JP2010142308A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an operation rate of a pinball game machine under normal game conditions. <P>SOLUTION: An operation switch 10a for forcibly changing a performance mode of the pinball game machine is provided, and the performance mode could make the transition to a special performance mode when the power of the pinball game machine is turned-on under such a condition that the operation switch 10a is operated according to a predetermined procedure (steps S5013-S5014). The special performance mode provides the performance that conceals low probability when in the state of low probability and disguises as if being in the state of high probability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention makes it possible for the player to perform the latent in the high probability state by shifting the effect in the gaming state in the low probability state after the winning game is finished to the special effect mode in which the same effect as in the high probability state is performed. The present invention relates to a bullet ball game machine in which notification is made to imply that it is medium (so-called “latent probability change state”).

  Conventionally, in a pachinko machine that is a kind of ball game machine, there are a first hit (15R big hit) in which the number of times or the open time of the big prize is set to a predetermined value (for example, 15 rounds), and the first The second win (2R big hit) in which the number of times or the opening time of the big prize ro is set to be smaller (for example, in 2 rounds) than the win, and the open pattern of the big win is equal to or close to the second win. Some have a third hit (small hit).

  The small hit is a hit where the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the same as or very similar to the 2R big hit. When this small hit ends, the next winning lottery probability does not change. That is, there is no transition from a probability variation state (so-called probability variation state) where the lottery probability per next time is a high probability state to a normal game state (low probability state), or from a normal game state to a probability variation state.

  The reason for providing a small hit in addition to the 2R big hit is that when the 2R big hit is a chance to shift to a probable change state, the gaming state after the hit is a high probability state due to the 2R big hit or low due to the small hit It is intended to improve the interest of the game by visually recognizing that the probability state is not recognized by the player.

Conventionally, in order to improve the interest of such a game, three types of special performance modes, namely, medium-accuracy mode, high-accuracy mode, and ultra-high-accuracy mode are set in descending order of expectation that the gaming state is in a probable state. In each special effect mode, there is one in which the gaming state (whether or not it is in a probable variation state) is concealed from the player (see Patent Document 1 below). In this way, when the 2R big hit or small hit is continuously won during the special performance mode, the medium accuracy mode → high accuracy mode → ultra high accuracy mode is kept in order while concealing whether or not the probability variation state is present. Therefore, the interest of the game can be improved.
JP 2008-29871 A

  However, in the case of the conventional ball game machine as described above, in order to shift in the order of medium accuracy mode → high accuracy mode → ultra high accuracy mode, 2R big hit or small win is won frequently or continuously. It is necessary. If it is difficult to win the first 2R big hit or small hit, the low-probability normal gaming state will continue for a long time. As a result, the player is disliked and the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered.

  Of course, it is possible to increase the frequency of transition to the special performance mode by increasing the winning probability of small hits, but in such a case, the degree of expectation about the possibility of the latent probability change when shifting to the special performance mode It will fall, and it will cause a decrease in game willingness.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of solving the above-described problems and improving the operating rate under the normal gaming state.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) lottery means for lottery of which of a plurality of types of hits that provide a profit state more advantageous to the player than the normal game state;
Based on the type of winning, the gaming state after the winning is determined as either a low probability state where the winning winning probability by the lottery means is a predetermined probability or a high probability state where the probability is higher. A gaming state determination means;
A display device for displaying an effect in the gaming state;
With the end of the winning as a transition trigger, the effect mode of the effect in the game state displayed by the display device is determined in consideration of the game state determined by the game state determination means, and the effect mode is determined based on the effect mode. In a ball game machine having an effect mode transition control means for effecting transition control to effect mode different from or the same effect mode as before transition,
The production mode transition control means includes:
Despite the fact that the gaming state determining means has determined the low probability state, the special mode for transitioning to the special effect mode that conceals that the effect mode is the low probability state and pretends to be the high probability state. Production mode transition means,
An operation switch provided in the ball game machine, forcibly changing the effect mode;
Power-on special effect mode transition setting means for shifting the effect mode to the special effect mode on the condition that the operation switch is operated in a predetermined procedure when the power to the ball game machine is turned on,
A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising:

(2) For the multiple types of hits, the first hit, the second hit with less profit state to be provided to the player than the first hit, and the second hit and the profit state are equal or approximate. And a third hit to
The gaming state determination means is in the high probability state for the gaming state after the second winning is ended, and in the winning state for the third winning for the gaming state after the third winning is ended. Set the same probability state as the hit probability state,
The effect mode transition control means shifts the effect mode to the special effect mode for both the gaming state after the second winning is ended and the gaming state after the third winning is ended. The bullet ball game machine according to (1) above, characterized by:

  (3) The first win is a big win with the number of times of winning or winning of the big prize set or the opening time set to a predetermined value, and the second hit is the number of times of winning or releasing the big prize than the first win. The bullet according to (2) above, characterized in that it is a big hit with a small time set, and the third hit is a small hit whose opening pattern of the big prize is equal to or close to that of the second hit. Ball game machine.

  (4) The production mode transition control means further includes operation validation means for validating an input signal based on an operation of the operation switch only for a predetermined time from power-on. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of (1) to (3).

  (5) The bullet ball game machine according to (4), further comprising an informing means for reporting an effective time during which the operation of the operation switch is validated by the operation validation means.

  (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5), the power-on special effect mode transition setting means shifts the effect mode to the special effect mode by inputting a hidden command. The bullet ball game machine described.

  According to the present invention, when the power of the ball game machine is turned on, by operating the operation switch in a predetermined procedure, the effect mode at the start of the game is set to the special effect mode instead of the normal effect mode. The For this reason, when the player starts the game, it will start from a special performance mode that implies that the probability of winning the jackpot may be in a high probability state, and the possibility of changing the latent probability for the player Can be expected, and the operation rate of the ball game machine can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a bullet ball gaming machine according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<1. Outline of configuration, FIG. 1, FIG. 2>
The illustrated pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 3 in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. And the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. The game area 3a is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 5 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the surface of the game board 3. A glass door frame 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a front operation panel 7 disposed on the lower side of the glass door frame 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls. The front operation panel 7 is provided with a ball lending button 11 and a prepaid card discharge button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface portion of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push button type frame effect button 13 that can be operated by turning on the built-in lamp and that can be changed when the built-in lamp is turned on. It has been. This frame effect button 13 not only has a function as a simple push button described above, but also has a function as a cross key type push button that can be pushed up and down and left and right, thereby allowing the player to produce an effect. The mode can be set. The upper tray 9 is provided with a ball removal button 14 for removing the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In addition, the back mechanism board on the back side of the front frame 2 is provided with an effect mode setting button 10a composed of a cross key type push button and an effective time indicator 10b (for example, a 7-segment LED indicator). Only the production mode setting button 10a can be effectively operated to set the special production mode (for example, the manager of the pachinko hall or the employee thereof). Then, after the power is turned on, the effective time that can be set in the special effect mode is started, and the remaining time of the effective time is displayed on the effective time display 10b to notify the operator. It has become.

  Here, the “special effect mode” refers to the effect mode (special effect mode) in which the effect in the gaming state in the low probability state after the winning (game) ends is the same effect as in the high probability state. This is an effect mode for notifying the player that the player is in a high-probability latent state (so-called “latency probability changing”). In other words, in the low probability state, this is a production mode in which this is concealed and the production mode is disguised as if it is in a high probability state.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing unit is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Speakers 46 that generate sound effects are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15. Furthermore, a decoration lamp 45 is provided at various locations on the glass door frame 6 to produce a production effect by light decoration.

  Next, the game area 3a of the game board 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, symbols (decorative symbols) with numbers, characters, symbols, etc. can be variably displayed in three display areas (left, center, right) in the approximate center of the game board 3. A liquid crystal display device 36 (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) as an image display device is provided. Directly below the liquid crystal display device 36, an upper start port 34, which is a first special symbol start port, and a lower start port 35, which is a second special symbol start port, are arranged up and down. Are provided with special symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a winning ball. A pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 are provided at the lower start opening 35 so as to be able to open and close the lower start opening 35, and constitute a so-called tulip-shaped electric accessory (ordinary variable prize winning device 41).

  A normal symbol start port 37 composed of a gate is disposed on the left side above the upper start port 34, and a normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball is disposed.

  Below the lower start port 35, a special variable winning device 42 configured to be openable and closable by an open door 42b for opening and closing the large winning port 40 is disposed, and a total of four general winning ports 43 are disposed on both sides thereof. ing. Each general winning opening 43 has a sensor inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

  Also, a special symbol display device 38 configured by arranging 7 segments in three digits and a normal symbol display device 39 composed of two LEDs are provided near the upper right edge of the game area 3a. Further, in the game area 3a, there are a center ornament 48, a windmill 44 as a game ball drop direction changing member, a plurality of game nails (not shown), a plurality of light emitting devices (lamps, LEDs, etc .: not shown), and the like. It is arranged. Further, a lamp display device such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device are also provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the game board 3.

  Based on the winning of the game ball in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, a lottery (big hit lottery) related to a big hit by random number lottery is performed on the main control board 27 (see FIG. 3). In accordance with the lottery result, special symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the special symbol display device 38, a special symbol variation display game (special symbol game) is started, and the result is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is like that. At this time, a decorative symbol variation display game (decorative symbol game) is performed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in a form linked to the special symbol variation display game.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 36 constitutes an image display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the image display device, a plasma display (PDP: Plasma Display Panel), an electronic paper display, an organic EL display (OELD: Organic). You may comprise by Electro-Luminescent Display). The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of a liquid crystal control board 25 (see FIG. 3) described later. That is, an effect reflecting the lottery result in the special symbol variation display game is generated, and the decorative symbols are variably displayed in three columns so as to be linked with the special symbol variation display in the special symbol display device 38. A design variation display game appears.

