the big hit is the specific big hit or not when the big hit is determined in the big hit lottery. State determining means for controlling the game state after the end of the jackpot game according to the determination result of the state determining means, and the sub-control unit is determined by the state determining means. A state determination means for determining whether or not the big hit is the specific big hit, the notice effect determining means is a big hit in the big hit lottery and the state determination means determines the specific big hit A specific jackpot notice effect can be selected, and when the notice effect control means causes the jackpot notice effect to appear, the determination result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative and the determination result of the display result determination means is When at least one of the determination result of the variation pattern determination means and the determination result of the state determination means is negative, the control is performed not to execute the specific jackpot notice effect, while the determination result of the notice effect determination means, All the determination results of the determination result of the display result determination unit, the determination result of the variation pattern determination unit, and the determination result of the state determination unit are positive. Wherein the subject matter to be controlled to perform a specific jackpot announcement attraction when.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an unintended operation of the gaming machine due to a malfunction in the program and to prevent confusion of the player.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 and a card unit device 11 as a gaming medium lending unit arranged in parallel when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed in a gaming machine installation facility (amusement island) of a game hall are schematically shown. It is shown. The card unit device 11 is provided with an insertion slot 11a for inserting a prepaid card as an exchange medium exchangeable with a game ball (rental ball) as a rental game medium lent to a player. The card unit device 11 is configured to read and write the value of the inserted prepaid card. Specifically, the card unit device 11 reads the balance (value) of the prepaid card at the time of insertion, and rewrites the balance (value) of the prepaid card as the lending ball is paid out.

  On the front side of the opening of the outer frame 12 that forms the outline of the machine body of the pachinko gaming machine 10, a vertical rectangular inner frame 13 for setting various game components is assembled openably and detachably. A front frame 14 is assembled to the front side of the frame so as to be openable and detachable. As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 14 is assembled so as to overlap the middle frame 13 when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from the front side. For this reason, the middle frame 13 is disposed on the rear side of the front frame 14 and cannot be seen from the front side of the machine. The front frame 14 has a window 15 in the center, and an upper plate (storage plate) 16 serving as a first storage plate that can store a game ball as a game medium of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is integrated below the window 15. It is a molded configuration. On the back side of the front frame 14, a glass support frame (not shown) that protects the game board YB disposed inside the machine and supports glass of a size that covers the window 15 is assembled so as to be detachable and tiltable. . The game board YB is mounted on the middle frame 13. In addition, the front frame 14 includes an upper frame that constitutes an illumination display unit that produces a light emission effect by light emission (lighting or blinking) of a light-emitting body (lamp, LED, etc.) (not shown) so as to surround almost the entire circumference of the window 15. A lamp unit 17 for left side, a lamp unit 18 for left side frame, and a lamp unit 19 for right side frame are arranged. The lamp units 17, 18, 19 for the frames cover a plurality of light emitters mounted on the front surface of the front frame 14 with lamp lenses 17 a, 18 a, 19 a formed so as to be able to transmit light emitted from the light emitters. It is configured. In the front frame 14, a left speaker 20 and a right speaker 21 are arranged on the upper left and right sides of the window 15 to output various sounds and produce sound effects. The left speaker 20 and the right speaker 21 are mounted on the back surface of the front frame 14, and a sound emitting hole (not shown) is formed on the front surface of the front frame 14 and corresponding to the mounting site of the left speaker 20 and the right speaker 21. A plurality of are formed.

  A lower tray (storage tray) 23 serving as a second storage tray for storing game balls overflowing from the upper tray 16 is mounted on the front side of the middle frame 13 and at the lower portion of the front frame 14. Also, on the front side of the middle frame 13 and to the right of the lower plate 23, a launch handle 24 for launching a game ball that is turned by the player when launching the game ball onto the game board YB is mounted. ing. In addition, a lower speaker 25 that outputs various sounds and produces sound effects is arranged on the left side of the lower plate 23 in the front frame 14. The lower speaker 25 is attached to the middle frame 13.

  The upper plate 16 is provided with a payout opening 16a for a game ball to be paid out from the inside of the machine on the left side, and a concave storage passage 16b for storing a game ball held by the player. In addition, an upper tray intake (not shown) for taking the game balls in the storage passage 16b into the machine is provided on the right side. The game balls stored in the upper plate 16 are guided to the upper plate take-in port by the storage passage 16b and are taken into the machine one by one through the upper plate take-in port, and are emitted toward the game board YB. Is done. The game ball that is launched toward the game board YB is set to have a strength of launch according to the amount of rotation of the launch handle 24. The lower plate 23 is provided with an outlet 23a for a game ball that overflows and flows down from the upper plate 16, and a concave storage portion 23b that stores the game ball is connected to the outlet 23a of the game ball. Yes. At almost the center (center) of the game area H1 of the game board YB, a display frame (center accessory) 27 with various displays and various decorations is mounted. A set port 27a that opens in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front is formed substantially at the center of the display frame 27. The display frame 27 has a liquid crystal display type image display unit GH in alignment with the set port 27a. An effect display device 28 as a display means is attached. The effect display device 28 includes a symbol variation game that is performed by varying a plurality of symbol sequences (three columns in this embodiment), and various display effects (game effects) executed in association with the game are images. It is displayed. In the present embodiment, in the symbol variation game of the effect display device 28, a combination of symbols composed of a plurality of columns (three columns in the present embodiment) is derived. Note that the symbol variation game of the effect display device 28 is performed using decorative symbols (effect symbols) for diversifying display effects.

  A special symbol display device 30 as a display means is provided at the lower left of the display frame 27. The special symbol display device 30 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED type light emitting device. The special symbol is a notification symbol indicating the result of the internal lottery (big hit lottery) whether or not the big hit. In this embodiment, 100 types of jackpot symbols and one type of off-line symbols are prepared.

  In the effect display device 28 and the special symbol display device 30, the variation of the symbols (special symbol and decorative symbol) is started simultaneously with the start of the symbol variation game. Specifically, along with the start of the symbol variation game, the special symbol display device 30 starts the variation of the special symbol, while the effect display device 28 starts the variation of the decorative symbol of each column. Then, on the effect display device 28 and the special symbol display device 30, the big hit symbol (big hit display result) or the off symbol (missing display result) is stopped definitively simultaneously at the end of the symbol variation game based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery. Is displayed. At this time, in the special symbol display device 30 and the effect display device 28, if the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a big hit, the big hit symbol is definitely stopped and displayed on all the display devices (definite stop display), and the big hit lottery If the lottery result is out of place, the out-of-place symbol is displayed on any of the display devices. The jackpot symbol is displayed in the symbol variation game when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a big hit, and the outlier symbol is displayed in the symbol variation game when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is out. It is what is done.

  In this embodiment, the symbol that is different from the jackpot symbol derived in the symbol variation game of the effect display device 28 is constituted by a combination of ornament symbols derived in each column. For example, the jackpot symbol has the same ornament in all columns. On the other hand, the missing symbols are composed of combinations in which all rows do not become the same decorative symbols. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 28 displays numbers from “1” to “8” as decorative symbols for each column.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the display area (image display surface) of the effect display device 28 is formed larger than the display area of the special symbol display device 30, and the effect display device 28 is conspicuous in front of the player. Are arranged as follows. For this reason, the player pays attention to the display contents of the effect display device 28 in which the display effect (for example, reach effect or jackpot notice effect) is performed with various images in front of his / her own eyes than the special symbol display device 30, A big hit or loss will be recognized from the combination of symbols derived and displayed in the symbol change game of the effect display device 28. Therefore, the display result that can recognize the big hit by the combination of the symbols that are confirmed and stopped displayed on the effect display device 28 becomes the big hit display result, and the big hit display result recognizes that the player has won the big hit in the big hit lottery. It will be.

