JP2011189164A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine preventing amusement of a game from being monotonous by varying in two or more ways the degree of expectation for the internal high probability state secret to a player such as "hidden probability variation". <P>SOLUTION: As a kind of winning in an internal lottery performed in a Pachinko machine, a three-round probability variation jackpot is provided in addition to a two-round probability variation jackpot having a different frequency of opening a big prize hole. Further a twice-open small prize and a three times-open small prize having the same opening frequency as the probability variation jackpots are provided. In a combination of twice open prizes, the proportion of selection is set different between the probability variation jackpot and the small prize, and similarly in a combination of three-times open prizes, the proportion of selection is set different. For example, the higher the opening frequency (round count) is, the higher the reliability of the probability variation jackpot can be made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine equipped with a function that keeps the player as secret as possible when the winning probability of internal lottery is higher than usual.

  As a prior art related to this type of gaming machine, there is a chance win that is different from the big win lottery in the internal lottery result, and if the chance win is actually won, the operation in the special gaming state executed at the time of the big win win will be short-term By digesting in a short period of time (a short time that is almost impossible for the player to notice) and then granting a combination of at least one or more of the three types of benefits, the game continues as if normal It is known that it appears as if any privilege has been granted suddenly (without going through a big win) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In particular, in the above-mentioned prior art, there are three types of benefits after the chance winning: the higher probability of winning the internal lottery, the shortening of the symbol variation time, and the easier inflow to the starting area (starting port). The player is unambiguously notified of the presence / absence of a privilege by using each effect image in the first chance mode, the second chance mode, or the gaze mode without clearly informing the player of whether or not the player has been granted. Of these, the first chance mode and the second chance mode both correspond to the case where there is a privilege of internal high probability of winning (hidden probability variation state), and the case mode is when there is no privilege of high probability of winning It corresponds. And when the 1st chance mode is selected, since the definite image corresponding to all three kinds of privileges is displayed, it is clearly informed that the privilege of winning high probability is given. When the second chance mode or the gaze mode is selected, a common non-deterministic image is displayed, so that the presence / absence of a privilege for increasing the winning probability is unclearly notified.

JP 2007-209601 A (paragraphs 0067 to 0080, FIGS. 6 and 9)

  According to the above-described prior art, a sense of relief given to the player by clearly informing the presence / absence of provision of a privilege in the first chance mode, and the second chance for the privilege of increasing the probability of winning after the chance winning The expectation given to the player can be made compatible by informing the presence or absence of the provision of the privilege vaguely in the mode or the gaze mode. Such a prior art method is different from a game machine in which the presence / absence of a privilege is always clearly notified, and sometimes it can realize thrilling gameability by notifying vaguely. Is still expensive.

  In addition, the inventors of the present invention find a room for further improvement by paying attention to the fact that in the second chance mode production adopted in the prior art, the expectation degree of winning high probability is always constant. It came to. In other words, since the ratio at which the second chance mode or gaze mode is selected after the chance win is determined in advance, even if the presence / absence of a privilege is vaguely reported by a non-deterministic image, When viewed, the player can guess the degree of expectation of winning high probability to a certain extent. For this reason, when the second chance mode is selected at the time of winning the chance, the player can always have the same expectation, and the game taste may become monotonous soon.

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to prevent the game taste from becoming monotonous by changing the expectation of the internal high probability state that is concealed from the player in a plurality of ways.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 01: In the gaming machine of the present invention, when an event that results in a special prize occurs during the game, a special privilege granting means for granting a special prize privilege to the player, and while a prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game Maintains the closed state in which the occurrence of the special winning event is always impossible, while the special winning event cannot be generated from the closed state only when the prescribed condition is satisfied. A winning event generating means capable of transitioning to an open state, and if a predetermined lottery trigger occurs during a normal game in which the winning event generating means is maintained in the closed state, whether at least the prescribed condition is satisfied When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery related to the negative or not, the symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and then the result of the internal lottery is displayed. The symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbols in the above-mentioned manner, and the result of the internal lottery is other than non-winning, and the symbols are stopped and displayed by the symbol displaying means in any manner corresponding to the result other than non-winning Then, a transition trigger generating means for generating a transition trigger for shifting the winning event generating means from the closed state to the open state on the assumption that the prescribed condition is satisfied, and an event of the special winning event The winning event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the opened state for a predetermined time that is easy to be generated, or until a predetermined number of special winning events occur within the predetermined time. And a special game executing means for executing an opening operation for shifting the closed state from the closed state to the open state and returning to the closed state, and the occurrence of the special winning event As a result of the internal lottery, a short-term opening / closing operation for causing the winning event generating means to shift from the closed state to the open state and return to the closed state for a short time that is more difficult than the predetermined time by the special game execution means. The symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner by the symbol display means as a winning type other than the non-winning obtained by the internal lottery and the short-time opening / closing operation executing means to be executed over the number of times set according to the number of times, and at the time of winning In addition to a plurality of specific winnings that are different from each other by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means that are set, the symbols are displayed in a special manner by the symbol display means, and the opening times that are set at the time of winning are individually A plurality of special winnings that are the same as the number of times of opening by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means set for the specific winning of When the short-time opening / closing operation is executed over the number of times of opening by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means when the transition trigger occurs due to the symbol being stopped and displayed in the specific mode, A specific game state transition means for shifting to a specific game state to which a specific condition different from a normal game is applied with respect to the winning probability in the internal lottery, and the result of the internal lottery performed by the lottery execution means is not won In other cases, the winning type determining means for selectively determining which of the winning types specified by the lottery result specifying means and the winning type determining means correspond to any of the winning types When determining whether or not a specific winning selection ratio is set for each of a plurality of specific winnings with different opening times set at the time of winning When it is determined by the setting means and the winning main pair determining means whether any of the types of winning is determined, the specific winning selection ratio setting is made for each of the plurality of special winnings having different opening times set at the time of winning. Special win selection ratio setting means for setting the respective selection ratios (for each of the special wins with different opening times) different from the individual selection ratios set by the means.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least a prescribed condition is satisfied is performed. Further, 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. The result of the internal lottery is basically either non-winning or non-winning (winning), but if it is not non-winning, it will be selected selectively from among the multiple winning types. The In the case other than non-winning, a special game opportunity may be given to the player. The special game is to perform the opening operation of the winning event generating means, and during this time, the occurrence of a special winning event is facilitated by each opening operation. For this reason, a special winning event frequently occurs during a special game, so that the player can enjoy many special privileges that are difficult to obtain during a normal game.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the winning event generating means is opened and closed for a short time over a predetermined number of times of opening. In this short-term opening / closing operation, the time for each time is shorter than the time for the opening operation during the special game, and it is difficult to generate a winning event during that time. In addition, since the time for each short-term opening / closing operation is short as described above, even if the short-time opening / closing operation is executed over the number of times of opening, there is little (or no) event that causes a special prize during that time. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for a player to enjoy a special privilege. Here, the number of times of opening the short-term opening / closing operation may be the same as or different from the number of times of opening in the special game.

  In addition, the game machine of the present invention is prescribed a special winning and a special winning. Of these, for special winnings, there are almost no special benefits due to winning in short-term opening and closing operations, but by giving the player another benefit that transitions to a specific gaming state after the end, the conditions of the subsequent internal lottery are Act as an opportunity to change. On the other hand, short-term opening and closing operations are executed for special wins, as in the case of special wins, but since the privilege of shifting to a specific gaming state is not granted, it is positioned as a win that is hard to distinguish from the special win on the surface It is done. As described above, the special winning and the specific winning show a common behavior of short-term opening and closing operations on the surface, but there is an essential difference in the presence / absence of the privilege of the subsequent transition to the specific gaming state.

  However, since it is not clearly instructed to the player whether or not the privilege to actually shift to a specific gaming state has been granted (for example, it is not informed on the stage), it is specified only from the superficial behavior of short-term opening and closing operation It is difficult for a player to reliably recognize (or detect, recognize, or perceive) whether or not a privilege of shifting to a gaming state has been granted. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is other than non-winning and falls into either the special winning or the special winning, the player has a sense of expectation that a privilege to shift to the specific gaming state is given in the subsequent game. You can make it.

  Even so, simply selecting either one of the special winning or special winning choices, the expectation of the presence or absence of benefits will be fixed at each selection ratio (ratio), eventually game It is inevitable that the taste of the company will become monotonous. This also applies to the above-described prior art method.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, first, a plurality of specific winnings and special winnings as the winning types are provided, and each specific winning and special winning is different from the number of short-time opening and closing operations that are set at the time of winning each. Is provided. In other words, because there are multiple types of special wins and special wins with different numbers of wins at the time of wins, even if the category of “special win” or “special win” is the same, it will be open The result varies depending on how many times the number of times is set. For example, there is a difference in the behavior during the short-time opening / closing operation and the time required for the operation between the specific winning in which the number of opening at the time of winning is set to 2 and the specific winning in which it is set to 3 times. In the same way, the special winning that is set to 2 times and the special winning that is set to 3 times also cause a difference in behavior during the short-time opening / closing operation and the time required for the operation.