  Therefore, if the result of the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38 is “big hit”, the result of the decorative symbol variation display game on the liquid crystal display device 36 also reflects “big hit”. The Further, the special symbol display device 38 is in a predetermined stop display mode in which the special symbol is a big hit (for example, all three 7-segments are “7” stop display state), and the liquid crystal display device 36 has “left”, “middle”, “ In each of the “right” display areas, a predetermined stop display mode in which the decorative symbol reflects the result of the big hit lottery on the hit effective line (for example, in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” display areas, The decorative symbols are “7” “7” “7” stop display state).

  When the big hit is made, the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a (see FIG. 3) is actuated to open the open door 42b, whereby the big prize opening 40 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the normal gaming state Thus, a special gaming state (big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player occurs. In this jackpot game, the open door 42b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) and the grand prize opening 40 is opened, or until the predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls is won, the big winning opening 40 is opened. Thereafter, the operation such as closing the open door 42b and closing the special winning opening 40 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 15 times (15 rounds)).

  The jackpot game is started after the symbol indicating the jackpot is confirmed and displayed in the symbol variation display game. When the big hit game is started, an opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game is first performed. After the opening effect, the round game in which the special winning opening 40 is opened is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit (15 rounds or 2 rounds in the present embodiment). One round game is from when the big prize opening 40 is opened until it is closed, and during one round game, the big prize opening 40 has a predetermined number of game balls (10 balls in this embodiment). Will be released until a prize is received or until a specified time (25 seconds for a specified number of rounds of 15 seconds or 0.3 seconds for a specified number of rounds of 2) elapses. In round games, round effects are performed. Then, an ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed, and the jackpot game is ended.

  In addition, the normal symbol variation display game is started when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start opening 37, and the normal symbol display device 39 performs variation display such as blinking. After a predetermined time has passed, the result of the normal symbol variation display game is displayed. Is stopped and displayed by a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED 39 or a combination of both lighting. That is, a random number lottery is performed based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 37, and if the lottery result is an auxiliary hit, the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39 is set to a predetermined pattern (for example, 2 The LED 39 is displayed in a state where both LEDs 39 are lit), and thereafter, the movable wing piece 47 is opened, and an auxiliary gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is generated.

  Under this auxiliary gaming state, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and the lower start port 35 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 5). ) Until the lower starting port 35 is opened until the game ball of the normal variation winning device 41 wins, and then the movable wing piece 47 is closed and the lower starting port 35 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). It is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 2 times).

  Also, when a game ball wins the lower start opening 35 during the auxiliary game state, the random number lottery is performed in the same manner, the special symbol variation display game is performed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is performed accordingly. . The game balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 49.

  During the execution of the special symbol variation display game or the normal symbol variation display game, if there is an input of a detection signal from the special symbol start port sensors 34a, 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, the detection signal The start memory (so-called number of operation suspension balls), which is data related to the start right for causing each variable display game to be played based on the above, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number except for those involved during the variable display. Then, in order to make the starting memory number clear to the player, it is displayed as an image at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. Normally, the variation display game for each start memory is executed and controlled in the order in which the start memories are generated. In the present embodiment, up to four start memories for special symbols and normal symbols are stored in the RAM 273 (see FIG. 3) provided on the main control board 27 as the predetermined upper limit, and the variation of the special symbol or normal symbol is determined. Held as a count.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) function, which is handled by the main control CPU 271 (see FIG. 3). There are two types of probability change function for special symbols and probability change function for normal symbols.

  The probability changing function of the special symbol is that the probability of winning a lottery (winning probability) after the jackpot game is low (ordinary gaming state) from a normal probability (1/300 in this embodiment) to a high probability (30 in this embodiment). This is a function for giving a probability variation state that fluctuates to 1). That is, in the probability variation state, the state changes from a low probability state where the lottery probability is low to a high probability state where the lottery probability is high. Further, the probability variation state is given until a symbol variation display game is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10,000 times) or until the next big hit game is started. A jackpot that gives a probable change state after the big hit game is “probable big hit”, and a jackpot that is not given a promiscuous state after the big hit game is “non-probable big hit”. If a probable change state is given, the probability of winning a lottery fluctuates with a high probability, and it is easy for a big win to occur. It is carried out.

  The probability change function of the normal symbol is that the lottery probability per assistance (winning probability per assistance) after the big hit game is low (normal gaming state) from the normal probability (in this embodiment, 1/256) to the high probability (this In the embodiment, this is a function of giving a probability variation state that varies to 255/256). That is, like the probability variation state related to the special symbol described above, in the probability variation state, the state changes from a low probability state where the lottery probability is low to a high probability state where the lottery probability is high. The normal symbol probability changing function is linked to a normal symbol changing time shortening function to be described later.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of shortening the variation time (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction”), which is performed by the main control CPU 271. There are two types: special symbol variation time reduction function and ordinary symbol variation time reduction function.

  The special symbol time-saving function is a function for giving a player a time-short state in which the special symbol variation time is shortened in the special symbol variation display game for deriving the big win lottery result. When the time reduction state is given for the variation time of the special symbol, the time of the special symbol variation display game for one time (the time from when the special symbol starts to be changed until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, 30 seconds (short time) The time is shortened from 5 seconds (when the state is assigned) to 5 seconds (when the state is not assigned). That is, the time-short state is an operating rate improvement state in which the number of lotteries per unit time is improved.

  The normal symbol time-shortening function is a normal symbol variation display game for deriving a lottery result indicating whether or not to open the movable wing piece 47 of the ordinary variation winning device 41 (to make it easier to win a game ball in the lower start opening 35). This is a function to give the player a short time state in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened. When the time reduction state is given to the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, the time of the one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the time from when the normal symbol starts to change until the fixed display is displayed) is, for example, 30 seconds (short time) The time is shortened from 3 seconds (when the state is assigned) to 3 seconds (when the state is not assigned). That is, the time reduction state is an operating rate improvement state in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved as compared with the normal gaming state.

  The above-mentioned time-short state is the time during which the probability variation state after the probability variation jackpot ends, the predetermined number of symbol fluctuation display games after the end of the non-probability variation big hit, or before the predetermined number of times is reached. Granted until jackpot is born.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an open extension function in which the main control CPU 271 plays a role of the function unit.

  The open extension function is a function that gives the player an open extended state in which the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened and the number of times of opening is extended. When the open extension state is applied, the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.5 seconds to 2 seconds, for example, and the opening / closing frequency is extended from 1 to 3 times, for example. That is, the open extended state is an operating rate improvement state in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. The opening extension function is linked to the time-saving function of the normal symbol.

  Therefore, in the above short time state, the normal symbol probability changing function and the open extension function are also provided, so that the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 is remarkably improved. Hereinafter, a state in which the probability changing function, the time-shortening function, and the opening extension function regarding the normal symbol are given will be referred to as a “time-shortening state”.

  As described above, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 has different operation patterns when winning in the normal symbol variation display game depending on whether the time-short state is given or not. Open and close. In other words, the movable wing piece 47 operates more advantageously for the player when the time-short state is given, compared to the state where the time-short state is not given. In the short-time state, a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) of the symbol variation display game is given as an upper limit in the non-probability variation state, and a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) of the symbol variation display game is given as an upper limit in the probability variation state. There is a case to do, and which one is adopted is free.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the big hit, the round number of the round game in the big hit game is 15R big hit (first hit) that defines 15 rounds and the 2R big hit (second round) that defines the prescribed round number as two rounds. And hits). When a 15R jackpot is awarded to the player, a jackpot game (first hit game) with a prescribed number of rounds of 15 is awarded, and when a 2R jackpot is awarded to the player, the prescribed number of rounds Is a big hit game (second big hit game).

  Further, in the present embodiment, as a hit determined by the internal lottery (winning determination), a small hit (third hit) having a different characteristic from the big hit (15R big hit and 2R big hit) is provided. When a small hit is given to the player, a small hit game (third win game) in which the big winning opening 40 is opened by the opening operation of the open door 42b is given. In other words, the “small hit” means that the solenoid of the special variable prize winning device 42 is directly energized without going through the so-called accessory continuous actuating device, so that the big winning opening 40 is opened, and the number of times of opening is set as described above. This is a hit (pseudo 2R big hit) allowed the same number of times (two times) as in the case of 2R probability variable big hit. During the small hit game, the opening / closing control of the open door 42b is performed so that the opening pattern of the big winning opening 40 is the same as or very similar to the 2R big hit. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize whether it is 2R big hit or small hit.

  Further, the 15R big hit of the present embodiment includes a 15R probability change big hit that is given a probability change state after the big hit game ends and a non-probability big hit (15R normal big hit) that is not given a positive change state after the big hit game ends. Here, the “probability change big hit” is a big hit in which the gaming state after the big hit (game) ends is a probable change state (a state in which a lottery probability (winning winning probability) until the next big hit is a high probability). The “15R probability variation big hit” is a big hit in which the number of times the number of the winning prize opening 40 is opened (the number of rounds) is 15 rounds, which is a predetermined maximum number. Further, the “ordinary big hit” is a big hit in which the gaming state after the big hit game is in a low probability state (a state in which the lottery probability until the next big hit is low probability). The “15R normal big hit” is a big hit that is made for 15 rounds of the maximum number of times R that the number of times of opening of the special winning opening 40 (number of rounds) is predetermined.

  In the probability change big hit of 15R big hit, after the big hit game is finished, the probability changed state and the short time state are given to the symbol variation display game until the next big hit. In addition, in the non-probable big hit of 15R big hit, after the big hit game is finished, a short time state is given 100 times at the maximum, and the probable change state is not given. That is, after the 15R big hit, at least the time-short state is given.