  In the reach effect, the specific symbols (left column and right column in the present embodiment) defined in advance in the symbol variation game performed on the effect display device 28 are the same type of symbols, and columns other than the specific columns (the book) In the embodiment, this is an effect performed by stopping and displaying a reach symbol composed of a combination in which the middle row) varies. The reach symbol is a case where three rows of decorative symbols are displayed as in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and when the symbol stop order is left column → right column → middle column, the left column decorative symbols and right column The combination of the decorative patterns of the same type. The jackpot notice effect is an effect that suggests the possibility (that is, whether or not the jackpot display result is displayed) in the single symbol variation game, that is, whether or not the jackpot display result is displayed, This is a jackpot notice effect that suggests the degree of expectation of the jackpot that is performed at the timing before the reach symbol is stopped and displayed. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the period from the start of the change of all the symbol sequences to the stop display of the reach symbol accompanying the start of the symbol change game is set as the execution time of the jackpot notice effect. The jackpot notice effect is a notice that is executed before the reach is formed (before the reach symbol is stopped), and the variable stop order is set from the left column to the right column as in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment. In this case, the jackpot notice effect is performed before the right row of symbols capable of forming the reach symbol is derived. Note that the jackpot announcement effect is performed before the symbols in the right column that can form the reach symbol are derived even if the symbol variation game does not perform the reach effect. When this big hit notice effect appears in the symbol variation game in the case where the big hit is determined by the internal lottery, the notice is realized in the game and becomes a big hit. On the other hand, when the jackpot notice effect appears in the symbol variation game when the deviation is determined in the internal lottery, the notice is not realized in the game and is lost. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a jackpot notice effect is performed by the display effect of the effect display device 28 serving as a notice effect execution means.

  Further, in the game area H1 below the display frame 27, an upper start winning port 33 having a game ball entrance 33a and a lower start winning port 34 having a game ball entrance 34a are arranged in the vertical direction. Is arranged. The upper start winning opening 33 is configured such that the entrance 33a is always open so as to allow the entrance of game balls at all times. On the other hand, the lower start winning opening 34 is an ordinary electric accessory, and includes an opening / closing blade 35 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown). The entrance 34a is opened to allow entry of a sphere. In other words, the lower start winning opening 34 is configured to make it impossible to enter a game ball unless the opening / closing blade 35 is opened to open the entrance 34a.

  An upper start switch SW1 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed in the back of the upper start winning port 33, and a ball has been inserted in the back of the lower start winning port 34. A lower start port switch SW2 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a game ball is provided. The upper start winning opening 33 and the lower start winning opening 34 can give a start condition for the symbol variation game and a payout condition for a game ball as a predetermined number of winning balls by detecting the game balls that have entered. When the opening and closing blades 35 are opened, the lower start winning opening 34 is made in a state in which the entrance is expanded and the game balls are easy to enter, whereas when the opening and closing blades 35 are closed, the entrance is not expanded and It is assumed that it is impossible to enter the ball.

  Also, in the game area H1 below the lower start winning opening 34, a large winning opening 37 having a large winning opening door 36 that is opened and closed by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) not shown is arranged. . A sensor (not shown) for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed in the back of the special winning opening 37. The big prize opening 37 can give a payout condition of game balls as a predetermined number of prize balls by detecting the game balls that have entered.

  Then, when the big hit game is awarded, the big winning opening door 36 is opened and the big winning opening 37 is opened, and the opening of the gaming ball is allowed. For this reason, the player can obtain a chance to acquire a large number of prize balls. In this embodiment, the big hit game is advantageous to the player because a chance to win a large number of prize balls can be obtained. This jackpot game is given when the jackpot is determined by an internal lottery and the jackpot symbol (the jackpot display result) is displayed in a fixed stop state in the symbol variation game.

  The big hit game is started after the big win symbol is determined by the internal lottery, the big hit symbol is confirmed and stopped in the symbol variation game, and the game ends. When the big hit game is started, an opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game is first performed. After the opening effect, the round game in which the big prize opening 37 is opened by the opening operation of the big prize opening door 36 is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds (the upper limit number of round games) as an upper limit. One round game is based on the condition that either a predetermined round game time elapses after the round game starts or a predetermined maximum number of game balls enter. finish. The big hit game ends with an ending effect indicating the end of the big hit game after the end of the round game of the specified number of rounds.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment stores the number of game balls that have been entered into the upper start winning opening 33 or the lower start winning opening 34, and stores the number of reserved game balls as a special figure reserved storage number. It is stored inside the machine (main control RAM 45c of the main control board 45). The special figure holding memory number indicates the number of symbol variation games that are on hold (waiting for symbol variation games). The special figure holding memory number is incremented by 1 when a game ball is awarded to the upper start prize opening 33 or the lower start prize opening 34, and is subtracted by 1 at the start of the symbol variation game. Accordingly, when a game ball wins the upper start winning opening 33 or the lower start winning opening 34 during the symbol variation game, the special figure holding memory number is further added and accumulated up to a predetermined upper limit number (four in this embodiment). It has become so. Then, the special symbol reserved memory number stored inside the machine is notified to the player by a special symbol reserved memory number display device TR arranged in the lower right of the display frame 27 (lower right of the effect display device 28) in FIG. Is done.

  The special symbol reserved memory number display device TR is constituted by light emitting means comprising four reserved lamps. The special symbol reserved memory number display device TR is configured to notify the player of the number of symbol variable games that are on hold by the number of lighting of the hold lamp. For example, when the special figure hold memory number is “1”, only one hold lamp is lit to notify that one symbol variation game is on hold, and the special figure hold memory number is “2”. Two on-hold lamps are lit to notify that two symbol variation games are on hold. Also, when the special figure hold memory number is “3”, three hold lamps are lit to notify that the three symbol variation games are on hold, and when the special figure hold memory number is “4”. All the holding lamps are turned on to notify that the four symbol variation games are on hold. When the special figure hold memory number is “0 (zero)”, all the hold lamps are turned off.

  In addition, in the lowermost part of the game area H1 of the game board YB (below the big prize opening 37), game balls that have been launched into the game area H1 and have not entered any of the prize openings are used as out balls. An out-bulb opening 38 is formed for discharging outside. The game balls that have passed through the out ball opening 38 are discharged to an out ball tank (not shown) disposed in the installation facility (game island) of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) function. The probability variation function is a function for providing a probability variation state (high probability lottery state of jackpot lottery) in which the probability of winning a lottery (winning probability) varies from a normal probability having a low probability to a high probability after the jackpot game ends. The probability change state is given until a predetermined number of times (10,000 times in this embodiment) the symbol variation game is played, or until a big hit is generated before reaching the number of times. That is, the probability variation state is given until the end of the symbol variation game corresponding to a predetermined number of times, or until the end of the symbol variation game in which a big hit occurs before the number of times is reached. In the present embodiment, the probability variation state is set to 10000 times as the predetermined number of times, and thus is substantially equivalent to being given until the next big hit occurs. If the probability variation state is given, the probability of winning the jackpot will fluctuate with a high probability and the jackpot is likely to occur. Therefore, the probability variation state is advantageous for the player, and the player expects the player to become a probability variation jackpot It is carried out.

  In the present embodiment, a jackpot that gives a probability change state after the jackpot game ends becomes a probability change jackpot, and a jackpot that does not give a probability change state after the jackpot game ends (provides a low-probability lottery state of the jackpot lottery) becomes a non-probability jackpot. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the jackpot symbols of a plurality of types of special symbols are composed of a special symbol (specific symbol) that becomes a probable variation jackpot and a special symbol (non-specific symbol) that becomes a non-probable variation jackpot.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A main control board 45 as a main control unit for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 is mounted on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main control board 45 executes various processes for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 and performs arithmetic processing of control signals (control commands) as various control commands for controlling the game according to the processing results. The control signal (control command) is output. In addition, a sub-integrated control board 46, an effect display control board 47, and an audio / lamp control board 48 are mounted on the rear side of the machine. In the present embodiment, the sub control unit 46 and the effect display control board 47 constitute a sub control unit.

