JP2010227447A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine effectively suppressing a decline in the desire for a game in a slump condition by accurately determining the slump condition to perform special rendering. <P>SOLUTION: A continuous time of a condition in which the number of suspension of symbol variation does not exceed 1 in spite of detecting shooting of game balls is measured, and when the measured time reaches a specified time, the sluggish condition (the slump condition) of symbol variation is determined to carry out predetermined special rendering. In this manner, the slump condition or not can be accurately determined based on the shot situation of the game balls and the accumulated situation of suspension. In the slump condition, special rendering is carried out to change the impression and expectation degree of the game. As a result, the desire for the game in the slump condition can be maintained or improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball ball game machine such as an arrange ball machine or a pachinko machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface.

  A ball that plays a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball when a game ball is fired toward a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances and a game ball enters any of the entrances Ball game machines are widely known. Also, in recent years, when a game ball enters a specific entrance (starting entrance), the symbol display device starts to display the variation of the symbol, and if the game is stopped and displayed with a predetermined jackpot symbol, the player Ball game machines that start a game state called “hit game” that is advantageous to the player are widely used.

  In such a ball game machine, it is common for the player's interest to be directed exclusively to the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device, so the game ball does not readily enter the starting port, If the symbol display is stagnant (so-called slump state), the player is likely to get bored with the game, and as a result, the game motivation may be reduced. Therefore, by changing the production mode in the slump state, it is performed to change the impression and expectation of the game so that the player does not get bored. For example, a predetermined action performed by the player in the slump state is performed. There has been proposed a ball game machine that changes the effect mode based on an operation (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-38791 A

  However, in the proposed ball game machine, the presentation mode is changed with a predetermined operation by the player as long as the player does not perform the predetermined operation even in the slump state. The production never changes. Therefore, when the slump state occurs, there is still a possibility that the player's willingness to play may decrease.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and by reducing the gaming motivation in the slump state by accurately determining that it is in the slump state and performing a special performance. An object is to provide a ball game machine that can be effectively suppressed.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A game ball is fired toward a game board provided with a symbol display device and a start detection device that triggers a symbol variation display on the symbol display device, and the game ball flowing down the game board is When the start detection device detects, the symbol display starts the symbol variation display on the symbol display device, and when the symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device is stopped and displayed at a predetermined hit symbol, a bullet that executes a hit game In gaming machines,
Launch detection means for detecting whether or not a game ball is being launched toward the game board;
When a game ball is detected by the start detection device during the symbol variation display on the symbol display device, in order to start a new variation display associated with the passage of the game ball after the variation display ends, the game A holding storage means for storing the detection of the sphere as a holding;
A measuring means for measuring a time during which a state in which the number of holdings stored in the holding storage unit is 1 or less is detected and the game ball has been detected by the shooting detection unit;
And a special effect executing means for executing a predetermined special effect when the time measured by the measuring means reaches a specified time.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, it is detected whether or not a game ball is being fired, and when the game ball is detected by the start detection device while the symbol display is being displayed on the symbol display device. Stores the detection of the game ball as a hold. And the time (stagnation tendency continuation time) in which the state where the number of holdings does not exceed 1 continues despite the detection of the launch of the game ball is measured, and when the measurement time reaches the specified time, It is determined that the symbol variation display on the symbol display device is in a stagnant state (so-called slump state), and a predetermined special effect is executed.

  Here, as a start detection device, a game ball that flows down the game board surface can enter and a start port that can detect the game ball that has entered, or a game ball that flows down the game board surface can pass and pass An example is a start gate that can detect a game ball that has been played. In addition, as a special effect, a “visual effect” that appeals to the player's vision using an effect display device provided on the game board, LEDs, movable accessories, or lamps provided on the frame of the game machine, An “auditory effect” that appeals to the player's hearing using a speaker or buzzer provided in the frame of the machine can be exemplified.

  According to such a configuration, whether or not it is in the slump state based on the launching state of the game ball and the accumulation state of the hold by appropriately setting a predetermined time as a criterion for determining the slump state in advance. Can be accurately determined. Therefore, in the slump state, the special impression can be executed to change the impression and expectation of the game before the player's gaming motivation decreases. In addition, even if the number of holdings continues to increase from 0 and 1, the special effect is generated by the player continuing to fire the game ball. Players can be attracted to the game to see what happens. As a result, it is possible to maintain or improve gaming motivation.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when the measurement time of the stagnation tendency continuation time reaches the specified time, the fact that it is memorized is memorized, and after the memorization, the symbol variation display newly started on the symbol display device A special effect may be executed according to the above.

  A player usually advances a game while paying attention to the change display of symbols. And by executing special symbols in conjunction with the start of such variable display of symbols, it is possible to strongly impress the player that a special effect has occurred, so it is possible to more effectively maintain and improve gaming motivation. Can be achieved.

  Further, in the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. First, the winning probability after the end of the winning game (the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed) is changed according to the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device among the plurality of winning symbols that are provided. Further, the effect pattern of the special effect is stored in association with each of the plurality of hit probabilities. When executing the special effect, an effect pattern corresponding to the current hit probability is selected from the plurality of effect patterns, and the special effect is executed with the selected effect pattern.

  A high hit probability is advantageous for the player, and the player is generally interested in the current hit probability. Therefore, if the content of the special effect is selected according to the current hit probability and the special effect suggesting the hit probability to the player is performed, the player's interest in the slump state can be attracted to the special effect. . In particular, in a state where the hit probability is changed to a high probability (so-called latent probability change state) in a manner that is difficult for the player to notice, even if the change display of the symbol is stagnant (the situation where the number of holds does not increase), By continuing to fire the game ball, a special effect that suggests that the hit probability is high is generated, so that it is possible to greatly improve the game motivation.

  As described above, according to the invention of each claim, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the player is in the slump state, and execute a special effect in the slump state, thereby reducing the gaming motivation in the slump state. Can be obtained.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the production | presentation display apparatus mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the display mode of the normal symbol display part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the stop display aspect of the special symbol notionally. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control processing which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the special symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the special symbol lottery process performed in a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the big hit lottery table used with the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special electric accessory game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special electric accessory game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special effect relevant process which CPU of a sub control board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special effect execution process performed in a special effect relevant process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect process which CPU of the sub control board of a modification performs.

  In the present invention, when a start detection device (a start port through which a game ball can enter, a start gate through which a game ball can pass, etc.) provided on the game board detects a game ball, the symbol display on the symbol display device starts. In addition, it can be implemented in a ball game machine in which a game is started when the symbol display is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device as the change display ends.