  On the other hand, the 2R big hit has only a probable big hit that is given a probability change state after the big hit game ends. In other words, a probability variation state is always given after the end of the big hit game of 2R big hit (hereinafter, the 2R big hit is also referred to as “2R probability big hit” if necessary). The “2R probability variation big hit” is a big hit in which two rounds of the maximum number of times (number of rounds) of the special winning opening 40 are performed. On the other hand, after the end of the small hit game by the small hit, the game state continues the game state at the time of winning the small hit. That is, after the small hit game is over, the gaming state is not changed. For this reason, after the end of the small hit game, the game state at the time of winning the small hit does not shift to the probable change state in the normal gaming state where the winning probability of the big hit is low, while the winning probability of the big hit is high. If the probability variation state is a probability, the probability variation state is continued. Accordingly, when the 2R big win or the small win is won from the normal gaming state, the open pattern of the big winning opening 40 is controlled to be the same or very similar, so it is difficult to determine which win. In other words, it means that it is difficult to determine whether the subsequent game state is a probability change state or a normal game state.

  Furthermore, when the 2R probability variation big win is won from the normal gaming state and the small win is won, the game is shifted to the “special effect mode”, and the player is implied that the probability variation state is latent (latency probability variation state). Production is performed (details will be described later). Thus, it is possible to conceal whether or not the state is a probability variation state and to allow the player to expect the possibility of the latent probability variation state. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the special effect mode can be forcibly set by operating the effect mode setting button 10a, and the special effect mode is forcibly set even if the 2R big hit or the small hit is not won. It is now possible to make the player expect the possibility of latent probability change.

<2. Control device, FIG. 3>
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a control device that performs gaming machine control in accordance with the progress of the game as described above.

  The control device includes a main control board 27 that controls the overall game operation, an effect control board 24 that receives an effect control command from the main control board 27 and performs effect control on light and sound, and the effect control board 24. And a liquid crystal control board 25 that performs an effect control on an image in response to an instruction from. A liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the liquid crystal control board 25.

  Also, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control board 27, and a launch control board 28 for controlling the launcher 32 and a game ball payout apparatus 19 are connected to the main control board 27. Reference numeral 31 denotes a power supply board. The power supply board 31 is connected to an external power supply (not shown), generates a required power supply from an AC voltage (AC24V: main power supply) supplied from a transformer, and is applied to each control board. Supply. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control board 27)
The main control board 27 is equipped with a microprocessor having a main control CPU 271 and a ROM 272 storing a control program and control data describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, and a RAM 273 in which a work area is formed. Thus, a one-chip microcomputer is configured. Although not shown, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) having a function of generating a pulse output with a constant period, a function of measuring time, and the like, and an interrupt controller circuit for giving an interrupt signal to the CPU are provided.

  The main control board 27 includes a special symbol start port sensor 34 a that detects a winning at the upper start port 34, a special symbol start port sensor 35 a that detects a win at the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. A normal symbol starting port sensor 37a for detecting passage and a general winning port sensor 43a for detecting winning in the general winning port 43 are connected, and the main control board 27 can receive these detection signals.

  Further, on the main control board 27, a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 39, a normal variable winning device solenoid 41a for controlling the opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower starting port 35, and a wide of the large winning port 40 are provided. A special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a for controlling opening / closing of the open door 42b is connected, and the main control board 27 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

  In addition, the main control board 27 draws whether it is “big hit” that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player or “losing” that does not generate this special gaming state, and changes in special symbols according to the result. A pattern is determined, and an effect control command including the lottery result and the variation pattern is created and transmitted to the effect control board 24.

  The effect control command from the main control board 27 is transmitted to the effect control board 24 by one-way communication. This is to prevent an unauthorized signal due to an external goto action from being input to the main control board 27 via the effect control board 24.

(2-2. Production control board 24)
The effect control board 24 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating an effect control CPU 241, an effect control ROM 242 that stores a control program describing effect control procedures, effect data, and the like, an effect control RAM 243 in which a work area is formed, And constitutes a one-chip microcomputer. Although not shown, a sound source IC, a CTC, an interrupt controller circuit, and the like are provided. The main roles of the effect control board 24 are reception of effect control commands from the main control board 27, lottery of effect patterns, transmission of liquid crystal control commands to the liquid crystal control board 25, control of the panel surface / frame lamp / LED, various For example, error notification.

  The effect control board 24 includes an optical display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and the LED and an acoustic control unit for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46 in order to perform an effect process for light and sound. ing.

  In addition, the effect control board 24 receives the effect control command, draws the effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern, and controls the liquid crystal control board 25 to display the effect on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. It is configured to send commands.

  In addition, an effect mode setting button 10 a is connected to the effect control board 24. This production mode setting button 10a is formed by a push button of a cross key provided on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (in this embodiment, the back mechanism panel of the front frame 2), and power is first supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 early in the morning. In this case, the button operation is valid only during a predetermined effective time (for example, 30 seconds after the power is turned on) after the power is turned on. And the setting which transfers to special production mode is made by a store clerk performing predetermined operation. Thereby, it is possible to set an effect at the start of the game (effect by light, sound, and video) to start from the special effect mode.

  In this specification, “from power-on” literally includes not only the case of timing from immediately after power-on, but also the case of timing from when the front frame 2 or the glass door frame 6 is opened after power-on. is there. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a detection sensor (not shown) for detecting opening and closing of the front frame 2 or the glass door frame 6. When the time is measured from when the front frame 2 or the glass door frame 6 is opened after the power is turned on, the operation of the effect mode setting button 10a is triggered by the detection of the opening of either the front frame 2 or the glass door frame 6 after the power is turned on. Count the effective time.

  In addition, the “special effect mode” in the present embodiment is a gaming state having a higher probability of winning a lottery than an effect in the normal effect mode (for example, an effect performed under the background of “daytime”), that is, a high probability state. This is an effect mode in which an implied effect (for example, an effect performed under the background of “evening”) is displayed.

  The “predetermined operation” for setting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the special effect mode includes a difficult operation sequence that cannot be derived immediately by a trial operation based on trial and error by a normal person. In this embodiment, it is a button operation procedure typified by a so-called “hidden command” that is satisfied for the first time by a complicated operation procedure that is not easily stolen by another person. The operation of pushing the cross key as the button 10a to “upper left, lower right, upper left, lower right” is performed as a procedure, and this is repeated three times. “Down” is pressed for a certain period of time, and then “up” is pressed for a certain period of time). “At the start of the game” means that when the player starts the symbol variation display game for the first time, after the manager has closed the front frame 2 and opened the store, This means that when the player who entered the game starts launching and the game ball enters the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35 and the symbol variation is started, the effect of the special effect mode starts.

(2-3. Liquid crystal control board 25)
The liquid crystal control board 25 generates control data necessary for performing display control based on the liquid crystal control command received from the effect control board 24 and outputs the control data to the VDP 60, and the operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU 52 A control ROM 53 containing the described program and a control RAM 54 functioning as a work area or a buffer memory are provided.

  The liquid crystal control board 25 includes a video display processor (VDP) 60 that is connected to the liquid crystal control CPU 52 and performs image expansion processing, an image data ROM 55 that stores image data necessary for image expansion by the VDP 60, and A VRAM 56 for temporarily storing image data developed by the VDP 60 is provided.

(2-4. Signal flow)
Information about the gaming state is first required for a special symbol variation pattern based on the result of the big win lottery (whether it is a big hit or a loss), the current gaming state, the number of balls held for operation, the special symbol to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Basic information is transmitted from the main control board 27 to the effect control board 24 by an effect control command.

  On the effect control board 24 side, an effect pattern corresponding to the effect control command sent from the main control board 27 is determined by lottery from a number of effect patterns prepared in advance, and this determined effect pattern is executed. A control signal to instruct is sent from the effect control board 24 to the sound generator 46a and the light display device 45a. Thereby, the reproduction of the sound effect corresponding to the effect pattern and the lighting and blinking driving of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized. In addition, the liquid crystal control command of this effect pattern is transmitted from the effect control board 24 to the liquid crystal control board 25, and the liquid crystal display device 36 performs an effect display according to the effect pattern.

  The production control command consists of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and a 1-byte length event (EVENT), and the main control CPU 271 raises the first rising strobe signal itself when the command changes. As a trigger, mode (MODE) information is transmitted, and then, event (EVENT) information is transmitted triggered by the second rise of the strobe signal. When the strobe signal is transmitted, the effect control CPU 241 generates an interrupt corresponding to the strobe signal, receives the command by this interrupt process, and stores it in the effect control RAM 243.

(2-4-1. Production control command)
Hereinafter, representative ones of the effect control commands will be described.

(A) "Special symbol variation pattern" command The variation pattern starts when the symbol (special symbol and decorative symbol) starts to change, that is, the symbol variation display game (special symbol variation display game and decorative symbol variation display game) starts. Then, a pattern that is a base of a game effect (display effect, light emission effect, sound effect) until the symbols in all the rows are fixedly displayed (the symbol variation display game is finished) is shown.

  The special symbol variation pattern includes the special symbol variation display time (time required from the start to stop of the special symbol variation), the presence or absence of pseudo-ream, the number of suspended balls, and the upper and lower start ports. Are associated with each other, and are stored in advance in the variation pattern memory area of the ROM 272 as a variation pattern determination table (special symbol variation pattern distribution table).

  Each time the special symbol variation display game is executed, the main control CPU 271 selects a special symbol variation pattern from the special symbol variation pattern distribution table by lottery, and uses the information related to the special symbol variation pattern as an effect control command. Send to.

(B) “special symbol designation” command The “special symbol designation” command is an effect control command that is generated at the time of starting the variation of the special symbol and has special symbol information to be stopped according to the result of the big hit lottery.