  The sub integrated control board 46 comprehensively controls the effect display control board 47 and the sound / lamp control board 48 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 45. The effect display control board 47 controls the display mode (display images of symbols, backgrounds, characters, etc.) of the effect display device 28 based on the control signals (control commands) output from the main control board 45 and the sub control board 46. To do. Also, the sound / lamp control board 48 is responsive to the control signals (control commands) output by the main control board 45 and the sub-control board 46 to emit the light emission modes (lighting (flashing) / lighting off) of the frame lamp units 17-19. Timing) and the sound output mode (sound output timing, etc.) of the speakers 20, 21, 25 are controlled.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the main control board 45, the sub general control board 46, and the effect display control board 47 will be described.
On the main control board 45, a main control CPU 45a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a main control ROM 45b for storing a control program for the main control CPU 45a, and necessary data can be written and read. A main control RAM 45c is provided. A main control ROM 45b and a main control RAM 45c are connected to the main control CPU 45a. The main control CPU 45a is provided with an output port 45d and an output buffer 45e, and the output port 45d and the output buffer 45e are connected to the main control CPU 45a.

  Further, the main control CPU 45a has an upper start switch SW1 that detects a game ball that has entered the upper start prize opening 33 and a lower start port SW2 that detects a game ball that has entered the lower start prize opening 34. It is connected. A special symbol display device 30 and a special symbol reserved storage number display device TR are connected to the main control CPU 45a via a symbol display board 49. The symbol display board 49 is mounted at a position corresponding to the special symbol display device 30 and the special symbol reserved memory number display device TR.

  The main control CPU 45a updates the values of various random numbers such as the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the variation pattern distribution random number every predetermined cycle, and sets the updated values in the main control RAM 45c. The value before update is rewritten by storing (setting) in the area, and random number update processing (random number generation processing) is executed. The big hit determination random number is a random number used in the big hit lottery (big hit determination) whether or not to make a big hit. The jackpot symbol random number is a random number used when determining a jackpot symbol as a special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 30 when the jackpot is determined. The variation pattern distribution random number is a random number used when determining the variation time of the symbol variation game and the contents of the effect (such as a big hit effect, a loss effect). Further, the main control CPU 45a of this embodiment has a timer function, and measures time at a predetermined timing (for example, timing at which a symbol variation game is started). The main control RAM 45c stores (sets) various pieces of information (random values, timer values, flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  In addition to the control program, the main control ROM 45b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns and various determination values (such as jackpot determination values). The jackpot determination value is a determination value used in the jackpot lottery, and is determined from numerical values that can be taken by the jackpot determination random number. The big hit judgment value is a low probability big hit judgment value used in the big hit lottery when the gaming state is in an uncertain change state (low probability lottery state), and a big hit when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability lottery state). There is a jackpot judgment value for high probability used in the lottery. For example, the numerical value that can be taken by the random number for jackpot determination is set to 600 integers from “0 (zero)” to “599”, and two values are determined as the jackpot determination values for low probability. Is set, the ratio at which the jackpot determination is positively determined in the non-probability change state, that is, the winning probability is 2/600 (1/300). Also, when 20 values are set as high probability jackpot determination values from the possible values “0 (zero)” to “599” that the jackpot determination random number can take, the jackpot determination is positively determined in the probability variation state. Ratio, that is, the winning probability is 20/600 (1/30). In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the winning probability of the jackpot lottery in the probability variation state is set to 10 times the winning probability of the jackpot lottery in the non-probability variation state.

  The variation pattern is displayed in the symbol display game 28 and the special symbol display device 30, after the symbol variation game is started by the symbol variation start, and then the symbol display game 28 and the special symbol display device 30 are fixedly stopped and displayed. It is a pattern for specifying the variation time until the end of the production and the contents of the production. That is, by determining the variation pattern, the effect mode of the symbol variation game performed on the effect display device 28 and the special symbol display device 30 is determined.

  Then, in the special symbol display device 30 based on the variation pattern, the variation of the symbol is stopped when the variation time determined in the variation pattern has elapsed after the variation of the special symbol is started, and the jackpot symbol or the off symbol is confirmed and displayed. A symbol variation game is executed. On the other hand, in the effect display device 28 based on the variation pattern, various game effects are performed with the effect content specified by the variation pattern after the variation of the decorative symbol is started, and the variation of the symbol occurs when the variation time set in the variation pattern elapses. Is stopped, and a symbol variation game is executed in which a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the special symbol is confirmed and stopped.

  The variation pattern is a variation pattern for the jackpot effect selected when winning the jackpot lottery (variation pattern for the jackpot), and a variation pattern for the loss effect selected when the winner is not won the jackpot lottery. Variation pattern). The variation pattern for the off-line production includes a variation pattern with reach that is finally shifted after the reach symbols are stopped and displayed, and a variation pattern without reach that is shifted without stopping and displaying the reach symbols.

Next, the sub general control board 46 will be described.
On the sub-general control board 46, an overall control CPU 46a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, an overall control ROM 46b for storing a control program for the overall control CPU 46a, and writing and reading of necessary data. A general control RAM 46c is provided. A general control ROM 46b and a general control RAM 46c are connected to the general control CPU 46a. The overall control CPU 46a is provided with an input buffer 46d, an input port 46e, an output port 46f, and an output buffer 46g, which are connected to the overall control CPU 46a. The overall control CPU 46a updates the values before update by updating the values of various random numbers every predetermined period and storing (setting) the updated values in the setting area of the overall control RAM 46c. Random number update processing (random number generation processing) is executed. The overall control CPU 46a is equipped with a timer function, and measures time at a predetermined timing (for example, timing at which a symbol variation game is started). The overall control RAM 46c stores (sets) various information (random values, timer values, flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  In addition to the control program, the overall control ROM 46b stores a notice effect command table DT1 and a premium notice effect command table DT2. The notice effect command table DT1 is stored in the output buffer 46g as a notice effect command that can specify the contents of the effect of the jackpot notice effect when the overall control CPU 46a causes the effect display device 28 to execute the big hit notice effect. The types of commands are shown in a table. Further, the premium notice effect command table DT2 shows the contents of the effect of the premium notice effect (premium notice) among the notice effect commands stored in the output buffer 46g when the overall control CPU 46a causes the effect display device 28 to execute the jackpot notice effect. Only the notice effect commands for specifying are collected and shown as a table. In this embodiment, the premium notice effect (specific jackpot notice effect) is an effect content associated only when a variation pattern for the jackpot effect is selected, and the effect content jackpot based on the premium notice effect It is a jackpot confirmed pattern (premium pattern) that can recognize the jackpot when the notice effect appears.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 46a determines whether or not to execute the big hit notice effect based on the variation pattern determined by the main control CPU 45a in the symbol variation game. In the present embodiment, when the overall control CPU 46a decides to execute the jackpot notice effect, an effect specified by the decided notice effect command is determined by selecting (selecting) any notice effect command. A big hit announcement effect of the contents is performed by the effect display device 28. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a dialog is displayed on the effect display device 28 as a jackpot notice effect, and the possibility of whether the symbol variation game is a jackpot or not depending on the content of the dialog that appears (expectation of a jackpot expectation) Degree) is reported.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, ten types of commands including the notification effect commands 9A00H, 9A01H, 9A02H, 9A03H, 9A04H, 9A05H, 9A06H, 9A07H, 9A08H, and 9AFFH are provided as the notification effect commands. It is prepared. In the present embodiment, it is possible to specify the contents of the effect of one jackpot notice effect by each notice effect command. The notice effect command 9A00H specifies the effect content in which the line “...” appears, the notice effect command command 9A01H specifies the effect content in which the line “is a reach” appears, and the notice effect command 9A02H specifies “chance”. The content of the production that the line appears appears. In addition, the announcement content command 9A03H specifies the content of the production in which the dialogue “It is hot” appears, the announcement content command 9A04H identifies the production content in which the dialogue “Suspicious” appears, and the announcement production command 9A05H “ The content of the production in which the line “” appears is specified. In addition, in the notice effect command 9A06H, an effect content in which the line “congratulations” appears is specified, in the notice effect command 9A07H, an effect content in which the line “Big hit” appears is specified, and in the notice effect command 9A08H, a “dollar box” is specified. The content of the production in which the line “Ready” appears is specified. In addition, the notice effect command 9AFFH specifies the contents of the effect (no notice) indicating non-execution of the notice effect.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, three types of notice effect commands 9A06H to 9A08H are defined as commands for specifying the contents of the effect of the premium notice effect (hit confirmation effect). In the premium notice effect command table DT2, information indicating three types of notice effect commands 9A06H to 9A08H and a number (“3” in the present embodiment) indicating the number of commands that can specify the premium notice effect are defined. Yes.

