JP2009213512A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, which can execute a continuous variation performance capable of sustaining a player's expectation for a long period of time and having diversity. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine can execute the continuous variation performance capable of executing a plurality of times of variations of demonstration symbols while one-round jackpot determination result is displayed. Whether or not executing the continuous variation performance, and the number of variations and the performance time of the demonstration symbols during the continuous variation performance are determined by a variation pattern selected by a main board. The game machine can also executes a specific additional performance indicating that the variation of the demonstration symbols executed at the time may be the symbol variation under the continuous variation performance possibly. Even if the same variation pattern is selected, there are cases where executing the specific variation performance during the demonstration symbol variation and not executing it, and whether or not executing the specific additional performance is determined by a sub integrated board. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine capable of executing a plurality of symbol variations with a temporary stop before a symbol indicating a result of a hit determination is displayed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine that notifies a player of a result of a hit determination on whether or not to execute a hit game that is advantageous to the player using a display unit that displays an image. In this gaming machine, a hit determination is made on the main control board that controls the main control of the game, and an effect pattern is determined according to the determination result. And the aspect of the production (fluctuation production) to be confirmed and displayed after changing the plurality of symbols displayed on the display means is determined on the sub control board according to the production pattern, and the result of the hit determination is determined by this fluctuation production. Inform the player. In addition, in order to improve the preference of variation effects, a game that performs a continuous variation effect in which a combination of symbols other than the winning combination is temporarily stopped between the variation of the symbol and the final display, and then the symbol is varied (revaried) again. The machine is also increasing. By using this continuous variation effect, for example, the higher the number of symbol variations that are performed multiple times during the continuous variation effect, the higher the percentage that the winning game will be executed will increase the player's expectation. Yes. However, if the pattern variation mode executed multiple times during the continuous variation effect is the same as the pattern variation feature in the variation effect without re-variation, the content of the variation effect becomes monotonous, and the player There was a risk of getting bored with the game.

Therefore, regarding a gaming machine that performs continuous variation effects, a game machine that makes it easy to distinguish between symbol variation that is executed multiple times during continuous variation effects and one symbol variation in variation effects without re-variation is also proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this gaming machine, every time a symbol variation during a continuous variation effect is performed, the background image of the symbol is changed to clarify that it is a symbol variation during a continuous variation effect, thereby improving the interest of the game. Yes.
JP 2006-204809 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the player can easily grasp the number of times the symbol variation is performed during the continuous variation effect. Therefore, if the number of symbol fluctuations during the continuous fluctuation effect is small, the player will recognize that the expectation level of the game is low at that time, so the reach effect that is performed afterwards while maintaining high expectations. There was a problem that it was not possible to entertain. In addition, in order to increase the expectation level of the game per continuous variation production with a small number of symbol variation execution times or to diversify the contents of the continuous variation production, the main control board that determines the pattern of the production In addition to this setting, there is also a problem that the setting of the sub-control board that controls the production mode must be significantly changed according to the production pattern.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine capable of executing a continuous variation effect having diversity, which can continue a player's expectation for a longer time. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a display unit that displays a symbol, and an additional effect execution unit that executes an additional effect added to the variation effect of the symbol performed by the display unit. A main control board that controls the main control of the game and transmits a signal according to the control, and a sub-control board that controls an effect performed by the display means and the additional effect execution means by a signal received from the main control board And a game ball detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball to the start port provided on the game board, wherein the main control board is caused by the detection of the game ball by the game ball detection means. A winning random number acquiring means for acquiring a winning random number for determining whether or not to execute a winning game advantageous to the player, and the winning random number acquiring means acquired by the winning random number acquiring means. A hit determination means for determining whether or not the random number is a predetermined random number determined in advance, and an outline of the effect including the effect time for the effect indicating the determination result of the hit determination means. And a production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of production patterns according to the determination result by the hit determination means, and when the determination by the hit determination means is performed, the production pattern according to the determination result An effect pattern determining means for determining one of a plurality of effect patterns stored in the storage means, and an effect pattern notification signal, which is a signal indicating the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determining means, is sent to the sub-control board. The sub-control board is performed by the display means and the additional effect executing means. With regard to the output effect mode, the effect pattern is stored by the effect pattern storage means for storing each effect pattern stored in the effect pattern storage means and one or more of the effect aspects, and the effect pattern notification signal. When notified, an effect mode determining means for determining one of the effect modes corresponding to the notified effect pattern, and the display means according to the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means. According to the display control means for executing the fluctuating effect indicating the determination result of the hit determination means, and the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means, by controlling and making a fixed display after changing the symbol And an additional effect execution control means for controlling the additional effect by the additional effect execution means, and the display control means opens the variation of the symbol. It is possible to cause the display means to execute a continuous variation effect, which is the variation effect in which a plurality of symbol variations are performed with a temporary stop for temporarily stopping all the symbols between starting and the final display. And the additional effect execution control means is a specific additional effect that is the additional effect indicating that there is a possibility that the variation of the symbol being performed by the display unit is the symbol variation in the continuous variation effect. Is a gaming machine that can be executed during the variation of the symbol, and there are a plurality of the production modes stored in association with the predetermined production pattern for executing the continuous variation production, and the continuous Including a continuous variation notification effect mode, which is an effect mode for executing the specific additional effect every time the symbol variation in the variable effect is executed, and the symbol variation without the specific additional effect. Characterized in that it comprises a continuously variable non-notification representation embodiment is a demonstration mode for carrying out the effect.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1, the continuous variation non-notification effect mode is executed a plurality of times during one continuous variation effect. The first of the symbol variations is the symbol variation without the specific additional effect.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 2, the gaming machine according to claim 3 of the present invention, from the second symbol variation to the last symbol variation in the continuous variation non notification effect mode. The mode of the production and the mode of the production from the first design variation to the last design variation in the continuous variation notification production mode in which the number of times of the design variation is one less than the continuous variation non-notification production mode are the same. It is an aspect.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the gaming machine according to claim 4 of the present invention includes a plurality of the effect patterns for executing the continuous variation effect, The greater the number of times the symbol variation is executed, the higher the ratio determined by the effect pattern determining means when the winning determining means determines that the winning pattern is determined to be winning.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the gaming machine according to claim 5 of the present invention has a speaker for generating sound, and The additional effect includes generation of specific sound by the speaker.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first aspect, the additional effect item means includes a light emitting member that emits light, and The additional effect includes at least one of a change in the number of light emission of the light emitting member that emits light and a change in the emission color of the light emitting member.

  According to the gaming machine of claim 1, the display means performs a continuous variation effect in which the symbol variation is performed a plurality of times with a temporary stop for temporarily stopping the symbol between the start of the symbol variation and the final display. Can be performed. Further, the additional effect execution means can execute a specific additional effect indicating that there is a possibility that the change in the symbol performed by the display means may be a symbol change during the continuous change effect. And in the production | presentation according to the continuous fluctuation notification production | presentation aspect, a specific addition production | presentation is performed whenever the symbol fluctuation | variation in a continuous fluctuation production is performed by a display means. Thereby, while the result of one hit determination is displayed, it is possible to give the player an impression that the result of the multiple hit determination is shown, and to attract the player's interest. In addition, in the production according to the continuous fluctuation non-notification production mode, by executing the continuous fluctuation production including the design fluctuation that does not accompany the specific additional production, the player does not notice that it is the design fluctuation in the continuous fluctuation production. Can be executed. In the sub-control board, both the continuous variation notification effect mode and the continuous variation non-notification effect mode are stored corresponding to a predetermined effect pattern. In other words, it is easy to diversify the effects using the continuous variation of the symbols without increasing the types of the effect patterns, just by determining whether or not the specific additional effects are executed during the variation of the symbols in the continuously varying effects. It can be made. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from getting bored of the game and to keep the player's expectation.