(C) “Stop production (stop design)” command Production control for designating the end of the appearance of various effects (including decorative design variation display) in the special design variation display game, which occurs when the special symbol variation is stopped. It is a command.

(D) “Game state designation” command This is an effect control command for designating the current game state in accordance with a change in the game state. This gaming state designation command includes various gaming state information such as during a big hit (big hit game), during a normal gaming state, during a probability variation state, during a short-time state, and so on.

(E) “Demo Display” Command As an effect control command for causing the above-described demonstration screen to appear, there is a “demo display” command. This demonstration display command is transmitted when a symbol game (special symbol variation display game) is not played even after a certain time has elapsed, and the special symbol variation display game is performed even when a certain time has elapsed. It is transmitted at a timing when it is determined that it is not received.

(F) Other commands As an effect control command for performing an effect during a big hit, a “hit start display” command transmitted after the special symbol is stopped, and an “open display” command transmitted when the special winning opening 40 is opened. The “open interval display” command transmitted when the special winning opening 40 is closed, and the “big hit end display” command transmitted after the interval effect time has elapsed from the reception of the open interval display command after the final winning prize opening 40 is closed. There is a “game state display” command that is transmitted after the jackpot end effect time has elapsed after the jackpot end display command is received.

(2-4-2. Liquid crystal control command)
The effect control board 24 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 27, and displays the liquid crystal control command associated therewith at the timing when the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 needs to be reproduced. Send to.

  When transmitting the liquid crystal control command, the effect control board 24 generates an interrupt strobe signal, and transmits a 2-byte liquid crystal control command composed of a MODE signal and an EVENT signal to the liquid crystal control board 25 before and after. Here again, in order to ensure safety against illegal acts, the liquid crystal control board 25 is configured not to flow from the main control board 27. The following liquid crystal control commands are available.

(A) “decorative symbol display” command The “decorative symbol display” command is a liquid crystal control command for instructing to stop display with a designated ornament symbol (a combination of ornament symbols to be stopped to the left, middle, and right). In the present specification, the decoration symbol display command, the effect display command and the game state display command described below are collectively referred to as “display command”.

(B) “effect display” command The “effect display” command is a liquid crystal control command for instructing to display an effect image according to the effect pattern determined on the effect control board 24 side. The contents of the effect displayed by the effect display command are reach, character, background, type of pseudo-ream, and the like. Here, “effect pattern” is a general term for display forms specified by the decorative symbol display command, the effect display command, the effect stop command, the game state display command, and the like described below. The effect scenario in the effect pattern is determined based on the number of times, background type, character position and color display.

(C) “Produce Stop” Command “Produce Stop” command is a liquid crystal control command for instructing to stop an effect (including a change display of decorative symbols) appearing on the liquid crystal display device 36.

(D) “Game state display” command This is a command for displaying the current game state. In the display of the game state, during the big hit (big hit game), during the normal game state, during the probability change state (probability change mode production), during the short time state (time reduction mode production), there is a possibility of the probability change state (special production) Display of various game states such as (mode).

(E) Other commands In addition, regarding the jackpot, a “big hit start display” command that is sent after the special symbol is stopped, an “open indication” command that is sent when the big prize opening 40 is opened, and when the big prize opening 40 is closed "Open interval display" command to be sent, "Big hit end display" command sent after the interval performance time has elapsed from reception of the open interval display command after closing the big winning opening 40 in the final round, after the big hit end, the big hit end display There is a “game state display” command or the like that is transmitted after the jackpot end effect time elapses from the reception of the command.

  In addition, as a liquid crystal control command for displaying a demonstration screen on the liquid crystal display device 36, there is a demonstration screen display command.

<3. Processing on the main control board side, FIGS. 6 to 9>
Next, processing contents on the main control board 27 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

(3-1. Main control side main process: FIG. 4)
First, when the gaming machine body is powered on, the main control CPU 271 starts main control side main processing shown in FIG.

  In the main control side main process, the main control CPU 271 executes a necessary initial setting process before the game operation is started (step S101).

  Next, the state (ON, OFF) of the output signal of the RAM clear switch input via the input port is confirmed. If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S105. As a RAM initialization process, the storage area is cleared. However, if the RAM clear switch is not on (step S102: NO), it is determined whether or not the backup data stored in the backup RAM is valid when the power is cut off (step S103). When power is restored, the checksum is compared to check whether the backup data is valid.

  If the backup data is valid (step S103: YES), based on the backup data, the stack pointer before the power shutdown is restored, and the game restoration process necessary for starting the game from the processing state at the time of the power shutdown is performed. Execute (step S104), and proceed to step S107. If the backup data is not valid (step S103: NO), the stack pointer designation address is set in the stack pointer, and the RAM is initialized (step S105). With the initialization of the RAM, the RAM clear information is transmitted as an initialization command to each control board (step S106).

  Next, the CTC provided in the CPU is set (step S107). In this process, an initial value corresponding to 4 ms is set in the CTC time constant register so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 4 ms.

  After finishing the process after the initial power-on in steps S101 to S107, the interrupt disabled state (step S108) and the interrupt permitted state (step S112) are repeated as the normal operation process (steps S108 to S112). At the same time, various random number update processes are executed (steps S109 to S111).

  As the random number update process, after the process of step S108, first, the random number value update process for the variation pattern is executed (step S109). In this variation pattern random value update process, the variation pattern random value used for lottery of the variation pattern of the special symbol is mainly updated. Also, the special symbol stop symbol random number used when the special symbol to be stopped by the special symbol display device 38 in the case of a big hit is used is also updated.

  Subsequently, an initial value random number update process for normal symbol determination (step S110) and an initial value random number update process for special symbol determination (step S111) are executed. In the normal value per-symbol determination initial value random number update process (step S110), the random number used to change the initial value of the normal symbol per-determination random number used in the normal symbol variation display game winning / notifying lottery is updated to determine the special symbol per-symbol determination. In the initial value random number update process (step S111), the random number used to change the initial value of the special symbol per-determination random number used in the big symbol lottery of the special symbol variation display game is updated.

(3-2. Main control side timer interrupt processing, Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side that is activated by interruption every predetermined time (4 ms) in the main processing on the main control side.

  First, the main control CPU 271 executes a saving process (step S151) for saving registers to a predetermined stack area.

  Next, a periodic random number update process for periodically updating the random number related to each variable display game is executed (step S152). In the regular random number update process, various random numbers used for the success / failure lottery of the normal symbol variation display game and the special symbol variation display game are periodically updated.

  Next, a timer management process for managing and controlling a timer used for the game operation is executed (step S153). The timer values of various timers used for game machine control are updated here.

  Next, input management processing is executed (step S154). In this input management processing, information detected by various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is read and stored in its own register (not shown) via the game relay board 55. The information detected by the various sensors is a signal detected by the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, the big winning port sensor 40a, the special symbol start port sensors 34a and 35a, the general winning port sensor 43a, and the like.

  Next, error management processing is executed (step S155). In this error management process, the data read and stored in the input management process is grasped, the switch is checked, and an illegal winning is monitored, the game operation state is monitored, and the abnormality of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is monitored. To do.

  Next, a prize ball management process is executed (step S156). In the prize ball management process, control information (a prize ball payout control command for designating the number of prize balls) for causing the game ball payout device 19 to perform a payout operation is output.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is executed (step S157). In this normal symbol management process, a lottery determination in the normal symbol variation display game is executed, and the variation pattern of the normal symbol and the stop display mode of the normal symbol are determined based on the lottery result. In the short time state, in the lottery per auxiliary in the normal symbol variation display game, the lottery is performed under a high probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the normal gaming state, and the variation time of the normal symbol is also shortened.

  Next, a normal variation winning device management process is executed (step S158). In the normal variation winning device management process, the excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a based on the result of the lottery determination in the normal symbol management processing (step S157), and the movable blade of the normal variation winning device 41 A series of operations of the piece 47 are controlled. It should be noted that, under the short-time state, the normal variation winning device solenoid 41c is solenoidally connected so that the movable blade piece 41b of the normal variation winning device 41 is operated for a longer period of time than the normal gaming state. A control excitation control signal is transmitted.

  Next, a special symbol management process is executed (step S159). In this special symbol management process, the big symbol lottery (big hit determination processing) in the special symbol variation display game is executed, and based on the result of the lottery, the variation pattern of the special symbol and the special symbol stop display to be stopped by the special symbol display device 38 are performed. The mode (stop special symbol) is determined. With this special stop symbol, the 15R probability variable big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability variable big hit, or small hit is confirmed, and after the special symbol display device 38 displays the stop special symbol for a certain period of time, the corresponding big hit game or small hit A winning game is started, and after the game is finished, a probability variation state or a short time state is given according to the winning.

  Next, a special variable winning device management process is executed (step S160). In this special variable winning device management process, based on the lottery result in the special symbol management process (step S159), an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the special variable winning device solenoid 42a, and the special variable winning device 42 receives a big prize. The mouth 40 is controlled to be opened and closed according to a predetermined pattern, and the game related to the big hit is executed. In the case of 15R probability variable big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability variable big hit, the above-mentioned excitation control signal is sent to the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a to control the execution of the big hit game up to the specified number of rounds. The excitation control signal is transmitted to the special fluctuation winning device solenoid 42a so that the pattern is the same as or very similar to the 2R big hit.

  Then, after executing the processing from step S152 to step S161 as described above, the contents of the register are restored (step S162), and the timer interrupt processing is terminated.

<4. Processing on production control side, FIGS. 6 to 10>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6-10, the processing content in the production | presentation control board 24 side is demonstrated.

