JP2011004787A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a desired performance pattern when a plurality of performance patterns are provided.SOLUTION: In a variable display performance using performance symbols, the desired performance pattern is generated by setting a forcing command. That is, when the forcing command is set on performance control (S606:Yes), a randomly acquired random number value for drawing is forcibly rewritten with a random number value for enforcement (S616), and then the drawing processing (S618) of the performance pattern is executed. Thus, a desired specified performance pattern can be arbitrarily generated and also inconsistency with other performances is prevented.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes an effect when an event occurs during the execution of a game.

  As prior art related to this type of gaming machine, for example, triggered by the occurrence of a winning in the start winning area provided in the gaming area, the variable display device starts variable display of each of the left, middle and right symbols, After this, at least when the middle symbol that is derived and displayed last is variably displayed, when the left and right symbols from which the display results are derived and displayed first satisfy a part of a specific combination, reach effect is reached Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This prior art performs reach production by generating a reach state when a random value acquired in relation to the timing of variable display start of a symbol matches a predetermined reach determination value. By making the pattern variation pattern different from the variation pattern in the normal state, it is intended to enhance the interest of the game while giving the player the expectation of occurrence of a big hit.

  In the above prior art, the number of variable displays executed after the last reach state is counted, and when the count value reaches a certain comparison number data value, the reach state is forcibly generated there. Reach control is performed. For this reason, according to the prior art, when the control is performed to generate the reach state using a completely random random number value, the reach state is maintained over a long period of time while preventing the occurrence frequency of the reach effect from being biased. It is thought that the situation where no occurs at all can be avoided.

JP 2004-208731 A

  However, the above-described prior art merely generates a reach state when the number of fluctuations set in advance is reached after the last reach state occurs, and what kind of reach effect appears in the reach state. The only choice is random. For this reason, even if a plurality of effect patterns having different contents are prepared for the reach effect, for example, a desired effect pattern cannot be designated and executed. Therefore, even if the prior art method can eliminate the bias in the reach occurrence frequency to some extent, it cannot prevent the content of the reach effect from being biased. In some cases, the same content often occurs. However, there is a problem of making the game monotonous.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a technique capable of selecting a desired effect pattern when a plurality of effect patterns are provided.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a specific event occurrence production execution means for executing a specific event occurrence production triggered by the occurrence of a specific event during the execution of the game, and the content of the specific event occurrence production. As described above, each of the plurality of effect patterns defined by the effect pattern defining means when performing the effect pattern defining means for preliminarily defining a plurality of effect patterns and the effect when the specific event occurs by the effect executing means when the specific event occurs Based on a preset selection ratio, an effect pattern selection means for selecting any effect pattern, and a selection decision for determining which effect pattern should be selected by the effect pattern selection means triggered by the occurrence of a specific event Selection decision element acquisition means to acquire elements randomly, and when a specific condition is satisfied at least when a specific event occurs, A selection forcing means for forcibly selecting a specific effect pattern by the effect pattern selection means using the selection decision element after the change by making a change to the selection decision element randomly obtained by the choice element acquisition means; Is provided.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, since an effect pattern is normally selected using a selection decision element obtained at random (when it is not compulsory), a bias based on the selection ratio occurs in the selection result. However, by changing the selection determining element, a specific performance pattern can be generated arbitrarily (freely) without depending on the selection ratio. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the production pattern from being biased, to give an appropriate change, and to stop the decrease in the game motivation.

  In particular, in the present invention, instead of forcibly changing a result selected using a selection decision element obtained at random, by making a change to the selection decision element that is the source (= factor) of the selection, The result that the desired specific production pattern is selected can be naturally derived. Therefore, there is no need to go through the process of forcibly changing the result of natural selection later, and the selection result itself will not be different from what is normally obtained. There is no such thing as giving a player an unnatural impression, or distrust or discomfort. In this regard, the present invention further provides the following solutions.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, the specific event occurrence production execution means executes a combination of at least a plurality of specific event occurrence productions whose contents are classified into two types. Further, the effect pattern defining means defines a plurality of effect patterns as the contents of each of the types of effects when the specific event occurs. The effect pattern selection means uses the one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means when the specific event occurrence effect execution means executes a combination of a plurality of types of specific event occurrence effects. A combination of production patterns is selected for each type of production at the time of occurrence. At this time, the selection forcing means includes a specific effect pattern with respect to at least one kind of effect at the time of occurrence of the specific event with respect to the effect pattern selection means by changing one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means. The combination of production patterns by type is forcibly selected.

  For example, when there are at least two types of effects at the time of occurrence of a specific event as described above, these two types are usually selected as a set. Therefore, if only one of them is forcibly changed later, the premise of the combination is changed, and as a result, an effect is generated with an unnatural combination. That is, if only one type (for example, production B) of the two types of specific event occurrence effects (for example, productions A and B) is later changed to a specific production pattern, the selection is based on the assumption. An inconsistency (inconsistency) occurs in the combination.

  With regard to this point, the present invention does not forcibly change only one type of effect at the time of occurrence of a specific event (for example, effect B), but instead changes the selection decision element so that a desired specific effect pattern can be obtained. The combination of effects included when a specific event occurs (combination of effects A and B) is forcibly selected. As a result, there is no inconsistency (inconsistency) in the combination of the productions at the time of occurrence of specific events, and the production at the time of occurrence of specific events can be executed with the original natural combination including a specific production pattern. There is no misunderstanding as if a defect (a bug in selecting a production) occurred.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 and 2, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a lottery executing means for executing an internal lottery related to a player's profit when a specific event occurs during a normal game. When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery executing means, the symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the result of the internal lottery is won. As a result, when the symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means in a winning manner, the game display device further includes special game execution means for executing a special game to which a special condition different from normal is applied.

  In this case, the specific event occurrence effect executing means executes the variable display effect corresponding to the symbol change display at least within the change time at the time of the symbol change display by the symbol display means, and then is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means. A symbol effect execution means for executing a stop display effect corresponding to the symbol, and a reach state in which the stop display effect corresponding to the symbol of the special mode is partially configured during execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means. And a reach effect executing means for executing the reach effect within the change time after the reach state is generated by the reach state generating means during execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect executing means.

  The effect pattern defining means defines a plurality of reach effect patterns as the contents of the reach effect, and the effect pattern selecting means uses one of the reach determination patterns using the selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means. Is to select. The selection forcing means can force the effect pattern selecting means to select a specific reach effect pattern as the specific effect pattern by changing the selection determining element acquired by the selection determining element acquiring means. .

  In this case, a specific event that occurs during a normal game has a meaning as a trigger for executing the internal lottery. That is, when the internal lottery is performed, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed. At this time, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a special manner, a special game opportunity is given to the player as a trigger. In the special game, a special condition (for example, a special prize bonus is given) different from that of the normal game is applied, so that the player can enjoy the profit.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the specific event occurrence effect includes at least a “variable display effect”, a “stop display effect”, and a “reach effect”. Among them, “variable display effect” and “stop display effect” are executed at the time of the change of symbols every time, regardless of whether the result of the internal lottery is won or not. "Is executed when the result of the internal lottery is expected to be winning. In other words, “reach production” is expected to expect that symbols may be stopped and displayed in a special manner due to this change, and as a result, there is a possibility that a special game opportunity will be given (a big hit) Is expected to be relatively high.

  As described above, the “reach effect” among the effects at the time of occurrence of the specific event has a property that the player is particularly interested and easily attracts attention. Therefore, if a specific reach effect pattern can be generated as desired for the “reach effect”, it is possible to further increase the player's expectation for winning.

  Further, in the present invention, when a specific reach effect pattern is forcibly selected for the “reach effect”, other “variable display effects” and “stop display” are made by changing the selection determining element (element of selection). It is possible to prevent inconsistency (inconsistency) from occurring in the combination with “production”. For this reason, for example, the “stop display effect” at the time of winning is selected together with the “specific reach effect pattern” selected only when the internal lottery is not won, or conversely, it is selected only at the time of winning the internal lottery. In addition to the “specific reach production pattern”, it is possible to reliably prevent the “stop display production” from being selected at the time of non-winning.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 3, the specific event occurrence effect executing means notifies that the reach state may be generated by the reach state generating means during execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect executing means. The design stops in a special manner during the execution of the reach production by the reach production execution means after the occurrence of the reach state by the reach production means and the pre-reach production production execution means for performing the production of the content before the occurrence of the reach. It may further include a post-reach notice effect execution means for executing a notice effect after the occurrence of reach with a content for notifying that there is a possibility of being displayed.

  In this case, in addition to the reach effect pattern, the effect pattern defining means further includes a plurality of pre-reach notice effect patterns and a plurality of reach effect notice patterns as the contents of the pre-reach notice effect and the reach notice effect. The effect pattern selecting means selects at least a combination of the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern and the reach effect pattern using one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means. In this case, the selection forcing means changes a single selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means, thereby giving a specific pre-occurrence notice effect pattern as a specific effect pattern to the effect pattern selection means. A combination with a reach production pattern can be forcibly selected.

  According to the above configuration, in addition to the “variable display effect”, the “stop display effect”, and the “reach effect”, the “prediction effect before the occurrence of reach” and the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” are further provided as the effects when the specific event occurs. It will be included. Of these, the “pre-reach announcement effect” is executed when the possibility of a reach state occurring prior to the “reach effect”, and the “reach occurrence notification effect” is “reach effect”. At the same time, the possibility of winning in the internal lottery is further expected. In any case, the “pre-reach announcement effect before reach” and the “pre-reach announcement effect” reach the expectation that there is a possibility that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in a special manner due to the current fluctuation. In addition, the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach”, in particular, is that the reach state of this time will eventually stop and display the symbols in a special manner, and as a result, there is a possibility that a special game opportunity will be given (a big hit) It is a notice that the price is relatively high.

  As described above, the “pre-reach notice effect” and the “reach notice effect” are also of the nature that the player is highly interested in, together with the “reach effect”, and is easily noticed. In addition, the “pre-reach announcement effect” predicts the occurrence of the reach state at a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, so it can easily impact the player's expectation early from the beginning of the change. It ’s an effective production. Therefore, if it is possible to generate a specific pre-reach notice effect pattern as desired for the “pre-reach notice effect”, it is possible to prevent the player's sense of expectation from diminishing from the beginning of the change. Can do.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, when a specific pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern is forcibly selected for the “pre-reach notice effect”, a change is made to the selection determination element (element of selection), thereby “reach effect” It is possible to prevent inconsistency (inconsistency) from occurring in the combination. For this reason, for example, together with the “specific reach pre-occurrence notice pattern” selected only when the internal lottery is not won, the “reach effect” at the time of winning is selected, or conversely, only when the internal lottery is won. It is possible to reliably prevent the “reach effect” at the time of non-winning being selected together with the selected “pre-reach pre-occurrence effect pattern”.

  Solving means 5: In the solving means 4, the effect pattern selecting means is a combination of the pre-reach notice effect pattern and the reach effect pattern, or the reach using one selection determining element acquired by the selection determining element acquiring means. It is also possible to select at least one of the combination of the effect pattern and the notice effect pattern after the occurrence of reach. In this case, the selection forcing means includes a specific pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern as a specific effect pattern for the effect pattern selection means by changing one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means. It is possible to forcibly select at least one of a combination with a reach effect pattern or a combination with a reach effect pattern including a notice effect pattern after the occurrence of a specific reach.

  As described above, the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” is the one in which the reach state of this time finally stops and displays the symbols in a special manner, and as a result, an opportunity for a special game is given. Since it predicts that there is a relatively high possibility of being a big hit (big hit), it is easy to impact the player's expectation especially in the latter half of the fluctuation, and it is also an effective performance. Further, the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” is not executed unless the “reach state” has occurred, and therefore does not have the property of appearing very frequently. For that reason, the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” will cause the player's attention to increase at once when it appears, so a specific “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” can be generated arbitrarily for the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” Is effective as a production effect.

  Accordingly, in addition to the solution means 4, if a specific post-reach notice effect pattern can be generated as desired for the “reach notice effect after the occurrence of reach”, the player's expectation will be reduced at the end of the fluctuation. Can be prevented. Further, in the present solution, a specific pre-reach notice effect pattern can be forcibly selected for (1) “pre-reach notice effect”, and (2) “pre-reach notice effect after reach” is specified. It is also possible to forcibly select a notice effect pattern after reaching the reach, and (3) a specific notice effect pattern before the reach occurrence and a specific notice effect pattern for both “notice effect before reach” and “notice effect after reach”. Since it is also possible to forcibly select the notice effect pattern after reaching, it is possible to maintain the expectation from various viewpoints by the variations (1) to (3).