  The game machine of the present invention then sets individual selection ratios for each of a plurality of specific winnings with different opening times set at the time of winning when determining which winning type is applicable (individual selections). The ratio may be the same or different for specific wins with different opening counts.) Next, individual selection ratios are set for each of a plurality of special wins with different opening counts. The same setting may be used for special winnings with different opening times, or different settings may be used.) Here, when individually setting the selection ratio of special winning, it is set differently from the selection ratio of specific winning in which the number of times of opening set at the time of winning is the same. As described above, the above-described problem is solved by setting the ratio at which the specific winning is selected and the ratio at which the special winning is selected to be different from each other. For example, in the combination in which the number of times of opening is set to 2 and the combination set to 3 times, if the former is set to have a higher selection ratio of specific winning, the short-term opening / closing operation is actually executed only twice In the case where the game is executed up to three times, the rate of transition to the specific gaming state becomes higher, and the player's expectation can be increased accordingly. As described above, in the present invention, by changing the ratio of shifting to the specific gaming state according to the number of times of opening when the short-term opening / closing operation is performed, the expectation of the presence / absence of a privilege for the player is changed, and the game Can be prevented from becoming monotonous.

  Solving means 02: In the solving means 01, the special winning selection ratio setting means sets a smaller number of open times for a combination of the specific winning and the special winning in which the setting of the number of opening is equal to each other at the time of winning. The higher the ratio at which the special winning is selected than the ratio at which the specific winning is selected by the winning type determining means, the higher the number of times the opening is set, the more the specific winning is selected. The ratio at which the special prize is selected is set to be lower than the ratio, or the combination of the special prize and the special prize in which the setting of the number of times to be released at the time of winning is the same as each other, As the number is set to be smaller, the special winning is selected than the ratio at which the specific winning is selected by the winning type determining means. While setting the rate low, the special winning is set higher ratio selected than the ratio of the open count is the specific winning selection as if it is more set.

  In this case, as mentioned in the above example, the player's expectation can be increased as the actual number of times of opening increases. Particularly in the present invention, for each of the specific winning and the special winning, the number of times of opening at the time of winning can be set in a plurality of stages. For this reason, for example, the player's expectation gradually increases as the number of short-time opening and closing operations increases, such as 3 times more than 2 times, 4 times than 3 times, and so on. A new game preference can be provided.

  Alternatively, contrary to the above example, the player's expectation can be increased as the actual number of times of opening is reduced. For this reason, for example, if the number of times of opening is about 2 times, the degree of expectation becomes the highest, but if the number of times of opening and closing operations increases from 3 times, 4 times, etc., the degree of expectation gradually increases. It is possible to provide different game preferences such as decreasing.

  Solution 03: In solution 01, 02, the gaming machine according to the present invention executes a change display effect corresponding to the change display of the symbol by the symbol display means within at least the change time, and then displays the stop of the symbol. Correspondingly, it indicates whether the result of the internal lottery is non-winning or other than non-winning, and in the case of other than non-winning, the result display effect is expressed in a manner representing at least the specific winning or the special winning. When the result display effect is executed in a manner indicating that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the specific winning or the special winning by the symbol effect executing means to be executed and the symbol effect executing means, the short-term opening / closing operation is executed. A transition effect executing means for executing a transition effect that changes the effect in a plurality of ways each time the short-time opening / closing operation is executed over the number of times of opening by the means; There is further provided effect content setting means for commonly setting the content of the transition effect executed by the transition effect execution means for a combination of the specific winning and the special winning that sometimes have the same number of times of opening. .

  Even if the number of times of opening is the same as described above, there is no privilege to shift to the specific gaming state in the special winning, and there is a privilege to shift to the specific gaming state only in the specific winning. When entering the specific gaming state, specific conditions (such as changing the probability of winning higher than usual) are applied for internal lottery, so the next lot will continue in a short period (with fewer lotteries). It becomes easier to get a win, and there is a higher possibility that a special game opportunity can be obtained by falling into the special win. Therefore, from the player's point of view, if it is not a special win even if it is not a non-win in the internal lottery, the fact that it corresponds to a specific win instead of a special win will lead to an improvement in one's own profit Whether or not it actually corresponds to a specific winning is a big concern.

  Whether it is a special winning or special winning at the time of winning other than the special winning is expressed in the form of the symbol that is stopped and displayed in principle, but the symbol (special symbol) at first glance understand the meaning content It is a difficult display mode (for example, a mode represented graphically or symbolically using a 7-segment LED, a plurality of lamps, a mode represented by a combination of lighting colors of multiple color LEDs or the number of lightings, etc.) It is difficult for a player to immediately determine whether a player has been awarded a specific winning or a special winning from the display mode of the symbol. In the case of symbol production, if it is a special prize in a case other than non-winning, the result display effect will be executed in a manner indicating that, but it is not a special prize (that is, either a special prize or a special prize) Since the result display effect is executed in a mode that only indicates that it corresponds to either the specific winning or the special winning, the player immediately changes to either the specific winning or the special winning from the result displaying directing mode. It is difficult to know if it was true.

  In addition, in the present invention, the transition effect is executed every time the short-term opening / closing operation is performed, and the contents are set in common for the combination of the specific winning and the special winning in which the number of times of opening is set to be the same. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to immediately determine whether it was a specific winning or a special winning from the content of the transition effect, thereby giving the privilege of transition to the specific gaming state even after the execution of the transition effect Can maintain a sense of expectation.

  In addition, the present invention can clearly notify the player that the short-term opening / closing operation is being performed by executing the transition effect every time the short-term opening / closing operation is performed. As a result, the player can be clearly instructed (or disclosed, notified, notified, suggested, etc.) that at least one of the specific wins or special wins has been met. It is possible to prevent the subsequent game from proceeding without it. In this way, in the case of a special winning or special winning, a privilege of shifting to a specific gaming state has been granted by making the player clearly aware that a short-term opening / closing operation has been executed thereby You can surely have a sense of expectation.

  In addition to the configurations disclosed in the resolution units 01 to 03, the present invention can employ a resolution unit that combines the configurations of the resolution units 01 to 03 and the configurations of the resolution units 1 to 12 described below.

  Solution 1: In the gaming machine of the present invention, when an event that results in a special prize occurs during a game, a special privilege granting means for granting a special prize privilege to a player, and while a prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game Maintains a closed state in which the occurrence of a special winning event is always impossible, while only when the specified conditions are met, the closed state changes to an open state in which the generation of a special winning event is not impossible. A winning event generating means that can be transferred to the game, and if a predetermined lottery trigger occurs during a normal game in which the winning event generating means is maintained in the closed state, an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least the prescribed condition is satisfied A lottery executing means to be executed and a symbol display means for stopping and 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 when the internal lottery is performed by the lottery executing means , If the internal lottery result is other than non-winning and the symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means in any manner corresponding to the result other than non-winning, the winning event is assumed that the prescribed condition is satisfied Transition trigger generation means for generating a transition trigger for shifting the generating means from the closed state to the open state, and the transition trigger by the symbol display means stopping the symbol in a special manner corresponding to the result other than non-winning If a trigger is generated by the generating means, the winning event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time that makes it easy to generate a special winning event as a special game, or a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. Until a special winning event occurs, the opening operation for shifting the winning event generating means from the closed state to the open state and returning to the closed state is executed for a predetermined maximum number of times. The special event execution means and the special game execution means to cause the transition trigger generation means by the symbol display means to stop display in either the specific mode or the special mode corresponding to the result other than the non-winning result When a transition opportunity occurs, the short-term opening / closing operation that shifts the winning event generation means from the closed state to the open state and returns to the closed state for a short time that makes it difficult to generate a special winning event from the maximum number of times. Short-time opening / closing operation execution means to be executed for the number of times of opening set according to the result of the internal lottery within a small range, and the result of the internal lottery is other than non-winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in at least a specific manner by the symbol display means If the short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation execution means for the number of times of opening when the transition trigger occurs, at least in the internal lottery A special game state transition means for shifting to a specific game state to which a specific condition different from a normal game is applied with respect to a selection probability, and a winning type other than non-winning obtained by internal lottery, in a special manner by a symbol display means. A special winning that allows symbols to be displayed in a stopped state is defined, and as a type of winning different from the special winning, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a specific manner by the symbol display means, and the number of open times set at the time of winning is different from each other. In addition to the specific winnings, the symbols are displayed in a special manner by the symbol display means, and the number of open times set at the time of winning is the same as the number of open times set for each specific win. If the result of the internal lottery performed by the lottery executing means is other than non-winning, the lottery result defining means Winning type determination means for selectively determining which of the specified winning types, and if the internal lottery result is other than non-winning, the winning type determining means will be either a specific winning or special winning Is determined selectively, the ratio of the specific winning and the ratio of selecting the special winning for each combination of the special winning and the special winning where the number of open times set at the time of winning is equal to each other. Selection ratio setting means for changing the ratio of transition to the specific gaming state by the specific gaming state transition means according to the number of times of opening when the short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means by setting differently Is provided.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least a prescribed condition is satisfied is performed. Further, 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. The result of the internal lottery is basically either non-winning or non-winning (winning), but if it is not non-winning, it will be selected selectively from among the multiple winning types. The As a result, if the winning type corresponds to the special winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a special manner, the player is given a chance for a special game. In the special game, the opening operation of the winning event generating means is executed for the maximum number of times, and during this time, the occurrence of a special winning event is facilitated by each opening operation. For this reason, a special winning event frequently occurs during a special game, so that the player can enjoy many special privileges that are difficult to obtain during a normal game.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, a special winning and a special winning are defined as winning types different from the special winning. In the case of an internal lottery other than non-winning, if it corresponds to either a special winning or a special winning, and the symbol is displayed in a specific aspect or a special aspect, a winning event will occur over a smaller number of times than the above special game The generating means is operated for short-term opening / closing, but the short-time opening / closing operation has a short time for each time, and it is difficult to generate a winning event during that time. In addition, since the number of short-time opening / closing operations is less than the maximum number of times and the time for each one is short, even if the short-time opening / closing operation is executed over the number of times of opening, there are almost no special winning events during that time ( (Or not at all), it is extremely difficult for a player to enjoy special benefits.