(4-1. Production control side main process: FIG. 6)
FIG. 6 shows the main process on the production control side.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, a power-on signal indicating that the power is turned on is sent from the power board 31 to each control board. Upon receiving this power-on signal, the effect control CPU 241 starts the effect control side main process shown in FIG.

  First, the effect control board 24 performs necessary initial settings before the start of the game operation as the first process after the power is turned on (step S501).

(4-2. Initial setting: FIG. 7)
FIG. 7 shows details of the processing contents of the initial setting. The effect control CPU 241 first executes various normal initial settings such as initialization of the effect control RAM 243 and register clear (step S5011, memory clear means).

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is within the button operation effective period of the effect mode setting button 10a (step S5012). The production mode setting button 10 a is an operation button for shifting to the special production mode with respect to the production of the pachinko gaming machine 1. This button operation effective period is created by an effective period setting timer (operation enabling means) (not shown). This effective period setting timer measures the elapsed time from power-on, and the time is up when a predetermined time set as the button operation effective period (button operation effective time at the initial setting) elapses, and thereafter , The reception of the input signal generated and input by the operation of the effect mode setting button 10a is invalidated. As a result, the possibility that the effect mode setting button 10a is operated by a person other than a specific person can be eliminated, and the safety of setting the gaming machine can be enhanced.

  The button operation effective period is displayed on the effective time display 10b. In the present embodiment, the progress of the elapsed time that the effective period setting timer counts from power-on is displayed in real time on the effective time display 10b, and the remaining time for setting operation is how many seconds or how many minutes. Is notified to the worker. For this reason, the operator can quickly and accurately set the transition to the special effect mode without performing a wasteful operation of performing the setting operation outside the effective time and without hurting the setting operation procedure. .

  If it is within the button operation effective period at the time of initial setting (step S5012: YES), it is determined whether or not the button operation of the effect mode setting button 10a is performed regarding the effect of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (step S5013). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the button operation of the effect mode setting button 10a is performed until the button operation effective period at the time of initial setting elapses (steps S5012: YES to S5013: NO).

  If the button operation of the effect mode setting button 10a is not performed within the button operation effective period at the time of initial setting (step S5013: NO), the normal effect mode is set in the effect control RAM 243 (step S5015). Here, “set the normal performance mode” means, for example, that if the game result on the previous business day (when the power is cut off) is the game end in the probability change state or the short time state, the result is turned on that day (power on Regardless of whether or not it is allowed to take over the game at the time), regarding the production, it is allowed to set the data to start from the production in the normal production mode uniformly and to take over the result to the game of the day. The production includes a case where data is set so as to start from the production in the corresponding production mode, which depends on the initial setting method of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the contents of the return processing from the backup data.

  When the pachinko hall desires to start the production from the special production mode, the manager or a specific store clerk operates the production mode setting button 10a to set the production mode. When there is a button operation of the effect mode setting button 10a (step S5013: YES), the effect control CPU 241 sets the data of the special effect mode in the effect control RAM 243 and shifts to the special effect mode (step S5014). As a result, when the player forcibly shifts to the special effect mode and the player starts playing, the effect state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is an effect mode that implies a high probability state of jackpot probability, that is, a special effect mode that implies a probability change state. Will start from.

  The special effect mode is set by clearing the memory of the pachinko gaming machine 1 when the power is turned on and forcibly setting the winning probability of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a low probability state by the memory clear means (step S105). It is done separately. That is, the effect state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shifted to the special effect mode regardless of the setting contents by the memory clear means (step S105).

  The special effect mode setting process (steps S5012 to S5015) may be executed in the next step of the return process (step 502) described below.

  Next, returning to FIG. 6, if the backup is normal, the processing state before the power shutdown (power interruption) is restored (step S502). At this time, the effect mode is returned according to the effect mode set in the initial setting process in step S501. When the special effect mode setting process (steps S5012 to S5015) is executed in the next step of the return process, data is set according to the effect mode set in the special effect mode setting process. If it is permitted to take over the effect mode before power-off at the time of power-on, in the process of step S5015, the data is set to start from the effect mode effect corresponding to the gaming state before power-off. Is done.

  Next, as a process at the time of normal operation, the presence / absence of power interruption is checked (step S503). If the occurrence of power interruption is confirmed (step S503: YES), the data at the time of power interruption is stored in a predetermined state. Save in the backup area (step S508).

  If the occurrence of power interruption is not confirmed (step S503: NO), first, the effect random number update process is executed (step S504). In this effect random number update process, the random number value for effect lottery used mainly for selecting effect contents is regularly updated.

  Next, a command reception interrupt, a timer interrupt, an external INT, etc. are set in an interrupt enable state (step S505), and then an interrupt disable state is set (step S506). Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S507), and the process from step S503 to step S507 is executed in a loop process unless power interruption occurs.

(4-3. Command reception interrupt processing, FIG. 8)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing. Here, after the register is saved in a predetermined stack area (step S521), the effect control command is stored in the predetermined area of the RAM (step S522), and the register is restored (step S523). When receiving various effect control commands sent from the main control board 27, an INT interrupt is generated, and when the effect control command is received in this reception interrupt process, it is stored in the command reception buffer. This command reception interrupt process is processed in preference to the effect control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described below.

(4-4. Production control side timer interrupt processing, FIG. 9)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an effect control side timer interrupt process activated by interruption every predetermined time (2 ms) in the effect control side main process in the effect control board 24.

  First, the effect control CPU 241 executes a register saving process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S531). Next, the watchdog timer that monitors the program abnormality is cleared, and the timer count is restarted (step S532).

  Next, a periodic update process is performed (step S533). In this periodic update process, the initial value of the effect random number used for selecting the effect pattern and the contents of various timers necessary for the execution of the effect pattern are updated for each interrupt.

  A representative of the various timers is a timer that manages a time schedule relating to the production of effects. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 which is substantially within the same period as the special symbol is varied on the special symbol display device 38 (within the special symbol variation period). Within the change period (within the change period of the decorative pattern), the contents of what effect on the time axis and how much time width are given to the decoration lamp 45, the speaker 46, and the liquid crystal display device 36 as the effect means. The time schedule of whether to make it appear is time-controlled by this timer.

  Next, as an effect determination management process, a command analysis process (step S534) for determining an effect scenario (effect scenario) based on the effect control command received from the main control board 27 is executed, details of which will be described later with reference to FIG. The “demonstration effect mode transition process” is executed (step S535). Here, the “effect scenario” refers to an effect pattern in a broad sense including a background effect and a notice effect in a narrow effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the decorative design.

  Next, an effect scenario update process (step S536) for setting a liquid crystal control command, sound output, and LED output is performed based on the effect scenario.

(4-5. Command analysis processing, FIG. 10)
FIG. 10 shows details of the command analysis process (step S534). In this command analysis processing, whether or not an effect control command is received from the main control board 27, that is, whether or not an effect control command is stored in a command reception buffer (not shown) is monitored for each interrupt (step S601). ). When the effect control command is stored (step S601: YES), after performing the “effect mode setting process” described later in detail with reference to FIG. 11 (step S602), the command receiving process is executed (step S603). That is, as the command reception process, the stored production control command is read out and the production pattern that is the subject of the production scenario is determined (step S603). In the process of step S603, if the symbol variation display game is not played even after a certain period of time and a “demonstration display” command, which is an effect control command for causing the demonstration screen to appear, is received, the demonstration screen is displayed. An effect pattern for display is determined.

  If an effect control command has not been received (step S601: NO), the command analysis process is terminated without performing anything, and the process proceeds to an effect scenario update process (step S536).

  In this command analysis process, the effect control command updated to a new one with priority in the command reception interrupt process is processed.

  Returning to FIG. 9, next, the effect scenario update process (step S536) is executed. In this effect scenario update process, control signals (light emission control signal and sound control signal) for controlling the operation of the lamp, LED, and speaker 46 based on the contents of the effect scenario determined in the command analysis process (FIG. 10). And a liquid crystal control command is created based on the contents of the effect scenario. Then, the created control signal and liquid crystal control command are stored in a predetermined storage area of the effect control RAM 243, and the effect scenario update process is terminated.

  Next, the effect control CPU 241 determines whether or not there is a liquid crystal control command in the predetermined command storage area (step S537). When there is a liquid crystal control command (step S537: YES), the effect control CPU 241 transmits the liquid crystal control command to the liquid crystal control board 25 at a timing at which video reproduction is necessary (step S538). As a result, the image is changed along the production scenario in the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Subsequent to the process of step S538, the effect control CPU 241 determines whether or not there is an audio control signal for the sound data to be reproduced in the predetermined command storage area (step S539), and an audio control signal for the sound data to be reproduced. If there is a sound (step S539: YES), the sound control signal of the sound LSI is input at a timing when the sound needs to be reproduced, and the sound is output from the speaker 46 through the sound source IC (step S540). Thereby, the sound effect according to the production scenario is generated from the speaker 46.

  Subsequently, LED output processing is executed (step S541). In this LED output processing, when the audio control signal is transmitted to the sound LSI, and there is an optical control signal of optical data to receive or reproduce this information, the light emission control signal is sent to the optical display device 45a at a necessary timing. And the transmission lamp is lit or blinked on the decoration lamp 45 or the LED. Thereby, the effect by the light according to an effect scenario is implement | achieved.

  Then, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S542), thereby terminating the production control side timer interrupt process.

<5-1. Transition processing in production mode, FIG. 12>
FIG. 12 shows details of the demonstration effect mode transition process (step S535).

  In this demonstration effect mode transition process, first, it is confirmed that the demonstration mode before transition which is the premise is being displayed (step S711). If the symbol variation display game is not played even after a certain period of time and a “demonstration display” command, which is an effect control command for causing the demonstration screen to appear, is received, it is determined that the demonstration screen is being displayed.