  Furthermore, in the present invention, by changing the selection determining element (element of selection) as described above, it is possible to prevent inconsistency (inconsistency) from occurring in any combination of the above (1) to (3). Can do. For this reason, for example, together with the “pre-reach notice effect pattern before the occurrence of reach” selected only when the internal lottery is not won, the “pre-reach notice effect after the occurrence of reach” is selected. It is possible to reliably prevent the “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” from being selected together with the “specific notice effect before the occurrence of reach” selected only at the time of winning. In addition, the “pre-reach notice announcement pattern after the occurrence of the specific reach” selected only when the internal lottery is not won, or the “pre-reach notice effect before the occurrence of the reach” is selected, or conversely when the internal lottery is won. It is also possible to reliably prevent the “pre-reach notice effect before the occurrence of a reach” being selected together with the “pre-reach notice effect pattern after the occurrence of a specific reach” being selected. In addition, the “specific reach pre-announcement effect pattern” selected only when the internal lottery is not won and the “pre-reach pre-announcement effect pattern” selected only when winning are executed with the same fluctuation, On the contrary, the “specific reach pre-announcement effect pattern” selected only when winning the internal lottery and the “pre-reach pre-occurrence effect pattern” selected only when not winning are executed with the same variation. Can be reliably prevented.

  Solving means 6: In the solving means 5, the effect pattern selecting means is a combination of the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern and the reach effect pattern or the reach effect using one selection determining element acquired by the selection determining element acquiring means. A combination of a pattern and a notice effect pattern after the occurrence of reach, or a combination of a notice effect pattern before the reach occurrence, a reach effect pattern, and a notice effect pattern after the reach occurrence is selected. By combining a selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means, a combination with a reach effect pattern including a specific pre-reach notice effect pattern as a specific effect pattern for the effect pattern selection means Or, a preview effect after a specific reach occurs Or a reach effect pattern including both a specific pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern and a specific reach pre-occurrence notice effect pattern. be able to.

  If it is said aspect, in addition to the solution means 5, it can prevent reliably that inconsistency (contradiction) arises also in the combination with reach production. For this reason, for example, together with the “specific reach pre-announcement notice pattern” that is selected only when the internal lottery is not won, the “reach effect” or “pre-reach notice effect” will be selected. On the other hand, along with the “pre-reach notice effect pattern before the occurrence of reach” selected only when winning the internal lottery, the “reach effect” or “notice effect after the occurrence of reach” may be selected. It can be surely prevented. Also, together with the “specific reach after-warning notice pattern” that is selected only when the internal lottery is not won, the “reach effect” or “pre-reach notice effect” at the time of winning is selected. It is also certain that the “reaching effect” and “pre-reaching effect” will be selected at the time of non-winning, together with the “specific reach after-warning effect pattern” that is selected only when the internal lottery is won. Can be prevented. Furthermore, the “specific reach pre-warning effect pattern” and “specific reach pre-warning effect” that are selected only when the internal lottery is not won are selected together with the “reach effect” when not winning. On the other hand, the “specific reach pre-announcement effect pattern” and “specific reach pre-warning effect pattern” that are selected only when winning the internal lottery are selected together with the “reach effect” at the time of winning. This can also be reliably prevented.

  Solving means 7: Further, in the solving means 3 to 6, the specific event occurrence effect executing means combines at least a stage effect using a predetermined background image when executing the variable display effect and the stop display effect by the symbol effect executing means. It further includes stage effect execution means to be executed. The effect pattern defining means further defines a stage effect pattern including a plurality of background images as the contents of the stage effect, and the effect pattern selecting means uses one selection determination element acquired by the selection determining element acquisition means. Thus, at least a combination of stage effect patterns and other effect patterns is selected. Then, the selection forcing means changes one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means, thereby changing other effect patterns including a specific stage effect pattern as a specific effect pattern with respect to the effect pattern selection means. Can be forcibly selected.

  With such an aspect, when the stage effect is executed, the type of the background image is changed, so that the player's eyes can be changed and motivation can be maintained. In addition, by arbitrarily generating a specific stage effect pattern, it is possible to impact the player's expectation through a remarkable phenomenon of changing the background image.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, when a specific stage effect pattern is forcibly selected for “stage effect”, a change is made to the selection determining element (element of selection), which is inconsistent with the combination with other effect patterns (inconsistency) ) Can be prevented. For this reason, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent inconsistency (inconsistency) from occurring with other effect patterns in combination with the “specific stage effect pattern”.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can maximize the effects of the effects by generating a specific effect pattern arbitrarily (freely). In particular, even for performance patterns with a relatively low selection ratio, this can be arbitrarily generated to give the player an opportunity to touch a rare performance and effectively maintain the expectation of the performance. be able to.

  Also, in the present invention, the selected result is not forcibly changed later, but the selection factor itself is changed, so that inconsistencies (inconsistencies) occur in combinations of a plurality of types of performance patterns. Can be prevented. Therefore, there is no distrust as if a malfunction occurred in internal control due to contradictions in the appearance effect pattern.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a continuation figure showing the example of production performed at the time of non-winning. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach change production at the time of big hit. It is the figure which showed the example of the background image used by stage production. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a stage change production. It is the game flow figure which showed roughly the flow from which various production patterns generate | occur | produce from the change start of a 1st special symbol or a 2nd special symbol to a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a procedure of effect pattern lottery processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a background change lottery table at the time of a normal state evening cool stage stay. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a background change lottery table at the time of a normal state yukata stage stay. It is a figure which shows one structural example of an effect lottery table address selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation production pattern selection table. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the notice effect pattern selection table before reach generation. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the notice effect pattern selection table after reach generation. It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the fluctuation | variation display effect at the time of setting a forced command about the notice effect pattern after reach generation. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of the change display production at the time of setting a forced command about a reach production pattern.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player Based on the number of games, it can be converted into a game value. The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a plastic frame assembly 7 (game machine frame) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure in which wood is combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame assembly 2 uses fasteners such as screws for island facilities (not shown) in the game hall. Are fixed.

  The other glass frame unit 4, tray unit 6, and plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame assembly 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the right edge (left edge in FIG. 2) of the plastic frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, the glass frame unit 4 and the right edge (back side) of the outer frame assembly 2 are each provided with a locking tool (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  A cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of a game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates to open the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 together with the plastic frame assembly 7. It becomes a state. When these are entirely opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the plastic frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board 8 is exposed directly, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the tray unit 6 is exposed. If the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by the plastic frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4. The game board 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7 with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The glass frame unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 in an openable / closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the game board surface.

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape projecting from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side as a whole, and an upper dish 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separately received from the payout unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6b or lower pan 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees). (For example, 125) game balls are lent out. For this reason, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium put in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is taken as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  In addition, an upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the front surface of the tray unit 6 in front of the upper dish 6b in the upper position, and a lower dish ball removal button 6e in the center of the lower dish 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c by sliding the upper plate ball removing lever 6d leftward, for example. Further, the player can, for example, push down the lower dish ball removal button 6e to drop the game balls stored in the lower dish 6c downward and discharge them. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a starting gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, an upper starting winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or the normal winning ports 22, 24, the upper starting winning port 26, and the variable starting winning device during operation. Win 28 (enter a ball). The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, the lower start winning port 28a can be awarded. (Ordinary electric appliance). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown in the figure, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, winning to the lower start winning opening 28a is impossible (a state in which there is no gap through which game balls can flow). ing. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the lower start winning port 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the lower start winning port 28a. Note that the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is basically a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game balls toward the variable start winning device 28, but the game balls are always variable. The inflow does not necessarily flow into the start winning device 28, but the inflow occurs only at random.

  In addition, the above variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and can be awarded to a big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric equipment). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, winning in the big winning opening is always impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, all game balls that have been driven into the game area 8 a including the game balls won in the upper start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are collected to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, A first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and stop state of the special symbol by, for example, 7 segment LEDs (with dots), respectively (symbol display means).

  In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a each display 0 to 4 memory numbers, for example, by combinations of extinguishing, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). (Memory number display means). For example, when both lamps are off, 0 is stored, when 1 lamp is lit, 1 is displayed, and when the same lamp is flashing, 2 is displayed. When the other lamp is turned on, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when the two lamps are both flashed, 4 stored numbers are displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed one by one in the sense that the winning occurs when the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26, and the change of the special symbol is triggered by the winning. Each time is started, the display decreases by one. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed one by one in the sense that when a game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port), the fact that a winning has occurred is stored one by one. Every time a special symbol change is started, the display is reduced by one. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol is already in the upper start winning opening 26 in a state where the first special symbol can start to change (when stopped). The display does not increase even if game balls flow in. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port) in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball flows into the display, the display does not increase. That is, the number of displays (maximum 4) of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a represents the number of winnings that have not yet started to change in the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

  The game state display device 38 includes four LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, and a short time state display lamp 38d.

  In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol described above. The operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are attached to the game board 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89.

[Other configuration of the game board: see FIG. 1]
The game board 8 is provided with a production unit 40 from the center position to the right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by the three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light using, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. As described above, the game board 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f easily flows into the upper start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. Become. In addition, the production unit 40 may be accompanied by a drive source (eg, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) together with a production movable body (eg, a character figure, decoration, etc.). In addition to the effect using the image by the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect by the light emitter, the movable body for effect can execute the effect accompanied by the operation of the tangible object.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46 and 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit 8 as components for production. In addition, a tray lamp 52 is installed in the tray unit 6, and the tray lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, and the glass frame side lamp 50 are integrally connected on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in appearance. Designed as if it were.

  The various lamps 46 to 52 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like) of built-in LEDs. In addition, a pair of left and right glass frame speakers 54 and a glass frame middle speaker 55 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a saucer speaker 56 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 6 c in the saucer unit 6. Built in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The player operates the effect switching button 45 to switch the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42), for example, while the symbol is changing, during the big hit confirmation display, or during the big hit game It is possible to generate some effects (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, etc.).

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, external terminal plates 160 and 161, power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 4).

  The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference sign), and the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7. In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to a prize ball case through an upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated.

  The main controller 70 is also equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Has been implemented. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82, and a count switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, respectively. . Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. The winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87, and are sent to the panel relay terminal plate 87. , Wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying the respective winning detection signals are provided.

  The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, and 35a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the substrate 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a big prize opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively. The solenoids 88 and 90 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87 described above.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the plastic frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame assembly 2. The contact point signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is provided. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted. The payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98 is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls.

  In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (stepping motor). The payout device substrate 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. . The payout device substrate 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94), and pays out the designated number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The dispensing device substrate 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the dispensing control device 92 (dispensing control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual payout number and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with the firing control board 108. In addition, a ball feeding solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Moreover, the launch solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the launch position, and performs the operation of firing game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8 as described above. The game ball is emitted at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute).

  On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  The tray unit 6 is provided with a tray relay terminal plate 118, and each signal from the firing lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the firing stop switch 116 is sent via the tray relay terminal plate 118 to the firing control board 108. Sent to. Further, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the saucer relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. . In addition, a gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the tray relay terminal plate 118, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the same launching is also performed. The drive circuit of the control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 has a built-in CR board 122. The CR board 122 has a switch connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 respectively, and a display of a frequency display unit (for three digits). 7 segment LED). When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted from the CR board 122 to the CR unit via the tray relay terminal plate 118 and the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of valuable media is transmitted from the CR unit to the CR substrate 122 from the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 via the tray relay terminal plate 118. A display circuit (not shown) on the CR substrate 122 drives the display based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and an acoustic driving circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 to emit various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. Or a process of actually outputting sound effects, voices, and the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

  The acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator that includes a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the upper speaker 54 and the lower speaker 56 to perform acoustic output.

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Is done. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 45 to the glass-frame decoration board 136 is given here, when installing said saucer illumination board, the production switch button 45 is connected to the saucer illumination board. Also good. In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board 8 and the display screen through the substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board 8 is visible. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to the backlight of the liquid crystal display 42. Furthermore, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 that is a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 that is a display processor is mounted. Among these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 is integrated with a processor core (not shown). The VRAM 156 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes production control using various lamps 46 to 53 and speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, and production control by image display using the liquid crystal display 42. . The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives the information transmits a specific effect image based on the basic information. Control the display.

  The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 156, and individually handles each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data. To drive.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device.

  A board external terminal board 160 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and a frame external terminal board 161 is installed on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) are external information (special symbol variation) toward the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the panel external terminal plate 160 and the frame external terminal plate 161, respectively. Start status, prize ball payout information, game status information such as during jackpot, probability variation function in operation, and time reduction function in operation can be output. The signals output from the board external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer in a game hall.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery) or conversely clears the backup information, thereby adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 Process. The reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.

  Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and checking the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of a mask register in order to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value for enabling the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is executed next.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power interruption.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends a command for returning to the effect control device 124 (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a working memory number command, a count counter remaining command, a special game state designation command, etc. ). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state (for example, the display state of special symbols, the internal probability state, The operation memory contents, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. The main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S106: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting the payout of prize balls to the payout control device 92.

  Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing, and performs initial setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue the processing from the program address of the PC register that has been backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in supply voltage). When the power cut-off occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90, and the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76. And save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers including the big hit decision random number are generated on the program. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 7), but the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round in this process. is doing. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is the same as another interruption process (step S202 in FIG. 7). It is for preventing.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 7). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and general-purpose registers B to L) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved in the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot determined random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a regular symbol determined random number, and the like.

  Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, an input state (ON / OFF) of a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and a winning detection signal from the upper starting winning port switch 80, the lower starting winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86. Lead.

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the determination of an event occurring during the game is made based on the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning opening switch 80, and the lower starting winning opening switch 82. Depending on the event that occurred, further processing is executed. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 or the lower starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 performs internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event (specific event) that triggered the event has occurred. When the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the change display and stop display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 described above, and displays the display result. Accordingly, the operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of prize balls is issued. Output.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information (special symbol variation start information, prize ball payout information, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction to the hall computer of the game hall through the board external terminal board 160. Game status information such as that the function is operating is stored in the port output request buffer.

  Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and stored in the port output request buffer. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 stores a frame open state signal indicating the open state of the main body (for example, the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7) of the pachinko machine 1 in the port output request buffer. In the output management process, the main control CPU 72 manages data output other than commands. Specifically, the drive signal and test signal for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 are stored in the port output request buffer.

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Store in port output request buffer.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer corresponding to the other output ports.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of steps S205 to S212 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S215, Step S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 7). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the lower start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. Further, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 when the small hit occurs (however, since the opening time per time at the small hit is an extremely short time, the winning hardly occurs. ). On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 7).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 8). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determined random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol does not reach four, the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes), In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 7).

  Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot determination random number counter area of the RAM 76. The random value is acquired by designating the address of the big hit determination random number counter area. The address is specified in two parts, one byte at the upper and lower positions. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as random number values related to the variation condition of the first special symbol. Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the empty section in the area. To memorize as a set. The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read in the FIFO format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management state (internal state) is operating the time reduction function. If the time reduction function is not activated (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38, and if the time reduction function is in operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes steps S37 and S38. Skip to step S39. In the present embodiment, this determination is made by giving priority to the variation of the second special symbol over the first special symbol, and the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is particularly high during the time reduction function operation. This is because it is performed at a frequency. In addition, during the time reduction function, in addition to shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol, the lottery of the normal symbol has a high probability (for example, about 250/251), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened ( For example, it is reduced from about 4 seconds to about 1 second when not operating) and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended (for example, extended from about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds when not operating). Therefore, the working memory of the second special symbol is not easily interrupted (so-called electric chew support).

  Step S37: When the time shortening function is not activated (step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process is based on the results of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of change) based on the jackpot determined random number, the jackpot symbol random number, the reach determination random number, and the variation pattern determined random number of the first special symbol acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, respectively. , Thereby determining the contents of the production (so-called “look ahead”). The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the at-acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38 and the start opening winning sound control command to the effect control device 124.

  When the above procedure is completed or the first special symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 8). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol operating memory number counter to check whether or not the operating memory number is less than 4. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter has reached 4 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than 4 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 9), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 7) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S32 (FIG. 9) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 9) described above.

  Step S44: The main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 9) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers in the empty section in the area To memorize as a set. The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 9) described above.

  Step S46: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process is based on the results of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern decision random number of the second special symbol obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively. This is for determining the contents of the production. The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S47: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous effect determination processing at the time of acquisition (step S46), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S48: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process for the second special symbol. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 9 and step S46 in FIG. 10). As described above, this processing is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (for example, “00H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of loss).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 9) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 10). .

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S70.

  Step S70: In this case, the main control CPU 72 loads a prior reach determination random number. For the advance reach determination random number, the reach determination random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 9) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 10). Can be used.

  Step S72: Next, the main control CPU 72 compares the prior reach determination random number with the comparison value, and determines whether or not the value is within the reach fluctuation range. If it is not within the reach fluctuation range (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9) or the second special symbol (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the prior reach determination random number is within the reach fluctuation range (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S74.

  Step S74: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a reach fluctuation pattern determination value (for example, the lower byte is “10H”). The set determination value is transferred to the transmission command buffer as a first determination effect command at the time of non-winning.

  When the main control CPU 72 executes step S74, the process returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The comparative value for low probability is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S58: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a special symbol probability state flag. This state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state is highly probable (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the probability is high (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the probability is low (normally normal), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”).

  Step S60: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H). If the result indicates a high probability (No), the next step Step S62 is executed.

  Step S62: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S58 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Thus, when the internal state has a high probability, the next step S64 is executed after rewriting the comparison value. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S60 that the state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S62 and executes the next step S64.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value. That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S70. The procedure after step S70 is the same as already described. On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S66.

  Step S66: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit type determination process. This processing is for determining the jackpot type (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 9) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 10). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54, and it is determined from the result whether the jackpot type corresponds to “2 round symbol” or “15 round symbol”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol determination value, and proceeds to the next step S68.

  Step S68: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol judgment value stored in the previous step S66 as the lower byte of the special figure destination judgment effect command. As the special symbol determination value, for example, “0AH” is set when it corresponds to “2 round symbols”, and “01H” is set when it corresponds to “15 round symbols”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 10).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 7) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. Among the winning modes, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops in a special mode (for example, a 15-round jackpot mode), the normal state up to that point is changed to a big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player). An opportunity to migrate occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is energized for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 15 times), and thereby variable. The winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win game balls in a concentrated manner, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls. Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the big win is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 15 times, these may be collectively referred to as “15 rounds”.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds and the number of opening / closing operations per round) in the variable winning device management process, every time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round is completed. Increment the value of the round counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag or time reduction function operation flag). When the “high probability state” is entered, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is higher than usual (about 10 times). In addition, when the “time reduction state” is entered, the time reduction function is activated, and the variation time of the special symbol at the time of non-winning is reduced as a whole compared to the normal state. Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

  In addition to the 15 round big hits described above, in this embodiment, two round big hits are provided as a plurality of winning types. If the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in the big round big hit mode in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the short hit big hit gaming state occurs. However, since the 2-round jackpot game ends in an extremely short time compared to the 15-round jackpot game, there is almost no winning in the big winning opening. Instead, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the end of the big hit game, as a result, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player.

  In the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. That is, in the previous special symbol stop display process, if the special symbol stops in a small win mode, a small hit game (game in which the variable winning device 30 operates) is executed in the normal state. In such a small winning game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a special number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins in the big winning opening as in the two-round big winning game. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability change function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so it goes to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state”. The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that).

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demonstration setting process in step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 7). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of any of the working memory number counters is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. The shifted random number is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Only when the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in another common storage area. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols.

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, as a more detailed procedure of the jackpot determination process, for example, the procedure (steps S52 to S64 in FIG. 9) mentioned in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process may be applied.

  When the above big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the small hit value in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery). Execution means). The “small hit” here is other than non-winning (out of), but is different from “big hit”. That is, “big hit” generates an opportunity (game milestone) to shift to the above “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, but “small hit” does not generate such an opportunity. However, “small hit” is positioned as satisfying the condition for operating the variable winning device 30 as in the case of “big hit”. Note that the range of the small hit value set at this time may be different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state), or may be the same. In any case, if the read random number value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. As described above, in the present embodiment, as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is defined in advance in the program. Each of them may be written in the ROM 74, read out, and the big hit determination may be performed while comparing with the random value.

  Here, as described above, since the big hit determination random number value is read separately for the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the big hit determination process (internal lottery) is performed for each symbol. For example, if the random number value corresponding to the first special symbol is read in the previous step S2200, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the first special symbol. On the other hand, if the random number value corresponding to the second special symbol is read, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set in the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine the big hit (for example, 01H is set) or the small hit (for example, 0AH is set) according to the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Specifically, if the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol and the big hit symbol random number have been preferentially shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process, the main control CPU 72 displays the second special symbol display here. Stop symbol number data by the device 35 is set. On the other hand, if the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol is shifted, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data by the first special symbol display device 34 here. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S115 in FIG. 5).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for each of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the lighting display of the bar "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern number at the time of detachment for the first special symbol or the second special symbol (variation pattern determining means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 1.5 seconds), except when the reach fluctuation is performed. If the state is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is determined based on, for example, “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in step S2250 except when the reach fluctuation is performed. Is done. Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes). The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (hit-stopping symbol number) for the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is won in the current internal lottery, based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random value and the type of winning symbol for each symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol for each symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number based on the stored content by referring to the special symbol determination table in the symbol determination process for big hit.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, for example, three types of the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of the big hit are prepared. One of them is a “15-round probability variable symbol”, the other is a “15-round non-variable symbol”, and the remaining one is a “two-round probability variable symbol”.

  More specifically, there are mainly three types of winning symbols as major classifications, but even if the same “15 round probability variation symbol” is used, for example, “15 round probability variation symbol A”, “15 round probability variation symbol B”, “15 A plurality of winning symbols are defined more finely as in “Round Probability Variation C”, etc., and even in the same “15 Round Non-Probability Variation”, for example, “15 Round Non-Probability Variation A”, “ A plurality of winning symbols are defined more finely, such as “15 round uncertain variable B”, “15 round uncertain variable C”,.

  In addition, for “2-round probability variation design”, for example, “2 round probability variation design A”, “2 round probability variation design B”, “2 round probability variation design C”, etc. Has been.

  Such a fine classification is for diversifying the stop display of the winning symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. For example, even if the same “15 round probability variation symbol” is used, if the “15 round probability variation symbol A” is sub-classified, all seven segments are lit on the first or second special symbol display devices 34 and 35 (for example, “day In the case of “15 round probability variation B”, five segments are lit (for example, “self” shape). However, if the “15-round probability variable symbol” is the same as the major category, the result (effect) is the same in proceeding with the subsequent game, regardless of which symbol is selected in the minor category. The plurality of types of winning symbols provided for each number of rounds are defined in advance by the special symbol determination table (winning type defining means).

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the game state flag is the “15 round probability variation symbol” or “2 round probability variation symbol” if the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “15 round probability variation symbol”. As a result, the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. Further, when the current gaming state is already in the probability variation state (when the probability is high), the main control CPU 72 also sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag. The significance of such processing is based on, for example, the following concept. That is, first, when the “two-round probability variation pattern” is met from the normal state, the value (01H) of the time variation function activation flag is not set, but only the value (01H) of the probability variation function activation flag is set. In this case, by not revealing the “high probability state” even in the production, a “hidden probability change state” that is difficult to be recognized by the player. However, in this embodiment, when the “hidden probability change state” has already been applied and the “two-round probability change pattern” is repeated, the “hidden probability change state” is not continued indefinitely, but the time reduction function is activated. The probability variation state is clearly indicated to the player. This prevents the player from continuing the game without being informed of internal information at all, and prevents the player from buying too much misery.

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a big hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, processing for small hits will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit (stop symbol number at small hit) based on the big hit symbol random number. Here, similarly, the relationship between the big winning symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hitting is preliminarily defined in the special symbol determining data table at the small hitting (winning type defining means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is determined using the big hit symbol random number, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

[Winning pattern for small hits]
In the present embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of small hitting is only one type of “twice open small hitting symbol”. However, other types such as “one time opening small hit symbol” and “three times opening small hit symbol” may be prepared. As described above, “small hit” as a result of the internal lottery is not an opportunity for the subsequent state to change to “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, and thus is essential for this type of pachinko machine. A “one-time small hit symbol” can be provided without being bound by the definition of “two rounds (two times open) or more”.

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in step S2200 (variation pattern determination means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern is not selected in the case of a small hit, and the variation time equivalent to the normal variation is determined. This is to make it difficult for the player to notice that a small hit is caused by the fluctuation by generating a normal fluctuation even at the small hit.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the stop symbol number at the time of small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Figure 12: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). . The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 13). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

  As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lighted and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, so that they have poor appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above.

[Example of production when not winning]
First, the case of non-winning (out) will be described as an example. FIG. 14 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect executed at the time of non-winning. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a stop display effect using an effect symbol, and an example of a background image. Among these, the variable display effect is between the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) until the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of performances to be performed. The stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Also, the background image is an image that becomes a background on the display screen when the effect symbol variation display is performed. Such a background image can be used as a representation of “stage” or “mode” in production. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
14A: For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts to change (the state where the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the screen in the left, middle, and right directions. Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Among these, for the left effect symbol, a symbol row is arranged in ascending order of “1” to “9”, and for the middle effect symbol and the right effect symbol, the numbers are “9” to “1”. ”Are arranged in descending order.

  Also, a marker (reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. These markers M1 and M2 indicate the number of operating memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol corresponding to the respective display numbers (the number of displays of the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating memory lamp 35a). The number of displays is increased or decreased in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game. In order to facilitate visual discrimination, the markers M1 and M2 are such that the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (◯), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart. It is displayed as a figure. In the example of FIG. 14A, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are not displayed (indicated by broken lines). ) Indicates that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is zero.