  Then, what is such a special winning or special winning for? For these special winnings, there are few special benefits due to winning in short-term opening and closing operations, but after that, it shifts to a specific gaming state By giving the player another benefit, it plays a role as an opportunity to change the conditions of the subsequent internal lottery. On the other hand, short-term opening and closing operations are executed for special wins, as in the case of special wins, but since the privilege of shifting to a specific gaming state is not granted, it is positioned as a win that is hard to distinguish from the special win on the surface It is done. As described above, the special winning and the specific winning show a common behavior of short-term opening and closing operations on the surface, but there is an essential difference in the presence / absence of the privilege of the subsequent transition to the specific gaming state.

  However, since it is not clearly instructed to the player whether or not the privilege to actually shift to a specific gaming state has been granted (for example, it is not informed on the stage), it is specified only from the superficial behavior of short-term opening and closing operation It is difficult for a player to reliably recognize (or detect, recognize, or perceive) whether or not a privilege of shifting to a gaming state has been granted. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is other than non-winning and falls into either the special winning or the special winning, the player has a sense of expectation that a privilege to shift to the specific gaming state is given in the subsequent game. You can make it.

  Even so, simply selecting either one of the special winning or special winning choices, the expectation of the presence or absence of benefits will be fixed at each selection ratio (ratio), eventually game It is inevitable that the taste of the company will become monotonous. This also applies to the above-described prior art method.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, first, a plurality of specific wins and special wins are provided as the types of wins, and each individual win and special win has a difference in the number of open times set at the time of win. . In other words, because there are multiple types of special wins and special wins with different numbers of wins at the time of wins, even if the category of “special win” or “special win” is the same, it will be open The result varies depending on how many times the number of times is set. For example, there is a difference in the behavior during the short-time opening / closing operation and the time required for the operation between the specific winning in which the number of opening at the time of winning is set to 2 and the specific winning in which it is set to 3 times. In the same way, the special winning that is set to 2 times and the special winning that is set to 3 times also cause a difference in behavior during the short-time opening / closing operation and the time required for the operation.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention, for each combination of the special winning and the special winning that the number of times of opening that is set at the time of winning is the same number, the ratio that the special winning is selected and the ratio that the special winning is selected The above-mentioned problems are solved by setting them differently. For example, in the combination in which the number of times of opening is set to 2 and the combination set to 3 times, if the former is set to have a higher selection ratio of specific winning, the short-term opening / closing operation is actually executed only twice In the case where the game is executed up to three times, the rate of transition to the specific gaming state becomes higher, and the player's expectation can be increased accordingly. As described above, in the present invention, by changing the ratio of shifting to the specific gaming state according to the number of times of opening when the short-term opening / closing operation is performed, the expectation of the presence / absence of a privilege for the player is changed, and the game Can be prevented from becoming monotonous.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, the selection ratio setting means determines the winning type determination means when the number of times of opening is set to be smaller for a combination of a specific winning and a special winning where the setting of the number of opening is equal to each other at the time of winning. The ratio at which the special prize is selected is lower than the ratio at which the special prize is selected. Is set high.

  In this case, as mentioned in the above example, the player's expectation can be increased as the actual number of times of opening increases. Particularly in the present invention, for each of the specific winning and the special winning, the number of times of opening at the time of winning can be set in a plurality of stages. For this reason, for example, the player's expectation gradually increases as the number of short-time opening and closing operations increases, such as 3 times more than 2 times, 4 times than 3 times, and so on. A new game preference can be provided.

  Solution 3: In Solution 1, the selection ratio setting means determines the type of winning as the number of times of opening is set for a combination of a specific winning and a special winning in which the setting of the number of opening is the same when winning. While the ratio at which the special winning is selected is set higher than the ratio at which the special winning is selected by the means, the specific winning is selected more than the ratio at which the special winning is selected as the number of times of opening is set more. The ratio may be set low.

  In this case, contrary to the above example, the player's expectation can be increased as the actual number of times of opening is reduced. For this reason, for example, if the number of times of opening is about 2 times, the degree of expectation becomes the highest, but if the number of times of opening and closing operations increases from 3 times, 4 times, etc., the degree of expectation gradually increases. It is possible to provide different game preferences such as decreasing.

  Solving means 4: In solving means 1 to 3, the gaming machine of the present invention executes a variable display effect corresponding to the symbol variable display by the symbol display means at least within the variable time, and then corresponds to the symbol stop display. The result of the internal lottery is either non-winning or non-winning, and if it is not non-winning, it is at least a special winning, or a result indicating that it is a special winning or other special winning When the result display effect is executed in such a manner that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the specific winning or the special winning by the symbol effect executing means for executing the display effect and the symbol effect executing means is opened by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means. A mode transition effect executing means for executing a mode transition effect that changes the mode on the effect in a plurality of ways each time a short-time opening / closing operation is performed, and at the time of winning The combination of a specific winning and special winning the setting of the opening number is equal to each other, further comprising a rendering content setting means for setting the content of the mode transition effect to be executed by the mode switching demonstration execution unit in common.

  Even if the number of times of opening is the same as described above, there is no privilege to shift to the specific gaming state in the special winning, and there is a privilege to shift to the specific gaming state only in the specific winning. When entering the specific gaming state, specific conditions (such as changing the probability of winning higher than usual) are applied for internal lottery, so the next lot will continue in a short period (with fewer lotteries). It becomes easier to get a win, and there is a higher possibility that a special game opportunity can be obtained by falling into the special win. Therefore, from the player's point of view, if it is not a special win even if it is not a non-win in the internal lottery, the fact that it corresponds to a specific win instead of a special win will lead to an improvement in one's own profit Whether or not it actually corresponds to a specific winning is a big concern.

  Whether it is a special winning or special winning at the time of winning other than the special winning is expressed in the form of the symbol that is stopped and displayed in principle, but the symbol (special symbol) at first glance understand the meaning content It is a difficult display mode (for example, a mode represented graphically or symbolically using a 7-segment LED, a plurality of lamps, a mode represented by a combination of lighting colors of multiple color LEDs or the number of lightings, etc.) It is difficult for a player to immediately determine whether a player has been awarded a specific winning or a special winning from the display mode of the symbol. In the case of symbol production, if it is a special prize in a case other than non-winning, the result display effect will be executed in a manner indicating that, but it is not a special prize (that is, either a special prize or a special prize) Since the result display effect is executed in a mode that only indicates that it corresponds to either the specific winning or the special winning, the player immediately changes to either the specific winning or the special winning from the result displaying directing mode. It is difficult to know if it was true.

  In addition, in the present invention, the mode transition effect is executed every time the short-term opening / closing operation is performed, and the contents are set in common for the combination of the specific winning and the special winning in which the number of times of opening is set to be the same. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to immediately determine whether it is a specific winning or a special winning from the contents of the mode transition effect, thereby giving a special game state transition privilege even after the mode transition effect is executed. The expectation for what has been done can be sustained.

  Further, the present invention can clearly notify the player that the short-term opening / closing operation is being performed by executing the mode transition effect every time the short-term opening / closing operation is performed. As a result, the player can be clearly instructed (or disclosed, notified, notified, suggested, etc.) that at least one of the specific wins or special wins has been met. It is possible to prevent the subsequent game from proceeding without it. In this way, in the case of a special winning or special winning, a privilege of shifting to a specific gaming state has been granted by making the player clearly aware that a short-term opening / closing operation has been executed thereby You can surely have a sense of expectation.