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the effect mode before the mode transition, that is, before the demonstration effect starts, is the normal effect mode (step S712). If the mode effect mode is the normal effect mode (step S712: YES), it is confirmed whether or not the frame effect button 13 is within the button operation effective period (button operation effective period during the demonstration effect) (step S713). . The button operation effective period during the demonstration production can be arbitrarily determined within the period during the demonstration production. For example, you may determine corresponding to the production time width in which the specific production in the demonstration production has appeared.

  If any one of the above-described demonstration effects or whether the pre-transition is in the normal performance cannot be confirmed (step S711: NO, step S712: NO), this demonstration effect mode transition process Exit.

  On the other hand, when the demonstration screen is being displayed (step S711: YES), and the effect mode before the mode transition is the normal effect mode (step S712: YES) and within the button operation effective period (step S713: YES), it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation of a predetermined procedure has been performed on the frame effect button 13 (step S714). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the predetermined operation is performed on the frame effect button 13 until the button operation effective period elapses (steps S713: YES to S714: NO). This predetermined operation is an operation of a procedure that is difficult to find by chance, and is usually a button operation of a hidden procedure that is not known to the player, such as a so-called “hidden command”. A procedure is preferred. For example, in the case of the frame effect button 13 formed of a cross key type push button, the button operation is performed separately in the up, down, left and right directions. In the case of the push type frame effect button 13, the button operation is continuously pressed a plurality of times at a specific timing. It is.

  When it can be confirmed that a predetermined operation has been performed on the frame effect button 13 (step S714: YES), the effect mode is set to the special effect mode instead of the normal effect mode (step S715). Thus, the symbol variation display game is started under the special effect mode of the effect (for example, the evening background effect) that implies the certainty change state instead of the effect (for example, the daytime background effect) in the normal effect mode.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the operation of the effect mode setting button 10a, it is possible to forcibly shift to the special effect mode by a button operation procedure such as the “hidden command”. As a result, the following effects can be obtained. (A) Since many players do not know the above procedure, when a game is started with a gaming machine that has been changed to the special performance mode, the special performance mode has the expectation that it may be a probable change state. You can enjoy games under. As a result, the player is actively engaged in the game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. (B) A player who knows the above procedure can arbitrarily shift to the special effect mode even in the normal effect mode. For example, when it is felt that the game in the normal effect mode has become monotonous, the game can be enjoyed under the new effect mode by changing to the special effect mode. Even if the player does not win per 2R or small hits, the player can shift to the special performance mode at the timing that the player desires, so that the player's willingness to play can be further improved. (C) The above procedure is an operation of a procedure that is difficult to find by chance, and is normally defined as a hidden procedure that is not known to the player. Therefore, if a player who does not know the procedure finds it, it is filled with a sense of superiority and excitement resulting from the discovery of the procedure, and the interest in the gaming machine can be improved.

<5-2. Production mode setting process, FIG. 11, FIG. 13 to FIG. 17>
11 and 13 to 16 show the details of the effect mode setting process, and FIG. 17 lists the effects modes before the transition in the effect mode setting process, the mode transition conditions, and the effects modes after the transition. Shown below.

  The effect control CPU 241 follows a branch for each command type according to the content of the received effect control command, and performs a normal effect mode transfer process (step S720), a probability change effect mode transfer process (step S730), and a short effect effect mode transfer process. (Step S740), special effect mode transition processing (Step S760) is executed. When performing the above-described effect mode transition processing, if the received effect control command contains hit information, first check which effect mode is the pre-transition effect mode before transition, and the occurrence of that hit As a trigger, the branch destinations are sorted as conditions for shifting the production mode, and the production mode transition setting is performed at each branch destination. That is, if the received effect control command includes any of 15R (round) probability big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, or small hit, which is the production mode transition condition (production transition opportunity) In consideration of the type of the game, the presentation mode after each game is decided each time.

(5-2. Normal effect mode transition processing, FIG. 13)
FIG. 13 shows details of the normal performance mode transition processing (step S720).

  In this normal production mode transition process, first, after confirming that the pre-transition production mode is the normal production mode, branch destinations are classified according to the type of hit, and the production mode transition settings are set at each branch destination. Do. That is, if the received effect control command includes any of 15R (round) probability big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, or small hit, which is the production mode transition condition (production transition opportunity) In consideration of the type, the effect mode after the end of each winning game is determined (steps S722 to S725).

  Here, in the case of winning a small win, the lottery probability in the gaming state after the game does not change from the gaming state before the occurrence of the transition opportunity (the gaming state at the time of the small winning prize that became the transition opportunity) As for the production, unless the gaming state before the occurrence of the transition opportunity is in the probability variation production mode, it changes to the special performance mode that smells the latent probability variation state. When the game state before the occurrence of the transition opportunity is in the probability variation effect mode, when the small win is won, the effect mode is also the probability variation effect mode because the winning probability of the big hit is a high probability state as a premise. Therefore, the process is shifted to the probability changing effect mode in which the probability changing state is surely determined by taking over this.

  Returning to FIG. 13, when the 15R probability change big hit is won as a chance to change during the normal production mode (branch of step S722), the production state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the big hit (game) ends is changed to the probability change effect mode. Set. “Probability change effect mode” means that a certain probability change effect (for example, background effect during the night) is determined between the end of the 15R probability change big hit and the next big hit, that is, during the gaming state in which the probability change state is set. Is an effect mode for generating

  When the 15R normal jackpot is won as the stage for triggering the stage transition during the normal stage mode (branch in step S723), the stage state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the end of the jackpot (game) is set to the time reduction stage mode. The “short-time effect mode” refers to the period from the end of the 15R normal big hit until the predetermined end condition is satisfied, for example, until the special symbol variation count of 100 is consumed (the game in the short-time state). This is an effect mode in which a predetermined time-determined effect (for example, a morning background effect) is generated during the state).

  When the 2R probability variation jackpot is won as the stage for triggering transition during the normal stage mode (branch in step S724), the stage state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the end of the jackpot (game) is set to transition to the special stage mode (FIG. 17). Case A) in the mode transition table at the time of production. The “special effect mode” is a predetermined probability change until a predetermined end condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit or small hit, or until the special symbol is changed 50 times). This is an effect mode in which an effect that suggests the state (for example, evening background effect) is continued. During the special performance mode in this case A, although it is actually in a probabilistic state, it is concealed without notifying the player clearly, and an effect stating that there is a possibility of a latent probabilistic state (for example, in the evening) Background effect).

  The mode transition when there is a hit or no hit during the special effect mode will be described later in the special effect mode transition process (FIG. 16). When the special effect mode is entered, the effect shown in FIG. As shown in the bottom column of the hour mode transition table, until the predetermined end condition is satisfied (here, until the next big hit or small hit, or without hitting, the special symbol variation count of 50 times is digested) Until a predetermined effect state (evening background effect) is generated.

  Even when a small hit is won as a trigger for the transition during the normal presentation mode (branch in step S725), the presentation state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the end of the small hit (game) is set to transition to the special presentation mode (FIG. Case B) at 17. In this case B special effect mode, unlike the case A, the gaming state after the small hit is actually in a low probability state. Therefore, by using the special effect mode of the evening background effect described above, the effect of concealing or concealing the low probability state and giving the player an indication as if the high probability state is hidden is made. Result.

(5-3. Mode transition process during certain change effect, FIG. 14)
FIG. 14 shows the details of the mode transition process (step S730) during the probability variation effect.

  In this probability change production mode transition processing, first confirm that the pre-transition production mode is the probability variation production mode, then sort the branch destinations by hit type, and set the transition of the production mode at each branch destination. Do. That is, if the received effect control command includes any of 15R (round) probability big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, or small hit, which is the production mode transition condition (production transition opportunity) In consideration of each type, the effect mode after the end of each winning game is determined (steps S732 to S735).

  If the 15R probability variation jackpot is won as a trigger for transition during the probability variation rendering mode (branch of step S732), the rendering state after the jackpot is transitioned to the probability variation rendering mode. This “probability change effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S722, and the above-mentioned probability change determination effect (midnight background effect) is generated.

  When the 15R normal jackpot is won as the stage for triggering the transition during the probability changing stage, the transition state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the jackpot is transitioned to the above-mentioned short-time stage mode. This “short-time effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S723, and the above-mentioned short-time effect effect (morning background effect) is generated.

  In the case of winning the 2R probability change big hit (branch in step S734) or winning in the small win (branch in step S735) as a chance to move during the probable change mode, after the winning game ends The transition state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to the probability variation mode. This “probability change effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S722, and the above-mentioned probability change determination effect (midnight background effect) is generated.

(5-4. Mode transition process during short time effect, FIG. 15)
FIG. 15 shows details of the mode transition process (step S740) during the short time effect.

  In this short-time production mode transition process, first confirm that the pre-transition production mode is the short-time production mode, then sort the branch destinations by type of hit, and set the transition of the production mode at each branch destination. Do. In other words, 15R probability variation big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, small hit, 100 rotations (the number of times the special symbol fluctuates is 100 rotations), which is a condition for transitioning the production mode to the received production control command. If any one of the ends is included, the type after the game is determined in consideration of the type (steps S742 to S746).

  When the 15R probability variation jackpot is won as the trigger for transitioning to the effect during the short-time rendering mode (branch of step S742), the rendering state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the jackpot is transitioned to the probability variation rendering mode. This “probability change effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S722, and the above-mentioned probability change determination effect (midnight background effect) is generated.

  When the 15R normal jackpot is won as a trigger for transitioning to the effect during the short-time effect mode (branch of step S743), the effect state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the jackpot is set to the short-time effect mode. This “short-time effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S723, and the above-mentioned short-time effect effect (morning background effect) is generated.