Next, the effect display control board 47 will be described.
The effect display control board 47 has a display control CPU 47a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a display control ROM 47b for storing a control program for the display control CPU 47a, and writing and reading of necessary data. A display control RAM 47c is provided. A display control ROM 47b and a display control RAM 47c are connected to the display control CPU 47a. The display control CPU 47a is provided with an input buffer 47d, an input port 47e, an output port 47f, and an output buffer 47g, which are connected to the display control CPU 47a. Further, the display control CPU 47a of the present embodiment has a timer function, and measures time at a predetermined timing (for example, timing at which a symbol variation game is started). The display control ROM 47b stores various image data (image data of symbols, backgrounds, characters, characters, etc.) used in the symbol variation game and the notice effect. The display control RAM 47c stores (sets) various information (timer values, flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In addition, an effect display device 28 (image display unit GH) is connected to the display control CPU 47a.

  The voice / lamp control board 48 includes a voice / lamp control CPU, a voice / lamp control ROM, a voice / lamp control RAM, an input buffer, an input port, and an output port. An output buffer is provided. The symbol display board 49 includes a symbol control CPU, a symbol control ROM, a symbol control RAM, an input buffer, an input port, an output port, and an output buffer, all not shown. .

Hereinafter, the control contents executed by the main control board 45, the sub general control board 46, and the effect display control board 47 will be described.
First, the control contents of the main control board 45 will be described. In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 45a of the main control board 45 that executes the following various processes based on the control program functions as a jackpot lottery means, a variation pattern determination means, a state determination means, and a state control means.

  When the main control CPU 45a of the main control board 45 enters a game ball into the upper start winning port 33 or the lower start winning port 34 and inputs a detection signal output by the start port switches SW1 and SW2 that detect the game ball. Then, the special figure hold determination is made as to whether or not the special figure hold storage number stored in the main control RAM 45c is less than the upper limit number (4 in the present embodiment). When the determination result of the special figure hold determination is affirmative (the special figure hold memory number <4), the main control CPU 45a adds 1 (+1) to the special figure hold memory number and rewrites the special figure hold memory number. Further, the main control CPU 45a turns on the number of reserved lamps corresponding to the number of reserved memories after the rewriting as the special figure reserved memory number is rewritten. For example, the main control CPU 45a turns on three hold lamps when the number of special figure hold memory after rewriting is "3". In addition, when the main control CPU 45a determines that the special figure hold determination is affirmative, the main control CPU 45a acquires the value of the big hit determination random number and the value of the big hit symbol random number from the main control RAM 45c, and acquires the acquired big hit determination random number. The value and the value of the jackpot symbol random number are stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 45c in association with the special figure holding storage number. When the determination result of the special figure hold determination is negative (special figure hold memory number = 4), the main control CPU 45a does not rewrite the special figure hold memory number exceeding the upper limit number, and the big hit determination random number Do not get the value and random value for jackpot symbol.

  Then, the main control CPU 45a reads the jackpot determination random number stored in the predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 45c immediately before the start of the symbol variation game, and the read jackpot determination random number and the main control random number. The jackpot determination value stored in the ROM 45b is compared to determine whether or not the jackpot is a big hit (big hit lottery). In the big hit determination, the main control CPU 45a compares the big probability determination value for low probability with the value of the random number for special symbol hit determination when the gaming state is in an uncertain change state. The big hit judgment value for high probability is compared with the value of the random number for hit judgment for special symbols.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the big hit determination random number matches the big hit determination value), the main control CPU 45a determines the big hit. The main control CPU 45a which has determined the big hit determines the big hit symbol (special symbol) to be confirmed and stopped in the symbol variation game executed by the special symbol display device 30 based on the value of the random number for the big hit symbol. The special symbol jackpot symbol is distributed according to the type of jackpot, whether it is a probable bonus jackpot or a non-probable bonus jackpot, so the jackpot symbol given to the player is determined by determining the jackpot symbol become. That is, in the present embodiment, the main control CPU 45a determines whether or not to add a probability variation state by determining a jackpot symbol (probability variation determination).

  The main control CPU 45a that has determined the big hit selects and determines one fluctuation pattern from the fluctuation patterns for the big hit effect. Further, the main control CPU 45a determines a deviation when the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the random number for the big hit determination does not match the big hit determination value). The main control CPU 45a that has determined the detachment determines a detachable symbol as a special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 30 in a fixed stop state. In addition, the main control CPU 45a that has determined the deviation selects and determines one fluctuation pattern from the fluctuation patterns for the deviation effect. At this time, the main control CPU 45a determines whether or not to execute the reach effect (reach determination), and selects and determines a variation pattern for the shift effect based on the determination result of the reach determination. Specifically, the main control CPU 45a selects and determines a variation pattern with reach as a variation pattern when affirmative determination is made in reach determination. On the other hand, when the negative determination is made in the reach determination, the main control CPU 45a selects and determines the variation pattern without reach as the variation pattern.

  The main control CPU 45a that has determined the special symbol and the variation pattern generates a predetermined control command, and outputs the generated control command to the sub overall control board 46 (overall control CPU 46a) at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main control CPU 45a first outputs a variation pattern designation command instructing a variation pattern and instructing the start of the symbol variation game at the start of the symbol variation game. The main control CPU 45a that has determined the special symbol outputs a special symbol stop symbol designating command for designating the special symbol and then outputs the variation pattern designating command. Then, the main control CPU 45a outputs an all symbol stop command for instructing the end of the symbol variation game (determination of symbol determination) when the variation time determined in the instructed variation pattern has elapsed, as the variation time elapses. To do.

Next, as the control content executed by the main control CPU 45a, the control content during the big hit game will be described.
The main control CPU 45a outputs an opening command for instructing the start of the jackpot game when the jackpot game is started. The main control CPU 45a that has started the big hit game outputs a round command instructing the start of each round game at the start of each round game. Further, the main control CPU 45a outputs an ending command for instructing the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game ends. Further, the main control CPU 45a opens the big prize opening 37 by opening the big prize opening door 36 at the start of each round game in the big hit game. In addition, the main control CPU 45a measures a round game time determined in advance for each round game in the big hit game, and inputs a detection signal from the detection sensor of the big prize opening 37 to enter the game during the round game. Count the number of balls entered. Then, the main control CPU 45a sets the grand prize winning door 36 by satisfying any end condition of the round game time having passed and the upper limit number of game balls having been entered in the big hit game. The large winning opening 37 is closed by closing.

  The main control CPU 45a, which has finished the big hit game, starts the next symbol variation game based on the start hold ball when the special figure holding memory number at the end of the big hit game is "1" or more. . On the other hand, when the special figure holding memory number at the end of the big hit game is “0”, the main control CPU 45a executes the symbol variation game until the game ball enters the start winning opening and the start condition is satisfied. Without waiting.

  Further, the main control CPU 45a that ended the jackpot game gives a probability change state if the determination result is affirmative based on the determination result of the probability change determination as to whether or not to give a probability change state after the big hit game ends, When the determination result is negative, the probability variation state is not given. In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 45a determines whether or not to give the probability variation state based on a special symbol determined based on the determination result of the jackpot determination. Then, the main control CPU 45a outputs a high-probability designation command for instructing the start of the probability change state when starting the game state according to the probability change state after the big hit game. Further, the main control CPU 45a wins a jackpot with a low probability designation command for instructing a non-probability change state, or outputs a high probability designation command after the jackpot game ends and wins a bonus game 10,000 times without winning. This is output when the game state due to the uncertain change state is started after the change game has passed.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the main control CPU 45a generates various control commands when outputting various control commands, and sequentially stores the generated control commands in the output buffer 45e via the output port 45d. It is supposed to let you. The main control CPU 45a stores various control commands in the output buffer 45e, and sequentially outputs the stored control commands to the sub general control board 46 (general control CPU 46a) at a predetermined timing. .