Specifically, for example, (1) a type (a so-called seven machine type) in which a special game called a big hit game is started when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed with the end of the change display of the special symbol. A pachinko machine and (2) the variable pitching device (special electric accessory) can enter when the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed at the end of the variation display of the special symbol. A pachinko machine of a type that hits a big hit game (special game) when a game ball passes through a specific area (V area) (so-called 1 type 2 type mixed feather type), or (3) normal symbol variation display When the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the first variable pitching device (ordinary electric accessory) can enter the game, and a special ball ball enters the first variable pitching device. The symbol variation display starts, and the special symbol variation table When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed at the end of the game, the second variable ball entry device (special electric accessory) can enter the ball, and a specific region (V region) in the second variable ball entry device is displayed. A pachinko machine of a type (so-called 1 type 2 mixed digipachi type) in which a big hit game (special game) is started by passing a game ball, or (4) a unit game (1) by firing a predetermined number of game balls Game), and during the unit game, when the guide symbol variation display ends, the winning symbol is stopped and displayed to open the accessory operating port (variable pitching device). A ball such as an arrangement ball machine that can be played in a special game state (a big hit game state) in which a predetermined number of unit games can be easily scored after the game ball that has entered the ball passes through a specific region (V region). The present invention can be applied to a ball game machine. Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a seven-machine type pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Pachinko machine control contents:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
C-4. Special effects related processing:
D. Variation:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular open portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the open portion 4a, so that the board surface of the game board 10 arranged on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Further, two effect buttons SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these effect buttons SW1 and SW2 to select characters and game conditions appearing in the game effect.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch sensor 8a that detects that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 8. This game ball is fired so as to fire one ball each time the launch motor makes one revolution, and is performed according to a predetermined launch interval set in advance so that the number of shots per minute does not exceed 100. Is called. The game ball is continuously fired by maintaining the state in which the player rotates the firing handle 8 by a predetermined rotation angle while touching the touch sensor 8a. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11. Further, the outer rail 14 is provided with a firing ball detection switch 37 at a position facing the final end of the inner rail 15, and can detect a game ball (launch ball) that is launched toward the game area 11. It is possible. In addition, since it is detected by the shot ball detection switch 37 that the game ball is being shot, the shot ball detection switch 37 of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “shot detection means” of the present invention. is doing.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided below the central device 26. The starting port 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, a start port switch 17 s (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball (a game ball entering the start port 17) entering the start port 17 and a pair of wing pieces are operated. And a start-up solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state. When the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is likely to enter the normal state.

  In the center of the central device 26, an effect display device 27 is provided in a state surrounded by a decorative center accessory. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and can perform a symbol variation effect associated with a special symbol variation display in the symbol display device 28 described later. This symbol variation effect is realized mainly by displaying various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background symbol in a variable display and a stop display. The effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable manner and a stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a game ball that passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 (the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36) is inside this gate. A gate switch 36s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the above is provided. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A big winning device 31 is provided below the start port 17. The large winning device 31 includes a large winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an open / close door 31e for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a large winning opening solenoid 31m for operating the open / close door 31e (see FIG. 5). ) Etc. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied and the opening / closing door 31e is opened, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability. A big hit game, which is a game state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 5) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d (a game ball entering the big prize opening 31d). Can be detected.

  An out port 48 is provided below the grand prize winning device 31, and a back ball prevention member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute the normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute the special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 has one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter, a normal symbol). Called hold display LED 29b). Further, the special symbol display unit 30 displays seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LED 30a) and the number of special symbols reserved (hereinafter referred to as special symbol reserved number). The two LEDs (hereinafter referred to as special figure hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment uses these 12 LEDs to display the normal symbol, the number of ordinary symbols reserved, the number of special symbols, and the number of reserved special symbols will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display. On the display screen, three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and background symbols of the background are provided as symbols for effect display. 27d is displayed. Among these, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the special symbol variation display in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to produce a game. ing. In other words, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display every time a special symbol jackpot lottery described later is performed, and stop display when a predetermined variable time elapses. This is a symbol for notifying the player of the result of the special symbol jackpot lottery according to the time display mode (stop display mode). As will be described in detail later, the effect display device 27 starts to display the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in accordance with the start of the symbol variation effect, and the three identification symbols 27a and 27b in accordance with the end of the symbol variation effect. , 27c are stopped and displayed, and “stop display” or “hit display” indicating the result of the big win lottery is performed according to this stop display mode (the combination of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c). In addition to the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and the background symbol 27d, the effect display device 27 has various effects corresponding to the effects (notice effect, reach effect, etc.) performed in the process of progressing the symbol variation effect. Simple patterns (pictures) and characters are displayed.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards, but focusing on the functions, the basic progress of the game and the success or failure related to the prize ball The main control board 200 for controlling the control, the sub control board 220 for controlling the control of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the specific display of the effect display device 27 in accordance with instructions from the sub control board 220 The display control board 230 performs control, the payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, the launch control board 260 that controls the game ball, and the like. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the input / output direction (transmission / reception direction) of data or signals.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 (CPU 201) receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. After deciding whether or not to be involved, commands for instructing various operations are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 has a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17, a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing a large winning port 31d, A symbol display device 28 that displays fluctuation stop display of normal symbols and special symbols is connected. By transmitting operation signals to the various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28, control of these operations is also possible. Is going. In addition, a touch sensor 8a provided on the firing handle 8 is connected to the main control board 200. Based on a detection signal from the touch sensor 8a, the player operates the firing handle 8 to play a game. It is possible to determine whether or not it is going.

  When the sub-control board 220 (CPU 221) receives various commands from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 (CPU 221) analyzes the contents of the command and performs control for executing a game effect according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is transmitted to the display control board 230 that performs display control of the effect display device 27 described above, an amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A drive signal is transmitted to the decorative drive substrate 226 that drives the lamp. In addition, the operation signals from the effect buttons SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sub-control board 220 via the effect button board 228. Further, when the game ball launched toward the game area 11 is detected by the shot ball detection switch 37, the detection signal is input to the sub-control board 220.

  The display control board 230 includes an image ROM 234 and a VDP (not shown) in addition to the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233. Then, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 performs display control of the effect display device 27 using the RAM 233 as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM 232. Specifically, when a control command (display control command) from the sub control board 220 is received, control for displaying an effect image corresponding to the received command on the display screen of the effect display device 27 is performed. The image ROM 234 stores effect image data corresponding to various game effects such as symbol variation effects and jackpot game effects.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, the signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via the payout control board 240. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while transmitting / receiving data to / from the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

  In addition, the payout control board 240 transmits a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 260 under the control of the main control board 200. In response to the launch permission signal, performs various controls for launching the game ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the firing handle 8, and the player can aim the launch position by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28 provided on the lower left side of the central device 26. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is equipped with a normal symbol LED 29 a and a general symbol hold display LED 29 b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, the normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored as a hold, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of normal symbols held is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided in the symbol display device 28. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), the two general map hold display LEDs 29b are both turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights up. When there are two holds, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right-side normal map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three holds, the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights. When the number of holdings further increases to the upper limit of four, the left and right map holding display LEDs 29b blink. As described above, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of holds from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two general-purpose hold display LEDs 29b.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30 so that the special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner. As for the special symbol, a game ball enters the start port 17, and when the start port switch 17 s detects the game ball, the variable display is started, and thereafter, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with any of the symbols described below. It has become. When the game ball enters the start port 17 and is detected by the start port switch 17s, the special symbol starts to be displayed on the symbol display device 28. Therefore, the start port 17 and the start port switch 17s (start The start port 17) incorporating the mouth switch 17s constitutes one aspect of the “start detection device” of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a special symbol stop display mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided with the special symbol LED 30a including seven LEDs, and the special symbol is displayed by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, ten special symbol stop display modes are provided, and a unique lighting state is set for each stop display mode. As shown in the figure, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the stop display modes of the 10 kinds of special symbols are roughly classified into five symbols. First, the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown at the top in the figure corresponds to “normal jackpot symbol”, and the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown at the second level from the top is “15 rounds”. Corresponds to “(15R) Probability big hit symbol”. In addition, the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown in the third row corresponds to “2 round (2R) probability variation big hit symbol”, and the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown in the fourth row is “small hit symbol”. Is equivalent to. Furthermore, the stop display modes of the two special symbols shown in the lowermost row correspond to “disconnected symbols”.