[Variable display production start]
14B: For example, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the symbol effect). Execution means). In other words, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the display of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display). At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. ing.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image (cool evening image) expresses that the stay stage in the production is, for example, the “cool evening stage”. In addition, various stages are provided in the production, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each stage. Although not particularly illustrated, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image such as a character or an item on the display screen.

  Further, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol is decreased by one with the start of fluctuation, the number of displayed markers M1 is decreased by one in conjunction with this. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (older) memory number display is hidden in the marker M1, and an effect consumed by the internal lottery is also performed. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the working memory has decreased with respect to the first special symbol even in the production.

  Although not particularly shown here, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, the fourth symbol is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbol is a “fourth effect symbol” that follows the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronism with the effect symbol. Note that the fourth design is a simple mark (for example, a “□” figure) with a color added, and the display can be changed by changing the display color.

[Left design stop]
(C) in FIG. 14: For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 14, (D): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol stops changing thereafter. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the design symbol representing the number “7” stops, the design symbol slips by one symbol and the design symbol representing the number “8” stops, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “3” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the number “8” is now displayed. There is a pattern in which the production design representing the character stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 14, (E): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missed) manner, the stop display effect is also performed in the same way for the effect symbols. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the 4th symbol (not shown) is also stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the deviation.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
Next, FIG. 15 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach fluctuation effect at the time of big hit. The reach variation effect at the time of the big hit is, for example, the result of the internal lottery corresponds to “15 round big hit”, and the first special symbol display device 34 (or the second special symbol display device 35) may be used to display the variation by the variation pattern at the big hit. Is performed until the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning state (for example, “self”, “yo”, “day”, “，”, etc. of the 7-segment LED). In FIG. 15, each effect symbol is simplified to be a number only. The markers M1 and M2 are not shown.

  FIG. 15A: For example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, from the top) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started by scrolling down. Note that the illustration of the background image is also omitted here.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
FIG. 15B: Next, in the relatively initial stage of the variable display effect (before the reach state occurs), the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character image is performed. At this time, the character design image is positioned in front of the effect design that is variably displayed on the screen. For example, the character design image is displayed so as to appear suddenly from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes may be used). Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 15, (C): Further, an effect using a character's picture image different from the previous is performed as a pre-reach notice effect. Specifically, another pattern image appears additionally from the right edge of the screen, and is displayed on the front of the previously displayed pattern image (the pattern image does not have to overlap the entire front surface, A plurality of pattern images may be displayed side by side.) The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed. Here, an example is given until the second-stage design image appears. However, in the second aspect of the pre-reach notice effect, for example, the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage design images appear one after another. Each time it is displayed, the size may be enlarged.

[Multiple production patterns]
Here, an example of an effect pattern using a picture image is shown as a notice effect before the occurrence of reach, but other effect patterns are also prepared. For example, there is an effect pattern in which some object or person passes through the background image, or a character appears on the screen and emits some dialogue. In addition, there is an effect pattern in which the action of the object is changed in conjunction with the operation (pressing) of the effect switching button 45 described above, or another character is given to the character.

  In addition, as an example of the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, an example is given here that is performed at the beginning of the variable display effect, but the notice effect that is performed at the start of the variable display effect (including the timing immediately before the start or at the same time as start) May be used as the “pre-reach notice effect”. For example, at the start of the variable display effect, the display pattern of the effect symbol changes for a moment (the character's facial expression changes, the effect symbol reverses, etc.), or the various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 and the panel lamp 53 are lit. A mode in which a notice effect is performed by blinking may be used.

[Stop of left design]
(D) in FIG. 15: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this point, the effect design representing the number “7” is stopped at the middle left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 15, (E): Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the effect design representing the number “7” has stopped at the middle right position, the reach state of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” is displayed on the horizontal line of the screen. It has occurred. At this time, an image that emphasizes the line that has reached the reach state on one horizontal line may be displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” May be performed. In particular, if it is a big hit as it is, it will be a probability variation big hit, so that not only whether or not the lottery is just a lottery, but also the player can have a tension of “probable big hit or miss”.

  If the reach state is further developed after the reach state has occurred, for example, only the effect symbols corresponding to the number ("7" in this case) that has been tempered (listened) are displayed on the screen, and the rest are not displayed. At this time, the effect design may be displayed in a reduced state at each corner of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 15, (F): After a reach state has occurred, for a while, for example, a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed in which images representing "flower patterns" form a group and pass diagonally on the screen. In this case, since the image of the “flower pattern group” is suddenly displayed on the screen, this can increase the visual appeal to the player. By executing such a notice effect after the visually lively reach notice occurs, the player can have a greater expectation that this notice can be expected to be a big hit.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 15, (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach occurrence, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” remains without being erased to the end. If the number “6” is erased and “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “probable big hit”, but the number “7” is also erased and “8” or later (“9” can be omitted) Is good ”means that it is“ out of ”, while the number“ 6 ”remains without being erased. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, then the next time the number “6” is erased, the possibility of a “probable big hit” will increase. Tension is also increased at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 15, (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the character image is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split (cut in), and the character emits some dialogue. A notice effect (second time) is performed after the occurrence of reach (or a content of smiling silently). At this time, for example, the content of the reach production is a development that “if the number“ 6 ”is erased, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”increases” ”. Therefore, by causing a large character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a great sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”.

[Multiple production patterns]
A plurality of effect patterns are also prepared for the notice effect after reach and the reach effect. For example, as the first notice effect after the occurrence of reach, the character information such as “Chance!” Is displayed on the screen after the reach state occurs, or the expected expectation (reliability) such as “50%” is displayed. There is also a production pattern. In addition, for reach production, images other than the number (for example, “7”) that were tempered while a certain story (for example, the content of the character fighting the enemy) is progressed on the screen, and finally the story is settled. There is also an effect pattern in which a numerical image corresponding to the medium effect symbol is displayed when the character is attached (for example, when the character wins or loses the enemy). In addition to the effect pattern in which the character image is cut-in, for example, a movable body (not shown) appears on the front side of the screen, or a light emitting body (LED or the like) is lit or blinked as the notice effect after the reach occurs. There is also a production pattern. Note that for any production pattern, sound output using the speakers 54, 55, 56, etc. can be executed together.

[Stop display effect]
(I) in FIG. 15: For example, the last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, since the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the winning type at that time, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the winning type (winning symbol). In the example shown in the figure, the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation” symbol, so that the player is informed that the odd symbol “7” is “probable variation big hit” by stopping display in the center of the screen. A stop display effect is performed. In addition to this, if the winning symbol corresponds to “probable variation”, for example, three effect symbols representing odd numbers “1”, “3”, “5”, and “9” can be stopped and displayed. Then, an effect is provided in which the player is informed that it is a “probable big hit”. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “non-probable variation”, an effect that tells the player that “normal (non-probable variation) big hit” is performed by stopping and displaying all three even-numbered representation symbols. Is called. In addition, even if it is “probable big hit”, even numbered production symbols are stopped and displayed from the stage of reach, and odd-numbered production symbols are stopped and displayed by re-variation and promoted to “probable” or during big hit games There is a case where an effect such as promotion to “probable change” is performed. Further, in the case of “2 round probability variation big hit”, not the odd number of three but a production symbol of an odd number combination such as “1”-“3”-“5” is displayed.

  Here, although an example in the case of a big hit is given here, even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, a reach effect (out of reach reach) may be performed. In the case of (I) in FIG. 15, in the case of outlier reach production, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately it did not become “hit” in this change. It is expressed in Alternatively, there is an effect pattern in which even the number “7” is erased on the screen, and after that the number “8” is left on the screen and the player is not selected.

  In any case, the change display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols as described above are performed corresponding to the change (variation display and stop display) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol each time. In principle, the contents of the production are completed for each change. That is, if the fluctuation at a certain time is a fluctuation at the time of non-winning, the contents of the effect at that time are also completed as a single effect at the time of non-winning (for example, FIG. 14). The content of the production at that time is completed as a production at the time of winning (big hit) (for example, FIG. 15).

  At this time, as described above, the length of the fluctuation time is different between winning and non-winning, a relatively long fluctuation time (big hit reach fluctuation pattern) is selected at the time of winning, and a relatively short fluctuation time (normally when not winning) However, in principle, the performance at the big hit is performed using one relatively long variation time, and is completed within the variation time. As a general rule, effects (such as (B) and (C) in FIG. 14) and jackpot notifications (such as (F) and (H) in FIG. 15) for notifying the occurrence of the reach state are, in principle, within one fluctuation time. Occurs and completes as it is.

[Example of stage production]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background image used in stage effects. In the present embodiment, for example, the following background image is prepared in addition to the “cool evening stage” ((B) in FIG. 14 and (A) in FIG. 16) as a stage effect.

  In FIG. 16, (B): For example, an image of another female character wearing a yukata is displayed at the center of the display screen as another background image. Note that the background image motif here remains “evening scenery”. In the present embodiment, the stage effect using such a background image is referred to as a “yukata stage”. In the previous “Yu Ryomi Stage”, female characters were displayed in a small size, but in this “Yukata Stage”, the female characters became a close-up and the visual power increased accordingly. Thereby, it is possible to give the player an impression different from the production pattern of “Evening Cool Stage”.

  In FIG. 16, (C): As another background image, for example, an image of another female character looking up at the night sky is displayed on the left side of the display screen together with “night sky that fireworks fireworks”. In the present embodiment, the stage effect using such a background image is referred to as a “fireworks stage”. In this “Fireworks Stage”, the background image changes to “Night Sky”, so it is possible to give the player a different impression from the “Yu cool stage” and “Yukata stage”.

  In FIG. 16, (D): As another background image, for example, a background image related to the festival (images of drums, lanterns, fan fans, fireworks, etc. arranged) is displayed on the display screen. The background image motif here is "Night Festival Scenery". In the present embodiment, a stage effect using such a background image is referred to as a “festival stage”. In this “festival stage”, the content of the background image is lively, and the player can have a lively impression.

[Background change production]
Further, in the present embodiment, a background change (stage change) effect can be performed by changing the content of the background image at some opportunity. As an opportunity to change the content of the background image, for example, the start (initial start) or end of the variable display effect can be given.

  FIG. 17 is a continuous diagram illustrating an example of a stage change effect. Hereinafter, the flow of the stage change effect will be schematically described.

(Door closing effect)
FIG. 17 (E): For example, if the background image so far is the “Evening Cool Stage” shown in FIG. 16 (A), doors (襖) appear from both sides of the display image at the start of the design variation effect. Then, a stunning closing effect is performed at the center. Such a door closing effect is performed for the purpose of attracting the player's eyes by temporarily covering the display screen so far.

(Door opening production)
(F) in FIG. 17: Next, the closed door quickly moves to the left and right of the display screen, and an effect (door opening effect) representing an operation in which the door is greatly opened is performed. Such a door opening effect is performed, for example, in the sense that the player is interested in the result of the opening of the door.

[Background change production]
In FIG. 17 (G): When the door is opened, the background image changes to the above-mentioned “Yukata stage” together with, for example, text information “Yukata stage!”. By executing such a background change (stage change) effect, it is possible to visually appeal to the player that the stage has changed to a different stage (or mode).

[Yukata stage production]
In FIG. 17, (H): Subsequent to the background change (stage change) effect, the above-described variation display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol. The background image at this time has already been switched to the “yukata stage”. As a result, the opening / closing operation of the door is performed, and the player is informed that the stage has shifted from the “cool evening stage” to the “yukata stage”. In addition, although the pattern which transfers to the "Yukata stage" from the "Yu cool stage" is mentioned here as an example, when moving to another stage, the flow is the same.

  The above is the standard of effects using stage designs (variable display effects, pre-reach notice effect, reach effect, reach notice effect after stop, stop display effect) and effects using stage images (stage effect, background change effect) This is an example of an embodiment.

[Selecting various production patterns]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of effect patterns are prepared in advance for such an effect using an effect design and an effect using a background image. A process for selecting one of the following is performed. However, the selection of the production pattern is not performed at random, but a certain degree of law (direction) is predetermined. For example, if the background image during the change display effect is the “cool evening stage” described above, the contents of the pre-reach notice effect and the reach effect that are selected in the background image are limited to some extent.

[Direction pattern generation flow]
FIG. 18 is a game flow diagram schematically showing a flow in which various effect patterns are generated from the start to the stop of the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In the following description, the reference numerals given in the game flow of FIG. 18 are used as appropriate.

[Variation start: P1]
As described above, when the condition for starting the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is satisfied, the change is also started in the effect using the effect symbol (reference symbol P1).

[Background change: P2]
When the background change condition is satisfied in the effect control, the background change effect described above is executed. The background change condition here is assumed to be satisfied when, for example, a background change lottery performed on effect control is won. In particular, when the background change condition is not satisfied, the game flow proceeds without executing the background change effect.