  Next, the control contents of the sub general control board 46 will be described. In the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 46a of the sub overall control board 46 that executes various processes described below based on the control program includes a display result determining unit, a display result determining unit, a notice effect determining unit, and a notice effect determining unit. It functions as a notice effect control means and a fluctuation pattern determination means.

  The overall control CPU 46a of the sub overall control board 46 stores the various control commands output from the main control CPU 45a in the input buffer 46d sequentially, and sequentially inputs the stored control commands via the input port 46e at a predetermined timing. It is like that. Then, upon input of the variation pattern designation command, the overall control CPU 46 a outputs the variation pattern designation command to the effect display control board 47 and the sound / lamp control board 48. Further, when the central control CPU 46a inputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop symbol designation command, the production content corresponding to the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol designation command. In response to the stop symbol designation, the decorative symbols constituting the combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 28 are determined. In addition, when the stop symbol designation command for special symbol is input, if the jackpot symbol is designated as the stop symbol designation of the special symbol, the overall control CPU 46a supervises the big hit symbol of the designated special symbol. The data is stored in the control RAM 46c. When the overall control CPU 46a inputs a symbol stop command, the overall control CPU 46a outputs the command to the effect display control board 47 and the sound / lamp control board 48. Further, when the general control CPU 46a inputs an opening command, a round command, and an ending command from the main control board 45, an effect instruction command for instructing an effect content predetermined according to the jackpot game to be given is sent to the effect display control board. 47 and the sound / lamp control board 48, respectively. Further, the overall control CPU 46a sets that the probability change state is given to the overall control RAM 46c when a high probability designation command is input, and the normal state (non-probability change state) is assigned to the low probability designation command. Is set in the overall control RAM 46c. The overall control CPU 46a stores and maintains the current setting content in the overall control RAM 46c until a high probability designation command and a low probability designation command are input. When the general control CPU 46a inputs these commands of the high probability designation command and the low probability designation command, the overall control CPU 46a outputs the commands to the effect display control board 47 and the sound / lamp control board 48, respectively.

  The overall control CPU 46a determines that the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern designation command is the variation pattern for the jackpot effect, and the stop symbol (special symbol) designated by the special symbol stop symbol designation command In the case of a corresponding jackpot symbol, a combination of ornamental symbols that can recognize a probabilistic jackpot is determined as a combination of ornamental symbols. In addition, the overall control CPU 46a determines that the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is the variation pattern for the big hit effect, and the stop symbol (special symbol) designated by the special symbol stop symbol designation command is not. In the case of a jackpot symbol corresponding to a probability variation jackpot, a combination of ornament symbols that can recognize a non-probability variation jackpot is determined as a combination of ornament symbols. Further, the overall control CPU 46a is a variation pattern for an off-state effect in which the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is not reached, and a stop symbol (special symbol) designated by the special symbol stop symbol designation command. However, in the case of an outlier design, a combination of decorative symbols that can recognize an outlier different from the reach symbol is determined. Also, the overall control CPU 46a is a variation pattern for the effect of deviating with the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command, and the stop symbol (special symbol) designated by the stop symbol designation command for special symbols. However, in the case of an outlier design, a combination of decorative symbols that can recognize the outlier due to the reach design is determined. Then, the overall control CPU 46 a that has determined the decorative symbol outputs a stop symbol designation command for the decorative symbol that designates the decorative symbol to the effect display control board 47. In the present embodiment, as a display result (combination by decoration symbol) derived to the effect display device 28 in the symbol variation game, a jackpot display result (combination of jackpot by decoration symbol) or a loss display result (combination combination by decoration symbol) is used. The overall control CPU 46a determines the stop symbol designation command for the special symbol.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, based on the variation pattern determined by the main control CPU 45a, the general control CPU 46a performs a preliminary lottery (preliminary determination) for determining the effect content of the big hit preliminary announcement effect. ing. In the notice lottery, the overall control CPU 46a determines the effect of the big hit notice effect by random number lottery. Then, the overall control CPU 46a determines whether or not to execute the jackpot notice effect by determining the notice effect command based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command, and causes the jackpot notice effect to be executed. The production contents of the jackpot notice effect are decided. That is, the overall control CPU 46a determines the control content of the big hit announcement effect by determining the announcement effect command. For example, when the overall control CPU 46a determines the announcement effect command 9A00H, the control content for executing the jackpot announcement effect that causes the line “...” To appear is determined, and the overall control CPU 46a issues the announcement effect command 9AFFH. In the case of determination, the control content for not executing the big hit announcement effect is determined.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 46a uses random lottery so that each prediction effect command that specifies the effect content of the jackpot notification effect differs according to the type of the variation pattern so that each jackpot expectation degree differs. It comes to decide. And in the notice effect command which specifies the same effect content, the big hit expectation degree is varied by changing the decision ratio according to the determination result of the big hit determination. For example, when the variation pattern for the big hit effect is designated by the variation pattern designation command, the notice effect command 9A05H> the notice effect command 9A04H> the notice effect command 9A03H> the notice effect command 9A02H> the notice effect command 9A01H> the notice effect command 9A00H It is configured to be easy to determine in the order of. On the other hand, when the variation pattern for the shift effect is designated by the variation pattern designation command, the overall control CPU 46a gives the notice effect command 9A00H> the notice effect command 9A01H> the notice effect command 9A02H> the notice effect command 9A03H. > Notice effect command 9A04H> Notice effect command 9A05H are easily determined in this order. With this configuration, the symbol variation with respect to the content of the effect specified by each command in the order of the notice effect command 9A05H> the notice effect command 9A04H> the notice effect command 9A03H> the notice effect command 9A02H> the notice effect command 9A01H> the notice effect command 9A00H The possibility that the game will be a big hit (expected degree of big hit) will increase.

  In the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 46a can determine the notice effect commands 9A06H to 9A08H only when the variation pattern for the big hit effect is designated by the variation pattern designation command, and the variation for the outlier effect. If a pattern is specified, it cannot be determined. That is, the notice effect commands 9A06H to 9A08H are commands for specifying the contents of the effect of the premium notice effect. Then, the overall control CPU 46a outputs to the effect display control board 47 (display control CPU 47a) a notice effect command that can specify the effect contents of the determined jackpot notice effect with the start of the symbol variation game. Further, the overall control CPU 46a determines the notice effect command 9AFFH when the notice determination determines non-execution of the jackpot notice effect. When the notice effect command 9AFFH is decided, the general control CPU 46a A notice effect command that can specify the contents of the effect is not output. Then, the overall control CPU 46a instructs the effect display control board (display control CPU 47a) not to execute the jackpot notice effect by not outputting the notice effect command. In the present embodiment, the notice buffer effect command 9AFFH is stored as an initial value (default) in the output buffer 46g of the sub-general control board 46. A notice effect command specifying the effect content is stored (set). Further, when the central control CPU 46a decides to execute the jackpot notice effect, it outputs a notice effect command specifying the effect contents of the jackpot notice effect, and then stores the notice effect command 9AFFH in the output buffer 46g. ing. That is, when the jackpot notice effect is not executed, the notice effect command 9AFFH is always stored in the output buffer 46g.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 46a generates various control commands when outputting various control commands, and sequentially stores the generated control commands in the output buffer 46g via the output port 46f. It is supposed to let you. The overall control CPU 46a stores various control commands in the output buffer 46g, and sequentially outputs the stored control commands to the effect display control board 47 (display control CPU 47a) at a predetermined timing. .