  When the 2R probability variation jackpot is won as a trigger for transitioning to the effect during the short-time performance mode (branch in step S744), the performance state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the jackpot is transitioned to the probability variation performance mode. This “probability change effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S722, and the above-mentioned probability change determination effect (midnight background effect) is generated.

  When the small win is won as an opportunity to make a transition during the short-time production mode (branch in step S745), the production state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shifted to the special production mode (case D of the production time mode transition table in FIG. 17). ). This “special effect mode” is the same as the special effect mode (special effect mode under the low probability state) described in step S725 of the normal effect mode transfer process (FIG. 13). When the special production mode is entered, as shown in the lowermost column of the production mode transition table in FIG. 17, until a predetermined end condition is satisfied (here, until the next big hit or small hit, or a special symbol) Until the number of fluctuations of 50 is digested), an effect (an evening background effect) that implies a predetermined probability variation state is generated.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned 15R probability variation big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability variation big hit, or small hit is not won during the short-time effect mode, and a predetermined special symbol variation count of 100 times is consumed (step S746). ), The production state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shifted to the normal production mode. In the “normal effect mode”, a low probability finalizing effect (in this example, a daytime background effect) is generated in which it is determined that the jackpot winning rate is in a low probability state (low probability state). Since the effect mode does not shift until the big hit or the small win is won, the “normal effect mode” is the effect mode having a high ratio in the game.

  Next, returning to FIG. 11, the process shifts to the special effect mode transition process (step S760).

(5-5. Mode transition process during special performance, FIG. 16)
FIG. 16 shows details of the special effect mode transition process (step S760).

  In this special production mode transition process, first, after confirming that the pre-transition production mode is the special production mode, the branch destinations are classified according to the hit type, and the transition setting of the production mode is set at each branch destination. Do. That is, in the received effect control command, the 15R probability variation big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, small hit, end of 50 revolutions (the special symbol variation count ends 50 times) which becomes the production mode transition condition (production transition opportunity). If any one of them is included, the effect mode after the end of each hit game is determined in consideration of the hit type (steps S762 to S766).

  If the 15R probability variation jackpot is won as a trigger for transitioning to the effect during the special performance mode (branch of step S762), the rendering state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the jackpot game ends is set to the probability variation rendering mode. This “probability change effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S722, and the above-mentioned probability change determination effect (midnight background effect) is generated.

  When the 15R normal jackpot is won as the stage for triggering the transition during the special performance mode (branch in step S763), the transition state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the end of the jackpot game is set to the short-time performance mode. This “short-time effect mode” is the same effect mode as described in step S723, and the above-mentioned short-time effect effect (morning background effect) is generated.

  If the 2R probability variation jackpot is won as a trigger for transition during the special performance mode (branch of step S764), the transition state of the pachinko machine 1 after the end of the jackpot game is set to transition to the special performance mode (in FIG. 17). Case E). The “special effect mode” in this case E is the same effect mode as described in step S724 and is actually in a probabilistic state, but it is concealed without notifying the player clearly, and the latent probabilities are changed. An effect (the evening background effect) that smells that there is a possibility of a state is generated.

  In addition, even when a small hit is won as an opportunity to move to the effect during the special effect mode (branch in step S765), the effect state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the end of the small hit game is set to the special effect mode (FIG. 17). Case F). In this case F, the “special effect mode” takes over the high probability state or the low probability state regardless of whether the special effect mode before the transition is the high probability state or the low probability state, and the predetermined end condition is Until it is established (until the next big hit or until 50 times the number of special symbol fluctuations is consumed), an effect (an evening background effect) that implys a predetermined probability variation state is generated.

  In addition, if the 15R probability big hit, 15R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, or small hit is not won during the special performance mode, and the predetermined number of fluctuations of the special symbol is 50 times ( The branch of step S766), the effect state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the end of the hit game is set to shift to the normal effect mode. In the “normal effect mode”, a low probability finalizing effect (in this example, a daytime background effect) is generated in which it is determined that the jackpot winning rate is in a low probability state (low probability state).

  Thus, the special effect mode transition process (FIG. 16) is completed.

  Thus, the effect mode setting process (FIG. 11) is completed, the process returns to the command analysis process of FIG. 10, and the above-described command reception process is performed.

<6. Operation Example 1, FIG. 18>
Next, an operation example when the effect mode at the start of the game is set to the special effect mode when the power is turned on before opening the store in the pachinko hall will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 18, the manager of the pachinko hall turns on the power to the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the power is turned on, the production control CPU 241 (operation validating means) activates the valid period setting timer, and starts a period during which the input signal from the production mode setting button 10a is effectively received (operation valid time), for example, 30 seconds. To do. The transition mode to the special effect mode is set by operating the effect mode setting button 10a provided on the back side of the front frame 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in accordance with a predetermined procedure within this operation effective time (time t1).

  The remaining time of the operation effective time counted by the effective period setting timer is sequentially displayed on the effective time display 10b including a 7-segment LED display, and is notified to the operator. The operator knows that the effect mode setting button 10a may be operated in accordance with a predetermined procedure within the effective operation time, and sets the special effect mode without being panicked. Thus, the effect control CPU 241 sets data related to the special effect mode in the effect control RAM 243 so that the game is started from the special effect mode (evening background effect) (steps S5012 and S5014 in FIG. 7).

  Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the RAM 273 may be cleared in step S105 of the main process on the main control side, but independently of this, the special effect mode set by the effect mode setting button 10a is set to the RAM 243. Done. Therefore, when the special effect mode is set by the effect mode setting button 10a, when the game state of the previous day is a high probability state, the game starts from the special effect mode under the high probability state unless the RAM 273 is cleared. If the RAM 273 is cleared, the game is started from the special performance mode under a low probability state. However, it is rare that a flag with a high probability state remains in the RAM 273, and generally, a game starts under a low probability state. This means that the lottery probability is “high or low (almost low)” when the effect mode before the transition in FIG. 17 is the normal effect mode. In the example of FIG. 18, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the process starts from a low probability state.

  As described above, when the effect mode setting button 10a is operated when the power is turned on to shift to the special effect mode (time t1), the game suddenly starts from the special effect mode (evening background effect). For this reason, the player expects the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be in a latent state (latency probability variation state) in a high probability state, and as a result, the operation rate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is improved.

  Thereafter, the player wins a small hit in the state of the special effect mode (low probability state) (time t2), and the small hit game ends (time t3). The effect mode transition at this point is the effect mode before the transition is the special effect mode (low probability state), so this special effect mode is taken over, and the special effect mode (evening background effect) in the low probability state is taken over. Continue (Case F in FIG. 17).

  Thereafter, in the example of FIG. 18, the symbol variation display game of 50 times is finished without winning a win (time t4), and this is used as a trigger to change the effect mode (low probability state) from the special effect mode to the normal effect mode. Transition (Case G in FIG. 17). In other words, only the production mode remains in the low probability state and falls into the normal production mode (daytime background production).

  Thereafter, in the normal performance mode (low probability state), 2R probability variation big win is won (time t5), and this 2R probability variation big hit game ends (time t6). The effect mode transition at this point is the normal effect mode since the effect mode before the transition is the normal effect mode (low probability state), and the special effect mode (high probability state) is transferred (case A in FIG. 17). . By shifting to the special effect mode (evening background effect), the player expects that the game state is in a high probability state (latency probability changing).

  After that, in the example of FIG. 18, the player cannot win immediately while in the special performance mode (high probability state), and leaves 50 times of the predetermined number of games (time t7). With this as a trigger, the effect mode shifts from the special effect mode to the normal effect mode while maintaining a high probability state (Case G in FIG. 17). That is, only the production mode remains in the high probability state and falls into the normal production mode (daytime background production).

  Thereafter, the player wins a small hit in the normal performance mode (high probability state) (time t8), and the gaming state after the end of the small game (time t9) enters the special performance mode (Case B in FIG. 17). ). As for the transition to the production mode at this point, since the production mode before the transition is the normal production mode (high probability state), this high probability state is taken over, and the special production mode (evening background production) in the high probability state is taken over. Transition.

  After that, in the special effect mode (high probability state), the small win is won again (time t10), and the game state after the small hit game ends (time t11) continues the special effect mode (case in FIG. 17). F). Since the special effect mode before the transition is in the high probability state, the transition to the effect mode at this point is taken over, and the high probability state special effect mode (evening background effect) continues.

  After that, in the example of FIG. 18, while being in the special performance mode (high probability state), it is not possible to win immediately, and 50 times of the predetermined number of games are passed (time t12). With this as a trigger, the effect mode shifts from the special effect mode to the normal effect mode while maintaining a high probability state (Case G in FIG. 17). That is, only the production mode remains in the high probability state and falls into the normal production mode (daytime background production).

  After that, 15R normal jackpot is won in the normal performance mode (high probability state) (time t13), and after the 15R normal jackpot game ends (time t14), the daytime normal performance mode (high probability state) starts in the morning. Transition to the short time effect mode (low probability state) of the background. Here, when the effect mode shifts from the normal effect mode (daytime background effect) to the short-time effect mode (morning background effect), the player knows that the game state has become a low probability state.

  After that, in the short-time effect mode (low probability state) of the morning background, a small win is won (time t15), and after the small hit game ends (time t16), the special effect mode (low probability state) of the evening background effect. (Case D in FIG. 17). By entering the special effect mode (evening background effect) here, the player expects that the game state has entered a high probability state (latency probability changing).

  After that, in the above-mentioned evening background special performance mode (low probability state), 2R probability variation big win is won (time t17), and after the 2R probability variation big hit game ends (time t18), the gaming state is in the special performance mode (evening background production). Continues (Case E in FIG. 17).