[Variable display effects: P30, P40, P50, P60]
When the background change effect (P2) is not executed, the variable display effect is executed together with the stage effect using the same background image as before. On the other hand, when the background change effect (P2) is executed, the variable display effects (P30, P40, P50, P60) are executed together with the stage effect using the background image after the change. Which background image is selected after the background change depends on the internal state at that time (normal time, high probability, when the time shortening function is activated) and the result of the selection lottery. In the present embodiment, for example, at the normal time, any one of the above-mentioned “Evening Cool Stage”, “Yukata Stage” or “Fireworks Stage” is selected, but “Festival Stage” is not selected, and a high probability or time shortening function is selected. The “festival stage” is selected only during operation. In normal times, the ratio of “cool evening stage” selected as the background image is the highest (for example, a selection ratio of about 65%), and then the selection ratio of “yukata stage” is moderately high (for example, about 30%). Selection ratio) and “Fireworks stage” are set to the lowest (for example, a selection ratio of about 5%).

[Advance notice before reaching: P31, P41, P51, P61]
As described above, when the notice occurrence condition is satisfied, the notice effect before the occurrence of reach is executed relatively early in the variable display effect. The notice occurrence condition here is satisfied when the notice selection lottery is won in the production control (the reach variation pattern may be selected). In addition to the example of the effect pattern ((B), (C) in FIG. 15), a plurality of effect patterns as described above are prepared for the notice effect before the occurrence of reach. Note that the game flow proceeds without executing the pre-reach pre-announcement effect especially when the pre-warning condition is not satisfied.

[Direction pattern group]
Here, grouping of a plurality of effect patterns will be described. Taking the pre-reach notice effect as an example, a plurality of effect patterns are prepared as the contents of the pre-reach notice effect as described above. In the present embodiment, the currently selected background image (stage effect) is provided. A group of performance patterns that can be generated in accordance with the contents of is determined in advance.

  For example, even when the pre-reach notice effect using the pattern image ((B) and (C) in FIG. 15) is executed, the variable display effect (P30) by the “cool evening stage” is “pre-reach notice”. Only the effect patterns belonging to “pattern group A” are selected (P31). In the variation display effect (P40) by the “yukata stage”, only the effect patterns belonging to the “pre-reach occurrence notice pattern group B” are selected (P41). Similarly, in the change display effect (P40) by the “fireworks stage”, only the effect pattern belonging to the “pre-reach notice pattern group C” is selected (P41), and the change by the “festival stage” is selected. In the display effect (P50), only the effect patterns belonging to “pre-reach occurrence notice pattern group D” are selected (P51).

  Therefore, if the stage (background image) during the stay is different in the production control, the pattern of the pre-reach notice production that can occur in accordance therewith also changes. This is because the motif and concept of the background image and the impression given to the player are different for each stage effect, so that the pattern of the advance notice effect before the occurrence of the reach is also made consistent. For example, in the “Evening Cool Stage”, “Evening Relaxed Mood” is created in the production, so it is not possible to generate a pre-reach announcement effect that reminds you of the “liveness of the festival”. It is natural (contradiction). In addition, since “Night Sky Fireworks Festival” is the background image motif in the “Fireworks Stage”, it is also possible to generate a pre-reach notice effect that expresses “the setting of the sun setting” there. And it is unnatural (contradiction).

  Therefore, in this embodiment, based on the content of the current stage effect (background image), the contents of the pre-reach notice effect, the reach effect, and the reach notice effect that occur after that are all stage effects. The contents are grouped so that consistency is maintained between them. In the above example, the production of the content that expresses “the sunset is setting” is classified as “pre-reach notice pattern group A” in order to match the content with the “cool evening stage”. The production of the content expressing “sa” is classified into “pre-reach notice pattern group D” in order to match the content with the “festival stage”.

[Reach production: P32, P42, P52, P62]
Further, when the reach generation condition is satisfied, the reach effect is executed from the middle stage of the variable display effect. The reach generation condition here is satisfied, for example, when a reach variation pattern is selected. As for the reach effect, a plurality of effect patterns are prepared as described above, and they are grouped into “reach pattern A” to “reach pattern D” according to the current stage effect (background image). If the reach generation condition is not satisfied, the game flow proceeds without executing the reach effect.

[Preliminary notice after reach: P33, P43, P53, P63]
In addition, when the reach generation condition is satisfied when the reach effect is generated, the notification effect is executed after the reach occurs. The notice generation conditions here are satisfied when a notice selection lottery is won in effect control. As for the notice effect after the occurrence of reach, in addition to an example of the effect pattern ((H) in FIG. 15), a plurality of effect patterns are prepared as described above, and they correspond to the current stage effect (background image). Are grouped into “pre-reach notice pattern A” to “reach notice pattern D”. Also here, if the notice generation condition is not satisfied, the game flow proceeds without executing the notice effect after the occurrence of reach.

[Variation stop: P34, P44, P54, P64]
Thereafter, as described above, the change of the effect symbol is stopped and the stop display effect is performed ((E) in FIG. 14, (I) in FIG. 15).

  In the present embodiment, the game flow progresses for each change through the selection and generation of the effects as described above. During this time, which background image is selected as the stage effect is determined by lottery in the effect control, and for each stage effect, which effect is given for the pre-reach notice effect, the reach effect, and the reach notice effect for each stage effect. Whether to select a pattern is also determined by lottery for effect control.

  In addition, the lottery in the production control is performed using a random value acquired at random. However, since the level difference of the selection ratio is set for each production pattern in advance, among the plurality of production patterns, the production pattern with a relatively high selection ratio can be easily selected. A production pattern that is set low is difficult to select. In particular, an effect pattern (so-called premier effect) in which the selection ratio is set extremely low has a low actual appearance rate. Therefore, even if a large number of games are played on the pachinko machine 1, the frequency of contacting the effect pattern is extremely high. Low.

  In addition, in this embodiment, a specific production pattern is specified from all production patterns, including production patterns with a low selection ratio as described above, and production is intentionally (artificial). The control logic which generates is adopted. By adopting such a control logic, a specific performance pattern can be forcibly generated when some condition is satisfied. For example, it is specified when the number of changes reaches a predetermined number (for example, about 400) or more while the internal lottery is not won, or when the number of changes is within a specified number (for example, about 10) immediately after the opening of the hall It is possible to realize a mode in which the effect pattern is forcibly generated.

  Here, normally, when a specific effect pattern is to be generated intentionally on the control logic, it is transmitted from the effect control device 124 to the effect display control device 144 (including the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134). A method of forcibly rewriting the command to be executed can be considered. That is, in this method, the result of the selection lottery performed in the effect control device 124 is forcibly changed to display a desired specific effect pattern as an image (light emission of various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 and the speaker 54). , 55 and 56).

  However, when such a method is adopted, there is a possibility that inconsistency (inconsistency) occurs in the contents of the production in the above-described game flow. For example, although “Evening Cool Stage” is selected as the stage effect during the variable display effect (P30 in FIG. 18), the commands of other effect patterns are forcibly rewritten, so that they match the contents of the stage effect. Do not perform “Pre-reach notice pattern B” to “Pre-reach notice pattern D” (P30 → P41 to P61 flow), or “Reach pattern group B” to “Reach pattern” A reach effect classified as “pattern group D” may occur (the flow from P30 to P42 to P62). Such contradictory combinations of performance patterns are unnatural that cannot actually occur, and must be avoided even if a desired specific performance pattern needs to be generated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, control logic for preventing inconsistency with other effect patterns is used when a desired specific effect pattern is specified and generated. In the following, an example of a control method for forcibly generating a desired specific production pattern together with a production pattern selection method will be described in detail.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), an effect symbol management process (step S402), a display output process (step S404), a lamp drive process (step S406), an acoustic drive process (step S408), and an effect random number update process. This includes a subroutine group of (Step S410) and other processing (Step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. In addition, the command for effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command (including a prior reach variation pattern determination value), a special figure-specific operation memory number command, a start opening winning sound control command, There are a demonstration effect command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a stop symbol command, a symbol stop command, a state designation command, a round number command, an error notification command, and the like.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , Change effect pattern number, notice effect number, mode number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed contents of the effect (acts as various effect executing means).

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53 based on the control signal.

  Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the effect control CPU 126 sends the effect contents (for example, BGM, sound data, etc. during the variable display effect, during the reach effect, during the mode transition effect, during the jackpot effect) to the sound drive circuit 134. Instruct. Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for a normal background change lottery.

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, when there is a movable body for presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the movable body driving IC. Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body is operated by a driving source such as a solenoid or a stepping motor, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently. These drive sources such as solenoids and stepping motors can be connected to, for example, the panel illumination board 138 in FIG.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the contents of the effect symbol management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-progress process (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 10) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The control information on the contents (button effect) is instructed to the display control CPU 146.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display processing, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. Thereby, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (design effect execution). means).

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit. For example, in the case of a big hit of 15 rounds, the production control CPU 126 selects a special production pattern during the 15 round big hit as the production contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and this is selected for the production display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). Instruct. In addition, when the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern in accordance with the progress status of the game during the 15 round big hit (for example, the progress status of the round), these are appropriately instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). To do. Thereby, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a special effect image is displayed during the big round of 15 rounds, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.

  Or when it corresponds to "2 round big hits", production control CPU126 performs control which performs said normal fluctuation production (for example, production example of Drawing 14). In the case of “small hit”, the effect control CPU 126 performs control to execute an effect similar to the normal variation effect.

[Preliminary design change processing]
Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. The effect control CPU 126 selects various effect patterns in this process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S600: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the command for demonstration effect is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S602.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 19) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 19). To do.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604.

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 acquires a random number for lottery from the counter area of the RAM 130 (selection determination element acquisition means). The random value acquired here is used for selection lottery of the effect pattern in the subsequent effect pattern lottery process (step S618). In the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire one lottery random value (common random number) and perform selection lottery for all effect patterns. The objects of the selection lottery are (1) background change lottery, (2) variation effect pattern lottery, (3) advance notice lottery before reach occurrence, and (4) notice effect lottery after reach occurrence. Apart from this, random numbers for lottery may be acquired separately for all the production patterns to be selected. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 can acquire four random numbers for lottery in step S604.

  Step S606: The effect control device 124 determines whether or not an effect pattern forced command has been set in the current variable display effect. The compulsory command is set when a desired specific effect pattern is generated in the current variable display effect as described above. The forced command can be set for the effect control device 124 through an operation of the effect switching button 45 (for example, pressing a predetermined number of times, for example). The set forced command is stored in a command buffer area of the RAM 130, for example.

[When forced command is not set]
In particular, if the forced command is not set (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes the effect pattern lottery process (step S618) as it is. In this case, a normal selection lottery is performed using the random number for lottery randomly acquired in the previous step S604. Therefore, in this case, each effect pattern is selected at a predetermined selection ratio. The selection lottery can be performed using a predetermined lottery table. The lottery table will be described later with a specific example.

[When a forced command is set]
On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the forced command is set for any one of the production patterns (1) to (4) (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes the next step S608 and subsequent steps. To do.

  Step S608: First, the effect control CPU 126 performs initial setting of the forcing random number value for the effect pattern for which the force command is set. The forcing random value is a parameter used internally by the effect control CPU 126, and “0” is set as its initial value here.

  Step S610: Next, the production control CPU 126 acquires a distribution value and a result value as the current lottery data. The “distribution value” here is a value corresponding to the size of the range of the random number for lottery specified on the lottery table, and the “result value” is a value representing the corresponding effect pattern on the lottery table. (For example, production pattern number). Examples of these “sorting value” and “result value” will be further described later.

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 adds the distribution value to the current forced random value.

  Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the lottery result value (for example, the effect pattern number) is equal to the forced result. In the procedure so far, when the result value is not yet equal to the forced result (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to step S610, and once again acquires the distribution value and the result value as the next lottery data, step S612. Add these together.

  The effect control CPU 126 repeats the above procedure (steps S610 and S612) until it can be confirmed that the result value is equal to the forced result in step S614. When it is confirmed that the result value is equal to the forced result (step S614: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to the next step S616.

  Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 subtracts “1” from the last updated value (the compulsory random value obtained by accumulating the distribution values), and this is used as the current random number for lottery. As a result, the random number for lottery is changed based on the setting of the forced command.

  Step S618: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect pattern lottery processing using the random number for lottery that has been changed. In this case, a desired specific effect pattern is surely selected in the effect pattern lottery process.

[Direction pattern lottery processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure example of the effect pattern lottery process described above. The effect control CPU 126 actually executes an effect pattern selection lottery in this process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

[Background change lottery]
Step S700: The effect control CPU 126 executes a background change lottery process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes the background change lottery based on the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state) and the stay stage on the effect control. For example, if the current stay stage is “Yu cool stage” and “Yukata stage” is selected as the destination in the background change lottery, the effect control CPU 126 will change the background change effect pattern from “Yu cool stage” to “Yukata stage”. Select a number. On the other hand, particularly when another stage is not selected as the transition destination, the effect control CPU 126 selects the current status maintenance.