  In the special symbol display unit 30, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined time. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed according to any stop display mode. When any of the “normal jackpot symbol”, “15R probability variation jackpot symbol” or “2R probability variation jackpot symbol” (so-called jackpot symbol) is stopped and displayed, it is normally closed. The winning opening 31d is opened, and the big hit game is started. The big winning opening 31d that has been released in the big hit game once the predetermined opening time predetermined according to the type of the big hit symbol (type of the big hit) has elapsed or a prescribed number of game balls have entered. Although it returns to a closed state, it will be in an open state again after a predetermined closing time. The game from the opening of the grand prize winning opening 31d to the closing is called “round game (or simply round)”, and if such rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are digested according to the type of jackpot symbol, the jackpot The game ends. When the “small winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the small winning game in which the big winning opening 31d is opened and closed is executed in the same manner as when the “2R probability variable large winning symbol” is stopped and displayed. This point will be described in detail later.

  In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped is “15R probability variation big hit symbol” shown in the second row from the top of FIG. 7 or “2R probability variation big hit symbol” shown in the third row, the big hit Probability that a special symbol will be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol after the game is over until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit game is generated or a special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times) Becomes a state set at a high probability (so-called a probability variation state or simply a probability variation state).

  In addition, even if a game ball has entered the starting port 17, the change display of the special symbol cannot be started (for example, when the special symbol is being displayed in a change display, or during the big hit game or the small hit game) Even if it is, the fact that a game ball has entered the start port 17 is stored as a special symbol hold. When the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner, the stored information can be displayed using the stored hold. The number of reserved special symbols stored (the number of special figure reservations) is displayed by the special figure hold display LED 30b. The mode of displaying the number of special figure hold using the special figure hold display LED 30b is exactly the same as the case of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG. 6B, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In accordance with the above-described special symbol variation display and stop display, the effect display device 27 performs various effects (design variation effects) using the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three identification symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display that constitutes the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the special symbol LED 30a described above, also in the effect display device 27, these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed as identification symbols is prepared. Note that the identification symbol may be a symbol, character, graphic, symbol, or the like as a design in addition to numbers, as long as the player can identify the result of the big symbol lottery of the special symbol.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right identification symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle identifying symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination (stop display mode) of these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the stop display mode of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol LED 30a described above. Has been. For example, when the special symbol stops at the “normal jackpot symbol” or “15R probability variable jackpot symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed at the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol stops at “15R probability variable big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing an odd number, and when stopped at “normal big hit symbol”, 3 The two identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number. On the other hand, when the special symbol stops at “2R probability variation big hit symbol” or “small hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination that does not align with the same symbol. In addition, when the special symbol stops at the “off symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are not aligned with the same symbol except for the combination corresponding to “2R probability variation big hit symbol” or “small hit symbol”. Stop display in any combination.

  Thus, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol LED 30a and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other, and the respective display symbols are determined. The timing to perform (stop display) is also set to be the same. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 10 (game area 11), which is more noticeable than the special symbol LED 30a, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, a player usually plays a game while viewing the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the left identification symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right identification symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In such a case, the player may watch the fluctuation of the identification symbol as if the middle identification symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last is also stopped at the same symbol and the so-called jackpot game is started. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last identification symbol in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, which can increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It is possible. In addition, in the effect display device 27, in addition to the reach effect, a notice effect that notifies in advance of the occurrence of the reach effect or the occurrence of the big hit, a special effect that suggests the current gaming state (whether or not the probability change state, etc.) Is performed as part of the design variation production. These effects are performed using effect image data stored in the image ROM 234 of the display control board 230.

C. Control details of pachinko machine:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a start opening return process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric game game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 progresses, and the sub control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S100). In such processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to winning a game ball (such as a start opening switch 17s and a big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for transmitting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the contents of the command, and transmits a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (S100), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed ( S102). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S102: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S102: no). . If it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S102: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S104). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S102: no), the normal symbol game process (S104) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S104), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not there is a regular symbol hold (whether or not the number of holds is “0”). If there is a hold, a normal symbol winning lottery (normal symbol lottery) is performed. As described above, the holding of the normal symbol is set when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 36. In this embodiment, the upper limit value of the holding number is “4”. Then, in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a deviating symbol (see FIG. 6A). Then, after setting the normal symbol variation display time, the normal symbol variation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol, the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the start port 17 is open (S106). If it is being opened (S106: yes), a process (starting port returning process) for returning the opened starting port 17 to the normal state is performed (S108). On the other hand, if the start port 17 is not open (S106: no), the start port return process does not need to be performed and is skipped.

  In the starting port return process (S108), if any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the starting port 17 has elapsed, or whether a prescribed number of game balls have entered the starting port 17 When any of the above conditions is satisfied, a process of returning the start port 17 in the open state to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is extended to about 5 seconds when the opening extension function described later is activated. On the other hand, if the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S108) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish.

  In the game control process, the process related to the special symbol is started following the start port return process. In this process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for performing a special symbol game process described later is satisfied. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the special symbol game process is started.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start special symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S200). As described above, the start port 17 is provided with the start port switch 17 s for detecting the entrance of a game ball, thereby detecting that the game ball has entered the start port 17. it can.

  If a game ball is detected by the start port switch 17s and it is determined that a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S200: yes), the number of special symbols held (the number of special figure hold) is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not (4 in this embodiment) has been reached (S202). If the special figure hold number has not reached the upper limit value (S202: yes), the random number for winning lottery and the symbol determining random number are acquired and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 (S204). Here, the random number for winning lottery is a random number used for the big winning lottery or the small winning lottery of the special symbol, and the symbol determining random number is stopped and displayed according to the result of the big winning lottery or the small hitting lottery of the special symbol. It is a random number for determining the type of special symbol. If these random numbers are stored, “1” is added to the special figure hold number (S206), and then a hold number designation command for transmitting the current special symbol hold number is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S208). . As will be described later, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 according to the present embodiment performs a process of displaying the number of reserved special symbols on the effect display device 27 based on the received number-of-holds designation command. Since the process of storing the winning lottery random number and the symbol determining random number as a hold by entering the starting port 17 is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment. Constitutes one aspect of the “holding storage means” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, when a game ball is not in the starting port 17 (S200: no), or when the special figure holding number reaches the upper limit (S202: no), the random number for winning lottery and the symbol determining random number are obtained. The process of acquiring and storing, the process of adding “1” to the special figure hold number, and the process of transmitting the hold number designation command are not performed.

  When the processing related to the special symbol hold is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the big hit game or the small hit game is being played (S210). The special symbol game process described later is to display a special symbol in a variable manner, and when a special jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, if a special jackpot game that is advantageous to the player is started and a small bonus symbol is stopped and displayed. Is a process of starting a small hit game. If a big hit game or a small hit game is currently being played, there is no need to start again. Therefore, when the processing related to the special symbol hold is completed, it is determined whether or not the big hit game or the small hit game is being played (S210). If it is neither the big hit game nor the small hit game (S210: no) Then, it is determined to start a special symbol game process described later (that is, S110 of FIG. 9: yes). On the other hand, if it is already in the big hit game or the small hit game (S210: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S110: no).

  Thus, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S110: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S112). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S110: no), the special symbol game process (S112) is skipped.

C-2. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S300). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner.

  When the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S300: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S302). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. If it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S302: no), the number of special symbols held (special It is determined whether or not the figure hold count is “0” (S304). As described above, the special figure hold number can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the special figure hold number is “0” (S304: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the number of special figure reservations is not “0” (S304: no), a process for drawing a special symbol (special symbol lottery process) is started (S306).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol lottery process performed in the special symbol game process. As shown in the drawing, in the special symbol lottery process, first, the oldest winning lottery random number stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is read (S400). As described above, the random number for winning lottery is a random number acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 in the special symbol game start determination process (FIG. 10).