  In addition to the effect described in claim 1, the gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention performs a specific additional effect as the first of the symbol variations executed a plurality of times during one continuous variation effect. It is assumed that there are no symbol variations. This makes it possible to make the player have an illusion without giving a sense of incongruity as if the number of symbol variation executions during the continuous variation effect was one less than the number of symbol variations actually performed. Specifically, in the case of a continuous variation effect that shifts to reach production after three symbol variations, by executing the first symbol variation without executing the specific additional effect, “symbol variation / symbol variation / reach effect” It is possible to make an illusion that a continuous variation effect in which two symbol variations are executed is performed. Therefore, an effect mode that shifts to a specific reach effect after a predetermined number of symbol variations and an effect mode that shifts to the same specific reach effect after a symbol variation that is less than this predetermined number of times are in the same effect pattern. It can be easily executed in correspondence.

  In addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 2, the gaming machine according to claim 3 of the present invention is the second or later of the continuous variation non-notification effect mode in which the specific additional effect is not performed during the first symbol variation. The mode during symbol variation is the same as the mode during symbol variation of the continuous variation notification effect mode in which the number of symbol variations is one less than this continuous variation non-notification effect mode. For example, in the continuous variation notification effect mode with two symbol variations, the effect from the start of the first variation to reach confirmation when the reach is established or not reached is the continuous variation non-notification with three symbol variations In the production mode, the production mode is the same as the production from the start of the second fluctuation to the reach establishment or finalization display. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have the illusion that the number of symbol variations during the variation effect is one less than the actual number of variations. Thereby, the contents of the production can be diversified to attract the interest of the player.

  In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the gaming machine according to claim 4 of the present invention has a large number of times of performing symbol variation among variation patterns for performing continuous variation effects. When the variation pattern is determined to be a winning, the ratio determined by the effect pattern determining means is high. Therefore, the greater the number of symbol variations, the higher the expectation that the winning game will be executed. Accordingly, the player can enjoy the game while expecting a continuous variation effect in which more symbol variations are performed. Furthermore, even when the same variation pattern is determined, there are a case where an effect based on a continuous variation notification effect mode is executed and an effect based on a continuous variation non-notification effect mode. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the degree of expectation for the hit game with respect to the apparent number of continuous fluctuation executions without changing the setting of the fluctuation pattern.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to claim 5 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the specific additional effect includes generation of specific sound by a speaker. Can easily grasp by voice that the specific additional effect has been performed.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to claim 6 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the specific additional effect is the change in the number of light emission of the light emitting member and the light emission of the light emitting member. Since at least one of the color changes is included, the player can easily grasp that the specific additional effect has been performed by the light emitting member.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine 1 which is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the mechanical structure of the pachinko machine 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the upper half of the front surface of the pachinko machine 1, there is provided a game board 2 on which a game ball as a game medium launched from a launcher (not shown) flows by operating the launch handle 7. ing. This game board 2 is substantially square (see FIG. 2) and is protected by a glass frame 13 holding a transparent glass plate. In the lower part of the game board 2, an upper plate 5 for supplying game balls to the launcher and receiving prize balls is provided. A lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided directly below the upper plate 5, and a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch of the game ball is provided on the right side of the lower plate 6. Further, speakers 48 are respectively provided at the left and right corners above the glass frame 13. In addition, a large number of lighting lamps for production are provided on the front surface of the glass frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the approximate center of the game area 4, there is provided a symbol display device 8 having a display screen 28 composed of an LCD, effect lamps 31 to 33, LEDs, and the like. A normal symbol start gate 12 is provided on the left side of the symbol display device 8. Further, a special symbol starting electric accessory 15 is disposed below the symbol display device 8, and a special prize opening 16 is provided below the special symbol starting electric accessory 15. Further, the normal winning ports 17 and 19 are provided on the left side of the big winning port 16, and the normal winning ports 18 and 20 are provided on the right side. In addition to the above, the game board 2 is provided with various illumination lamps, other illumination LEDs, windmills, and many obstacle nails.

  Next, the symbol display device 8 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the symbol display device 8 includes a display screen 28 formed of an LCD at the center. Various images such as moving images and messages are displayed on the display screen 28. In order to particularly notify the player of the result of the jackpot determination, the display screen 28 is provided with three demo symbol display portions side by side. . Then, after the demo symbols displayed on the three demo symbol display units are changed, the player is notified of the result of the hit determination by performing a changing effect for confirming and displaying the symbol indicating the result of the hit determination. Furthermore, various effects by the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like are performed in synchronization with the variation effects to attract the player's interest.

  In addition, a special symbol display unit 25 configured by two 7-segment LEDs and a normal symbol display unit 24 configured by one LED are provided at the lower right of the display screen 28. The special symbol display unit 25 displays a special symbol composed of alphabets, numerals, or a combination thereof in order to notify the player of the result of the jackpot determination. The timing for starting and confirming the change of the demo symbol described above coincides with the timing for starting and stopping the change of the special symbol. Further, in the normal symbol display section 24, the lighting state indicates a normal winning, the unlit indicates a normal winning loss, and the blinking state indicates that the result of the normal winning determination will be notified from now on. It is said that.

  In addition, a special symbol memory number display LED 60 and a normal symbol memory number display LED 59 constituted by two LEDs are disposed at the lower right of the special symbol display unit 25 and the normal symbol display unit 24. The special symbol memory number display LED 60 displays the number of game balls for which the jackpot determination result has not yet been displayed, that is, the so-called special symbol operation hold ball number, and the normal symbol memory number display LED 59 displays the normal symbol operation hold ball number. . Then, only the lower side of the two LEDs indicates that the number of reserved balls is “1”, that both are “2”, the lower side flashes “3”, and both flashes indicate “4”. In addition, a first effect lamp 31, a second effect lamp 32, and a third effect lamp 33 are arranged in order from the left above the display screen 28.

  Here, the outline | summary of the game and effect in the pachinko machine 1 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. On the display screen 28 of the pachinko machine 1, a temporary stop for temporarily stopping the demo symbol is performed from the start of symbol variation to the final display, that is, during one variation of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 25. It can be carried out. The design at the time of the temporary stop is that the demo design is rocked slightly to make the player feel the illusion that the demo design has not been stopped, This is a mode in which the demo symbol is stopped for a time shorter than the stop display time. Then, after the demonstration symbol is temporarily stopped, the same variation as that before the temporary stop is executed again, and a continuous variation effect in which the symbol variation of the demonstration symbol is performed a plurality of times during one variation of the special symbol can be performed. And the ratio that the jackpot game is executed is set higher as the number of changes in the number of the demo symbols performed during the continuous variation effect increases.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1, it is possible to perform a specific additional effect indicating that there is a possibility that the change of the demo symbol currently being performed on the display screen 28 is a symbol variation during the continuous variation effect. In the continuous variation effect in the pachinko machine 1, the symbol variation of the demo symbols is performed three times at the maximum. Then, when a specific additional effect is accompanied with all of these three symbol variations, each time the symbol variation is performed once, the first effect lamp 31, the second effect lamp 32, and the third effect lamp 33 in this order. Turn on the lamp. Further, in the specific additional effect, a specific sound effect is generated from the speaker 48 in conjunction with the lighting timing of the effect lamps 31 to 33. This makes it possible to easily notify the player of the degree of expectation of the jackpot game that changes in accordance with the number of continuous executions of symbol variation.

  And in the pachinko machine 1, whether or not to execute the reach effect performed after two of the three demonstration symbols become the same symbol (reach state), whether to execute the continuous variation effect, The outline of the variation effect such as the number of symbol variations performed during the continuous variation effect is determined by the variation pattern. This variation pattern is determined on the main board 41 (see FIG. 3), and the sub-integrated board 58 (see FIG. 3) controls the effect mode of the variation effect according to the determined variation pattern.

  Here, in the sub-integrated board 58, when a predetermined variation pattern for performing a continuous variation effect is determined, an effect mode in which a specific additional effect is accompanied with all symbol variations, and a specific additional effect is generated during the first symbol variation. Any of the production modes that are not executed can be executed. This diversifies the production using the continuous variation of symbols. Details of this will be described later.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 40 includes a main board 41, a power supply board 42, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, a lamp driver board 46, a relay board 47, and a sub-integrated board 58. This control part 40 is provided in the back side (back side) of the pachinko machine 1 (refer FIG. 1).