[Variation production lottery]
Step S702: Next, the effect control CPU 126 selects a variable effect pattern. For example, when the production control CPU 126 designates the address of the variation production pattern selection table from the MODE values “A0H” to “A7H” included in the variation pattern command, the production control CPU 126 selects the variation production pattern number assigned to the random number for lottery. .

[Advance lottery prior to reach]
Step S704: In addition, the effect control CPU 126 executes a pre-reach occurrence notice selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern number assigned to the random number for lottery based on the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern selection table.

  Step S706: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current variation is a reach variation. If there is no particular change in reach (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol change pre-process (FIG. 21). On the other hand, if the current variation corresponds to the reach variation (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes the next step S708.

[Notice lottery after reach occurs]
Step S708: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process after the occurrence of reach. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the notice effect pattern number after reach occurrence distributed to the random number for lottery based on the notice effect pattern selection table after reach occurrence. When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 21). Hereinafter, the processing so far will be described with a specific example (table configuration example).

[Configuration example of background change lottery table]
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a background change lottery table when staying in the normal evening cool stage. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a background change lottery table when staying in a normal yukata stage. The effect control CPU 126 executes the background change lottery using these tables in the background change lottery process (step S700 in FIG. 22). Although not particularly shown here, a table for each state is provided even in the high probability state and the time reduction state. Further, a table for each state is prepared for each “stage effect (background image)” currently selected (for example, a total of four).

  For example, in the background change lottery table shown in FIG. 23, the selection ratio of “cool evening stage”, “yukata stage”, “fireworks stage”, and “festival stage” as the transition destination at the time of the background change for the current variation production pattern. Is specified. The numerical values in the table correspond to the numerator (sorting value) when the denominator of the selection ratio is, for example, “251”.

[Normal (displacement) fluctuation]
For example, if the current variation production pattern corresponds to “normal (displacement) variation”, “Evening Cool Stage” is selected with an extremely high selection ratio (= 250/251), but an extremely low selection ratio (= The “cool evening stage” may be selected in 1/251). Note that when the “cool evening stage” is selected, the current status is selected as the background change effect. For the other “fireworks stage” and “festival stage”, since no sorting value is set in the table (= 0), they are not selected.

[When reach changes]
In addition, when this variation production pattern corresponds to any of “normal reach variation”, “special reach variation”, or “super special reach variation”, for “cool evening stage”, “yukata stage” and “fireworks stage” Each is selected at the ratio set in the table. In this case, however, no distribution value is set for the “festival stage” (= 0), so this is not selected.

  The “normal reach fluctuation”, “special reach fluctuation”, and “super-special reach fluctuation” can be classified according to the length of the fluctuation time, for example. All of these fluctuation patterns specify “reach fluctuation production” in the production control. Among these, the “normal reach fluctuation pattern” is set to have the shortest fluctuation time (for example, about 20 seconds to 60 seconds). Accordingly, the execution time of reach production is set shorter in production control. On the other hand, since the “super special reach fluctuation pattern” is set to have the longest change time (for example, about 120 seconds to 180 seconds), the execution time of the reach effect is set to be long accordingly. The remaining “special reach fluctuation pattern” is set to an intermediate fluctuation time (for example, about 90 seconds to 100 seconds), and the execution time of the reach effect is set to an intermediate level.

[When pseudo continuous fluctuation]
When the current variation effect pattern corresponds to “pseudo continuous variation”, “Yukata stage” and “Fireworks stage” are selected at a ratio set in the table. However, in this case, since the sorting value is not set for “the evening cool stage” and “the festival stage” (= 0), they are not selected.

  “Pseudo-continuous variation” means that a variation display effect and a stop display effect using an effect symbol are performed a plurality of times within the variation time per time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. It is to develop to reach production after giving some continuity (connection between fluctuations) to the aspect (although it does not always have to be developed). As a result, the player's appearance is as if the first special symbol or the second special symbol had been changed in advance (previously) several times, and then developed as a reach change. If it does not develop, it can give an impression only of the notice effect). Also for the “pseudo continuous variation pattern”, a certain long variation time (for example, about 120 seconds to 180 seconds) can be set.

[When fluctuating per 15 rounds non-probable change, when fluctuating per 15 rounds probable change]
If this variation production pattern corresponds to either “15 round non-probable variation” or “15 round probable variation”, “Evening Cool Stage”, “Yukata Stage” and “Fireworks Stage” are in the table respectively. Is selected at the ratio set to. In this case, however, no distribution value is set for the “festival stage” (= 0), so this is not selected. Here, a common selection ratio is set for “non-probable variation” and “probability variation”, but they may be different from each other.

[At the time of fluctuation per 2 rounds probability variation]
Then, when the current variation effect pattern corresponds to “2 rounds probability variation variation”, “Yukata stage” and “Fireworks stage” are respectively selected at a ratio set in the table. However, in this case, since the sorting value is not set for “the evening cool stage” and “the festival stage” (= 0), they are not selected.

  Here, the table of FIG. 23 has been described, but the table of FIG. 24 can be considered similarly.

[Direction lottery table address selection table]
Next, FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the effect lottery table address selection table. The effect lottery table address selection table is an effect lottery table used for the variable effect pattern selection lottery (step S702 in FIG. 22) based on the MODE values “A0H” to “A7H” included in the current variation pattern command. This is for specifying an address.

  The variation pattern command received by the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) is described in, for example, a 2-byte format of MODE value-EVENT value. Here, the effect lottery table address is referred to by referring to the MODE value which is the higher byte. Is selected. That is, MODE values “A0H” to “A7H” as comparison values are described in the left column of the selection table shown in FIG. 25, and the effect control CPU 126 refers to the MODE value included in the current variation pattern command. If the comparison value in the selection table matches, the table address in the right column is selected. In any case, since the maximum value “FFH” is set on the table for the EVENT value of the variation pattern command, if the MODE value matches the comparison value, the EVENT value ( For example, regardless of “00H” to “97H”), the table address in the right column is applied.

  For example, when the current variation pattern command includes “A0H” as the MODE value, the effect control CPU 126 selects “normal (out of change) variation table address” as the address of the effect lottery table used for the current variation effect pattern selection lottery. . Alternatively, when the current variation pattern command includes “A1H” as the MODE value, the effect control CPU 126 selects “normal reach variation table address” as the address of the effect lottery table used for the current variation effect pattern selection lottery. Similarly, when the current variation pattern command includes “A2H” as the MODE value, the effect control CPU 126 selects “special reach variation table address” as the address of the effect lottery table used for the current variation effect pattern selection lottery. When the variation pattern command includes “A3H” as the MODE value, the effect control CPU 126 selects “super special reach variation table address”, and when the variation pattern command includes “A4H” as the MODE value, the effect control CPU 126 When “pseudo continuous variation table address” is selected, and the variation pattern command includes “A5H” as the MODE value, the presentation control CPU 126 selects “15R (round) non-probable variation variation table address”, and the variation pattern command Is the MODE value When “A6H” is included, the effect control CPU 126 selects “15R (round) probability change per change table address”, and when the variation pattern command includes “A7H” as the MODE value, the effect control CPU 126 selects “2R (round). Select the table address at the time of fluctuation per probability change.

[Variation production pattern selection table]
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the variation effect pattern selection table. When the effect control CPU 126 selects a table address using the effect lottery table address selection table of FIG. 25, the effect control CPU 126 next selects a variable effect pattern number using the variable effect pattern selection table of FIG. That is, the variation effect pattern selection table is for selecting the variation effect pattern number at that time based on the random number for lottery.

  For example, in the table of FIG. 26, addresses are classified according to “MODE values”. That is, the classification of the MODE value “A0H” corresponds to the above “normal (outlier) variation table address”. The classification of the MODE value “A1H” corresponds to the “normal reach fluctuation table address” described above. Similarly, the classification of the MODE values “A2H” to “A7” corresponds to the above “special reach fluctuation table address” to “two-round probability change table address”.

  For example, when “normal (displacement) fluctuation table address” is selected, the effect control CPU 126 designates a table address category (uppermost category) corresponding to the MODE value “A0H”. At this time, if the random number for lottery is within the range of “0” to “149”, for example, the effect control CPU 126 selects “160000” as the variable effect pattern number assigned to the random value range. Alternatively, if the random number for lottery is within the range of “150” to “199”, the effect control CPU 126 selects “160001” as the variable effect pattern number assigned to the random value range.

  Similarly, for the other MODE values “A1H” to “A7H”, the effect control CPU 126 can select the variable effect pattern number assigned to the random number for lottery within each table address category. In FIG. 26, the description of the table is omitted for the MODE values “A2H” to “A6H”, but the corresponding distribution values and variable effect pattern numbers are all defined in the table.

  When the variation effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect data table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (if there is a change time, reach occurrence, or reach occurrence) (Reach production pattern and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“5”-“3”, etc.). In the illustrated example, the variable effect pattern number is set in decimal, but other settings may be adopted. In addition, regarding the variation effect pattern number, a serial number may be set so that there is no gap between the numbers. In this case, it is possible to reduce the capacity required for storing the variable effect pattern selection table in the ROM 128.

[Preliminary notice pattern selection table before reach]
Next, FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern selection table. The effect control CPU 126 performs selection lottery of the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern based on this table in the preceding reach occurrence notice selection process (step S704 in FIG. 22). Although not shown in particular, such a pre-reach notice effect pattern selection table is prepared for each currently selected “stage effect (background image)” (for example, a total of four).

  For example, the pre-reach notice effect pattern selection table includes “no notice”, “first pattern” to “fifth pattern”, and “first specific pattern” as the notice effect patterns before reach occurrence for the current variation effect pattern. , The selection ratio of the “second specific pattern” is defined. The numerical values in the table correspond to the numerator (sorting value) when the denominator of the selection ratio is, for example, “251”.

[Normal (displacement) fluctuation]
For example, when the present variation effect pattern corresponds to “normal (outlier) variation”, “no notice” is selected at an extremely high selection ratio (= 200/251). In other words, this means that “the advance notice effect before the occurrence of reach is not performed” in the current variable display effect. However, the “first pattern” may be selected with a certain selection ratio (= 50/251), or the “first specific pattern” is selected with an extremely low selection ratio (= 1/251). In some cases. As for the other “second pattern” to “fifth pattern” and “second specific pattern”, since no sorting value is set in the table (= 0), they are not selected.

[When normal reach changes]
When the current variation effect pattern corresponds to “normal reach variation”, the “fifth pattern” is selected with an extremely high selection ratio (= 250/251). However, here also, the “first specific pattern” may be selected with an extremely low selection ratio (= 1/251). The other “first pattern” to “third pattern”, “second specific pattern”, and “no notice” are all selected because no sorting value is set in the table (= 0). Never happen.

[When special reach changes]
When the current variation production pattern corresponds to “special reach variation”, “second pattern” to “fifth pattern” and “first specific pattern” are selected at the ratios set in the table, respectively. The In this case, however, no sorting value is set for “first pattern”, “second specific pattern”, and “no notice” (= 0), so these are not selected.

[When special reach changes]
On the other hand, when the variation production pattern this time corresponds to “super special reach variation”, “first pattern” to “fifth pattern” and “first specific pattern” are selected at a ratio set in the table, respectively. Is done. However, in this case, since the distribution values are not set for “first pattern”, “second specific pattern”, and “no notice” (= 0), these are not selected.

[When pseudo continuous fluctuation]
When the current variation effect pattern corresponds to “pseudo continuous variation”, “second pattern” to “fifth pattern” and “first specific pattern” are selected at a ratio set in the table. . However, in this case as well, no sorting value is set for the “first pattern” and the “second specific pattern” (= 0), so these are not selected.

[When fluctuating per 15 rounds non-probable change, when fluctuating per 15 rounds probable change]
When the current variation production pattern corresponds to either “15-round non-probability variation” or “15-round probability variation”, “first pattern” to “fifth pattern”, “first specific pattern”, “ All of the “second specific patterns” are selected at a ratio set in the table. In this case, “No notice” is not selected. Here, a common selection ratio is set for “non-probable variation” and “probability variation”, but they may be different from each other.

[At the time of fluctuation per 2 rounds probability variation]
If the current variation production pattern corresponds to “2nd round probability variation”, “second pattern” to “fifth pattern” are selected at a ratio set in the table, respectively. Since no distribution value is set for “first specific pattern” and “second specific pattern” (= 0), they are not selected. In this case, “no notice” is not selected.

  The “first pattern” to “fifth pattern”, “first specific pattern”, and “second specific pattern” in the table represent different effect patterns for the pre-reach notice effect.

[After-reach notice effect pattern selection table]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a notice effect pattern selection table after reach has occurred. The effect control CPU 126 performs selection lottery of the notice effect pattern after reach occurrence based on this table in the previous notice notice process after reach occurrence (step S708 in FIG. 22). Although not shown in particular, such a post-reach notice effect pattern selection table is also prepared for each “stage effect (background image)” currently selected (for example, a total of four).