  Following the reading of the winning lottery random number, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S402). Here, the probability change flag is a flag that is set to ON when the game state is set to the above-described probability change state, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is assigned as the probability change flag. When the probability variation flag is set to OFF, that is, when the current gaming state is not the probability variation state (S402: no), the big hit lottery table for non-probability variation is selected (S404). On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is set to ON, that is, when the current gaming state is the probability variation state (S402: yes), the big hit lottery table for probability variation is selected (S406). Here, the big hit lottery table is a dedicated table that is referred to when a special symbol big hit lottery is performed, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a jackpot lottery table used in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 14A shows a big hit lottery table for non-probability change, and FIG. 14B shows a big hit lottery table for probability change. As shown in the figure, in the big hit lottery table, the big hit lottery result of either “big hit” or “out” is associated with the random numbers for winning lottery. 14A and 14B, the jackpot lottery table for probability variation has a larger number of random numbers than the jackpot lottery table for non-probable variation. Is set to

  In the special symbol lottery process of FIG. 13, if a big hit lottery table is selected according to the current probability variation flag setting (ON / OFF), a big hit lottery is performed using the selected table (S408). That is, with reference to the selected jackpot lottery table, the jackpot lottery result corresponding to the oldest winning lottery random number read in the process of S400 is extracted to determine whether it is “big hit” or “out”. . As described above, the random hit value for the jackpot lottery table for probability change that is referenced during the probability variation state is set to “big hit” compared to the big hit lottery table for the non-probable variation time that is referenced when not in the probability variation state. Therefore, during the probability change, the result of the big hit lottery becomes “big hit” with a higher probability than during the non-change probability.

  When the big hit lottery is performed in this way, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit lottery is “big hit” (S410). Then, when the result of the big hit lottery is “big hit” (S410: yes), from among the six types of big hit symbols shown in FIG. The jackpot symbol to be stopped is determined (S412). When determining the jackpot symbol, first, the symbol determination random number stored the oldest is read from the symbol determination random numbers stored in advance. As described above, the symbol determination random number is a random number acquired together with the winning lottery random number in the special symbol game start determination process (FIG. 10) when a game ball enters the start port 17. Next, by referring to a jackpot symbol determination table (not shown) in which any of the six types of jackpot symbols is set for the symbol determination random number, it is determined which jackpot symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. . Thereafter, the special symbol lottery process of FIG. 13 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. The jackpot symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is “miss” (S410: no), the small lottery is performed using the random numbers for winning lottery determined as “out” in the big hit lottery (S416). This small lottery lottery is performed by referring to a small lottery table (not shown) in which a small lottery lottery result of “small hit” or “off” is set for the random numbers for winning lottery. The small hitting lottery table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the small hitting lottery is “small hit” (S418: yes). If the result of the small hitting lottery is “small hit” (S418: yes), two types of small hitting symbols are determined. The small hit symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined from (see FIG. 7) (S420). The process of determining the small hit symbol is performed by referring to a small hit symbol determination table in which any small hit symbol is set for the symbol determining random number. When the small winning symbol is determined in this way, the special symbol lottery process of FIG. 13 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. The small hit symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery lottery is “disappear” (S418: no), a disengagement symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined from two kinds of disengagement symbols (see FIG. 7) (S422). The process of determining the off symbol is performed by referring to a off symbol determining table in which any off symbol is preset with respect to the symbol determining random number. When the off symbol is determined, the special symbol lottery process of FIG. 13 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. Note that the off symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  In the special symbol game process of FIG. 11, when returning from the special symbol lottery process (S306), a process of determining the variation pattern of the special symbol (variation pattern determination process) is started (S308). Here, the variation pattern of the special symbol is an aspect in which the special symbol is variably displayed. Even though the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the ten types of display modes shown in FIG. 7 are displayed while being switched one after another. It corresponds to the time (variation time) to be made. However, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device 28 and the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c performed by the effect display device 27 are linked to each other. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time during which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner is determined. In the variation pattern determination process, it is determined whether or not the aforementioned big hit lottery result is a big hit from among a plurality of variation patterns (variation times) stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Any variation pattern is determined based on whether or not the game is a small hit, whether or not a function (time-shortening function) for shortening the variation time of the special symbol is activated. For example, in the case where the result of the big hit lottery is a big hit and the big hit symbol is determined to be “ordinary big hit symbol” or “15R probability variable big hit symbol”, in order to secure the time for performing the reach effect on the effect display device 27 In addition, a variation pattern having a long variation time is determined. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the hour / short flag is set to ON after the big hit game by the “15R probability variable big hit symbol” or “normal big hit symbol” described above, so that the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened. Therefore, when the time reduction flag is ON, a fluctuation pattern having a shorter fluctuation time than that when the time reduction flag is OFF is determined.

  When the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in this way, the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is started (S310). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment can display the ten types of symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. When the special symbol fluctuation display is started, after subtracting “1” from the number of special symbols held (S312), a command (fluctuation for designating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol determined in the above-described fluctuation pattern determination processing) (Designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S314), and further, a command (stop) for designating a special symbol stop symbol (design to be stopped) determined in the special symbol lottery process described above. Similarly, the symbol designating command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S316).

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command in this way, and thereby information about the variation time of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the special symbol stop symbol. Can know. Therefore, in accordance with these pieces of information, an effect display pattern (variable display mode of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) to be performed by the effect display device 27 is determined, and a control command for instructing the determined effect display pattern is displayed on the display control board 230. Send to. By doing so, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also used in the effect display device 27 under the control of the display control board 230 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the special symbols performed on the symbol display device 28. Design variation effect is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern and stop symbol of the special symbol as described above, and transmits the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command to the sub-control board 220, FIG. The special symbol game process shown is finished, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  As described above, the detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S300 of FIG. 11) has been described. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S300 performed first (S300: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S318). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether the predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as starting the variation of the special symbol. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S318: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S318: yes), a command indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed (symbol stop command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S320). ), The special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol (stop symbol) (S322). Next, after setting the special symbol stop display time (S324), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S326). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S326: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the stop display time of the special symbol has elapsed (S326: yes), the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is the jackpot symbol shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not any of them (S328 in FIG. 12). If the symbol that has been stopped is a jackpot symbol (S328: yes), the jackpot flag is set to ON (S330). Here, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. As will be described in detail later, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 9 with the jackpot flag set to ON, a special electric utility game process is performed and a so-called jackpot game is started.

  If the big hit flag is set to ON, then the opening time of the big winning opening 31d in the big hit game and the number of round games (round number) performed during the big hit game are set (S332). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the opening time and the number of rounds of the special winning opening 31d are determined in advance depending on the type of the big hit symbol. That is, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the “ordinary big hit symbol” or “15R probability variable big hit symbol” shown in FIG. 7, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d is 25 seconds and the number of rounds is 15 times. Set to On the other hand, when the special symbol stopped and displayed is “2R probability variation big hit symbol”, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d is set to 0.2 seconds and the number of rounds is set to two. Therefore, the jackpot game (2R jackpot game) started by “2R probability variable jackpot game” ends in a very short period of time compared to the jackpot game (15R jackpot game) by “normal jackpot symbol” or “15R probability variable jackpot game”. It becomes.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function are stopped during the big hit game. Here, the probability variation function is a function that sets a probability that the result of the jackpot lottery for a special symbol will be a “hit” (hit probability), and the time-shortening function is that the special symbol varies on the symbol display device 28 This function shortens the displayed time. Further, when the probability changing function is activated, the probability varying flag is set to ON, and when the time reducing function is activated, the hourly flag is set to ON. Therefore, if the big hit flag is set to ON in S330, it is first determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S334). If the probability variation flag is set to ON (S334: yes), the probability variation function is in operation, so the probability variation flag is set to OFF to stop the probability variation function (S336).