  First, the main substrate 41 will be described. The main board 41 that performs main control of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main board CPU unit 50 that performs various processes according to a program. The main board CPU unit 50 includes a CPU 51 for performing various arithmetic processes, a RAM 52 for temporarily storing values of data generated during the arithmetic processes, an initial control program, various data, and other boards. And a ROM 53 that stores commands and the like for instructing these, and these are integrally molded as one LSI. Further, an interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the CPU unit 50, and the CPU 51 executes a control program stored in the ROM 53 every time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57. To do.

  Further, the main board 41 is provided with an I / O interface 54, and sub-boards such as a sub-integrated board 58, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47, and a game ball that has won a prize for the special symbol starting electric machine 15. Is connected to a start port switch 70 for detecting Further, the I / O interface 54 of the main board 41 is connected to an output port 55 for outputting information of the pachinko machine 1 to a game hall management computer (not shown).

  Next, the payout control board 45 and the relay board 47 will be described. The payout control board 45 incorporates a CPU 45 a, an input interface (not shown), a RAM and a ROM, and is connected to a prize ball payout device 49. Then, according to the command transmitted from the main board 41, the prize ball payout device 49 is controlled. The relay board 47 has a normal symbol operation switch 71 for detecting the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 12, a special winning opening opening solenoid 72 for opening / closing the opening / closing member of the special winning opening 16, and a special symbol starting. An electric accessory opening solenoid 73 for opening / closing the opening / closing member of the electric accessory 15, a big prize opening switch 75 for detecting a gaming ball won in the big prize opening 16, and a game ball winning in the normal prize opening 17 to 20 Are connected to a normal symbol opening switch 76, a normal symbol display unit 24, a special symbol display unit 25, a normal symbol memory number display LED 59, and a special symbol memory number display LED 60. The relay board 47 relays wiring of switches and solenoids and relays from the main board 41 to a display unit or the like that is directly controlled. In addition, when a game ball wins the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, the big winning opening 16, and the normal winning openings 17 to 20, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.

  Next, the sub integrated board 58, the effect control board 43, and the lamp driver board 46 will be described. The sub integrated board 58 is provided with a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583, and is connected to the effect control board 43, the lamp driver board 46, and the speaker 48. Then, in accordance with a command transmitted from the main board 41, comprehensive control such as production is performed. The effect control board 43 incorporates a CPU 43a, an input interface (not shown), RAM, and ROM, and controls the display screen 28. The lamp driver board 46 incorporates a CPU 46a, an input interface (not shown), RAM and ROM, and three effect lamps 31 to 33 are connected thereto. And based on the command transmitted from the sub integration board | substrate 58, light emission of the production lamps 31-33 is controlled.

  Next, the power supply substrate 42 will be described. The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the game ball launching device 37, and supplies DC stabilized power to each board and the game ball launching device 37. The game ball launching device 37 includes a launching motor (not shown), a touch sensor provided on the launching handle 7, a launching device stop switch, a firing strength adjustment volume, and the like. ) Launch one game ball into the game area every time.

  Next, the storage area of the RAM 52 of the main board 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of the RAM 52 of the main board 41. As shown in FIG. 4, in the RAM 52, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won a prize in each winning opening such as a counter storage area 5201 for storing various counters, a normal symbol start gate 12, a special symbol start electric accessory 15 and the like. A winning ball flag storage area 5202 for storing a flag to indicate, a normal hit relation information storage area 5203 for storing a random number acquired when a game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 12, and a normal number for storing a normal symbol operation reserved ball number Symbol actuated ball number storage area 5204, jackpot relation information memory area 5205 for storing random numbers acquired when winning a game ball to the special symbol starting electric player 15, special symbol actuated hold for storing the number of special symbol actuated balls Control commands output to the ball number storage area 5206, the main board 41, the sub-integrated board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, etc. Command relation storage area 5207 to the flag relation storage area 5208 for storing various flags. Further, the RAM 52 is provided with various storage areas not shown.

  Next, each counter stored in the counter storage area 5201 of the RAM 52 will be described. The counter stored in the RAM 52 includes a random number acquisition counter for acquiring a random number, a timer counter for measuring time, a winning ball counter for counting the number of winning balls, and the like.

  First, the random number acquisition counter will be described. Examples of the random number acquisition counter include a normal hit determination counter, a big hit determination counter, a big hit special symbol determination counter, a variation pattern determination counter, and the like. The values of these counters are set at regular intervals (for example, in the counter updating process (S12, see FIG. 8) of the main process executed based on the interrupt signal from the interrupt signal generating circuit 57 (see FIG. 3). , A predetermined amount (for example, “1”) is added every 2 ms which is an interval of interrupt signal generation. Each counter has a minimum value (lower limit value) and a maximum value (upper limit value), and is configured to circulate in a numerical value in a range from the minimum value to the maximum value. Then, every time the value is rounded to the same value as the initial value by updating, a new initial value is acquired, and “1” is added to the initial value. For the determination of the new initial value, a random number generated by an initial value random number process for generating a random number by a predetermined algorithm is used. These random number acquisition counters are used in a normal symbol process (S16, see FIG. 8) and a special symbol process (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the main process described later.

  Next, the timer counter will be described. The timer counter is a counter used for measuring time, and a predetermined value is stored as an initial value at the start of time measurement. For example, when measuring 1 second, “500” is stored as an initial value. Then, “1” is subtracted by “1” in the counter update process (S12, see FIG. 8) performed every 2 ms, which is the interval of interrupt signal generation. If the value is not “0”, the value is “ It is determined that the predetermined time has passed by becoming “0”.

  Next, the winning ball counter will be described. The winning ball counter is used to count the number of game balls that have won the big winning opening 16 while the big winning opening 16 performs one opening / closing operation. The initial value of this counter is “0”, and is incremented by “1” every time a winning is detected in a switch reading process (S11, see FIG. 8) of the main process described later. Then, it is initialized when the special winning opening 16 is closed.

  Next, the jackpot relation information storage area 5205 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a jackpot relation information storage area 5205 of the RAM 52. This jackpot relation information storage area 5205 is used in a special symbol process (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the main process described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the jackpot relation information storage area 5205 is provided with a determination area and first to fourth storage areas. In the first to fourth memory areas, random numbers acquired by the game balls (special symbol operation holding balls) that have won the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 and have not yet been notified of the result of the jackpot determination are stored. . The determination area stores information on the results of the jackpot determination that is currently being performed and random numbers that are the basis of the jackpot game.

  In each of the determination area and the first to fourth storage areas, a jackpot random number field in which the value of the jackpot determination counter is stored, a jackpot special symbol determination random number field in which the value of the jackpot special symbol determination counter is stored, and a variation pattern A variation pattern determination random number column in which the value of the determination counter is stored is provided. Then, when the game ball passes through the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, each value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the value of the special symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5206 of the RAM 52, and the jackpot determination, jackpot is based on this value When it is determined that the special symbol is determined and the variation pattern is determined. Then, when the processing for the value stored in the determination area is completed, the value stored in the first storage area is shifted to the determination area, and processing such as the next jackpot determination is performed based on this value. Along with this, each value in the second to fourth storage areas is shifted to the young storage area with one number, and the value in the fourth storage area is cleared. Here, the number of storage areas is four. In other words, the number of game balls that have won the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 can store a random number and can hold the operation is four. Accordingly, the upper limit of the number of special symbol operation reserved balls is four, and the value of the special symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5206 does not take a value larger than “4”. In the ordinary hit relation information storage area 5203 of the RAM 52, similarly, a determination area and first to fourth storage areas are provided so that information on four game balls can be held.

  Next, the storage area of the ROM 53 of the main board 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of the ROM 53 of the main board 41. The ROM 53 has an initial setting storage area 5301 for storing initial values stored in the respective storage areas when the pachinko machine 1 is reset, and a control program for storing various programs for the CPU 51 to control the pachinko machine 1. A storage area 5302, a control command table storage area 5303 for storing a table of control commands output from the main board 41 to each sub-board, and a special symbol combination pattern storage area for storing a combination of special symbols to be displayed on the special symbol display unit 25 5304, special symbol variation pattern storage area 5305 for storing information such as tables relating to the variation patterns of special symbols and demo symbols, and various tables to be referred to when jackpot determination, normal hit determination, special symbol determination, etc. are performed The determination table storage area 5306 etc. It has been kicked. Further, the ROM 53 is provided with various storage areas not shown.