  Similarly, in the post-reach notice effect pattern selection table shown in FIG. 28, “first pattern” to “fifth pattern”, “first specific pattern”, and “second specific pattern” are selected for each variation effect pattern. The ratio is specified. The “first pattern” to “fifth pattern”, “first specific pattern”, and “second specific pattern” in the table are different effect patterns for the pre-reach notice effect (first time or second time). Is expressed.

[Selection example using random numbers for lottery]
A method for selecting an effect pattern from the above various tables using a random number for lottery will be specifically described. For example, the normal method for selecting an effect pattern using a random number for lottery based on the pre-reach notice effect pattern selection table of FIG. 27 is as follows.

(1) The production control CPU 126 designates a row address (1st to 8th rows) in the table based on the current variation production pattern. Since the variation effect pattern corresponds to the MODE values “A0H” to “A7H” of the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 126 can specify the row address in the table from the MODE value included in the variation pattern command. .

(2) Next, when the presentation control CPU 126 sequentially obtains the comparison value (upper limit value) in the column in the horizontal direction at the row address specified in the table, the lottery random number value is subtracted using the comparison value. . If the subtraction result is 0 or less, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern number corresponding to the column number.

[Selection example for normal reach fluctuation]
For example, if the current variation effect pattern corresponds to “normal reach variation”, the effect control CPU 126 designates a row address corresponding to the second row (second row) in the table in the step (1).

  Next, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the comparison values in order from the first column on the left side of the second stage (second row) in the step (2). In this example, the first to fifth columns from the left in the address of the second row are blank (= the distribution value is 0), but “249” is stored as the first comparison value in the sixth column. (Random number distribution value is 250). At this time, if the acquired random number for lottery is “100”, for example, the result of subtracting this by the comparison value “249” is 0 or less, so the effect control CPU 126 has the effect pattern corresponding to the sixth column. “Fifth pattern” is selected. Thus, if the random number for lottery is within the range of “0” to “240” (the distribution value is 250), the “fifth pattern” is selected correspondingly. The seventh column stores “250” as a comparison value. The “specific first pattern” corresponding to the seventh column is selected when the random number for lottery is “250”. This is only the case (the distribution value is “1”).

  As described above, it is understood that the “fifth pattern” is selected with a very high selection ratio when the normal reach changes, and that the “first specific pattern” is rarely selected under normal conditions (selection ratio 251/251). ).

[Direction pattern combination selection]
In the present embodiment, it is possible to select a combination of all the production patterns based on a common (one) random number for lottery. For example, when the current background image (stage effect) is “Evening Cool Stage” and the current variation pattern corresponds to “Normal Reach Variation” during a game in the normal state, it is acquired in step S604 in FIG. Consider a case where the random number for lottery is “100”. In this case, the selection result of each effect pattern is as follows.

[Selection of background change effect]
Under the above-described conditions, “Yu cool stage (01H)” is selected as the background change destination corresponding to the random number for lottery “100” from the table of FIG. 23, and the result of the effect lottery is maintained as it is. Therefore, in this case, the background change effect is not performed.

[Selection of variation production pattern]
Next, under the above conditions, “normal reach fluctuation table address” is selected from the table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the random number for lottery “100”. Also, from the table of FIG. 26, “161000” is selected as the variable effect pattern number corresponding to the random number for lottery “100”.

[Selection of pre-reach notice effect pattern]
Also, under the above conditions, the pre-reach notice effect of “5th pattern (05H)” corresponding to the random number for lottery “100” is selected from the table of FIG.

[Selection of notice effect pattern after reach occurs]
Further, under the above conditions, “no notice (00H)” is selected from the table of FIG. 28 corresponding to the random number for lottery “100”. In this case, the notice effect before the occurrence of reach occurs during the current variable display effect, but the notice effect after the occurrence of reach does not occur.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the contents of all the effect lottery tables shown in FIGS. 23 to 28 are configured corresponding to a common lottery value for lottery. Thereby, the structure of the effect lottery table can be simplified, and the storage capacity required for the entire table can be reduced. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, random numbers for lottery may be individually acquired for all selection targets, and selection lottery using each random number for lottery may be performed.

[Forced selection example by forced command]
Next, the selection column when the forced command is set will be described. In the above example (normal reach fluctuation), when the “first specific pattern” is forcibly selected as the pre-reach notice effect, the effect pattern number (for example, “06H”) that designates the “first specific pattern” by the forced command. Is set as a forced result (step S606 in FIG. 21).

[Second row, first column to fifth column]
The effect control CPU 126 first sets the forcing random number value to the initial value “0”, acquires the distribution value “0” as the lottery data for the first column, and acquires “00H” as the result value of the effect pattern number. (Step S610 in FIG. 21). In this case, the distribution value “0” is added to the compulsory random value “0”, but the original result value is “00H” and is not equal to the compulsory result “06H” (step in FIG. 21). S614: No). Similarly, in the subsequent second to fifth columns, the production control CPU 126 obtains the distribution value “0” as the lottery data and obtains “01H” to “04H” as the result values of the production pattern numbers. (Step S610 in FIG. 21), in any case, the result value is not equal to “06H” of the forced result (Step S614 in FIG. 21: No).

[2nd row, 6th column]
For the sixth column, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the distribution value “250” as the lottery data and also acquires “05H” as the result value of the effect pattern number (step S610 in FIG. 21). In this case, the distribution value “250” is added to the compulsory random value “0”, but the result value is “05H”, which is not equal to the “06H” that is still compulsory (step S614 in FIG. 21: No).

[2nd row, 7th column]
Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 next acquires the distribution value “1” as the lottery data for the seventh column (cells shaded in FIG. 27) and “06H” as the result value of the effect pattern number. (Step S610 in FIG. 21). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 adds the distribution value “1” to the forcing random number “250” updated so far to set the forcing random number to “251”. Since the result value at this time is “06H”, which is equal to the forced result “06H” (step S614 in FIG. 21: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 determines the random number value for forcing “251”. "250", which is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from "," is set as a random number for lottery (step S616 in FIG. 21).

  As a result, in the advance notice selection process before reach occurrence (step S704 in FIG. 22), the presentation control CPU 126 performs the second step (second row) of the table based on the random number for lottery “250” that has been changed. “06H” can be selected as the effect pattern number corresponding to the “first specific pattern” from the seventh column.

  The above is an example of the case where the “first specific pattern” is forcibly selected as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in “normal reach change”, but other cases can be considered similarly. For example, the selection ratio of the “second specific pattern” for the notice effect before the occurrence of reach is set to an extremely low value of 5/251 for both “when fluctuating per 15 rounds” and “when fluctuating per 15 rounds” However, by setting “07H” by the forcing command, the “second specific pattern” can be forcibly selected as follows.

[First column to seventh column]
In other words, the production control CPU 126 first sets the forcing random number value to the initial value “0”, specifies the address of the seventh row from the top of the table, and acquires the distribution value “0” as the lottery data for the first column. In addition, “00H” is acquired as the result value of the effect pattern number (step S610 in FIG. 21). In this case, the distribution value “0” is added to the compulsory random value “0”, but the acquired result value is “00H”, which is not equal to the compulsory result “07H” (in FIG. 21). Step S614: No). Also for the next second column, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the distribution value “45” and also acquires “01H” as the result value of the effect pattern number (step S610 in FIG. 21). In this case as well, the production control CPU 126 adds the distribution value “45” to the forcing random number value “0”, but the obtained result value is “01H” and the forced result “07H”. Are not equal (step S614 in FIG. 21: No). Similarly for the third to seventh columns thereafter, the production control CPU 126 forcibly assigns the distribution values “46”, “30”, “10”, “25”, and “90” as the lottery data. It is added to the random number value for use, and sequentially “91”, “121”, “131”, “156”, “246”. Further, “02H” to “06H” are acquired as the result values of the effect pattern numbers (step S610 in FIG. 21). However, in any case, the result value is not equal to the forced result “07H” (step S614 in FIG. 21: No).

[Eighth column]
Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 next acquires the distribution value “5” as the lottery data for the eighth column (the hatched cell in FIG. 27) and “07H” as the result value of the effect pattern number ( Step S610 in FIG. 21). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 adds the distribution value “5” to the forced random value “246” updated so far to set the forced random value to “251” (step S612 in FIG. 21). Since the result value at this time is “07H”, which is equal to the forced result (step S614 in FIG. 21: Yes), the production control CPU 126 changes 1 from the forcing random number value “251”. The subtracted value “250” is set as a random number for lottery (step S616).

  As a result, in the pre-reach pre-warning selection process (step S704 in FIG. 22), the effect control CPU 126 starts from the eighth column of the seventh row in the table based on the changed random number “250”. The effect pattern number “07H” corresponding to “2 specific pattern” can be selected.

  In the above example, the forced result may be “01H” to “06H”. For example, if the forced result is “02H”, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the distribution values “0”, “45”, and “46” for the first to third columns, respectively (step S610 in FIG. 21). These are added to the initial value “0”, and the forcing random values are sequentially set to “0”, “45”, and “91” (step S612 in FIG. 21). When the lottery data is acquired for the third column, the result value is “02H”, which is equal to the forced result. “90” obtained by subtracting 1 from is used as a random number for lottery. As a result, in the advance notice selection process before reach occurrence (step S704 in FIG. 22), the presentation control CPU 126 starts from the third column of the seventh row in the table based on the changed random number “90”. The effect pattern number “02H” corresponding to “2 patterns” can be selected.

  The above-described change of the random number for lottery by the forced command setting and the method of forcibly selecting the effect pattern can be applied to the notice effect pattern selection table after the occurrence of reach shown in FIG. In other words, in the selection lottery using random random numbers for lottery, for example, the selection ratio is very low (1/25/251) for the variable effect patterns for which the distribution value is set for the “first specific pattern”, for example. Therefore, it is difficult to select the “first specific pattern”. However, by setting the value “06H” corresponding to the “first specific pattern” for the notice effect after the occurrence of reach by the forced command described above (step S606: Yes in FIG. 21), the effect control CPU 126 in the subsequent control processing. By forcibly changing the random number for lottery to “250”, the value “06H” corresponding to the “first specific pattern” is surely selected in the advance notice selection process after the occurrence of reach (step S708 in FIG. 22). can do.

[Forced command setting example (1)]
FIG. 29 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the variable display effect when a forced command is set for the notice effect pattern after reaching the reach. In this example, the forced command is set under the following conditions.

  For example, it is assumed that “yukata stage” is selected as the current background image (stage effect). At this time, if the background change effect is not selected at the start of the change, and one of the reach change patterns (normal reach change, special reach change, super special reach change) is selected, the “hard group notice” is displayed after the reach occurs. It will be generated forcibly. In this case, the effect pattern number “06H” is set by the forced command for the notice effect pattern after reaching the reach.

  In FIG. 29 (A): For example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are scrolled in the vertical direction on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol. Then, the variable display effect is started. Although not shown here, it is assumed that “yukata stage” is selected as the background image (stage effect) as described above.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
FIG. 29B: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, a pre-reach notice effect using the character's picture image is performed. In this example, the mandatory command is not set for the notice effect before the reach occurs, but the mandatory command is set for the notice effect after the reach occurs. The pattern is selected based on the forced random number for lottery. Based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18), the current production pattern is classified into “pre-reach notice pattern group B”. In addition, when performing selection lottery with individual random numbers for lottery as described above, such forcing is not performed (the same applies hereinafter).

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 29 (C): In the second half of the pre-reach notice effect, an effect using a character image different from the previous one is performed.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 29 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. In this example, the effect design representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect design representing the number “8” is stopped at the lower left position. Similarly, the forced command is not set for the variable effect pattern, but the forced command is set for the notice effect after the reach has occurred. Is selected based on the forced random number for lottery.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 29E, following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. On the diagonal line (on two diagonal lines), two types of reach states of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” and “8” — “being changed” — “8” have occurred.

[Advance notice after reaching a reach by setting a forced command (first time)]
In FIG. 29 (F): “Reach state” occurs for a while, “Heart group notice” as “first specific pattern (06H)” of the notice announcement effect after reach occurrence selected based on the setting of the forced command. Occurs. This effect pattern is, for example, that images representing “heart marks” form a group on the screen and pass obliquely on the screen. Such “heart group notice” is classified into “post-reach notice pattern group B” in the above-described game flow (FIG. 18).

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 29 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” are displayed in a three-dimensional row on the screen, and “2”, “9” The effect of deleting the numerical images from the screen in the order of “3”, “4”... In this example, the forced command is not set for the reach effect, but the forced command is set for the notice effect after the reach occurs, so this reach effect pattern is forced due to consistency with this forced result. It is selected based on the random number for lottery. However, based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18), the current reach effect pattern is also classified into the “reach pattern group B”.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 29 (H): When the reach production is almost packed, it is displayed as if the character image is split on the screen in the same manner, and a notice effect after the occurrence of the reach that the character emits some dialogue ( Second time). In this example, forcible command is not set for the notice effect before the second reach occurrence, but for the same notice, the mandatory command is set for the notice effect after the reach occurs. The current production pattern is selected based on the forced random number for lottery. However, based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18), this effect pattern is also classified into “pre-reach notice pattern group B”.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 29 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, since the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as the off symbol, the staging display effect is also performed in the same manner on the effect symbol. In the example shown in the figure, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately, it has been expressed stellarly that the current change did not result in a “hit”.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by setting a compulsory command, it is possible to forcibly select the notice effect after the reach of the “first specific pattern” (for example, “heart group notice”) desired during the variable display effect. can do. In the normal selection lottery, since the selection ratio of the above “heart group notice” is set very low (1/251), the appearance rate becomes extremely low, but a forced command is set. Thus, a “heart group notice” can appear arbitrarily.