  On the other hand, if the probability change flag is set to OFF (S334: no), the process of setting the probability change flag to OFF (S336) is omitted, and then it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON. (S340). If the time reduction flag is set to ON (S340: yes), since the time reduction function is in operation, the time reduction flag is set to OFF to stop the time reduction function (S342). Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, during the operation of the time reduction function, the function of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (open extension function) is also operated, and the open extension flag is set to ON. Therefore, following the process of setting the time reduction flag to OFF, the release extension flag is also set to OFF (S344). On the other hand, if the time reduction flag is set to OFF (S340: no), the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the probability variation flag, the time reduction flag, and the release extension flag change from ON to OFF (S336, S342, S344), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the probability variation function, the time reduction function, and the release. A control command (game state designation command) indicating that the extension function has stopped operating is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. As a result, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can perform effect control in accordance with the gaming state (probability change state, time reduction state, latent probability change state, normal state, etc.).

  The processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S328: yes) has been described above. It is determined whether the special symbol is one of the small hit symbols shown in FIG. 7 (S346). If the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a small hit symbol (S346: yes), the small hit flag is turned ON (S348). Here, the small hit flag is a flag indicating that a small hit game is started, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is assigned to the small hit flag as in the above-described big hit flag.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is not a small hit symbol (S346: no), the processing for setting the small hit flag to ON (S348) is omitted, and it is determined whether or not the hourly flag is ON. Judgment is made (S350). If the time-short flag is OFF (S350 ;: no), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed.

  On the other hand, when the time reduction flag is ON (S350: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol when the time reduction flag is set to ON (S352), the number of fluctuations is a predetermined number. It is determined whether or not the upper limit number has been reached (S354). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time-short flag is set to ON after the big hit game by the “15R probability variable big hit symbol” or “normal big hit symbol”, and the number of changes of the special symbol thereafter is “15R probability variable big hit symbol”. In the case of “10,000 times”, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened until it reaches “100 times” in the case of “normal jackpot symbol”. In addition, after the big hit game with the “2R probability variation big hit symbol” is ended, the time reduction flag is turned ON only when the time reduction function is activated when the “2R probability variable big hit symbol” is stopped, and then the special symbol is turned on. Until the number of fluctuations reaches “10,000 times”, the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the count value of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the state where the hourly flag is set to ON has reached the upper limit number (S354). If the upper limit number has been reached (S354: yes), the time reduction flag is turned off to stop the time reduction function (S342), and then the opening extension flag is also turned off to stop the opening extension function of the start port 17. After that (S344), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the upper limit number (S348: no), the special symbol game process is exited while the time-short state is maintained (the time-shortage flag and the release extension flag are set to ON). Returning to the game control process of FIG. As described above, when the time reduction flag or the release extension flag changes from ON to OFF (S342, S344), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 indicates that the operation of the time reduction function or the release extension function is stopped. Since (game state designation command) is transmitted to the sub control board 220, this suggests that the operation of the time-shortening function or the open extension function is stopped (end of the time-shortening state) under the control of the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. Production is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process (S112), it is determined whether either the big hit flag or the small hit flag is set to ON (S114). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a big hit symbol (normal big hit symbol, 15R probability variable big hit symbol, 2R probability variable big hit symbol), and the small hit flag is a special symbol. Is a flag that is set to ON when a stop display is made with a small hit symbol. If any of the flags is set to ON (S114: yes), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts a special electric accessory game process described below (S116). On the other hand, if any flag is set to OFF (S114: no), the special electric accessory game process (S116) is skipped and the process returns to the top of the game control process, and the above-described prize ball related process (S100) The following series of processing is repeated.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. By executing such a special electric accessory game process, a so-called big hit game or a small hit game is performed. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  When starting the special electric accessory game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the small hit flag is set to ON (S500). If the small hit flag is set to ON (S500: yes), the small winning game is performed by opening the big winning opening 31d in the small win mode (S502). The small hit game of the present embodiment is set to execute the operation of opening the special winning opening 31d for 0.2 seconds twice as a small hit mode. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish visually from the big hit game (2R big hit game) in which the opening time of the big prize opening is set to 0.2 seconds and the number of rounds is set to 2 by the stop display of “2R probability variation big hit symbol” It has become.

  When the small hit game is finished in this way, the small hit flag is set to OFF (S504), and a special mode entry command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S506), and then the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 15 is performed. Exit and return to the game control process of FIG. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special mode entry command from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 executes a “special mode entry effect” that gives an impression to the player that the mode has been switched to the special mode. For example, by transmitting a control command for displaying the special mode entry effect on the display screen of the effect display device 27 to the display control board 230, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 receives the image data corresponding to the received control command. Is read from the image ROM 234 and a special mode entry effect (for example, “special mode entry!”) Is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27.

  In the above, the processing performed when the small hit flag is set to ON (S500: yes) has been described. However, when the small hit flag is set to OFF (S500: no), the big hit flag is set. Since it is determined that it is set to ON, it is subsequently determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S508). The big prize opening 31d is closed in a normal game state, and therefore, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S508: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of round executions (that is, the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d) has reached the set number (S510). ). As described above, during the big hit game, the round in which the big winning opening 31d is opened is repeated a predetermined number of times (see S332 in FIG. 12) according to the type of the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed. In response to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S508: no), it is determined whether or not the number of round executions has reached the set number (S502).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of rounds has not reached the set number (S510: no), and it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has passed (S512). ). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the grand prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S512: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. After the game is opened and the round is started (S514), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 15 is once ended, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S100), the special electric game game process (S116) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 15 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the big hit game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 15 is executed for the first time, as described above, the big winning opening 31d is opened in S514 and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S508 that the special winning opening 31d is open (S508: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached the set time (S516). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is in the open state, but a preset open time (see S332 in FIG. 12) elapses according to the type of the big hit symbol that is stopped or displayed, or When a specified number of game balls enter the big prize opening 31d, it is closed. In response to this, first, in S516, it is determined whether or not the set open time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed. Then, if the set opening time has elapsed (S516: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S520), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 15 is exited, and the game of FIG. Return to control processing. On the other hand, when the set open time of the special winning opening 31d has not elapsed (S516: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached the specified number (S518). . When the specified number is reached (S518: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S520). On the other hand, if the specified number has not been reached (S518: no), the set opening time of the big prize opening 31d has not yet passed, and the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d is also prescribed. Since the number has not been reached, the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 15 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the set open time of the special winning opening 31d elapses (S516: yes), or a predetermined number of gaming balls are placed in the special winning opening 31d. When a ball is entered (S518: yes) and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S520), one round is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S508 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S508: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of rounds has reached the set number. (S510) If the set number of times has not been reached (S510: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special prize opening 31d has elapsed (S512: yes), the special prize opening 31d is again opened and newly opened. A round is started (S514). On the other hand, if it is determined in S510 that the number of executions in the round has reached the set number (S510: yes), the big hit flag is set to OFF to end the big hit game (S522 in FIG. 16).