  Solution 5: In Solution 4, the gaming machine according to the present invention supports a plurality of types of production modes during the transition to the specific game state in addition to the normal mode of the contents corresponding to the normal game. There is further provided a production mode defining means for defining each of the plurality of chance modes having the contents. Then, the mode transition effect executing means changes the mode on the effect from the normal mode to one of a plurality of chance modes each time the short-term opening / closing operation executing means executes the short-time opening / closing operation over the number of times of opening.

  As described above, in the present invention, in the case of a specific winning or special winning, the expectation of the privilege varies depending on the number of short-time opening / closing operations that are executed. For this reason, when the short-term opening / closing operation is executed, the expectation level given to the player can be changed accordingly by changing the mode on the production as the number of times of opening advances. For example, in the first short-term opening / closing operation, the production mode is changed to the normal mode, and then the second short-term opening / closing operation is shifted to the chance mode, and then the third short-term opening / closing operation is shifted to another chance mode. It is a mode of going. In this case, the expectation given to the player is increased by shifting from the normal mode to the chance mode, or the expectation given to the player is changed (high or low) by moving from one chance mode to another chance mode. be able to.

  Solution 6: In Solution 5, the plurality of chance modes are classified into a high chance mode and a low chance mode depending on whether the possibility that the specific game state transition means has shifted to the specific game state corresponds to at least a high or low classification. Has been. The mode transition effect executing means changes the mode on the effect in order from the normal mode to the low chance mode and from the low chance mode to the high chance mode each time the short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means.

  In this case, the number of short-term opening / closing operations actually performed is increased because the number of times of opening / closing short-term opening / closing operations increases, and the mode shifts to a mode in which there is a higher possibility of transition to a specific gaming state (expectation for the player). As the number of players increases, the player's expectations can gradually increase. For this reason, when the mode transition effect starts, the player can feel a special interest of “Which mode is going to be upgraded”, thereby making the player feel excited.

  Solution 7: Alternatively, in Solution 6, the plurality of chance modes are classified into a high chance mode and a low chance mode depending on at least one of the high and low classifications that the possibility of having entered the specific game state by the specific game state transfer means. Although it is divided, the mode transition effect execution means changes the mode on the effect from the normal mode to the high chance mode and from the high chance mode to the low chance mode every time the short-time opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation execution means. It is also possible to change the order.

  In this case, contrary to the above, since the number of short-time opening / closing operations is increased, the mode is shifted to a mode with a lower possibility of transitioning to a specific gaming state (expectation for the player) in production. As the number of short-term opening / closing operations is reduced, the player's expectation can be maintained higher. For this reason, when the mode transition production starts, the player can feel a different idea from the above that "the mode transition should be completed with as few times as possible", thereby making the player feel excited Can do.

  Solving means 8: In the solving means 4 to 7, the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the result of the internal lottery is not won, the symbol effect executing means is executed even though the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means is not executed. While the variable display effect is being executed, the mode change effect is changed from the current mode to another mode in a manner that approximates the mode change effect, or the current mode is maintained without changing the current mode. Further provided is a mode change effect execution means for execution. Whether or not to execute the above-described change mode transition effect is determined by a lottery each time, and it is desirable that the change mode change effect is executed with a predetermined probability when not winning.

  When the mode transition effect is executed as described above, the player's degree of expectation varies depending on the stay mode after the transition. However, since the mode transition effect is not executed unless a specific winning or special winning is passed, if the winning is not obtained for a long time, the stay mode is fixed for a long period of time, and the game taste may become monotonous soon. Therefore, in the present invention, when the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, even when the short-time opening / closing operation is not performed, the mode transition effect at the time of variation approximated to the mode transition effect is performed during the symbol variation display effect. . As a result, even if a situation where a specific winning or special winning cannot be obtained over a certain period of time occurs, a mode transition occurs moderately during that time, thereby preventing the game taste from becoming monotonous. .

  In addition, even if you do not win any of the wins, you can make mode transitions moderately on the stage triggered by the change display of the symbols at the time of non-winning, so in the state that has transitioned to the specific gaming state internally If there is, it is possible to easily shift to a mode with a higher expectation level, or conversely, if a privilege is not given, it is possible to easily shift to a mode with a lower expectation level. As a result, not only the traditional interest of “whether it is a hit” from the change display effect of the symbol to the result display effect, but also a new gameability “whether a hidden privilege is granted” or not by the mode transition. It can be created and the preferences can be diversified accordingly.

The gaming machine of the present invention may have the following configuration.
Solution 9: That is, in the solutions 6 and 7, the gaming machine according to the present invention executes the symbol effect even when the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means is not executed when the result of the internal lottery is not won. While changing display effect is executed by means, the mode change effect is changed from the current mode to another mode in a manner similar to the mode change effect, or the current mode is maintained without changing. Is further provided with changing mode transition effect executing means. In addition, when the current mode is the normal mode, the mode change effect execution means at the time of change selects only the low chance mode as the mode to be changed by the mode change effect at the time of change, and changes when the current mode is the low chance mode. Select either the normal mode or the high chance mode as the mode to be changed in the hour mode transition effect, and if the current mode is the high chance mode, select only the low chance mode as the mode to be changed in the fluctuation mode transition effect . Also here, it is desirable that whether or not to execute the change mode transition effect is determined by lottery so that the change mode effect is executed at a predetermined frequency when not winning.

  As described above, when a change is made to the player's expectation level due to the mode transition in the production (solution means 6 and 7), the expectation degree is higher when the mode is shifted to the low chance mode than the normal mode, and the lower chance mode The expectation tends to increase when the mode is shifted to the high chance mode. However, when the mode transition for production is performed at the time of non-winning (during normal fluctuation display), the reliability of the mode transition itself is not so high because it is not actually triggered by a state change of specific winning. For this reason, in the present invention, in the transitional mode transition effect performed at the time of non-winning, it is avoided to shift from the current mode to a mode with a greatly different expectation level, and excessively raise the expectation after the mode transition, or conversely excessively This prevents a decrease in expectation.

  Solution 10: In the solutions 1 to 9, the gaming machine according to the present invention is such that the result of the internal lottery performed during the game during the transition to the specific game state by the specific game state transition means is other than non-winning In addition, when it is determined by the winning type determining means that any one of a plurality of specific winnings is achieved, if the short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means over the number of times of opening, the specification by the specific game state transition means In conjunction with the transition to the gaming state, the time display state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the variation time for displaying the symbol variation by the symbol display means is shortened than usual, and the transition to the specific gaming state by the specific gaming state transition means When the result display effect is executed in a manner representing that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to one of a plurality of specific winnings by the symbol effect execution means during the game while being played As applicable regardless of the open count set for a particular winning, further comprising a special mode transition effect execution means for changing the special chance mode the mode on the effect from the current.

  As described above, if a player wins an internal lottery other than the non-winning, and the winning type falls under a specific winning, the player is given a privilege to move to a specific gaming state after the short-term opening / closing operation is executed. There are hidden benefits that you do not know clearly. In the internal lottery conducted in this state, if it becomes other than non-winning, and if it subsequently falls into a specific winning, if only the hidden privilege is given as before, there will be a special change in the taste of the game There is a possibility that the game will become monotonous over time.

  Therefore, in this solution, when a hidden bonus is already granted and it corresponds to a specific winning combination, there is another privilege of shifting to a time shortened state together with the transition to the specific gaming state so far. It is supposed to be granted. When shifting to this time shortening state, the variation time of the symbol is shortened as compared with the normal time, so that the variation for each time is completed within a short time at the time of non-winning. For this reason, if an event that becomes a lottery trigger occurs at a certain frequency, each internal lottery is digested with a good tempo, so that the game progresses speedily as a whole, and the time efficiency for the player is improved. Furthermore, since the game is also shifted to a specific gaming state at this time, it is highly likely that a result other than non-winning will be obtained in the internal lottery, and for the player, there is an opportunity to win early (especially special winning). Become.

  As described above, the time shortening state is a clear chance state for the player, and the behavior (shortening of the variation time) can be clearly noticed (or recognized, perceived, recognized, etc.) by the player. Since the behavior has clearly changed from before, the significance of hiding the presence or absence of the benefit from the player has already diminished when the time-saving privilege is granted Yes. In this case, if the same mode (chance mode) as before is continued in the production, the actual behavior and the content of the production do not match, and there is a possibility of causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

  For this reason, in this solution, when the hidden bonus is already granted and it corresponds to the specific win, the mode on the production is changed to a special chance mode in accordance with the grant of the time-saving privilege. It is changing. As a result, when a privilege in a time-saving state is given, the effect is executed in a natural manner linked to the actual behavior (reduction of the symbol variation time) that the player can notice on the surface, and the player It is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

  Solving means 11: Also in the solving means 10, the special mode transition effect executing means specifies a plurality of results of the internal lottery by the symbol effect executing means during the game while the effect mode is shifted to the special chance mode. When a result display effect is executed in a manner indicating that it is either a win or a special win, the mode on the play is maintained in a special chance mode regardless of the number of open times set for that specific win To do.