[Forced command setting example (2)]
Next, FIG. 30 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the variable display effect when the forced command is set for the reach effect pattern. In this example, the forced command is set under the following conditions.

  For example, it is assumed that “fireworks stage” is selected as the current background image (stage effect). At this time, when the background change effect is not selected at the start of the change and the normal reach change is selected, the “number rotation reach” is forcibly generated as the reach effect pattern. In this case, the variation effect pattern number “161004” is set by the forced command for the variation effect pattern.

  In FIG. 30, (A): For example, the column of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled in the vertical direction on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol. Then, the variable display effect is started. Although not shown here, it is assumed that “fireworks stage” is selected as the background image (stage effect) as described above.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 30: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, a pre-reach notice effect using the character image is performed. In this example, the forced command is not set for the advance notice effect before the reach occurs, but the forced command is set for the reach effect pattern. Is selected based on the forced random number for lottery. However, based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18), the current effect pattern is classified into “pre-reach notice pattern group C”.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
(C) in FIG. 30: In the second half of the pre-reach notice effect, an effect using a character image different from the previous one is performed.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 30, (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this time, since the variation effect pattern number “161004” is selected by the setting of the forced command, the reach effect by the effect pattern already forced from the stop timing of the left effect symbol is progressing.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 30, (E): Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. On the diagonal line (on two diagonal lines), two types of reach states of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” and “8” — “being changed” — “8” have occurred. Such a reach state corresponds to the variation effect pattern number “161004” selected by the setting of the forced command.

[Advance notice after reaching a reach by setting a forced command (first time)]
In FIG. 30, (F): “Character notice” occurs as a notice effect after the occurrence of reach when the “reach state” occurs for a while. This effect pattern is to display, for example, characters “chance !?” on the screen. In this example, the mandatory command is not set for the notice effect after the occurrence of reach, but the mandatory command is set for the reach effect pattern. Is selected based on the selected random number for lottery. However, based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18), the current production pattern is classified into “reach occurrence notice pattern group C”.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 30, (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach occurrence, for example, an image representing the numbers “2” to “7” rotates and moves in a circle on the screen, while “2”. , “3”, “4”..., A reach effect is performed in which numerical images are erased from the screen. Such a reach effect corresponds to the variation effect pattern number “161004” selected by the setting of the forced command. Such “number rotation reach” is classified into “reach pattern group B” based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18). In addition, the performance by “Number Rotation Reach” is performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” remains without being erased until the end. . Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, then the next time the number “6” is erased, it is a “hit”, and the player's feeling of tension increases rapidly.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 30, (H): When the reach effect is approaching, the character image is displayed on the screen in the same way, and the advance notice effect after the reach of the content that the character emits some dialogue ( Second time). In this example, the mandatory command is not set for the second pre-reach announcement effect, but the forced command is set for the reach production pattern. The production pattern is selected based on the forced random number for lottery. However, based on the above-described game flow (FIG. 18), this effect pattern is also classified into “pre-reach notice pattern group B”.

[Stop display effect]
(I) in FIG. 30: The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, since the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as the off symbol, the staging display effect is also performed in the same manner on the effect symbol. In the example shown in the figure, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately, it has been expressed stellarly that the current change did not result in a “hit”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by setting the forced command in the setting example (2), a desired “specific reach effect pattern” (for example, “numerical rotation reach”) is forcibly selected during the variable display effect. can do. In the normal selection lottery, since the selection ratio of “161004” is set to be extremely low (1/2511) as the variable effect pattern number, the appearance rate becomes extremely low, but a forced command is set. By doing so, “numerical rotation reach” can appear arbitrarily.

[Other forced command settings]
The above is an example of setting the compulsory command for the notice effect pattern after reaching the reach and the reach effect pattern, but the compulsory command can be similarly set for the other effect patterns.

[Forced command setting for background change effect pattern]
For example, in the “background change lottery table during stay in the normal state evening cool stage” in FIG. 23, the ratio that “fireworks stage” is selected as the background change destination when the normal reach changes is set to be extremely low (= 1/251). By changing the random number for lottery to “250” by setting the forced command, the effect control CPU 126 can forcibly select “fireworks stage” as the background change destination. In addition, these can be arbitrarily selected by setting a forcing command for a background change destination (cell shaded in FIG. 23) with a small distribution value.

[Forced command setting of variation production pattern]
Alternatively, for example, in the “variable effect pattern selection table” of FIG. 26, the selection ratio of “166127” as the variable effect pattern number is set to be extremely low (= 1/251) at the time of fluctuation per two rounds probable change. By changing the random number for lottery to “250” by setting, the effect control CPU 126 can forcibly select “166127” as the variable effect pattern number.

[Consistency of production pattern]
In any case, in the selection method of the present embodiment, after changing the random number for lottery based on the setting of the forced command, the lottery for selecting the effect pattern is executed based on the changed random number for lottery. Therefore, inconsistency (inconsistency) does not occur in the selection results of various production patterns. That is, the pre-reach notice effect pattern selection table of FIG. 27 is selected for each background image (stage effect) that is currently selected, and thus a result value (for example, “07H”) is set by the forced command. Even so, the content of the “second specific pattern” selected thereby always belongs to the pre-reach notice pattern group corresponding to the current background image. Similarly, the post-reach notice effect pattern selection table of FIG. 28 is also selected for each background image (stage effect) that is currently selected, so that a result value (for example, “06H”) is set by a forced command. Even so, the content of the “first specific pattern” selected thereby always belongs to the post-reach notice pattern group corresponding to the current background image.

[Usefulness by setting the forced command]
The setting of the forced command as described above is useful, for example, in the following situations.

  For example, when there is a specific effect pattern desired by the player himself, by setting the forced command through the operation of the effect switching button 45, the specific effect pattern can be generated when the condition is satisfied. Specifically, when a certain reach effect is desired, if any reach variation pattern is selected at the time of a certain variation, the desired reach effect can be generated based on the setting of the forced command. Thereby, a new interest is provided with respect to a player, and the motivation for a game can be maintained.

  Alternatively, the internal control of the production control CPU 126 can forcibly generate a specific production pattern (a reach production, a pre-reach notice effect, a post-reach notice effect, or a background change effect) when the condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the number of fluctuations reaches a certain value (for example, about 400 times) without winning (big win) in the internal lottery as described above, the production control CPU 126 sets a forced command on the control program, Normally, it is possible to forcibly generate an effect pattern with a low appearance rate. As a result, it is possible to change the situation where a big hit cannot be obtained for a long time, and to stop the loss of game motivation.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, the various selection lottery tables (FIGS. 23 to 28) are only examples, and other table configurations may be employed.

  In addition, the images given in the various effects are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize port 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize port 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol Display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (7)

A specific event occurrence production execution means for executing a specific event occurrence production triggered by the occurrence of a specific event during the execution of the game;
Production pattern defining means for prescribing a plurality of production patterns in advance as the contents of the production when the specific event occurs,
One of the effects based on a selection ratio set in advance for each of the plurality of effect patterns defined by the effect pattern defining means when the specific event occurrence effect is performed by the specific event occurrence effect executing means Production pattern selection means for selecting a pattern,
In response to the occurrence of the specific event, a selection determination element acquisition unit that randomly acquires a selection determination element that determines which production pattern should be selected by the production pattern selection unit;
When a specific condition is satisfied at least when the specific event occurs, by changing the selection determination element that is randomly acquired by the selection element acquisition means, the effect pattern is used by using the changed selection determination element. A gaming machine comprising selection forcing means for forcing the selection means to select a specific performance pattern. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The specific event occurrence production execution means,
A combination of a plurality of the specific event occurrence effects that are classified into at least two types of contents,
The production pattern defining means includes:
A plurality of production patterns are defined as the contents for each type of production when the specific event occurs,
The effect pattern selection means includes:
When the specific event occurrence production execution means executes a combination of the multiple types of the specific event occurrence production, the specific event occurrence production using one selection decision element acquired by the selection decision element acquisition means. The combination of each production pattern is selected according to the type of
The selection forcing means is:
By changing one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition unit, the production pattern selection unit includes the specific production pattern for at least one type of the production when the specific event occurs. A gaming machine characterized by forcibly selecting a combination of performance patterns. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
Lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery related to the profit of the player, triggered by the occurrence of the specific event during a normal game,
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, the symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time;
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, when the symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner by the symbol display means, special game executing means for executing a special game to which a special condition different from normal is applied; Further comprising
The specific event occurrence production execution means,
At the time of display of the variation of the symbol by the symbol display means, after executing the variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the symbol within at least the variation time, the stop display effect corresponding to the symbol that is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means A symbol effect execution means to be executed;
Reach state generating means for generating a reach state that partially configures a stop display effect corresponding to the symbol of the special mode during execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect executing means;
Reach effect execution means for executing the reach effect within the change time after generation of the reach state by the reach state generation means during execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means,
The production pattern defining means includes:
A plurality of reach production patterns are defined as the contents of the reach production,
The effect pattern selection means includes:
Selecting any one of the reach production patterns using the selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means;
The selection forcing means is:
A game characterized by forcing the production pattern selection unit to select a specific reach production pattern as the specific production pattern by changing the selection decision element acquired by the selection decision element acquisition unit. Machine. The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The specific event occurrence production execution means,
A pre-reach pre-announcement effect that executes a pre-reach pre-event effect that informs that the reach state may be generated by the reach state generating unit during the execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect executing unit. Execution means;
Reach of contents for notifying that there is a possibility that a symbol may be stopped and displayed in the special mode after the reach state is generated by the reach state generating means and during the execution of the reach effect by the reach effect executing means. A reach after-reaching notice execution means for executing a notice effect after occurrence;
The production pattern defining means includes:
In addition to the reach production pattern, a plurality of pre-reach pre-announcement effect patterns and a plurality of pre-reach pre-announcement effect patterns are further defined as the contents of the pre-reach pre-announcement production and the post-reach production announcement production, respectively.
The effect pattern selection means includes:
Using at least one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means to select a combination of at least the pre-reach notice effect pattern and the reach effect pattern;
The selection forcing means is:
The reach effect pattern including a specific pre-reach notice effect pattern as the specific effect pattern with respect to the effect pattern selecting unit by changing one selection determining element acquired by the selection determining element acquiring unit; A game machine characterized by forcibly selecting a combination. In the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The effect pattern selection means includes:
Using one selection decision element acquired by the selection decision element acquisition means, a combination of the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern and the reach effect pattern, or the reach effect pattern and the reach occurrence notice effect pattern Select at least one of the combinations,
The selection forcing means is:
The reach effect pattern including a specific pre-reach notice effect pattern as the specific effect pattern with respect to the effect pattern selecting unit by changing one selection determining element acquired by the selection determining element acquiring unit; Or a combination with the reach effect pattern including a specific reach notice effect pattern after the occurrence of a specific reach. The gaming machine according to claim 5,
The effect pattern selection means includes:
Using one selection decision element acquired by the selection decision element acquisition means, a combination of the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern and the reach effect pattern, or the reach effect pattern and the reach occurrence notice effect pattern A combination, or at least one of a combination of the pre-reach occurrence notice effect pattern, the reach effect pattern, and the reach occurrence notice effect pattern,
The selection forcing means is:
The reach effect pattern including a specific pre-reach notice effect pattern as the specific effect pattern with respect to the effect pattern selecting unit by changing one selection determining element acquired by the selection determining element acquiring unit; Or a combination with the reach production pattern including a specific reach occurrence notice pattern or a reach production pattern including both a specific reach pre-occurrence notice effect pattern and a specific reach occurrence notice effect pattern. A gaming machine characterized by forcibly selecting at least one of a combination with a pattern. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The specific event occurrence production execution means,
In the execution of the variable display effect and the stop display effect by the symbol effect execution means, further includes a stage effect execution means for executing at least a stage effect using a predetermined background image,
The production pattern defining means includes:
Further defining a stage production pattern including a plurality of background images as the contents of the stage production,
The effect pattern selection means includes:
A combination of at least the stage effect pattern and other effect patterns is selected using one selection determination element acquired by the selection determination element acquisition means,
The selection forcing means is:
By making a change to one selection decision element acquired by the selection determining element acquisition means, a combination with other effect patterns including a specific stage effect pattern as the specific effect pattern is given to the effect pattern selection means. A gaming machine characterized by forced selection.

Images