  When the big hit game is ended in this way, it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol from which the big hit game is started is “15R probability variable big hit symbol” or “2R probability variable big hit symbol” (S524). If either the 15R probability variation big hit symbol or the 2R probability variation big hit symbol (S524: yes), the probability variation flag is set to ON to activate the probability variation function (S526), and then the probability variation function is activated. A probability change start command (a kind of game state designation command) indicating that is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S528). In addition, since the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability change flag to ON, a probability change state in which the probability of winning a big hit in the big win lottery is set to a high probability is started. Therefore, the main control board 200 of the present embodiment. The CPU 201 constitutes one aspect of the “hit probability changing means” of the present invention.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol is “2R probability variation big hit symbol” (S530). If it is not the 2R probability variation big hit symbol but the 15R probability variation big hit symbol (S530: no), the time reduction flag and the release extension flag are set to ON to activate the time reduction function and the opening extension function of the start port 17. At the same time (S532, S534), a short time start command (a kind of game state designation command) indicating the start of operation of the short time function and the release extension function is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S536), and then FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 is finished, and the game control process of FIG. 9 is resumed. The big hit symbol is “15R probability variable big hit symbol” (S524: yes, S530: no), and when the hour / short flag is set to ON, a counter for counting the operation period of the hour / hour function (hour / hour counter) Is set to “10,000”. This time reduction counter is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200, and is subtracted from the set numerical value by "1" every time a special symbol change display is performed (S352 in FIG. 12). When the numerical value of “0” becomes “0”, the time reduction function is stopped (see S354 and S342 in FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, if the big hit symbol is a 2R probability variation big hit symbol (S530: yes), a special mode entry command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S538). This special mode entry command is the same as the command (see S506 in FIG. 15) that is transmitted when the small hit game is finished. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the special mode entry command, it enters the special mode. The special mode entry effect that impresses the player of the changeover is executed.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not to activate the time reduction function and the open extension function according to the operating status of the time reduction function and the open extension function when the 2R probability variation big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. (S540). If the time reduction function and the release extension function are not activated when the 2R probability variable big hit symbol is stopped and displayed (S540: no), the time reduction flag and the release extension flag are not set to ON, as shown in FIGS. The special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the time reduction function and the release extension function are activated when the 2R probability variable big hit symbol is stopped and displayed (S540: yes), the time reduction flag and the release extension flag are set to ON (S532, S534). Then, after the time reduction start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S536), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Note that when the 2R probability variable big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the time reduction function and the open extension function are activated, so that the time reduction flag is turned ON at the end of the big hit game (2R big hit game) with the 2R probability variable big hit symbol. At the time of setting, “10,000” is set in a counter (time reduction counter) for counting the operation period of the time reduction function.

  Thus, after the end of the 2R big hit game, the same special mode as after the end of the small hit game is started (special mode entry effect is performed). Also, if the time reduction function and the release extension function are not activated when the 2R probability variable big hit symbol is stopped, only the probability variable function is activated after the 2R big hit game ends, and the 2R probability variable big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. If the time-shortening function and the opening extension function are activated at the same time, the probability variation function, the time-shortening function, and the opening extension function are activated after the 2R jackpot game ends, so the symbol variation time before and after the start of the 2R jackpot game The (variation pattern) and the opening time (opening pattern) of the start port 17 are kept the same. For this reason, unless the gaming state when the 2R probability variation big hit symbol is stopped and displayed is the probability variation state via the 15R probability variation big hit symbol stop display (the state where all of the probability variation function, the time shortening function, and the open extension function are activated), Even if the special mode is started after the end of the 2R jackpot game (the special mode entry effect is performed), whether or not the probability changing function which is the player's interest is activated in a short period from the start (2R It is very difficult for the player to determine (guess) whether the probable big hit has occurred or is a small hit from the appearance of the pachinko machine 1.

  In the above, the processing performed when the jackpot symbol that has started the jackpot game is the 15R probability variation jackpot symbol or the 2R probability variation jackpot symbol (S524: yes) has been described, but the jackpot symbol is a normal jackpot symbol. If this occurs (S524: no), the time reduction flag and the open extension flag are set ON to operate the time reduction function and the open extension function while the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S532, S534), and the time reduction start command Is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S536), and then the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. When the hour / hour flag is set to ON when the big hit symbol is “normal big hit symbol”, “100” is set to the hour / hour counter for counting the operation period of the hour / hour function.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process as described above, thereby performing a big hit lottery (and a small hit lottery) of special symbols triggered by the entry of the game ball into the start port 17. Start the special symbol change display, stop and display the special symbol according to the result of the big hit lottery (and small hit lottery), while switching the game state to the big hit gaming state, the probability variation state, the short-time state, etc. The game on the pachinko machine 1 is progressing. Further, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits various commands (for example, a variation pattern designation command, a stop symbol designation command, a hold number designation command, etc.) transmitted while the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process. In response to the received command, it produces an effect to excite the game.

  Due to the progress of the game in this way, the game ball does not easily enter the starting port 17, and the special symbol variation display (and the associated symbol variation effect) that is of interest to the player is stagnant (so-called so-called symbol variation production). In the slump state, game motivation tends to decrease. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is in the slump state, and when it is determined that it is in the slump state, it is possible to effectively reduce the game motivation by executing a special effect. It is possible to suppress it. Hereinafter, a process (special effect related process) performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 in order to execute a special effect in the slump state will be described.

C-4. Special effects related processing:
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of special effect related processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 starts the special effect related process, it first determines whether or not a hold number designation command has been received (S600). As described above, the number-of-holds designation command is a command for transmitting the number of currently reserved special symbols, and when adding “1” to the number of reserved special symbols by entering the starting port 17, It is transmitted from the main control board 200 (S208 in FIG. 10). When a hold number designation command is received (S600: yes), a process for updating the hold number display is performed (S602). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of special symbols held is displayed on the effect display device 27. Therefore, the content of the received hold number designation command is interpreted, and the number of hold on the effect display device 27 is displayed as the current hold. Update to number. Specifically, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives a hold number designation command from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 displays the hold number of the special symbol specified by the command on the display screen of the effect display device 27. The control command is transmitted to the display control board 230. Then, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 reads out image data corresponding to the received control command from the image ROM 234 and displays the number of holds on the display screen of the effect display device 27.

  On the other hand, if the pending number designation command has not been received (S600: no), the process of updating the pending number display (S602) is omitted, and whether or not the fluctuation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command have been received. Is determined (S604). When the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are received (S604: yse), since the special symbol variation display is newly started and the number of suspensions has been consumed, the current suspension is completed. 1 is subtracted from the number, and the process of updating the number-of-holds display in the effect display device 27 is performed (S606). Specifically, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 transmits to the display control board 230 a control command for displaying the number of holdings reduced by one with the start of the special symbol variation display. Then, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 reads out image data corresponding to the received control command from the image ROM 234 and displays the number of holds on the display screen of the effect display device 27.

  On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command have not been received (S604: no), the processing for updating the number of hold display (S606) is omitted and the number of hold of the special symbol is 1. It is determined whether or not it exceeds (S608). Then, when the number of reserved special symbols does not exceed 1, that is, when the number of held is 0 or 1 (S608: yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball is continuously fired (S610). ). As described above, the firing ball detection switch 37 is connected to the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment (see FIG. 5), and the detection signal from the firing ball detection switch 37 is continuously received at a predetermined interval. If it is, it is determined that the game ball is continuously fired (S610: yes). Here, the launch ball detection switch 37 detects game balls that are continuously fired at a predetermined launch interval (a launch interval in which the number of shots per minute does not exceed 100) by the continuous rotation of the launch motor one by one. When the game balls are continuously fired, the detection interval of the game balls by the shot ball detection switch 37 is substantially the same as the launch interval of the game balls. Therefore, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 continuously receives the detection signal from the shot ball detection switch 37 at an interval equal to the launch interval at the time of continuous launch of the game ball, the game ball continues. Thus, it can be determined that the game ball is continuously being fired. On the other hand, when the reception interval of the detection signal is more than a certain distance, it is determined that the game ball has been stopped firing (S610: no).