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when the notice effect command is stored in the output buffer 46g and the notice effect command is a command for specifying the effect content of the premium notice effect, the execution condition of the premium notice effect is satisfied. The overall control CPU 46a performs a command confirmation process for confirming whether or not it is present. In the command confirmation process, when outputting the notice effect command specifying the effect contents of the premium notice effect, whether or not the symbol change game in which the symbol change game in which the jackpot notice effect is executed is a big hit is executed. Are confirmed by various determinations (design determination and pattern determination). The symbol variation game that is a big hit is a game that derives a jackpot display result (a combination of big hits with decorative symbols) to the effect display device 28 in the symbol variation game, and is a game based on a variation pattern for the big hit effect.

Next, command confirmation processing executed by the overall control CPU 46a will be described with reference to FIG.
In the command confirmation process, the overall control CPU 46a determines whether or not the notice effect command 9AFFH is stored in the output buffer 46g (step S10). If the determination result is affirmative, the overall control CPU 46a ends the command confirmation processing because the notice effect command 9AFFH is stored. That is, the overall control CPU 46a stores the notice effect command 9AFFH, and therefore does not output a command related to the big hit notice effect, and thus ends the command confirmation process.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S10 is negative, the overall control CPU 46a stores the notice effect command, and therefore the stored notice effect command is a notice effect command that specifies the effect contents of the premium notice effect. It is determined whether or not (step S11). That is, the overall control CPU 46a determines whether or not the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g is any of the notice effects commands 9A06H to 9A08H. In step S11, the overall control CPU 46a receives the advance notice command stored in the output buffer 46g and the advance notice command specified in the premium advance notice command table DT2 stored in the overall control ROM 46b. Whether or not they match is determined. When the central control CPU 46a reads the premium notice effect command table DT2 from the general control ROM 46b, the general control CPU 46a simultaneously reads out the number of command types defined in the premium notice effect command table DT2 as an argument. Then, the overall control CPU 46a sets the command stored in the output buffer 46g and the command defined in the premium notice effect command command table DT2 up to the number determined in the read argument (in this embodiment, “3”). Are sequentially compared one by one. That is, in step S11, the overall control CPU 46a matches the command specified in the premium notice effect command table DT2 with the command stored in the output buffer 46g, or until the read argument is reached. Whether or not is determined sequentially. For example, if the notice buffer command 9A07H is stored in the output buffer 46g, the overall control CPU 46a does not match the command compared to the notice flag command 9A06H defined in the premium notice command command table DT2. Next, it is compared with the notice effect command 9A07H, and it is determined that it matches the command. When the notice buffer effect command 9A05H is stored in the output buffer 46g, the overall control CPU 46a compares the three kinds of notice effect commands specified in the premium notice effect command command DT2 in order three times in order. Since the command does not match, it is determined that they do not match.

  Subsequently, the overall control CPU 46a compares the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g with the notice effect command specified in the premium notice effect command table DT2 in step S11, and determines whether or not they match. Determination is made (step S12). When this determination result is negative (when the command stored in the output buffer 46g does not specify the premium notice effect), the overall control CPU 46a determines that the notice effect command about to be output from the output buffer 46g is the premium notice. Since the production contents of the production are not specified, the command confirmation process is terminated. That is, when the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g does not specify the premium notice effect, the overall control CPU 46a outputs the stored notice effect command as it is at a predetermined timing.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S12 is affirmative (when the command stored in the output buffer 46g specifies a premium notice effect), the overall control CPU 46a displays the premium notice effect. It is determined whether or not the execution condition to be executed is satisfied (step S13). In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the execution condition is that the symbol change game is designated to derive the jackpot display result to the effect display device 28 in the symbol change game, and the symbol change game based on the change pattern for the jackpot effect. It is specified to be executed. That is, the overall control CPU 46a determines whether or not the premium notice effect is to be executed by determining whether or not the execution condition is satisfied.

  Specifically, the overall control CPU 46a is designated by the symbol determination as to whether or not the combination of the decorative symbols derived in the symbol variation game is a combination of the big winnings (the jackpot display result) by the decorative symbols, and the variation pattern designation command. The pattern determination is performed to determine whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern for a big hit effect. The overall control CPU 46a makes a positive determination in step S13 by determining that the execution condition is satisfied when both the symbol determination and the pattern determination are positive. On the other hand, the CPU 46a for overall control makes a negative determination in step S13 by determining that the execution condition is not satisfied when a negative determination is made in at least one of the symbol determination and the pattern determination.

  When the determination result in step S13 is affirmative (when it is determined that the execution condition is satisfied), the overall control CPU 46a displays the effect content of the premium notification effect as the notification effect command to be output from the output buffer 46g. Since it is specified and satisfies the execution condition, the command confirmation processing is terminated. In other words, the overall control CPU 46a, when the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g specifies the premium notice effect and satisfies the execution condition, the stored notice effect command is transmitted at a predetermined timing. It outputs as it is.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S13 is negative (when it is determined that the execution condition is not satisfied), the overall control CPU 46a forcibly changes the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g to the notice effect command 9AFFH. Rewriting is performed (step S14), and the command confirmation process is terminated. That is, the overall control CPU 46a rewrites the control content of the jackpot notice effect to the non-executable control content by rewriting the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g to the notice effect command 9AFFH. That is, when the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g specifies the premium notice effect and does not satisfy the execution condition, the overall control CPU 46a rewrites the stored notice effect command and outputs the result. It comes to regulate.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the overall control CPU 46a makes a negative determination in step S13, the jackpot symbol is not determined as a decorative symbol even though the execution of the premium warning effect is determined as the jackpot notification effect. In this case, the variation pattern for the big hit effect is not designated as the variation pattern. In other words, a premium that cannot be determined as a jackpot notice effect when executing a symbol variation game based on the determination of a variation pattern for an outlier effect, or a symbol variation game that derives a combination of disparity as a combination of ornament symbols (outlier display result) This is a case where the notice effect is determined due to a malfunction in the program. And in this embodiment, even if it is a case where execution of a premium notice effect is determined at the time of determination of a combination of a decorative pattern as a combination of decorative symbols due to a malfunction in the program, the prohibition process (step S13 of the command confirmation process) is performed. Execution of premium notice effect is regulated. Further, in the present embodiment, even if the execution of the premium notice effect is determined at the time of determining the variation pattern for the deviation effect due to a malfunction in the program, the premium notice is prohibited by the prohibition process (command confirmation process step S13). The execution of the production is regulated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the premium notice effect from being executed in the symbol variation game that is out of place, and even if there is a mistake in the program, malfunction due to the mistake can be prevented. The symbol variation game that is out of the game is a game in which a variation display result (combination of outlays with decorative symbols) is derived to the effect display device 28 in the symbol variation game, and is a game based on the variation pattern for the loss effect.

  Next, the control contents executed by the display control CPU 47a of the effect display control board 47 will be described. In the present embodiment, the display control CPU 47a of the effect display control board 47 that executes various processes described below based on the control program functions as a notice effect control means.

  The display control CPU 47a of the effect display control board 47 sequentially stores various control commands output by the overall control CPU 46a in the input buffer 47d, and sequentially inputs the stored control commands via the input port 47e at a predetermined timing. It is like that. When the display control CPU 47a receives the variation pattern designation command, the display control CPU 47a selects an effect content corresponding to the variation pattern instructed by the command, and causes the image display unit GH to play the symbol variation game with the effect content. Control display content. In addition, when the display control CPU 47a inputs a notice effect command, the display contents of the image display unit GH are selected so that the effect content instructed by the command is selected and the jackpot notice effect is executed during the symbol variation game with the effect content. Control the content. Note that the display control CPU 47a controls the display content of the image display unit GH so as not to execute the jackpot notice effect when the notice effect command is not input.

  Then, the display control CPU 47a measures the elapsed time from the start of the game with the start of the symbol variation game, and displays the image displayed on the image display unit GH based on the measured time and the contents of various effects specified. Are switched every predetermined control cycle (for example, every 2 ms). When the display control CPU 47a inputs a symbol stop command during the symbol variation game, the image display unit GH causes the image display unit GH to display the symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command for the decorative symbol on the image display unit GH. The display content is controlled to end the symbol variation game.