  After that, in the example of FIG. 18, while being in the special performance mode (high probability state), it is not possible to win immediately, and the predetermined number of games is over 50 (time t19). With this as a trigger, the effect mode shifts from the special effect mode to the normal effect mode while maintaining a high probability state (Case G in FIG. 17). That is, only the production mode remains in the high probability state and falls into the normal production mode (daytime background production).

<7. Operation example 2, FIG. 19>
Next, an operation example when the effect mode is set to the special effect mode during business will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 19, time t1 'indicates the time when the player can set the special performance mode during the game. The mode transition setting to this special effect mode (evening background effect) is that the player accidentally or intentionally within the predetermined operation effective time (during the demonstration screen display) during the normal effect mode (daytime background effect). The frame effect button 13 is executed by correctly operating the button in a predetermined procedure. The interval between times t1 and t1 'indicates that the set operation was performed during display of the demonstration screen (see steps S711 to S715 in FIG. 12).

  As described above, when the player operates the frame effect button 13 according to a predetermined procedure, the effect mode shifts from the normal effect mode (daytime background effect) to the special effect mode (evening background effect).

  The manner of transition of the game state (time t2 to t19) after shifting to the special effect mode (evening background effect) is the same as already described in FIG.

[Modification]
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a mode has been described in which the player sets the special effect mode by operating the frame effect button 13 provided outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined procedure. However, it is also possible for a pachinko hall employee to operate the presentation mode setting button 10a provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 during business hours and set the special presentation mode to the pachinko gaming machine 1. In other words, the hall employee can open the front frame 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and operate the effect mode setting button 10a according to a predetermined procedure so that the special effect mode is set. In the case of such a configuration, the frame effect button 13 is turned on in the process for determining whether the button operation is valid in FIG. 12 (step S713) and the process for determining whether there is a predetermined button operation (step S714). The effect mode setting button 10a may be handled as a check target instead of the target.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the special rendering mode is set by the pachinko hall employee operating the rendering mode setting button 10a in a predetermined procedure in the initial setting when the power is turned on has been described. However, the special effect mode can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by operating the frame effect button 13 in a predetermined procedure when the power is turned on. That is, the special effect mode can be set by operating the frame effect button 13 according to a predetermined procedure within the button operation effective period when the power is turned on. In the case of such a configuration, the effect mode setting button 10a in the process for determining whether or not the button operation is valid in FIG. 7 (step S5012) and the process for determining whether or not there is a predetermined button operation (step S5013). The frame effect button 13 may be handled as a check target instead of the target. Furthermore, the special effect mode can be set when the power is turned on while the frame effect button 13 is pressed. In the case of such a configuration, the process for determining whether the button operation is valid in FIG. 7 (step S5012) and the process for determining whether there is a predetermined button operation (step S5013) What is necessary is just to comprise by replacing with the process which judges whether there exists operation input from the production button 13. FIG. Thus, by setting the frame effect button 13 instead of the effect mode setting button 10a as the operation target, there is no need to provide the effect mode setting button 10a inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and only the frame effect button 13 is a special effect. You can set the mode.

  Also, in the above embodiment, in order to allow the possibility of latent probability change in the gaming state after the end of the hit, including 2R big hit and small hit, The production mode was determined based on the type. However, the present invention can be applied to a ball game machine that has only a plurality of big hits to be probable or non-probable and does not have a latent probability change due to a small hit or 2R big hit.

  For example, “111”, “333”, “555”, or “777” is displayed in the decorative symbol variation display game when it is a probable big hit, and “111”, “222”, “444”, “555”, “666”, or “888” is displayed, and in the case of “333” and “777”, a probability change mode in which a probability change confirmation is notified as a “certain change confirmation symbol”. (Night background effect), and in the case of “222”, “444”, “666”, and “888”, the non-probability change mode that notifies the non-probability change confirmation as the “non-probability change fixed symbol”, that is, the short-time effect mode ( It can also be applied to a ball-ball game machine of a game form that shifts to a special effect mode (evening background effect) in which a high probability state can be expected in the case of “111” and “555”. is there

  In this case, in the case of “111” and “555” that can be displayed in both the probability variation big hit or the non-probability big hit, the mode shifts to the special production mode (evening background production). The player is expected to play a game with high expectation whether or not it is in a high probability state (during latent probability change). Therefore, even if the present invention is applied to the ball game machine shown in this modified example, the effect mode (the normal effect mode or the short-time effect mode) in the gaming state in the low probability state is shifted to the special effect mode by button operation. Thus, since it can be assumed that the latent probability is being changed, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. In such a game form of the ball and ball game machine, the effect mode is determined on the basis of the game state determined by the game state determination means with the end of the big hit as a transition opportunity.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the effective time indicator 10b is provided inside the gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and rendering means such as a decorative lamp, an LED, a liquid crystal display device 36, etc. disposed in the gaming machine. You may comprise so that the information regarding the said effective time may be alert | reported using.

[Correspondence between Claims and Embodiments]
Next, the main correspondence between the claims and the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  The lottery means corresponds to special symbol management processing (step S159). The game state determination means corresponds to the main control board 27. The display device corresponds to the liquid crystal display device 36. An effect control board 24 corresponds to the effect mode transition control means. The special effect mode transition means corresponds to a normal effect mode transition process (step S720), a short effect effect mode transition process (step S740), and a special effect mode transition process (step S760). The operation switch corresponds to the effect mode setting button 10a. The power-on special effect mode transition setting means corresponds to steps S5012 to S5014 of the initial setting process (FIG. 7).

  The operation validation means corresponds to step S5014 of the initial setting process. The notification means corresponds to the valid time display 10b.

  In the present invention, the ballistic ball is made to appear to be in the latent probability change by shifting the production in the gaming state in the low probability state after the end of hitting to the special production mode that performs the same production as in the high probability state. It can be applied to gaming machines.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the front side of the game board of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process side main process of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the side of the production control of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initial setting process by the side of the production control of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process by the presentation control side of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production mode setting process by the production control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the mode transition process at the time of demonstration production by the production control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the mode transfer process at the time of the normal production by the production control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the mode change process at the time of the probability change effect by the effect control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the mode transfer process at the time production time side by the production control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the mode transfer process at the time of the special effect by the effect control side which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the production mode transfer table of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is the transition diagram which showed an example of the production mode transition of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is the transition diagram which showed the other example of the production mode transfer of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
3a gaming area,
4 outer frame,
5 ball guide rail,
6 Glass door frame,
7 Front operation panel
8 Upper tray unit,
9 Top saucer,
10a Production mode setting button,
10b Effective time indicator,
11 Ball rental button,
12 Prepaid card discharge button (card return button),
13 Frame production button,
14 Ball release button,
15 Launch control handle,
19 game ball dispensing device,
24 production control board,
25 LCD control board,
25 LCD control CPU,
27 Main control board,
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
31 power supply board,
32 launcher,
34 Upper starting port,
35 Lower starting port,
36 liquid crystal display devices,
37 Normal design starting port,
38 Special symbol display device,
39 Normal symbol display device,
40 Grand Prize Winners,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
42 Special variable winning device,
43 General prize opening,
44 Windmill,
45 Decorative lamp,
45a optical display device,
46 Speaker,
46a sound generator,
47 Movable wing pieces,
48 Center decoration,
49 Out mouth,
52 liquid crystal control CPU,
53 Control ROM,
54 control RAM,
55 Image data ROM,
56 VRAM,
60 VDP,
241 CPU,
242 Production control ROM,
243 effect control RAM,
271 main control CPU,
272 ROM,
273 RAM.

Claims (6)

A lottery means for lottery of a plurality of types of hits that provide a profit state more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state;
Based on the type of winning, the gaming state after the winning is determined as either a low probability state where the winning winning probability by the lottery means is a predetermined probability or a high probability state where the probability is higher. A gaming state determination means;
A display device for displaying an effect in the gaming state;
With the end of the winning as a transition trigger, the effect mode of the effect in the game state displayed by the display device is determined in consideration of the game state determined by the game state determination means, and the effect mode is determined based on the effect mode. In a ball game machine having an effect mode transition control means for effecting transition control to effect mode different from or the same effect mode as before transition,
The production mode transition control means includes:
Despite the fact that the gaming state determining means has determined the low probability state, the special mode for transitioning to the special effect mode that conceals that the effect mode is the low probability state and pretends to be the high probability state. Production mode transition means,
An operation switch provided in the ball game machine, forcibly changing the effect mode;
Power-on special effect mode transition setting means for shifting the effect mode to the special effect mode on the condition that the operation switch is operated in a predetermined procedure when the power to the ball game machine is turned on,
A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising: The plurality of types of hits include a first hit, a second hit that has less profit status to be provided to the player than the first hit, and a third hit that has the same or similar profit status as the second hit. Including hits
The gaming state determination means is in the high probability state for the gaming state after the second winning is ended, and in the winning state for the third winning for the gaming state after the third winning is ended. Set the same probability state as the hit probability state,
The effect mode transition control means shifts the effect mode to the special effect mode for both the gaming state after the second winning is ended and the gaming state after the third winning is ended. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The first win is a big win in which the number of times or the opening time of the big prize is set to a predetermined value, and the number of times or the opening time of the big prize is less in the second hit than in the first win. 3. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the big hit is set, and the third hit is a small hit whose opening pattern of the big prize is equal to or close to that of the second hit.   2. The production mode transition control means further comprises operation validation means for validating reception of an input signal based on an operation of the operation switch only for a predetermined time from power-on. 4. A ball game machine according to any one of 3 above.   The bullet ball game machine according to claim 4, further comprising an informing unit that reports an effective time during which the operation of the operation switch is validated by the operation validation unit.   The bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power-on special effect mode transition setting means shifts the effect mode to the special effect mode by inputting a hidden command.

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