  Note that the determination of whether or not the game ball is continuously fired is not limited to the determination by directly detecting the fired game ball by the shot ball detection switch 37. For example, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 may indirectly determine whether or not the game ball is being fired using a detection signal from the touch sensor 8a provided on the firing handle 8. Specifically, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines ON / OFF of the touch sensor 8a (ON when the player touches the touch sensor 8a, OFF when not touching), and at the timing when the ON / OFF is switched, A command indicating that the touch sensor 8a is ON or OFF is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. After receiving the command indicating that the touch sensor 8a is ON, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 continues to emit the game ball unless receiving a command indicating that the touch sensor 8a is OFF. When the command indicating that the touch sensor 8a is OFF is received, it is determined that the game ball is not being fired. As described above, the touch sensor 8a may detect that the game ball is continuously fired (in this case, the touch sensor 8a corresponds to the “launch detection means” of the present invention).

  If it is determined that the game ball is continuously being fired (S610: yes), it is then determined whether or not the stagnation time measurement timer is operating (S612). Here, the stagnation time measurement timer is used to measure the time (stagnation tendency continuation time) in which the number of reserved special symbols does not exceed 1 even though the game ball is being fired continuously. And is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220. Therefore, when the stagnation time measurement timer is not yet operated (S612: no), the stagnation time measurement timer set with a specified time (for example, 5 minutes) is operated to start the countdown (S614). Note that the process of setting the stagnation time measurement timer and measuring the stagnation tendency continuation time is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment uses the “ It constitutes one mode of “measuring means”.

  On the other hand, when the stagnation time measurement timer is already operating (S612: yes), the process (S614) for starting the stagnation time measurement timer is omitted, and the stagnation time measurement timer is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S616). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the stagnation time measurement timer becomes “0”, that is, the number of times that the number of reserved special symbols is 1 or less (stagnation) even though the game ball is being fired. When the trend continuation time) reaches a specified time (for example, 5 minutes), it is determined that the state is a so-called slump state (a state in which the special symbol variation display is stagnant), and a special effect is performed. Therefore, if the stagnation time measurement timer is not “0” (S616: no), the process returns to the top of the special effect related processing as it is to determine whether or not a new hold number designation command has been received ( S600). On the other hand, when the stagnation time measurement timer becomes “0” (S616: yes), a process of executing a special effect (special effect execution process) is started (S618). Note that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 performs the special effect execution process to execute the special effect, so the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 of this embodiment is one of the “special effect execution means” of the present invention. The aspect is comprised. Note that the stagnation time measurement timer does not measure time by the countdown method, but may measure time by the countup method. In this case, in the process of S616, it may be determined whether or not the measurement value of the stagnation time measurement timer has reached a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special effect execution process performed in the special effect related process. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a special effect, an effect is provided that suggests to the player whether or not the current game state is a probable change state. Therefore, in the special effect execution process, first, it is determined whether or not the current game state is a probable change state (S700). As described above, when the probability variation function is activated, a probability variation start command is transmitted from the main control board 200 (see S528 in FIG. 16), and when the probability variation function is stopped, the probability variation end command is also transmitted from the main control board 200. Since it is transmitted (see S338 in FIG. 12), the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can determine whether or not the current gaming state is a probability change state based on these commands. The sub control board 220 may also set the probability variation flag. That is, a predetermined address in the RAM 223 of the sub control board 220 is assigned to the probability change flag, the probability change flag is set to ON when a probability change start command from the main control board 200 is received, and the probability change flag is turned OFF when a probability change end command is received. If it is set, it becomes possible to easily determine whether or not the probability change is being performed based on the setting (ON / OFF) of the probability change flag.

  If it is determined that the current gaming state is a probability variation state (S700: yes), a special effect for probability variation is suggested that suggests to the player that the probability variation state is present (S702). For example, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 reads out image data corresponding to the received control command from the image ROM 234 by transmitting a control command instructing a special effect pattern for probability change to the display control board 230, and A special effect for probability change is displayed on the display screen of the display device 27. Of course, the special effect is not limited to what is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27, and the special effect may be performed using various lamps 4b to 4f, various speakers 5y, 6c, and the like. Good.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current gaming state is not the probability variation state (S700: no), a special effect for the non-probability variation time that suggests to the player that it is not the probability variation state is executed (S704). ). For example, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 reads out image data corresponding to the received control command from the image ROM 234 by transmitting a control command instructing a special effect pattern for uncertain change to the display control board 230, A special effect for the uncertain change is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27. In addition, since the special effect pattern according to whether or not it is in the certain change state is stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220, the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment is the “effect pattern storage means” of the present invention. 1 aspect is comprised.

  When the special effect is executed in accordance with whether or not the current gaming state is the probability change state, the special effect execution process of FIG. 18 is terminated and the process returns to the special effect related process of FIG. Further, in the special effect related process, when returning from the special effect execution process, the process returns to the head of the special effect related process, and determines again whether or not the hold number designation command has been received (S600).

  In the above, the processing performed when the number of reserved special symbols is 1 or less (S608: yes) and it is determined that the game ball is being fired (S610: yes) has been described. If the number of holds is 2 or more (S608: no), or if it is determined that the game ball is not being fired (S610: no), whether or not the stagnation time measurement timer is operating Is determined (S620). As described above, the stagnation time measurement timer is a dedicated timer for measuring the time during which the number of reserved special symbols does not exceed 1 even though the game ball is being fired continuously. It is. If the stagnation time measurement timer is operating (S620: yes), a process for stopping the operation of the stagnation time measurement timer is performed (S622). On the other hand, if the stop time measurement timer is not operating (S620: no), the process of stopping the operation of the stagnation time measurement timer (S622) is omitted, and the process returns to the top of the special symbol related process as described above. The series of processes is repeated.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the time during which the number of reserved special symbols does not exceed 1 despite the continued launch of the game ball is measured. When this measurement time reaches a specified time, it is determined that a so-called slump state exists, and a special effect is executed. In this way, if it is determined whether or not it is in the slump state based on the game ball launch status and the special symbol hold accumulation status, and if a special effect is performed in the slump state, the slump You can change the impression of the game so that the player does not get bored with the game even in the state. In addition, even if the number of special symbols on hold continues to increase from 0 and 1 (ie, even if the display of fluctuations in special symbols is stagnant), the player continues to fire the game ball. As a result of this, a special performance is generated, so that it is possible to maintain and improve gaming motivation.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the content of the special effect is changed according to whether or not the current game state is a probable change state, and the player can execute the special effect to be executed. Depending on the content, it can be determined (estimated) whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. Therefore, a player who wants to know whether or not the current game state is a probabilistic state, even if the special symbol variation display is in a stagnation trend, expects a special effect for the probable change to occur. Will continue to fire. As a result, it is possible to more effectively maintain and improve gaming motivation until a special effect occurs.