  Next, the special symbol variation pattern determination table stored in the special symbol variation pattern storage area 5305 of the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a special symbol variation pattern determination table stored in the special symbol variation pattern storage area 5305 of the ROM 53. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the table used during the time reduction state is not significantly different from the table used during the normal state. Therefore, a part of the table used during the normal state will be described as an example.

  The variation pattern is a pattern variation pattern used when the determination result by jackpot determination is shown. Due to this variation pattern, the variation time of the symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 25 and the demo symbol display unit of the display screen 28, the display screen 28, the effect lamps 31 to 33, the speaker in synchronization with the variation of these symbols. The pattern of the effect performed by 48 etc. is determined. Then, in the sub-integrated board 58, a specific aspect of the effect is determined based on the variation pattern determined by the main board 41.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the variation pattern determination table is provided with a table according to the gaming state (normal state or short-time state) at the time of jackpot determination and the result of jackpot determination (hit or miss). In the present embodiment, two of the three demo symbols become the same symbol (reach state) for the effect (hereinafter referred to as “variable effect”) performed during the variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol. The reach production and the reach non-establishment for stopping the symbol that shows the disengagement without being in the reach state are provided. In addition, as described above, the pachinko machine 1 performs a continuous variation effect in which the symbol variation of the demo symbol is performed a plurality of times during one variation of the special symbol, that is, from the start of the variation of the demo symbol to the final display. can do. And the outline of the fluctuation effects such as the fluctuation time (direction time) of the symbol, whether or not to execute the reach effect, whether or not to execute the continuous fluctuation effect, the number of symbol fluctuations performed during the continuous fluctuation effect, etc. It will be determined by the pattern. This variation pattern is stored in the variation pattern determination random number column (see FIG. 5) from the plurality of variation patterns corresponding to the determination result and the gaming state at that time when the jackpot determination is performed. It is determined based on a random number.

  In the continuous variation effect, the time required for one demo symbol variation is either 9 seconds or 8 seconds. For example, in the variation pattern of “3 demo symbol variations + specific reach production”, the first and second demonstration symbol variations are performed for 9 seconds, the third demonstration symbol variation is performed for 8 seconds, and then the shift to reach production is performed. . The time of 9 seconds is equal to the fluctuation time when the “reach is not established” is determined when the number of held balls is “0”, and the time of 8 seconds does not pass the temporary stop of the symbol from the start of the fluctuation. It is equal to the time until the transition to reach production. This makes it possible to give the player an impression that the results of multiple jackpot determinations are displayed while the results of one jackpot determination are displayed, and attract the player's interest. .

  Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, the determined rate is set to be higher for the variation pattern having the larger number of demonstration symbol variations. On the contrary, when it is determined that it is out of place, it is set so that a variation pattern with a small number of demo symbol variations is easily determined. Thereby, the player can enjoy the game while expecting that a continuous variation effect with a larger number of demonstration symbol variations will be executed. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a specific reach effect that is executed only when a continuous variation effect is performed in which the demo symbol variation is performed three times. The contents of the variation effect are also diversified by the effect during the demo symbol variation before starting the specific reach effect. Details of these will be described later.

  Needless to say, the variation pattern determination table used in the present embodiment is merely an example, and the contents of the table can be set as appropriate. For example, more types of variation patterns may be provided, or variation patterns for performing an effect that is executed only when the jackpot is achieved may be provided. In addition, the demo symbol variation mode may be any mode in which, after the start of the variation, the mode shifts to the low-speed symbol variation through the high-speed symbol variation, and then the temporary stop or reach establishment / non-establishment. Need not be exactly the same.

  Next, details of the operation of the main board 41 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a main process in the main board 41, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts of a subroutine of a special symbol process executed in the main process. Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as “S”.

  The pachinko machine 1 is controlled by a control program stored in the control program storage area of the ROM 53. The main process of the control program is executed by the CPU 51 when the CPU 51 senses an interrupt signal generated by the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 3). Since the interrupt signal is generated at regular intervals (2 ms in the present embodiment), the main process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms.

  First, main processing performed on the main board 41 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the main process is started by sensing an interrupt signal, first, a command output process is performed (S10). In this command output process, a control command is output to the sub-integrated board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, etc. via the I / O interface 54. The control command includes a command for instructing the determined special symbol variation pattern, a command for instructing the timing for stopping the special symbol, a command for informing the start of the jackpot game, a command for instructing the opening / closing timing of the electric accessory, etc. There are many commands. The control command output here is a control command stored as an output command in the command relation storage area 5207 of the RAM 52 in the main process executed last time.

  Next, a switch reading process is performed (S11). In this switch reading process, a process for detecting a winning of a game ball in the normal symbol starting gate 12, the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, the normal winning ports 17 to 20, and the big winning port 16 is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by each switch (see FIG. 3) provided at these winning openings, and when a game ball is detected, a winning ball flag storage area in the RAM 25 is detected. A flag corresponding to each switch stored in 5202 is turned ON. Further, the number of game balls won during one opening of the big winning opening 16 is counted by a winning ball counter. At the start of the switch reading process, all flags in the winning ball flag storage area are reset.

  Next, a counter update process is performed (S12). As described above, in this counter update process, each value of the random number acquisition counter stored in the counter storage area of the RAM 52 is added by a predetermined amount, and each value of the timer counter is subtracted by a predetermined amount.

  Next, special electric accessory processing is performed (S13). In the special electric accessory process, a command for instructing the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 16 is performed during the big hit game. Also, at the end of the jackpot game, depending on the type of special symbol that is the basis of the jackpot game, a flag (probability change flag and short-time / medium flag) for generating either the short state at the time of probability change or the short state at the time of non-probability change ) Is performed.

  Next, special symbol processing is performed (S14). In this special symbol processing, processing such as jackpot determination, determination of variation pattern, instruction, instruction to start and end symbol variation, and the like are performed. This special symbol process will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Next, ordinary electric accessory processing is performed (S15). In this ordinary electric accessory process, when a normal hit is achieved, a process for facilitating winning a game ball by opening the opening / closing member of the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 for a predetermined time is performed. It should be noted that the opening time of the special symbol starting electric member 15 once is longer in the short time state than in the normal state.

  Next, normal symbol processing is performed (S16). In the normal symbol process, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 12, the value of the normal hit determination counter is acquired as a normal hit random number. Then, a normal hit determination is performed based on the acquired random number, and a process of displaying the determination result on the normal symbol display unit 24 is performed. Note that the variation time of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display unit 24 is shorter in the short time state than in the normal state.

  Next, a payout process (S17) for paying out prize balls and an error check (S18) are performed. If an error has occurred in the pachinko machine 1, an error is displayed on the display screen 28 or an error sound is generated on the speaker 48. Therefore, an error command to be transmitted to the sub integrated board 58 in the command output process of S10 is stored in the command related storage area of the RAM 52. Next, in the information output process (S19), various kinds of information such as jackpot information, starting information, etc. of the pachinko machine 1 are output via the output port 55 to a game hall management computer (not shown). When the information output process ends, the main process ends. When the interrupt signal is received from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57, the main process is executed again from the beginning.

  Next, details of the special symbol process (S14) of the main process will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. As described above, in the special symbol processing, processing such as jackpot determination, symbol / variation pattern determination, instruction, symbol variation start / end instruction, and the like are performed.

  First, the flags used in the special symbol process will be described. In the flag-related storage area of the RAM 52, a special symbol display state flag, a jackpot gaming state flag, a probability variation flag, a time-short / medium flag, and the like are stored. The special symbol display state flag is a flag indicating the state of the special symbol display unit 25, and is “1” when the special symbol display unit 25 is fluctuating (fluctuating), and when it is stopped (during stop display). ) Stores “2”, and “0” is stored when the state is neither variable nor stopped. The jackpot game state flag is “ON” because “1” is stored during the jackpot game. Further, the probability variation flag is “ON” because “1” is stored during the probability variation in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit is higher than in the normal state. In the hour / short flag, “1” is stored in the hour / short state when the normal symbol variation time is shorter than normal and the opening / closing member opening time of the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 is longer than normal. ON ".