  As described above, the special chance mode is positioned as an effect that is performed in a manner that matches the actual behavior, so that the actual behavior changes greatly (the time shortening state ends), or a hidden privilege It is not desirable for the special chance mode to end in the production unless the giving of the game ends (the specific game state ends). On the other hand, the condition for transitioning to a special chance mode in the production is that it corresponds to a specific winning while it is internally transitioning to a specific gaming state. When winning, the special gaming state and time-saving benefits will continue, and the actual behavior will not change significantly from there.

  Therefore, in this solution, if the player has already shifted to a special chance mode in the production, the player is aware (or perceived, acknowledged, perceived, etc.) that the hidden privilege has been given to some extent. In view of this, if the player wins a specific win or a special win in this state, the production mode is maintained as a special chance mode regardless of the number of times of opening. Thereby, the mode on the production does not change to a mode far from the actual behavior, and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  Solution 12: In the solutions 10 and 11, the following configurations may be added respectively. That is, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the ball launching means for driving the game ball toward the game area formed on the game board surface, and the game ball installed in the game area and flowing down in the game area flow in at random. In the state where the start winning opening that generates an event that becomes a lottery trigger in the game area and the predetermined movable piece is in the closed position, it is difficult for the inflow of the game ball flowing down the game area, In the state where it is operated from the closed position toward the open position, the game ball is facilitated to flow in, and a variable start winning device that generates an event that becomes a lottery trigger due to the flow in is installed in the game area. An operation lottery execution that executes an operation lottery to determine whether or not to operate the movable piece of the variable start winning device with the start gate through which the flowing game balls can randomly pass and the game ball passing through the start gate as an opportunity Means and When winning in the operation lottery, the movable piece actuating means for actuating the movable piece of the variable start winning device toward the open position, and a prize for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls for winning at least the variable start winning device And a ball dispensing device. In the above time shortening state, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to non-winning, the fluctuation time is shortened more than usual, and at least the winning probability of the operation lottery is changed higher than usual.

  In such a configuration, during the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won with a high probability, and winning to the variable start winning device frequently occurs. It contributes to the improvement. In addition, game balls (prize balls) are frequently paid out by winning the variable start winning device, and for the player, the reduction of the game balls that have been fired is compensated for by the award balls. If you win, there is an advantage that you can get the next win without consuming almost any possession. In this way, during the time shortening state, in addition to shortening the fluctuation time of the symbol, a clear behavior such as frequent operation of the variable start winning device and accompanying payout of the game ball is shown, thereby giving a privilege. It becomes easier for the player to notice clearly that On the other hand, if the transition is made only to the specific gaming state and not the time saving state, the change will be an internal change that is difficult to notice to the player, and the hidden privilege as described above The role as can be surely played.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a plurality of degrees of expectation as to whether or not a privilege is granted depending on the number of times of opening when it corresponds to a specific winning or special winning, so the number of short-time opening and closing operations is more It is possible to diversify the game preferences by increasing the expectation level of the bonus as it continues to the end, or conversely, increasing the expectation level of the privilege as the short-time opening / closing operation is completed with a smaller number of times.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. 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 start winning process. 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 flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the number-of-award winning opening number setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is the figure which listed the relationship between the appearance rate of "small hit" and "hidden probability change", and the reliability of a "high probability state". It is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect using an effect design and a background image. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production at the time of either "small hit" or "hidden probability change". It is a continuation figure showing the example of the effect performed when it corresponds to "one-time opening small hit". It is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect in the case of developing from 1 time opening to 2 times opening. It is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect in the case of complete | finishing by opening twice. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production in the case of developing from 2 times opening to 3 times opening. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production in the case of shifting to "chance mode 2" after the end of opening three times. It is the figure which listed the appearance rate of the production | presentation according to the frequency | count of door opening and closing, and the expectation degree at that time. 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 example of a procedure of the process at the time of variable winning apparatus operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big hit effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect selection process at the time of a small hit. It is a continuation figure showing the example of the effect performed at the time of transfer to "chance mode 3". It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | generation pattern selection process at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the mode transfer lottery table at the time of an internal low probability state. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the mode transfer lottery table at the time of an internal high probability state. It is the figure which showed the mode transfer destination selection ratio according to the internal probability state in a list. It is the figure which showed the example of the mode transition effect which generate | occur | produces at the time of non-winning in chart form.

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. 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.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, a glass frame unit 4, a ball tray unit 6 and a gaming machine frame (plastic frame) (not shown) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall using a fastener such as a screw. The other glass frame unit 4, ball tray unit 6, and gaming machine frame (not shown) are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and each of these operates 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 locking unit (not shown) is provided on the inner side (back side) of the right edge of the gaming machine frame, and correspondingly, the right edge of the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2 are not shown. Locking tool is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the locking unit together with the locking device disables the opening of the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame. Yes.

  A cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the ball tray unit 6. For example, when a game hall manager inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the locking unit is activated and the glass frame unit 4 and the ball tray unit 6 can be opened together with the gaming machine frame. It becomes. When these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed. On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a not-shown dispensing device unit and launching device unit are installed, as well as various electronic devices (including a control computer) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, connection Terminals are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the gaming machine frame is 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 ball tray unit 6 is exposed. When the lock mechanism is released in this state, the ball tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the gaming machine frame.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by a game machine frame (not shown) behind the glass frame unit 4. The gaming board 8 can be attached to and detached from the gaming machine frame 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 ball tray unit 6 can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. 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 paid out from the payout unit to the ball tray unit 6 separately from the prize balls. A ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the front surface of the ball tray unit 6, and a ball lending button is inserted in a state in which a valuable medium (such as a magnetic recording medium or a storage IC built-in medium) is inserted into a CR unit (not shown) When the player operates 10, the number of game balls (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) is lent out. A frequency display unit 14 is disposed on the front surface of the ball tray unit 6, and the frequency display unit 14 displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. In this embodiment, a CR machine is used as an example, but the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  Further, a left sphere extraction lever 6b is installed at the upper left part of the ball tray unit 6, and a central sphere extraction button 6c is installed at the center thereof. The player can drop the game balls stored in the ball tray unit 6 downward and discharge them by operating these left ball removal lever 6b and central ball removal button 6c. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed in the lower right portion of the ball tray unit 6. A player operates a gripping unit 16 to operate a launching device unit (not shown), and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launching means). 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 (not shown in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided by the obstacle nails and windmills.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a start 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 a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner), and allows a winning to the lower start winning port 28a ( Ordinary electric accessory). 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. The arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28.

  In addition, the variable winning device 30 (winning event generating means) operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and a big winning opening (no reference sign). ) Is possible (special electric accessory). 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 where the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event that results in a winning (special winning) to the big 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. The collected game balls join a supply route for an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a special symbol display device 34, a special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and a game state display. A device 38 is 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).

  The special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means). In addition, the operation memory lamp 34a displays 0 to 4 stored numbers, for example, by combinations of extinguishing or lighting or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, when all the lamps are turned off, the memory number 0 is displayed. When one lamp is lit, one memory number is displayed. When the same one lamp blinks, two memory numbers are displayed. For example, when one lamp is lit, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when both lamps blink, 4 stored numbers are displayed. The operation memory lamps 34a are turned on one by one in the sense that when a game ball flows into the upper start winning port 26 or the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port), the fact that a winning has occurred is stored. Each time the change of the special symbol is started, the lights are turned off one by one. The display number (maximum of 4) of the operation memory lamp 34a represents the number of winning (the number of winning balls) at which the change of the special symbol has not yet started.

  The gaming status display device 38 includes, for example, four LEDs (none of which are denoted by reference numerals) corresponding to a jackpot type display lamp (when there are jackpots with different numbers of rounds), a probability variation status display lamp, and a short-time status display lamp, respectively. It is.

  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.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, upper frame lamps 46 and 48 and lower frame lamps 50 and 52 are installed at a plurality of locations as components for production. These frame lamps 46 to 52 execute effects by, for example, light emission (lighting or blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.) of the built-in LED. A pair of left and right upper speakers 54 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a pair of left and right lower speakers 56 are built in the lower part of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54 and 56 output effects sound, BGM, voice, etc. (overall sound) and execute effects.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 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 equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 which is 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). It is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver (I / O) 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. On the circuit board, signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, and the like are formed as wiring patterns.