  Here, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special mode is started after the end of the big hit game by the stop display of the 2R probability variation big hit symbol and after the end of the small hit game by the stop display of the small hit symbol ( The special mode entry effect is executed), and it is difficult for the player to determine whether or not the probability change is in progress even if the player switches to the special mode. In such a special mode, if the special symbol change display is performed smoothly, it is possible to increase the player's interest (expectation) that a big hit will occur immediately during the probability change, but in the special mode Despite becoming a slump state, if the change display of special symbols is delayed, there is a risk that the game entertainment will be reduced. However, even in such a case, if it is determined that it is in a slump state and a special performance is suggested that suggests whether or not the player has a high interest in the slump, a decrease in gaming interest will occur. Can be effectively suppressed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it has been described that the judgment regarding whether or not it is in the slump state (S608 to S618) is always performed in the special effect related processing shown in FIG. Since the special effect (S620) that suggests is particularly effective during the execution of the special mode in which it is difficult to determine whether or not the probability change is in progress, it is determined whether or not the special mode is in effect, and it is determined that the special mode is in effect. It may be configured to determine whether or not it is in the slump state only when it is performed.

D. Modified example:
In the embodiment described above, when the stagnation time measurement timer becomes “0” in the special effect-related processing (FIG. 17) (S616), it is determined that it is in the slump state, and the special effect is immediately executed (S618). It was. However, the special effect may be executed at a predetermined timing after the stagnation time measurement timer becomes “0”. For example, the special effect is executed in accordance with the start of a new variation display of the special symbol. It is good. Below, the modification which employ | adopted such a structure is demonstrated.

  FIG. 19 shows a process in which the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the modified example performs an effect using the display screen, sound effect, etc. of the effect display device 27 in accordance with the change display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (design). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a fluctuation production process. As shown in the figure, when the symbol variation effect process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command have been received (S800). As described above, these commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 when the symbol display device 28 starts to display the variation of the special symbol (S314 and S316 in FIG. 11). If the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command have not been received (S800: no), it is determined that it is not the start timing of the special symbol variation display, so that the process waits until these commands are received. To do.

  On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are received (S800: yes), it is determined whether or not the special effect execution flag is set to ON (S802). Here, the special effect execution flag is a flag indicating that the special effect is executed based on the judgment that the state is the slump state, and is assigned to a predetermined address in the RAM 223 of the sub control board 220. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the modified example, a process of setting the special effect execution flag to ON is performed instead of the special effect execution process in S618 of the special effect related process shown in FIG.

  In many cases, since the special effect execution flag remains set to OFF (S802: no), an effect display pattern without a special effect is determined (S804). Here, the effect display pattern is an identification symbol 27a, which is performed by the effect display device 27 in accordance with the variation time of the special symbol designated by the variation pattern designation command or the stop symbol of the special symbol designated by the variation pattern designation command. 27b and 27c are variations and stop displays. In S804, a normal effect display pattern without a special effect is determined.

  On the other hand, when the special effect execution flag is set to ON (S802: yes), the effect display pattern with the special effect is determined (S806). That is, in accordance with the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, an effect display pattern for displaying on the effect display device 27 a special effect that suggests whether or not the probability change is being performed is determined. If the effect display pattern with the special effect is determined, the special effect execution flag is set to OFF (S808).

  When the effect display pattern is determined according to the setting (ON / OFF) of the special effect execution flag in this way, a control command for instructing the determined effect display pattern is transmitted to the display control board 230, thereby causing the effect display device 27 to transmit the control command. The variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started (S810). At this time, the CPU 231 of the display control board 230 reads the image data corresponding to the control command from the sub control board 220 from the image ROM 234, and using the read image data, the effect display device 27 uses the identification symbols 27a, 27b, The change display of 27c (design change effect) is performed. As a result, when a control command for instructing an effect display pattern accompanied by a special effect is transmitted, the effect display device 27 displays a special effect indicating whether or not the probable change is being made, along with the change display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. It is done at.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command has been received (S812). As described above, the symbol stop command is transmitted from the main control board 200 when stopping the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 (S320 in FIG. 11). And when the symbol stop command is not received (S812: no), it waits as it is. On the other hand, when the symbol stop command is received (S812: yes), the control unit transmits the control command to the display control board 230 to stop the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the determined stop display mode. After the display (S814), the process returns to the top of the symbol variation effect process, and it is determined again whether the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command have been received (S800).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the modified example, when it is determined that it is in the slump state (when the stagnation time measurement timer becomes “0”), the special effect is not immediately executed, A special effect execution flag for storing that effect is set, and the special effect is executed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol (and the accompanying symbol change effect) newly started after the flag is set. It has become. In this way, by executing the special effect in accordance with the start of the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 27 that attracts the player's attention, it is possible to strongly impress the player that the special effect has occurred. It becomes possible to maintain and improve game willingness more effectively.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, as a special effect, an effect that suggests to the player whether or not the current game state is a probable change state is performed, but the content of the special effect is limited to this. Do not mean. For example, as a special effect, a reach effect or a notice effect that hardly appears in normal times (when not in a slump state) may be executed. In this way, if a low-reach reach or notice effect is generated in a slump state, it gives an impression that something special will happen and attracts the player to the game. It becomes possible to leave.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the specified time set in the stagnation time measurement timer is one type. However, as a plurality of prescribed times are provided, any one of them may be selected and set in the timer. And it is also possible to change the contents of the special performance according to the length of the set specified time. For example, whether the set specified time is longer or not is in a highly reliable manner. It is good also as performing the special production to suggest. If it does in this way, since a variation can be added to the timing at which the special effect appears and the contents of the special effect, even in the pachinko machine 1 in which a slump state is likely to occur, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in gaming motivation. Is possible.

  Furthermore, a short specified time (for example, 1 minute) is set in the stagnation time measurement timer, and the count reaches the specified number (for example, 5 times) by counting the number of times the timer has become “0”. In such a case, a special effect may be executed. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine a long-term slump state (for example, the number of reserved symbols for a specific symbol may be 2 or more in the short term, but the period that does not exceed 1 is longer). Is possible.

1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine),
17 ... Start port (start detection device),
27 ... Production display device,
28 ... Symbol display device,
37 ... Launch ball detection switch (launch detection means),
200 ... main control board,
201 ... CPU (holding storage means, hit probability changing means),
220 ... Sub-control board,
221 ... CPU (measuring means, special effect executing means),
222... ROM (production pattern storage means).

Claims (3)

A game ball is fired toward a game board provided with a symbol display device and a start detection device that triggers a symbol variation display on the symbol display device, and the game ball flowing down the game board is When the start detection device detects, the symbol display starts the symbol variation display on the symbol display device, and when the symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device is stopped and displayed at a predetermined hit symbol, a bullet that executes a hit game In gaming machines,
Launch detection means for detecting whether or not a game ball is being launched toward the game board;
When a game ball is detected by the start detection device during the symbol variation display on the symbol display device, in order to start a new variation display associated with the passage of the game ball after the variation display ends, the game A holding storage means for storing the detection of the sphere as a holding;
A measuring means for measuring a time during which a state in which the number of holdings stored in the holding storage unit is 1 or less is detected and the game ball has been detected by the shooting detection unit;
A bullet ball game machine comprising: special effect execution means for executing a predetermined special effect when the time measured by the measurement means reaches a specified time. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The special performance execution means
When the measurement time by the measuring means reaches the specified time, the fact that the specified time has passed is stored,
The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the special effect is executed in accordance with a change display of a symbol newly started by the symbol display device after storing the passage of the specified time. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
A hit probability of changing the hit probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device after the winning game is ended according to the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device among the plurality of winning symbols that are provided. Change means,
Effect pattern storage means for storing an effect pattern that is the content of the special effect in association with each of the plurality of hit probabilities;
The special effect executing means selects an effect pattern corresponding to the current hit probability from the plurality of effect patterns stored in the effect pattern storage means, and performs the special effect of the selected effect pattern. A ball game machine characterized by being executed.

Images