  Further, when the big hit game is given, the display control CPU 47a causes the opening effect, each round effect, and the ending effect to be executed on the basis of the effect instruction command output from the sub integrated control board 46. Specifically, when the display control CPU 47a inputs an effect instruction command related to each effect, the display content of the effect display device 28 (image display unit GH) is displayed so that each effect is executed with a predetermined effect content. Control. Then, the display control CPU 47a switches the image displayed on the image display unit GH at every predetermined control cycle (for example, every 2 ms) based on the effect content specified by the input command.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the display control CPU 47a generates various control commands when controlling the effect display device 28, and sequentially outputs the generated control commands to the output buffer 47g via the output port 47f. It is designed to be stored. Then, the display control CPU 47a stores various control commands in the output buffer 47g, and sequentially outputs the stored control commands to the effect display device 28 at a predetermined timing, whereby the display control unit 47 of the effect display device 28 has the image display unit GH. The display contents are controlled.

  The voice / lamp control board 48 controls the light emission mode of the frame lamp units 17 to 19 and the voice output mode of the speakers 20, 21, 25 when various commands are input. That is, the voice / lamp control board 48 performs control so as to cause an effect corresponding to the contents of the effect instructed by these commands, like the effect display control board 47.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When execution of the premium notice effect is decided by the overall control CPU 46a, a symbol determination as to whether or not a big hit symbol with a decorative symbol is derived in a symbol change game, and a big hit effect for a big hit effect with a change pattern designation command The pattern judgment whether or not the fluctuation pattern is specified is executed. The overall control CPU 46a does not execute the premium notice effect when at least one of the determination result of the symbol determination and the pattern determination is negative. For this reason, the premium notice effect that can be determined only when the variation pattern for the jackpot effect is determined is a symbol variation game for deriving the display result as a display result, or a symbol variation game based on the variation pattern for the loss effect. It can be prevented from appearing due to a malfunction in the program. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unintended operation of the gaming machine due to a malfunction in the program and to prevent confusion of the player.

  (2) When the control content for executing the premium notice effect is changed to the control content for executing the jackpot notice effect other than the premium notice effect, it is not the control content for executing the premium notice effect again. It is necessary to make various determinations such as whether or not. For this reason, when the control content for executing the premium notice effect is changed to the control content for executing the jackpot notice effect other than the premium notice effect, the control content is not executed. There is a risk that the processing load will increase rather than rewriting the control contents. Therefore, in the symbol variation game, the determination of the control content for executing the premium notice effect due to the malfunction in the program in the symbol variation game for deriving the deviation display result on the effect display device 28 or the symbol variation game based on the variation pattern for the deviation effect. In this case, the control content is rewritten to the control content in which the jackpot notice effect is not executed. As a result, it is possible to reduce an increase in processing load on the overall control CPU 46a even when a prohibition process related to the execution of the premium notice effect is performed.

  (3) When executing the premium notice effect, the premium notice effect that can be determined only when the variation pattern for the big hit effect is determined by determining whether to execute the premium notice effect according to a plurality of conditions of symbol determination and pattern determination. However, it is possible to improve the reliability of preventing the appearance due to a malfunction in the program in the symbol variation game that is out of place.

  (4) When the execution of the premium notice effect is determined by the overall control CPU 46a, at least a symbol determination as to whether or not to derive a jackpot symbol as a decorative symbol in the symbol variation game is executed. The overall control CPU 46a does not execute the premium notice effect when the symbol determination result is at least negative. For this reason, the premium notice effect that can be determined only when the variation pattern for the jackpot effect is determined is prevented from appearing due to a malfunction in the program in the symbol variation game that derives the display result as a display result. can do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unintended operation of the gaming machine due to a malfunction in the program and to prevent confusion of the player.

  (5) When determining whether the notice effect command stored in the output buffer 46g is a notice effect command specifying the effect contents of the premium notice effect, the premium notice effect command table DT2 is used. For this reason, even when the execution of the premium notice effect is determined in the symbol variation game that is out of order due to a problem in the program, the premium notice effect can be correctly specified in the premium notice effect command table DT2. If the command is specified, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to a mistake in the program.

  (6) The function of the main control unit responsible for determining whether or not the symbol variation game is successful and the function of the sub control unit responsible for determining the contents of the symbol variation game based on the determination of the main control unit are different from each other (main control). The substrate 45 and the sub integrated control substrate 46) are provided. Therefore, like the pachinko gaming machine 10, it can be suitably applied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 having the main control board 45 and the sub general control board 46 (effect display control board 47).

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described. Note that, in the embodiments described below, the same components as those in the embodiments already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description thereof is omitted and simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the premium notice effect is associated only when the variation pattern for the jackpot effect is selected, and the effect contents associated only when the probability variation jackpot is determined as the jackpot It is. The premium notice effect is a pattern of a probability variable big hit decision (probability variable premium pattern) that can recognize not only a big hit but also a probability big hit when the notice effect of the contents based on the premium notice effect appears.

  Then, the overall control CPU 46a determines the contents of the effect of the big hit announcement effect together with the type of variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command and the type of special symbol designated by the stop symbol command for special symbols. Based on this, the contents of the jackpot notice effect (notice effect command) are determined. That is, the overall control CPU 46a specifies the contents of the premium notice effect when the change pattern for the big hit effect is designated and the stop symbol designation is a special symbol corresponding to the probable big hit. The notification effect commands 9A06H to 9A08H can be determined.

  The overall control CPU 46a determines whether or not the stop symbol designation is a special symbol corresponding to the probable big hit in addition to symbol determination and pattern determination in the command confirmation prohibition processing (step S13). Is supposed to do. The overall control CPU 46a according to the present embodiment determines that the execution condition is satisfied when all of the symbol determination, the pattern, and the state determination are positively determined in the prohibition process. When at least one of the determination results is negative, it is determined that the execution condition is not satisfied. In the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 46a that executes state determination functions as state determination means.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the overall control CPU 46a makes a negative determination in step S13, the jackpot symbol is not determined as a decorative symbol even though the execution of the premium warning effect is determined as the jackpot notification effect. In this case, the variation pattern for the big hit effect is not specified as the case or the variation pattern, or the probability variation big hit is not determined. In other words, the symbol variation game based on the determination of the variation pattern for the offending effect, the symbol variation game for deriving the combination of outliers (outlier display result) as the combination of the decorative symbols, or the symbol variation game for which the non-probable big hit is determined This is a case where a premium notice effect that cannot be determined as a jackpot notice effect is determined due to a malfunction in the program. In this embodiment, even if the execution of the premium notice effect is determined when the uncertain change big hit is determined due to a malfunction in the program, the premium notice effect is executed by the prohibition process (step S13 of the command confirmation process). Are now regulated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the premium notice effect from being executed in the symbol variation game in which the uncertain change big hit is determined, and it is possible to prevent malfunction due to the mistake even if there is a mistake in the program.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (6) described in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(7) When the premium notice effect appears, not only is it determined that the jackpot display result is derived in the symbol variation game, but also the probability change state is confirmed after the jackpot game ends, so the appearance of the premium notice effect appears Can make a player have high expectations. In such a gaming machine that makes the player have high expectation for the appearance of the premium notice effect, the player is greatly discouraged if a malfunction in the program occurs. Therefore, when executing the premium notice effect, it is possible to prevent the player from being discouraged due to a malfunction in the program by performing prohibition processing by various determinations (symbol determination, pattern determination, state determination). .

Each embodiment may be changed as follows.
In each embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 having the normal mode in which the big hit is determined by the appearance of the premium notice effect and the special mode in which the probability variation big hit is determined by the appearance of the premium notice effect is the first in the normal mode. The embodiments can be applied, and the second embodiment can be applied in the special mode, and the embodiments can be applied together.