  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-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, special symbol display device 34, operation memory lamp 34a and game state display device 38 are 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, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89, and the integrated display substrate 89 has the panel relay terminal described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the plate 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 gaming machine frame (plastic frame). 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 gaming machine frame is opened from the outer frame unit 2, A contact 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 opened state of the gaming machine frame by the glass frame unit 4 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 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 control unit 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 (special privilege granting means). ).

  The payout unit has, for example, a not-shown prize ball tank, an upper prize ball bowl, a right prize ball bowl, and a prize ball case. Of these, the prize ball tank is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the gaming machine frame. Thus, it is possible to store game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank are guided to the prize ball case through the upper prize ball basket and the right prize ball basket. In a prize ball case (not shown), a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (stepping motor), and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on the payout device substrate 100. 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 game balls that have been paid out are sent to the above-mentioned ball tray unit 6 through a payout path (not shown).

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the right prize ball basket, 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. When a ball break occurs in the right prize ball basket, a contact signal from the payout path ball cut 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 launch solenoid 110 is installed together with the launch control board 108 in a launcher case (not shown). A ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the ball tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the above-described launch device unit. Among these, the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. . Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending one game ball stored in the ball 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 ball tray unit 6 is provided with a saucer relay terminal plate 118, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is sent via the saucer relay terminal plate 118. 108. 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 ball tray unit 6 has a built-in CR board 122. The CR board 122 has switches connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively, and a display (3 of the frequency display unit 14). 7-segment LEDs for digits) are provided. 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 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 perform various frame lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. Is emitted, or a sound effect or a sound is actually output from the speakers 54 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 upper frame lamps 46 and 48 and the lower frame lamps 50 and 52, the various lamps include a board lamp 53 for decoration / production provided on 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.

  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 this 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 the frame lamp 46. To 52 and speakers 54 and 56. The game board 8 is provided with a panel illumination board 138, and a drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the board lamp 53 via the panel illumination 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 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 gaming machine frame. The power supply control unit 162 takes in external power (for example, AC 24 V) from the island facility, and generates necessary power (for example, DC +34 V, +12 V, etc.) 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.

  In addition, an external terminal board 160 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine frame, and the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) are placed outside the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal plate 160. External information (special symbol variation start information, prize ball payout information, game status information such as during jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation) can be output. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are totaled 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.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure 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 performs initial setting of the mask register.
Step S104: 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), next, Step S105 is executed.

  Step S105: The main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ends normally 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 S106.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. If the check result is normal (Yes), the backup validity determination flag is reset (for example, “0000H”), and then the main control CPU 72 executes step S107.

  Step S107: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command to the effect control device 124. In response to this, the effect control device 124 restores the effect state (for example, the display mode of the effect symbol, the sound output content, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this processing, based on the backup information, the main control CPU 72 is a game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, special symbol display mode, internal probability state, operation memory content, various flag states, random number update state) Etc.). Then, the backed up PC register value is restored, and the processing is continued from the program address.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S104: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S105: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S106: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S109.

  Step S109: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of the RAM 76. Thereby, even if the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, the contents are deleted.

  Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears the command transmission request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S111: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after reset (command necessary for effect control).

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initialization process, and initializes a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. Then, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 4 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S113, Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, for example, a signal input from a power supply monitoring IC that is a peripheral device is referenced to monitor the occurrence of power interruption (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 saves the register, backs up the entire contents of the RAM 76, and stops the processing (NOP). If the power is not shut off, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S115. 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 S115: 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 this embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit decision random number. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 5). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round. is doing. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 5), and therefore overlap (conflict) with this. It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in 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. 5). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

  Step S118: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the interrupt counter, and determines whether or not the interrupt processing executed so far has exceeded a predetermined number (for example, twice). If the value of the interrupt counter does not exceed the predetermined value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S113. On the other hand, if the value of the interrupt counter exceeds a predetermined value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S119. As a result, at least two timer interrupts are generated during execution of the main loop, and another interrupt management process is executed. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a power interruption in the remaining time when the timer interrupt occurs. A check process (step S114) and an initial value update random number update process (step S115) are executed.

  Step S119, Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command necessary for effect control). The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S121: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, the number of winning balls is instructed to the payout control device 92 based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in another interruption process (step S203 in FIG. 5). A prize ball instruction command is output.

  Step S122, Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process in the main loop. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34 described above, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result.

  In the normal symbol game process, 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. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary symbol big hit decision random number) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in another interrupt management process. Then, the main control CPU 72 reads a random number value in this normal symbol game process, and determines 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. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S124: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the above external information to the hall computer in the game hall through the external terminal board 160.

  Step S125: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing in the main loop. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a test signal indicating its own internal state (for example, during a big hit, when the probability variation function is activated, when the time shortening function is activated, or when an error is occurring), and this is output to the outside of the main controller 70. Output to. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an output management process. In this process, the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76 is referred to, and the excitation states (ON or OFF) of various solenoids (ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, large winning opening solenoid 90) are output to the output port. To do.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the processes of steps S119 to S126 are incorporated in the main loop is given, but there is a known programming example in which the CPU executes the processes as a timer interrupt process.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 5 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, jackpot symbol random numbers, ordinary symbol jackpot random numbers, and the like. Among these, the big hit symbol random number and the small big hit symbol random number are updated in order within a range of 0 to 99, for example.

  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 driver (I / O) 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.

  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 has an event that triggers an internal lottery corresponding to a special symbol. Is determined. 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: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting states of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the operation memory lamp 34a, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and output from the output port. 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 S206: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 updates the interrupt counter. This counter is referred to in step S118 in the main loop described above.

  Steps S207 and S208: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Start-up winning process]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the start winning process. 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 port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter to check whether or not the operation memory number is less than 4. The working memory number counter represents the number of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers (number of sets) 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), and each section can store one big hit decision random number and one big hit symbol random number as a set. At this time, if the number of memory of the set of the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number has not reached 4, the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 Proceed to step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one special symbol operation memory number. The special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting 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 operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5).

  Step S <b> 16: The main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determined random number value from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determined random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot determined random number at the transfer destination address.

  Step S17: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value from the counter area of the RAM 76. In this case, the random value is acquired by designating the address of the RAM 76. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot symbol random number at the transfer source address.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section in the area. Each stored random number becomes lottery information used in the internal lottery. The random number storage area of the RAM 76 is in the FIFO format, and 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.

  Step S20: The main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol start opening prize flag. When the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop, it refers to the value of the flag set here and transmits a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124, and sends a prize ball instruction command to the payout control device 92. Send.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no winning detection signal is input from the upper starting winning port switch 80 and the lower starting winning port switch 82 (step S10: No), or the special symbol operation memory number reaches four. If so (step S12: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process.

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 7 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 includes the subroutine group of (Step S5000). Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management 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 depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-process (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process has been completed, For example, the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the 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 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 variation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol display device 34 while counting the variation 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 controls the drive of the special symbol display device 34. 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 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, when the special symbol stops in a special mode, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player) is generated (transition trigger generating means). 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 excited a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted), thereby determining the variable winning device 30. Open and close with a continuous pattern (continuous operation of special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win the game balls intensively, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game execution means). 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 prescribed number of times is 15 in total, these may be collectively referred to as “15 round”.

  Further, when the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is set in the variable winning device management process, the control CPU 72 increments the value of the big winning opening opening number counter by 1 each time the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a number-of-opens command representing a special winning opening opening number counter value. The opening number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4). When the value of the big winning opening opening number counter reaches the set number of opening times, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game 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 (about 10 times) than usual (specific game state state transition means). 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 (time reduction state transition means). 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. The transition to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” will be further described later.

  In addition to the above 15 round jackpot game, in this embodiment, a 2-round jackpot game and a 3-round jackpot game are provided. That is, in the previous special symbol stop display process, when the special symbol stops in a specific manner, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to a short-term big hit gaming state occurs (transition opportunity generating means). However, since the 2 or 3 round big hit games are finished in an extremely short time compared to the 15 round big hit games, there is almost no winning in the big winning opening. Instead, the player is given a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” after the end of the big hit game.

  In the present embodiment, a small hit game is provided in addition to the big hit game, and the variable winning device 30 opens and closes even in the small hit game. That is, when the special symbol is stopped in a special manner in the special symbol stop display process, there is an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the small hit gaming state (a state in which the variable winning device 30 is operable). Occurs (transition opportunity generation means). Such a small winning game is ended by executing one of the small open small hits, two small open small hits, or three small open small hits of the variable winning device 30, and during this time, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes. However, as with the 2-round jackpot game and the 3-round jackpot game, there are almost no winnings at the winning prize opening. In addition, even when the small hit game ends, the privilege to shift to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” is not given.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the special symbol operation memory number remains (is 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 is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demo 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 S119 in FIG. 4). 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 the working memory number counter is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol storage shift processing after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads lottery random numbers (big hit decision random numbers, big hit symbol random numbers) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, and saves them in another temporary storage area. 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. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. Note that the random number storage read at this time is erased from the random number storage area of the RAM 76.