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the special symbol process of the main process is started, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the special symbol start electric accessory 15 (S21). In the switch reading process (S11, see FIG. 8), when the winning of the game ball to the special symbol start electric accessory 15 is not detected (S21: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S26 as it is.

  When a winning of a game ball to the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 is detected (S21: YES), a process for obtaining a random number for the game ball is performed. However, the number of special symbol actuated balls that can acquire and store random numbers is “4”. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the value of the special symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5206 in the RAM 52 is “4” (S22). If it is “4” (S22: YES), this game ball Since the random number cannot be stored, the process proceeds to S26.

  When the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is “0” to “3” (S22: NO), “1” is added to the value of the special symbol operation reservation balls number storage area 5206 (S23). . Then, a random number is stored in the storage area of the number corresponding to the value of the special symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5206 in the jackpot relation information storage area 5205 (see FIG. 5) (S24). Specifically, the jackpot determination counter value is stored in the jackpot random number column, the jackpot special symbol determination counter value is stored in the jackpot special symbol determination random number column, and the variation pattern determination counter value is stored in the variation pattern determination random number column. The

  Next, it is determined whether or not the game state is a jackpot gaming state (S26). When it is a jackpot game state, the jackpot determination and the notification of the determination result are not performed. Therefore, when the jackpot gaming state flag is “ON” and it is determined that the jackpot gaming state is set (S26: YES), the process directly returns to the main process.

  When the jackpot game state flag is “OFF” (S26: NO), since it is not the jackpot game state, processing relating to the control of the special symbol display unit 25 and the variable effect is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol display unit 25 is changing based on the special symbol display state flag (S27). If the special symbol display state flag is not “1” and is not changing (S27: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is being stopped (S28). If the special symbol display state flag is not “2” and the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 25 is not being stopped (S28: NO), a big hit determination is performed.

  Therefore, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not there is a game ball to be subjected to the jackpot determination (S31). If the value in the special symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5206 in the RAM 52 is not equal to or greater than “1” (S31: NO), there is no game ball to be subjected to the jackpot determination, and the process directly returns to the main process. If it is “1” or more (S31: YES), there is a game ball for which a jackpot determination is to be made, and therefore the value of the special symbol actuated holding ball number storage area 5206 is subtracted by “1” (S32), and the jackpot relation information is stored. The value stored in the area (see FIG. 5) is shifted. That is, the random number stored in the first storage area is shifted to the determination area, the random number stored in the second to fourth storage areas is shifted to the storage area one number lower, and the value in the fourth storage area Is cleared (S33).

  Next, a jackpot determination is performed (S35). Here, the determination table for performing jackpot determination includes a low probability determination table used in a normal state (during non-probability fluctuation), and a high probability determination in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit is higher than during non-probability fluctuation. A table is provided. The jackpot determination is performed by referring to one of the determination tables depending on whether or not a probability variation state has occurred.

  If it is determined that the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot (S39: YES), the jackpot combination stored in the special symbol combination pattern storage area 5304 of the ROM 53 based on the value stored in the jackpot special symbol determination random number column One of these is determined (S40). And the process which determines a fluctuation pattern is performed according to whether it is in a time-short state. If the time / short flag is “ON” and it is determined that the time is short (S41: YES), the special symbol variation is determined by the value stored in the variation pattern determination random number column (see FIG. 5). With reference to the pattern determination table (refer to FIG. 7), one is determined from the hit variation patterns in the short time (S42). If it is determined that the time is not short (S41: NO), one of the hit variation patterns in the normal state is determined (S43). Then, the process proceeds to S52.

  If the jackpot is not determined to be a jackpot (S39: NO), a special symbol indicating a loss ("-" in the present embodiment) is determined (S46). If the time is short (S47: YES), one of the time fluctuation patterns is determined (S48), and the process proceeds to S52. If the time is not short (S47: NO), one is determined from the deviation variation pattern in the normal state (S49), and the process proceeds to S52.

  Next, a variation pattern designation command indicating the determined variation pattern and instructing the start of variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol is stored in the command relation storage area 5207 of the RAM 52 (S52). Then, the variation time of the special symbol determined for each variation pattern is stored in the special symbol variation time counter (S53), and “1” indicating that the special symbol is changing is stored in the special symbol display state flag. (S54), the process returns to the main process.

  Further, in the determination of S27 shown in FIG. 9, when the special symbol display state flag stores “1” and it is determined that the special symbol display unit 25 is changing (S27: YES), the change is made. It is determined whether time has passed (S71). When the value of the special symbol variation time counter set in S53 (see FIG. 10) becomes “0”, the variation time has elapsed (S71: YES), so the special symbol is stored in the command related storage area 5207 of the RAM 52. A stop command is stored (S72). This special symbol stop command is a command for instructing the special symbol display unit 25 to stop the variation of the special symbol and to end the variation effect performed by the display screen 28 or the like. Then, a predetermined stop display time is stored in the special symbol stop time counter (S73), and “2” indicating that the special symbol is being stopped is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S74). Return to. On the other hand, if it is determined in S71 that the value of the special symbol variation time counter is not “0” and the variation time has not yet elapsed (S71: NO), the variation of the special symbol is continued. Therefore, the special symbol process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main process.

  If it is determined in S28 that “2” is stored in the special symbol display state flag and the special symbol display unit 25 is in a stop display (S28: YES), the stop display time is set. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (S75). If the value of the special symbol stop time counter set in S73 is not “0” (S75: NO), the special symbol process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, when the counter value is subtracted to “0” in the counter update process (S12, see FIG. 8), the stop display time has elapsed (S75: YES), so that the special symbol display unit 25 “0” indicating that neither stop display nor change is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S76). Then, a short / medium flag process is performed (S77). In the pachinko machine 1, the non-stochastic fluctuation short-time state generated after the winning game is ended when the jackpot determination is performed 100 times. Therefore, in the process of S77, when the jackpot determination is made 100 times during the non-probability fluctuation time-saving state, the processing for setting the time-shortage flag to “0” is performed.

  Next, when it is determined that the jackpot is made in the previous jackpot determination (S78: YES), “1” indicating the jackpot gaming state is stored in the jackpot gaming state flag and is set to “ON” ( In step S79, a jackpot game start command for notifying the sub-integrated board 58 of starting the jackpot game is stored (S80), and the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, if it is not determined to be a big hit (S78: NO), the process directly returns to the main process.

  Next, processing in the sub integrated substrate 58 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a sub effect mode determination table stored in the ROM 583 of the sub integrated board 58, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of sub integrated board processing in the sub integrated board 58. In the sub-integrated board process, a process for controlling an effect by the display screen 28, the effect lamps 31 to 33, the speaker 48, and the like is performed according to a command transmitted from the main substrate 41. In particular, according to the effect pattern determined on the main board 41, a variation effect mode indicating the result of the jackpot determination is determined, and the determined effect is executed.

  First, the RAM 582 of the sub integrated substrate 58 will be described. The RAM 582 stores a variation pattern storage area in which a variation pattern designated by the main board 41 is stored, a counter storage area in which various counters are stored, and command related information in which control commands output to the effect control board 43 and the like are stored. Storage areas such as a storage area and a flag-related storage area in which various flags are stored are provided.

  Next, the ROM 583 of the sub integrated board 58 will be described. The ROM 583 stores various programs for the CPU 581 to assist the control of the pachinko machine 1. Further, a control command table storage area for storing a table of control commands output from the sub-integrated board 58 to the effect control board 43 and the lamp driver board 46, and a table storage for storing a sub effect mode determination table for determining an effect mode. Various storage areas such as areas are provided.

  Next, the sub effect content determination table stored in the table storage area of the ROM 583 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in the sub effect mode determination table, one or more effect modes are associated with each variation pattern specified from the main board 41. In the sub-integrated substrate processing (see FIG. 12) described later, one of the rendering modes corresponding to the designated variation pattern is determined based on the random number stored in the counter storage area of the RAM 582.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a continuous variation effect in which the demo symbol variation is executed a plurality of times during the period from the start of the demo symbol variation to the final display. According to the variation pattern determined by the main board 41 (see FIG. 7). Further, during the demo symbol variation, a specific additional effect can be performed to indicate that the symbol variation may be a symbol variation during a continuous variation effect. In the continuous variation effect, the demo symbol variation is performed three times at the maximum, and the greater the number of executions of the demo symbol variation, the higher the expectation that the jackpot game will be executed. Therefore, the player can enjoy the game while expecting that the specific additional effect is continuously performed three times.