  -Each embodiment can also determine whether it will be a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit by lottery (probable lottery) regardless of a special symbol. In this case, the probability variation lottery may be executed at the time of jackpot determination, or may be executed until the jackpot game is ended.

  In each embodiment, the pattern determination may not be performed in the command confirmation prohibition process (step S13). Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to a program error by performing at least symbol determination and state determination.

  In each embodiment, when the determination result of the command confirmation prohibition process (step S13) is negative, the general control CPU 46a outputs a notice effect command 9AFFH that specifies the control content for not executing the big hit notice effect. You may do it. In this case, when the notice control command 9AFFH is input, the display control CPU 47a controls the display content of the image display unit GH of the effect display device 28 so as not to execute the jackpot notice effect based on the command.

  Each embodiment may employ a configuration in which the notice control command stored in the output buffer 46g is deleted by the overall control CPU 46a when the determination result of the command confirmation prohibition process (step S13) is negative. .

  In each embodiment, in the prohibition process (step S13) of the command confirmation process, each determination (symbol determination, pattern determination or state determination) may be determined one by one in a predetermined order, or each determination executed sequentially The determination result of the prohibition process (step S13) may be negative when the determination result is negative.

  In each embodiment, after executing the prohibition process (step S13) in the command confirmation process, if the determination result in step S13 is negative, the stored notice effect command specifies the effect contents of the premium notice effect. It may be determined whether or not (steps S11 and S12).

  -In each embodiment, the production content of the jackpot notice effect can be determined in advance for each variation pattern. In this case, based on the variation pattern determined by the main control CPU 45a, the overall control CPU 46a determines a notice effect command that can specify the effect contents of the jackpot notice effect associated with the change pattern. In such a configuration, even if the effect content of the premium notice effect is mistakenly associated with the variation pattern for the offending effect, the premium notice effect appears by the prohibition process of the command confirmation process (step S13). By restricting, it is possible to cope with an error in associating the variation pattern with the effect content of the jackpot notice effect.

  In each embodiment, whether or not to execute the jackpot notice effect by the notice lottery is determined by random number lottery, and when the execution of the jackpot notice effect is decided by the lottery, the contents of the effect of the jackpot notice effect may be determined.

  Each embodiment can also be applied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 in which the jackpot notice effect is a reach effect. That is, even if it is a case where a premium reach effect which is a reach effect that is determined to be a big hit or a probable big hit by appearing, the same effect as each embodiment can be obtained.

  Each embodiment can also be applied to a pachinko gaming machine 10 that does not include the sub general control board 46. Then, by causing the main control CPU 45a to perform command confirmation processing, the functions of the main control unit and the sub control unit can be provided together.

  In each embodiment, not only the display effect of the effect display device 28 but also the light effect of the frame lamp units 17 to 19 and the sound effect of the speakers 20, 21, 25 can be executed in synchronism with the jackpot notice effect. In addition, the jackpot notice effect can be executed only by the light effect and the sound effect. In this case, the frame lamp units 17 to 19 and the speakers 20, 21, 25 serve as the notice effect execution means, and the sound / lamp control CPU of the sound / lamp control board functions as the notice effect control means.

  In each embodiment, the type of effect content of the jackpot notice effect may be changed to 11 types or more, and the type of effect content of the premium notice effect among the jackpot notice effect may be changed to 4 types or more. .

-Each embodiment can also determine the combination by a decoration design only by the fluctuation pattern which the main control CPU45a determined.
The first embodiment may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine 10 that does not have a probability changing function.

  In the second embodiment, the state determination may be performed based on a combination of decorative symbols determined based on stop symbol designation.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a pachinko gaming machine. The schematic diagram which shows a notification effect command table. The schematic diagram which shows a premium notice effect command table. The flowchart which shows a command confirmation process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 28 ... Production display device, 30 ... Special symbol display device, 37 ... Grand prize opening, 45 ... Main control board, 45a ... Main control CPU, 45b ... Main control ROM, 45c ... Main control RAM 46... Sub control board 46 a Central control CPU 46 b Central control ROM 46 c General control RAM 47 Production display control board 47 a Display control CPU 47 b Display control ROM 47c: RAM for display control.

Claims (4)

A symbol variation game in which a plurality of types of symbols are varied and displayed in a plurality of columns is displayed on the display means, and when the display result of the symbol variation game is a jackpot display result, the player is given a jackpot game, and the symbol variation Preliminary effect execution in which a jackpot notice effect is executed in association with the symbol change game for a single symbol change game during the game, which suggests whether or not the jackpot display result is derived in the game. In a gaming machine equipped with means,
A main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine, and a sub-control unit that controls game effects based on various determination contents of the main control unit,
The main control unit
A jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot,
It is possible to specify at least the variation time from the start of the symbol variation game until the display result is displayed until the symbol variation game is ended, and the lottery result of the big hit lottery is determined to be a big winner Fluctuation pattern determining means for determining one fluctuation pattern based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery means from among a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns classified as the fluctuation pattern for loss determined when the deviation is from the big hit fluctuation pattern; With
The sub-control unit
Based on the determination result of the variation pattern determining means, in the case of the jackpot variation pattern, the symbol variation game is determined as a display result of the symbol variation game, and in the case of the loss variation pattern, the symbol variation game. Display result determination means for determining the display result as a display result of
Display result determination means for determining whether or not the display result determined by the display result determination means is the jackpot display result;
Among the various types of jackpot notice effects including a specific jackpot notice effect that can be determined only when the jackpot variation pattern is determined, one of the jackpot notice effects is selected as the change pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means. By determining based on the notice effect determining means for determining the control content for executing the determined jackpot notice effect,
Notice effect determining means for determining whether the jackpot notice effect determined by the notice effect determining means is the specific jackpot notice effect;
A notice effect control means for controlling the notice effect execution means so as to execute the jackpot notice effect determined by the notice effect determination means in the symbol variation game,
The notice effect control means does not execute the jackpot notice effect when the judgment result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative and the determination result of the display result determination means is negative when executing the jackpot notice effect. A game machine that is controlled as described above.   In performing the jackpot notice effect, the notice effect control means performs the specific jackpot notice effect when the result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative and the result of the display result determination means is negative. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as not to execute the jackpot notice effect by rewriting the control contents to be executed to control contents that do not execute the jackpot notice effect. The sub-control unit includes a variation pattern determination unit that determines whether or not the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit is the big hit variation pattern,
When the notice effect control means causes the jackpot notice effect to appear, the determination result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative, and at least one of the determination result of the display result determination means and the determination result of the variation pattern determination means is Control is performed so that the specific jackpot notice effect is not executed in the case of negative, while all of the determination result of the notice effect determination means, the determination result of the display result determination means, and the determination result of the variation pattern determination means The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the determination result is positive, the specific jackpot notice effect is controlled to be executed. The jackpot includes a specific jackpot to which a high probability state in which the probability that the jackpot is a normal state is changed from a low probability to a high probability is given, and a non-specific jackpot to which the high probability state is not given, and the particular jackpot In the case of a big hit, a gaming state of a high probability state is given after the big hit game is finished, and in the case of the non-specific big hit, the normal state gaming state is given after the big hit game is finished,
The main control unit
State determination means for determining, by lottery, whether or not the jackpot is the specific jackpot when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot lottery;
State control means for controlling the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game according to the determination result of the state determination means,
The sub-control unit includes a state determination unit that determines whether or not the big hit determined by the state determination unit is the specific big hit,
The notice effect determining means is capable of selecting the specific jackpot notice effect when the jackpot lottery is a big hit and the state determining means determines the specific jackpot,
The notice effect control means, when making the jackpot notice effect appear, the determination result of the notice effect determination means is affirmative, the determination result of the display result determination means, the determination result of the variation pattern determination means, and the state determination When at least one of the determination results of the means is negative, the control is performed not to execute the specific jackpot announcement effect, while the determination result of the announcement effect determination unit, the determination result of the display result determination unit, and the variation The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the specific jackpot notice effect is controlled to be executed when all the determination results of the pattern determination means and the determination result of the state determination means are affirmative.

Images