  Then, it is determined by the sub-integrated board 58 whether or not the specific additional effect is performed during the demo symbol variation. As shown in FIG. 11, each variation pattern designated from the main board 41 is associated with one or a plurality of effects, and a specific variation pattern is added to all demo symbol variations. An effect mode that accompanies an effect is associated with an effect mode in which the specific additional effect is not executed during the first demo symbol variation. As a result, the contents of the variation effect can be diversified to entertain the player.

  Hereinafter, the sub integrated substrate processing performed in the sub integrated substrate 58 will be described with reference to FIG. When the sub integrated substrate processing is started, it is first determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received (S101). If received (S101: YES), the variation pattern specified by the command is stored in the variation pattern storage area of the RAM 582 (S102). And a random number is acquired and a sub effect content determination table (refer FIG. 11) is referred, and an effect mode is determined (S103). Next, in accordance with the determined effect mode, control for starting the variable effect by the display screen 28, the effect lamps 31 to 33, and the speaker 48 is performed (S104). Thereby, the change of the demo symbol in the display screen 28 is started. When a variation effect for executing the specific additional effect is determined, the effect lamps 31 to 33 are turned on at a predetermined timing for each effect, and a sound effect is generated from the speaker 48 at the same time. And it returns to judgment of S101.

  If the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S101: NO), it is determined whether or not a special symbol stop command has been received (S106). If it has been received (S106: YES), the variation effect that has been executed is terminated, a process of confirming and displaying the demo symbol on the display screen 28 is performed (S107), and the process returns to the determination of S101.

  If a special symbol stop command has not been received (S106: NO), it is determined whether a jackpot game start command has been received (S109). If it is received (S109: YES), processing for starting the effect during the jackpot game is performed (S110), and the process returns to the determination of S101. If the jackpot game start command has not been received (S109: NO), it is determined whether another command has been received (S112), and if received (S112: YES), depending on the received command Various processes are performed (S113), and the process returns to the determination of S101. If no command has been received (S112: NO), the process directly returns to the determination in S101.

  Next, the presentation aspect and effect of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the variation effect in the pachinko machine 1 corresponding to the passage of time.

  First, the variation effect “E2” in which the specific reach effect is performed after the demo symbol variation with the specific additional effect is performed three times will be described. If the main board 41 determines a variation pattern of “3 times demo symbol variation + specific reach production” when it is determined to be a big hit, the sub-integrated substrate 58 will add specific during the second and third demo symbol variations. The variation effect in the form of “E1” for performing the effect or “E2” for performing the specific additional effect during all three demo symbol variations is controlled. In the variation effect “E2”, a specific additional effect (lighting of the first effect lamp 31 and generation of a sound effect) is performed during the first demonstration symbol variation after the start of variation, and three demonstration symbols are temporarily stopped. Then, a re-variation execution notification for notifying the player that the demo symbols are re-variable is executed. This re-variation execution notification is an effect that the character crosses the display screen 28 together with the sound “still more”. Thereafter, the second demo symbol variation is performed, but with the specific additional effect (the lighting of the second effect lamp 32 and the generation of the sound effect) and the re-variation execution notification as in the first demo symbol variation. In the third demo symbol variation, a specific additional effect (lighting of the third effect lamp 33 and generation of a sound effect) is performed after the variation starts, and the two demo symbols become the same symbol and reach is established. , Transition to specific reach production. This specific reach effect is a reach effect that is executed only when a continuous variation effect with three demo symbol variations is performed, and indicates that the degree of expectation that a jackpot game will be executed thereafter is high.

  Next, the variation effect “E1” that accompanies the specific additional effect during the second and third demo symbol changes and then shifts to the specific reach effect will be described. In the variation effect “E1”, during the first demonstration symbol variation after the start of variation, neither the specific additional effect nor the re-variation execution notification is performed, and the three demonstration symbols are temporarily stopped as they are. Since the demo pattern variation mode “c” is the same as the variation mode “J1” of the non-reachable variation effect “J1” without a specific additional effect, the player can change the first demo symbol variation during the variation effect. It is difficult to recognize that it is a demo symbol variation, and it is recognized as a demo symbol variation that displays the result of one jackpot determination alone. Thereafter, the second demonstration symbol variation accompanied by the specific additional effect and the re-variation execution notification is performed. In the specific additional effect performed here, not the second effect lamp 32 but the first effect lamp 31 is turned on. In the third demonstration symbol variation, the second effect lamp 32 is turned on in the specific additional effect, the reach is established, and the process proceeds to the specific reach effect.

  Next, the variation effect “M2” accompanied by the specific additional effect during the first and second demonstration symbol changes will be described. In the variation effect “M2”, during the first demonstration symbol variation, a specific additional effect for lighting the first effect lamp 31 and a re-variation execution notification are performed. After that, during the second demonstration symbol change, a specific additional effect that turns on the second effect lamp 32 is performed, and the process shifts to the reach effect A. Here, the point in time when the reach is established and the point in time when the demo symbol is confirmed and displayed when the reach state is not passed are collectively referred to as “at the end of the variation mode”. In the present embodiment, the effect from the start of change to the end of the change mode (change mode “a”) in the change effect such as “M2” accompanied by the specific additional effect during the first and second demonstration symbol changes is 2 -It is the same mode as the production from the start of the second demonstration symbol variation to the end of the variation mode in the variation production such as “E1” accompanied by the specific additional production during the third demonstration symbol variation.

  Next, the variation effect “M1” accompanied by the specific additional effect during the second demonstration symbol variation will be described. In the variation effect “M1”, the specific additional effect and the re-variation execution notification are not performed during the first demo symbol variation, and the variation mode “c” is the same as the variation mode “J1”. After that, during the second demonstration symbol change, a specific additional effect that turns on the first effect lamp 31 is performed, and the process shifts to the reach effect A.

  Next, the variation effect “B2” in which the demo symbol variation is once and accompanied by the specific additional effect will be described. In the variation effect “B2”, a specific additional effect that turns on the first effect lamp 31 is performed, and the flow shifts to the reach effect A. Thus, the demonstration design variation is one time, and the production (production mode “c”) from the variation start to the variation mode end in the variation production with the specific additional production is specified during the second demonstration symbol variation. This is the same as the effect from the start of the second demo symbol change to the end of the change mode in the change effect such as “M1” accompanied by the additional effect.

  Here, the effect aspect in the pachinko machine 1 will be further described with a specific example. In the pachinko machine 1, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, if the variation pattern of “3 demo symbol variations + reach effect A” is determined on the main board 41, “F1” in the sub effect mode determination table (see FIG. 11). And “F2” are produced. In the effect mode of “F1”, since the specific additional effect is executed during the second and third demo symbol changes, the change pattern of “demo symbol change twice + reach effect A” is determined for the player. Thus, it appears that the same aspect of the effect is performed as when the effect aspect of “C2” is determined. In other words, “C2” and “F1” have the same effect in that the reach effect A is executed through two demo symbol variations with a specific additional effect. This is the same for example between “B2” and “C1” and between “M2” and “P1”.

  In addition, the effect mode in which the reach effect A is executed through the two demonstration symbol fluctuations accompanied by the specific additional effect includes “C2”, “F1”, “M2”, and “P1”, including the case of losing. . Therefore, by changing the selection ratio of these four effect modes in the sub effect mode determination table, the expectation that becomes a big hit when the reach effect A is executed through two demonstration symbol variations accompanied by the specific additional effect. Can be changed. In other words, in the pachinko machine 1, the expectation that a big hit is greater when the variation pattern of “3 times demo symbol variation + reach effect” is determined on the main board 41 than “2 times demo symbol variation + reach effect A”. It is set to be higher (see FIG. 7). However, when “F1” is determined on the sub-integrated board 58, it is possible to give the player the impression that the variation pattern of “demo symbol variation twice + reach effect A” is determined. Therefore, by increasing the rate at which “F1” is determined, it is possible to increase the degree of expectation when the player recognizes that the “demo symbol variation twice + reach effect A” effect has been performed. . Further, by increasing or decreasing the ratio at which “F1” and “P1” are determined, it is possible to change the appearance frequency of the effect that the player recognizes as “demo symbol variation twice + reach effect A”. Further, by increasing the rate at which “P1” is determined when it is determined that it is out of place (decreasing the rate at which “P2” is determined), the player can determine “3 demo symbol variations + reach effect A”. It is also possible to increase the degree of expectation when an effect to recognize is performed.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a continuous variation effect is executed, an effect mode (a “continuous variation notification effect mode” of the present invention, And any of the effect modes including the demo symbol variation without the specific additional effect (the “continuous variation non-notification effect mode” of the present invention) can be executed. In other words, the variable effect can be generated without increasing the types of effect patterns on the main board 41 only by determining in the sub-integrated board 58 whether or not to execute the specific additional effect during the change of the demo symbol in the continuous variable effect. It can be easily diversified and attracts the interest of the player.In the present embodiment, the number of demonstration symbol changes performed during continuous change production is large. , Jackpot games are set to be executed at a higher rate, but the expectation of jackpot games with respect to the number of apparent demo symbol changes is easily changed without complicating the setting of the fluctuation pattern In addition, in the pachinko machine 1, there may be a case where more demo symbol variations are performed during the continuous variation production than the number of times the apparent demo symbol variation is executed. Even when the production of “Production A” is performed, the player performs while expecting the production of “Demo Symbol Variation 3 times + Reach Production A (F1 ・ P1)”, which has a higher expectation of winning Therefore, it is possible to entertain the production without impairing the player's expectation even during the continuous variation production with a small number of demo symbol variations.

  Specifically, the first demo symbol variation in the continuous variation effect can be executed as a demo symbol variation without a specific additional effect. This makes it possible to make the player have an illusion without giving a sense of incongruity, as if the number of times of execution of the demo symbol variation during the continuous variation effect was one less than the number of times of actual performance. Therefore, an effect mode in which a predetermined number of demonstration symbol changes and a transition to a predetermined reach effect are performed, and an effect mode in which the symbol change is performed once less than the predetermined number of times and a similar reach effect is shifted to the same effect pattern. It can be easily executed in correspondence. As a result, in the present embodiment, the specific reach effect that can be executed only when the demo symbol variation is performed three times, the impression that the specific reach effect is executed through the two demo symbol variations is the same as the effect pattern of the main board 41. It can be easily given to the player without increasing the types.

  In addition, the variation mode of the continuous variation effect in which the specific additional effect is not performed during the first symbol variation, from the second variation start of the demo symbol to the end of the variation mode, the variation number is one time than the continuous variation effect. This is the same as the aspect of the effect from the start of the first change to the end of the change mode of the continuous change effect with a specific additional effect in all the changes. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have the illusion that the number of times of the demo symbol change during the change effect is one less than the actual number of times of change. Thereby, the contents of the production can be diversified to attract the interest of the player.

  The display screen 28 in the present embodiment corresponds to “display means” of the present invention, and the effect lamps 31 to 33 and the speaker 48 correspond to “additional effect execution means”. The main board 41 corresponds to a “main control board”, and the sub integrated board 58, the effect control board 43, and the lamp driver board 46 correspond to a “sub control board”. Further, the special symbol start electric accessory 15 corresponds to a “start opening”, and the start opening switch 70 corresponds to “game ball detecting means”. Further, the CPU 51 of the main board 41 that acquires the jackpot random number in S24 shown in FIG. 9 functions as the “hit random number acquisition means”, and the CPU 51 of the main board 41 that makes the jackpot determination in S35 shown in FIG. Function as. The variation pattern corresponds to an “effect pattern”, and the special symbol variation pattern storage area 5305 of the ROM 53 in the main board 41 corresponds to an “effect pattern storage unit”.

  Further, the CPU 51 of the main board 41 that determines the variation pattern in S39 to S49 shown in FIG. 10 functions as an “effect pattern determination unit”, and the main pattern transmission command is transmitted to the sub-integrated board 58 in S10 shown in FIG. The CPU 51 of the substrate 41 functions as a “signal transmission unit”. Further, the table storage area of the ROM 583 of the sub integrated board 58 that stores the sub effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to “effect mode storage means”, and the sub integrated board 58 that determines the effect mode in S103 shown in FIG. The CPU 581 functions as “production mode determining means”. The sub-integrated board 58 and the effect control board 43 that control the display of the display screen 28 correspond to “display control means”, and the sub-integrated board 58 and the lamp driver board that control the operations of the effect lamps 31 to 33 and the speaker 48. 46 corresponds to “additional effect execution control means”. The production lamps 31 to 33 correspond to “light emitting members”.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  First, a description will be given of a modified pachinko machine that can increase the execution frequency of a fluctuating effect with a higher expectation level for a big hit when it is not determined that the big hit is for a predetermined period. The pachinko machine according to this modification includes a counting unit that counts a period during which no jackpot game is played. The counting of the period by the counting means may be performed by counting the number of times that the jackpot determination has been performed after the jackpot game ends, or by measuring the elapsed time after the jackpot game ends. Then, the CPU 581 of the sub-integrated board 58 (“effect mode determining means” of the present invention) changes the determination ratio of each effect mode with respect to the variation pattern designated from the main board 41 according to the period counted by the counting means. It has the feature that it can be made to.

  More specifically, in the pachinko machine 1 of this modification, the ROM 583 (the “effect mode storage unit” of the present invention) of the sub-integrated board 58 has a plurality of different determination ratios of each effect mode with respect to the specified variation pattern. Are stored. In addition, reference table determination means for determining a sub-effect mode determination table to be referred to from a plurality of tables according to the period counted by the counting means is provided. Then, a plurality of sub-effects mode determination tables are set so that the selection ratio of the effect mode with a larger number of executions of the specific additional effect increases as the table referred to when the period counted by the counting means becomes longer. Has been.

  Under such a configuration, for example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, every time a variation pattern is received (S101: YES), processing for counting the number of jackpot determinations is performed, and the number of determinations is a predetermined number (for example, 300). Times) The sub production mode determination table to be referred to is determined according to whether or not the above has been reached. Then, the process of S103 is performed with reference to the determined table. The counted number of jackpot determinations may be reset when it is determined that the jackpot is determined (S109: YES). Then, in the table that is referred to when the number of determinations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the selection ratio of “P1” is smaller than the table in the case where the number of determinations is less than the predetermined number, and instead the selection ratio of “P2” is large. It has become. As a result, when the variation pattern of “demo symbol variation 3 times + reach effect A” is designated, the rate at which the effect “P2” is performed increases. Therefore, it is possible to execute more effects that notify the player by the specific additional effect that the demo symbol variation is a variation effect of 3 times. That is, it is possible to increase the frequency of executing an effect with a higher expectation level that is a big hit. Therefore, the player's willingness to hit the jackpot can be maintained for a longer time.

  When the number of determinations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the selection ratio of “M1” can be decreased and the selection ratio of “M2” can be increased, or “M1” can be set not to be selected. it can. As a result, it is possible to supplement the effect of “demo symbol variation twice + reach effect A” whose execution frequency decreases due to the decrease in the selection ratio of “P1” by increasing the selection ratio of “M2”. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the execution frequency of the effect “2 times fluctuation + reach effect A”.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine of this modified example, even when a big hit game is not executed for a predetermined period, by increasing the appearance frequency of a highly anticipated production that is a big hit, without impairing the player's willingness to play You can entertain the game.

  Moreover, it is also possible to further change the modified example. For example, when the number of jackpot determination is less than a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), “F2” with respect to the variation pattern of “demo symbol variation 3 times + reach effect A” that can be specified when the jackpot is won. It is also possible to increase the selection ratio of “F1” by decreasing the selection ratio. The effect of “F2” is a change effect that the player recognizes so as to shift to reach effect A through two demonstration symbol changes accompanied by a specific additional effect, and to make a big hit. As a result, within the predetermined period after the end of the jackpot game, where the player's willingness to hit the jackpot is relatively high, the chances of winning the jackpot will be increased by increasing the frequency of the jackpot after the performance is not so high An easy impression can be given to the player.

  In addition, there is provided a specific effect mode execution number counting unit that counts the number of times that the specific effect mode is executed, instead of counting a period in which the jackpot game is not performed, and the selection ratio of the effect mode according to the count number It is also possible to change. For example, the number of executions of “M2” and “P1”, which are the effects of losing the transition to reach effect A through two demo symbol variations with specific additional effects, are counted. If it is determined that the number of counts is a big hit after reaching the predetermined number, the selection ratio of “F1” or “C2” is increased, or “F2” or “C1” is not selected. Or As a result, when the number of times of deviation from a specific performance mode reaches a predetermined number of times, the player can increase the frequency of winning a jackpot through the same mode of performance as the specific performance. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the degree of expectation that the sensation holds for the performance.

  In addition, as described above, the condition for changing the selection ratio of the production mode may be the elapse of a predetermined time after the end of the jackpot game. In addition, when the number of times each effect mode is determined within the same category such as “C1”, “C2”, “M1”, “M2”, etc. You may set so that the other presentation aspect may be determined preferentially. In this case, it is possible to prevent the same effects from being executed in a biased manner, and to reduce the possibility that the player gets bored with the effects.

  As described above, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, an appropriate effect according to the progress of the game can be executed by changing the determination ratio of the effect mode determined in the sub effect mode determination table. it can. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be maintained and the game can be enjoyed.

  Further, the present embodiment can be variously modified. First, in the present embodiment, the demonstration effect of the demonstration symbol performed using the display screen 28 or the like is an effect indicating the result of the jackpot determination. Of course, the present invention can be applied. Also, the electrical configuration shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 7, the configuration of the sub-effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 11, and the like can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the sub effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 11, one or two effect modes are associated with one variation pattern, but three or more effect modes can be associated with each other. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a small hit game is set with a shorter opening time of the big winning opening 16 than in the big hit game, and the big hit determination and the small hit determination are performed using the same random number.

  Further, the content of the specific additional effect can be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of indicating the number of continuous executions of the specific additional effect by the number of lighting of the three effect lamps 31 to 33, the LED emission color may be changed every time the specific additional effect is executed. For example, even if the LED is white at the time of execution of the first specific additional effect, pink at the time of the second execution, and red at the time of the third execution, the player can easily grasp the expectation level of the jackpot game by the continuous variation effect be able to. In addition, it is possible to use an accessory that can move in stages, and it is also possible to show the number of executions of the specific additional effect by making a specific character appear on the display screen 28 or changing the background color.

  In addition, the degree of expectation that the jackpot game is executed can be changed according to the type of the specific additional effect. For example, it is possible to execute a specific additional effect in which only the sound effect is generated without lighting the effect lamps 31 to 33, and the effect with the lighting of the effect lamps 31 to 33 is larger than the case where only the sound effect is generated. It is also possible to set the production mode so that the expectation level of the game is increased. Thereby, the production can be further diversified, and the player's interest can be more strongly attracted. Further, by determining the type of the specific additional effect to be executed by the sub-integrated board 58, it is possible to easily diversify the effect without increasing the types of variation patterns on the main board 41.

  Further, in the present embodiment, whether or not the specific additional effect is executed is changed only during the first demonstration symbol variation in the continuous variation effect. However, it is also possible to control the execution of the specific additional effect during the second and subsequent demo symbol changes by the sub integrated board 58. Moreover, you may include the demonstration symbol fluctuation | variation which does not accompany a specific additional production twice or more in one fluctuation production. For example, it is also possible to execute the specific additional effect only for the third time without executing the specific additional effect during the first and second demo symbol changes among the continuous variable effects in which the demo symbol change is performed three times. .

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine, but can be applied to various gaming machines such as a pachinko machine.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of a RAM 52 of a main board 41. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the jackpot relation information storage area 5205 of RAM52. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of a ROM 53 of a main board 41. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a special symbol variation pattern determination table stored in a special symbol variation pattern storage area 5305 of the ROM 53. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of main processing in the main board 41. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of special symbol processing executed in the main processing. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of special symbol processing executed in the main processing. FIG. 48 is a conceptual diagram showing a sub effect mode determination table stored in a ROM 583 of the sub integrated substrate 58. 5 is a flowchart of sub integrated substrate processing in a sub integrated substrate 58. It is explanatory drawing showing the one part aspect of the fluctuation | variation effect in the pachinko machine 1 corresponding to time passage.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 15 Special symbol start electric accessory 25 Special symbol display part 28 Display screen 31 1st effect lamp 32 2nd effect lamp 33 3rd effect lamp 41 Main board 43 Effect control board 46 Lamp driver board 48 Speaker 51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
58 Sub-integrated board 70 Start-up switch 581 CPU
582 RAM
583 ROM
5205 Jackpot related information storage area 5305 Special symbol variation pattern storage area

Claims (6)

Display means for displaying a design;
Additional effect execution means for executing an additional effect added to the symbol variation effect performed by the display means;
A main control board that controls the main control of the game and transmits a signal according to the control;
A sub-control board that controls an effect performed by the display means and the additional effect execution means, according to a signal received from the main control board;
A game ball detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball to the start port provided on the game board,
The main control board is
A winning random number acquisition means for acquiring a winning random number for determining whether or not to execute a winning game advantageous to the player due to the detection of the gaming ball by the gaming ball detection means;
A hit determination means for determining whether or not the hit random number acquired by the hit random number acquisition means is a predetermined random number determined in advance;
An effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of effect patterns for determining an outline of the effect including an effect time for the effect indicating the determination result of the hit determination means according to the determination result by the hit determination means,
An effect pattern determining means for determining one of a plurality of effect patterns stored in the effect pattern storage means in accordance with a result of the determination when the hit determination means is determined;
Signal transmission means for transmitting an effect pattern notification signal, which is a signal indicating the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination means, to the sub-control board,
The sub-control board is
About the effect mode of the effect performed by the said display means and the said additional effect execution means, each effect pattern memorize | stored in the said effect pattern memory | storage means, and the effect mode memory | storage which matches and memorize | stores one or several said effect modes Means,
When the effect pattern is notified by the effect pattern notification signal, effect mode determining means for determining one of the effect modes corresponding to the notified effect pattern;
A display for controlling the display means according to the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means and executing the fluctuating effect indicating the determination result of the hit determination means by causing the display to be confirmed after being changed. Control means;
An additional effect execution control means for controlling the additional effect by the additional effect execution means according to the effect mode determined by the effect mode determination means,
The display control means is the variation effect in which the symbol variation is performed a plurality of times with a temporary stop for temporarily stopping all the symbols between the start of the symbol variation and the fixed display. It is possible to cause the display means to execute a variation effect,
The additional effect execution control unit is configured to display the specific additional effect as the additional effect indicating that the symbol variation in the continuous variation effect may be the symbol variation performed by the display unit. A gaming machine that can be executed during the fluctuation of
There are a plurality of production modes stored in association with the predetermined production pattern for executing the continuous variation production,
A continuous variation notification effect mode, which is an effect mode for executing the specific additional effect every time the symbol variation in the continuous variation effect is executed,
A gaming machine comprising: a continuous variation non-notification effect mode which is an effect mode for executing an effect including the symbol variation without the specific additional effect.   In the continuous variation non-notification effect mode, the first of the symbol variations executed a plurality of times during one continuous variation effect is the symbol variation without the specific additional effect. The gaming machine according to claim 1. In the continuous variation non-notification effect mode, the effect mode from the second symbol variation to the last symbol variation,
The aspect of the effect from the first symbol variation to the last symbol variation in the continuous variation notification effect mode in which the number of symbol variations is one less than the continuous variation non-notification effect mode is the same mode. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized. A plurality of the production patterns for executing the continuous variation production are set,
4. The ratio determined by the effect pattern determining means when the winning determination is determined by the winning determination means is higher as the number of times the symbol variation is executed is higher. Game machines. The additional effect executing means has a speaker for generating sound,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific additional effect includes generation of a specific sound by the speaker. The additional effect item means includes a light emitting member that emits light,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific additional effect includes at least one of a change in the number of light emission of the light emitting member to emit light and a change in a light emission color of the light emitting member. .

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