  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 stored in the RAM 76, and sets the value after the subtraction to “the working memory number at the start of change”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the operation memory lamp 34 changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and 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 (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. At this time, if the read random number value is included in the range of the jackpot value, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag, and then proceeds to step S2400.

  When the above big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the small hit value next in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (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 this embodiment, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is preliminarily defined in the program as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning (lottery result defining means), but the big hit determination table for each state in advance Alternatively, the small hit determination table may be written in the ROM 74 and read out, and the big hit determination may be performed while comparing with the random number value.

  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 special symbol display device 34. 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 S119 in FIG. 4).

  In the present embodiment, the 7-segment LED (one or two) is used for the special symbol display device 34. Therefore, for example, the display pattern of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the central bar “-”). ), The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). 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 of the special symbol when the special symbol is off. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation pattern type of the special symbol or to define the variation time at that time. Except when the reach variation is performed, the variation 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. The contents of the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  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 (successful symbol number at the time of jackpot) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the jackpot special symbol determination data table, and this table is stored in the table area of the ROM 74. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can determine the winning symbol type based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored content by referring to the bonus symbol special symbol determination table in the bonus symbol stop symbol determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, three types are roughly divided into winning symbols for big hits. One of them is a “15 round probability variation symbol” and the other is a “15 round non-variability variation symbol”. The remaining one type is a “specific probability variation symbol”, and a plurality of “specific probability variation symbols” are prepared. Specifically, there are a plurality of “specific probability variation symbols” having different numbers of rounds, such as “2-round specific probability variation symbol” and “three round specific probability variation symbol”.

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the above variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol based on the value. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, the fluctuation time longer than the normal fluctuation 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 that the game status flag is selected when the type of winning symbol (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “specific 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 winning symbol type is either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round non-probability variation symbol”, the main control CPU 72 also sets the value (01H) of the time reduction function operation flag as the gaming state flag in the RAM 76. Set to the flag area.

  In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the current state is a “high probability state” in the other setting process at the time of the big hit. In the case of the “high probability state”, the type of the winning symbol is “2 rounds specific probability variable symbol”. ”Or“ 3-round specific probability variable design ”. As a result, if the winning game winning symbol corresponds to either “2-round specific probability variation symbol” or “3-round specific probability variation symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H as the gaming state flag). ) In the flag area of the RAM 76.

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the special symbol display device 34 based on the big hit time 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 (winning type determination means). 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 hit symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table at the small hit. 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]
For example, “one time opening small hit symbol”, “two times opening small hit symbol”, and “three times opening small hit symbol” are prepared as winning symbols for small hits. As described above, the “small hit” as a result of the internal lottery does not trigger the subsequent state to change to the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state”. For this reason, it is possible to provide a “one-time opening small hit symbol” without being bound by the regulations (regulations) of “two rounds (two times opening or more)” which is essential in this type of pachinko machine.

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the above variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol based on the value. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer. In addition, since the reach variation pattern is selected even in the case of a small hit, the variation time longer than the normal variation is determined.

  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 special symbol display device 34 based on the stop symbol number at the 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. 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 7: 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. 8). 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.

  Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag. As a result, if no value is set in any of the flags (at the time of non-winning), the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game processing. . On the other hand, when a value is set in any of the flags (at the time of big hit or small hit), the main control CPU 72 sets the variable winning device management process (step S5000) as the next jump destination and the special symbol game process Return to.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening count setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

  Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening opening number setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the winning opening opening number setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the winning opening opening / closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and has completed the winning opening opening / closing operation process. Then, the special winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the big prize opening / closing operation process and the big prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed for the set number of times (maximum number or opening number), the main control CPU 72 selects the end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. To do. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Large winning opening opening count setting process]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for the special winning opening opening number setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, the time, and the like at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5209. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5204. Note that this procedure may be rewritten to refer to the value of the small hit flag (however, the logic of Yes / No is reversed).

[Procedure for small hits]
First, the procedure for small hits will be described.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened in accordance with the winning game symbol selected in the previous winning game stop symbol determination process (step S2407 in FIG. 8). Specifically, if “one time opening small hit symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened to one. In addition, if “two-time opening small hit symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened to two. Similarly, if “3 times open small hit symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened to 3 times. The number of times of opening of the special winning opening set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76 as a value obtained by subtracting 1 in the program (the value is “0” for one time and “1” for two times). The value is “2” for 3 times, the value is “14” for 15 times, etc.).

  Step S5206: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, as a value of the small hitting release timer, winning in the big winning opening hardly occurs during one opening (it becomes difficult) for a short time (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a launching device unit). Is set to be shorter than the game ball firing interval by).

  Step S5208: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the variable winning device 30 is continuously operated at the time of a small hit more than twice. In the present embodiment, for example, 1 second or less or about several seconds is set as the value of the small hitting interval timer.

  Step S5216: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing.

[Procedure for jackpot]
Next, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5209: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command representing “big hit”. This state designation command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4).

  Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened according to the big hit winning symbol selected in the previous big hit stop symbol determining process (step S2410 in FIG. 8). Specifically, if “15 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round non-probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the special winning opening is opened to 15 times. In addition, if “2 round specific probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened to two. Then, if “3 round specific probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the big winning opening is opened to three.

  Step S5212: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit release timer in accordance with the big hit winning symbol. The timer value set here is the opening time (predetermined time) per time when the variable winning device 30 is operated as in the case of the small hit. Specifically, if the winning design at the time of the big hit is “15 round probability variation symbol” or “non-probability variation symbol at the big hit”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the big hit release timer as the value of the big hit release timer during one opening. A sufficient time (for example, a time during which 10 or more game balls are fired by the launching device unit, preferably about 30 seconds) is set so that a winning is easily generated. On the other hand, if the winning design at the time of the big hit is “2 round specific probability variation” or “3 round specific probability variation”, the main control CPU 72 receives a prize at the big prize opening during one release as the value of the big hit release timer. A short time that hardly occurs (becomes difficult) is set (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than a game ball firing interval by the launching device unit).

  Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer. The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hits. In the present embodiment, for example, a value of 1 second or less to several seconds is set as the value of the big hit interval timer.

  Step S5216: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing.

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
Next, the prize winning opening / closing operation process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the special winning opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is output. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the count-down of the release timer set in the previous winning opening opening number setting process (step S5206 or step S5212 in FIG. 10) is executed.

  Step S5306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5308. Execute.

  Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 30 (open winning opening) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the opening time.

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (for example, about 9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls allowed per opening (upper limit of the number of winning balls). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure of the above steps S5302 to S5310.

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. Note that the value of the release timer is set to a short time for both small hits, 2 rounds, and 3 rounds of probable big hits, so the main control CPU 72 normally reaches the predetermined number in step S5310. In most cases, it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has ended before confirming this.

  Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening number setting process (step S5208 or step S5214 in FIG. 10). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing process.

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a special winning opening closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. The following explains the procedure

  Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current number of opening of the variable winning device 30 has reached the set number of opening. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (0 to 14) of the special winning opening opening number counter, and if that value is less than the set large winning opening opening number (No), then executes step S5404. To do. Note that the value of the special winning opening opening number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0.

  Step S5404: Next, the main control CPU 72 increments the special winning opening opening number counter. As a result, for example, the first opening / closing operation is completed, and the value of the special winning opening opening number counter is “1” at the stage toward the second opening / closing operation.

  Step S5405: Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a number-of-opens command from the value of the current big opening opening number counter. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4) as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of opening of the variable winning device 30 (the number of rounds at the big hit or the number of releases at the small hit) based on the received opening number command.

  Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big prize opening / closing operation process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process as the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 9). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the operation of the variable winning device 30 is executed until the actual opening / closing operation reaches the set number of times of opening the big winning opening (1, 2, 3, or 15 times). In addition, when the number of times of opening the big prize opening is 2 times or more, the variable prize winning device 30 operates continuously. However, when the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is 1, the operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is finished once (continuous operation). is not).

  When the current number of opening of the variable prize winning device 30 reaches the set number of times of opening, the main control CPU 72 confirms that the value of the big winning opening opening number counter has reached the set number of opening of the large winning opening in step S5402. (Yes), and then step S5410 is executed.

  Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the special winning opening opening number counter (= 0), and sets the next jump destination to the end process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of termination processing. This ending process is for ending the operation of the variable winning device 30 and preparing conditions for transition from the “big hit” or “small win” state to the normal game. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. As described above, the value of the big hit flag is set at the time of the big hit of 15 rounds or the big hit of 2 rounds or 3 rounds (Yes), so the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5504.

  Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72.

  Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 8) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, about 10,000 times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76, for example. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. However, if a large number of times such as 10,000 is set, there is almost no chance of non-winning so far (the winning probability at the time of high probability is, for example, about 1/30 to 1/39), so Will continue to have a high probability until the next winning. On the other hand, when a substantial upper limit is set in the high probability state, the probability variation number is set to a realistic number (for example, about 10 times) (so-called number cut probability change). On the other hand, if the value of the probability variation function operation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 8) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time reduction function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, about 100 times). The value of the set time reduction count is stored, for example, in the time reduction counter area of the RAM 76. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, with the reset of the big hit flag, a state designation command that represents “normally” as the gaming state is generated. If the high-probability state function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “reduced time”. A state designation command representing “medium” is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4).

  Step S5516: When the above procedure is passed at the time of big hit or when the game is a small hit game (step S5502: No), the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big winning opening opening number setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 7) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Behavior of pachinko machines]
As described above, when the main control CPU 72 executes various processes during the game, the pachinko machine 1 exhibits the following behavior.

(1) At the time of 15 round big hit When it becomes other than non-winning in the internal lottery and corresponds to “15 rounds probable big hit” or “15 rounds non-probable big hit”, the variable prize device 30 in the above variable prize device management process (FIG. 9) The opening / closing operation is executed 15 times. At this time, since the opening time for each time is set to a sufficiently long time, the behavior during this time is clearly recognized by the player as “big hit game” (special game execution means). In addition, since the effect during the big hit game different from the normal time is executed, it is possible for the player to realize a clear big hit game.

(2) 2 round or 3 round big hit On the other hand, when it corresponds to “2 rounds probable big hit” or “3 rounds probable big hit”, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is performed twice in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 9). Or, it is only executed three times, and furthermore, since the opening time for each time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period of time (for example, within a few seconds) (execution of short-term opening / closing operation) means). Therefore, the behavior during this period is not easily recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Further, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no winning ball is obtained, so that it is difficult for the player to feel that he has “hit a big hit”. However, since the privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given internally after the variable winning device 30 is activated, the subsequent internal lottery is performed under conditions that are advantageous to the player. In the present embodiment, “2 round probability variation big hit” or “3 round probability variation big hit” shifts only the internal state to the “high probability state” without making the player aware of the big hit. Shall be called.

(3) At the time of small hitting On the other hand, when it corresponds to “one small opening small hit”, “two small opening small hits” or “three small opening small hits”, variable winning device management processing (FIG. 9) variable winning The opening / closing operation of the device 30 is performed once, twice or three times. Further, since the opening time per one time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is finished within a short period (for example, within several seconds) as a whole (short-term opening / closing operation executing means). Therefore, the behavior during this period is also difficult to be clearly recognized by the player, particularly as a “small hit game”. Also, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no winning ball is obtained, so that the player does not feel that “some win has been won”. In addition, since “small hit” does not trigger the change of the internal state, the internal state does not change even after the variable winning device 30 is activated.

[Summary of various behaviors]
As described above, the 15-round jackpot game is a behavior that is clearly conscious for the player, but the other “hidden probability change” and “small hit” cannot be clearly recognized by the player. It is a behavior. In addition, even if the operating modes of the variable winning device 30 are compared, except for “one open small hit”, the behavior is almost the same between “two rounds positive change big hit” and “two open small hits”. The behavior is almost the same between “3 rounds probable big hit” and “3 times open big hit”. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is difficult for the player to know whether it is “hidden probability change” or “small hit” from the superficial behavior of the pachinko machine 1, Whether the state is a “high probability state” or not is unclear.

[Expectation for each opening]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the selection ratio (appearance rate) is different for each combination of “hidden probability change” and “small hit” with the same number of opening of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, in the big-hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 8), the selection ratio of “2-round specific probability variation symbol” and “three-round specific probability variation symbol” on the big-hit special symbol determination data table The selection ratio is different, and in the small hit stop symbol determination processing (step S2407 in FIG. 8), the selection ratio of “two times small open small hit symbol” on the special symbol determination data table for small hit and “3” The selection ratio of the “opening small hit symbol” is different. As a result, for example, in the case of two combinations with the same number of times of opening, the selection ratio (appearance rate) of “twice opening small hits symbol” is set higher at the time of small hitting than “2 round specific probability variable symbol”, On the contrary, in the combination of the number of times of opening 3 times, it is possible to set the selection ratio (appearance rate) of “3 round specific probability variation symbol” higher than “3 times of small opening per symbol”. Hereinafter, this point will be described with a specific example.

[Appearance rate and reliability setting example: Selection ratio setting means]
FIG. 14 is a table listing the relationship between the appearance rates of “small hit” and “hidden probability change” and the reliability of “high probability state” at that time. The left column in FIG. 14 indicates the type of “small hit” or “hidden probability change”, and the second column from the left indicates the appearance rate (ratio). The appearance rate here corresponds to the selection ratio set in the symbol determination data table.

  Further, the third column from the left in FIG. 14 shows the reliability of the “high probability state” for each open count. The total reliability in the right column shows the reliability of the “high probability state” for all “small hits” and “hidden probability changes”, and the reliability for “small hits” and “hidden probability changes” with two or more open times. Each is shown.

  As shown in the setting example of FIG. 14, the appearance rate of “2 rounds probable big hit” is 1/4000, whereas the appearance rate of “3 rounds probable big hit” is 1/2000. is there. This means that the selection ratio of the “3-round specific probability variable symbol” is set higher than the “2-round specific probability variable symbol” on the jackpot symbol determination data table. On the other hand, the appearance rate of “small open twice” is 1/400, but the appearance rate of “small open small hit” is 1/700. This means that the selection ratio of “3 times open small hit symbol” is set lower than “2 times open small hit symbol” on the small hit symbol determination data table.

  As a result, in the combination of “small open hit for 2 times” and “probable big hit for 2 times open”, the ratio of “double open probability big hit” in the whole is 1 / 1.00, so the open When the number of times is two, the reliability of transition to the “high probability state” is 9.09%. On the other hand, if you look at the combination of “3 small opening big hits” and “3 rounds probable big hits”, the ratio of “3 rounds probable big hits” in the whole is about 1.857. In the combination of 3 times, the reliability of the transition to the “high probability state” is 25.93%, which shows that the reliability is higher than the combination of 2 rounds.

  Then, when these are viewed with the number of times of opening two or more times, the ratio of “probability big hit” to the whole is about 1 / 6.238, so the total reliability is 16.03%. In addition, since the winning type “one round probable big hit” does not exist in the first place, the reliability when the number of times of opening is only one time (one small opening per hit) is 0.00%. However, when including the “one-time opening small hit”, the ratio of the “probable big hit” to the total when the variable winning device 30 is activated is about 1 / 571.71, so the total reliability is 5 .11%.

  The above is the difference in the reliability (percentage of shifting to the high probability state) for each open count set in the control process by the main control CPU 72. In addition, in this embodiment, the reliability is different depending on the open count. By expressing what happens, the player is provided with a new idea of how to have an expectation of “how many times the number of times of opening will increase (how many rounds will be advanced)”. Hereinafter, the production method in the present embodiment will be described.

[Example of production method]
FIG. 15 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect using an effect symbol and a background image. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a result display effect using an effect symbol. Among these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the special symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including fixed stop). The result 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. As described above, since the special symbol itself is a lighting / flashing display by a 7-segment LED (special symbol display device 34), it does not have an appealing appearance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 basically performs a variable display effect and a result display effect using the effect symbols.

  The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each production design is a design of a picture card with a female character dressed in Japanese clothes (kimono and yukata), for example, with the Chinese numerals “1” to “9”. Of these, the left and middle performance symbols all consist of a sequence of kanji numbers in ascending order from "1" to "nine". The symbol sequence is arranged in descending order of “one”. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen. Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the result display effect employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 15, (i): In synchronization with the start of the variation of the special symbol, the variation display effect is started by the scroll variation of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the symbol effect execution means). . That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the variable display effect is started in such a manner that the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. . In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed in the display screen. The example shown in (i) of FIG. 15 is a background image representing “seaside landscape”. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “normal mode image”. 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.

[Left design stop]
FIG. 15 (ii): For example, when a certain amount of time elapses, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the Chinese numeral “6” 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. 15 (iii): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the Chinese numeral “seven” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state has not occurred at this point, it is almost clear that the current fluctuation (internal lottery result) was not won.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 15 (iv): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. At this time, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol is similarly displayed in a shifted manner. In the example shown in the figure, the effect symbol representing the Chinese numeral “three” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, since the combination of effect symbols is “6-3-7”, it is expressed in an effect that the current variation is “out of”. In this example, the case of non-winning is taken as an example, but if the result of the internal lottery is “15 rounds big hit”, the combination of the left, middle, and right production symbols through the reach production (for example, "Seven"-"Seven"-"Seven").

  The above example of production shows the basic flow of the variable display effect and the result display effect performed at the time of non-winning. Although not shown here, when “out of reach reach” is designated as the change pattern of the special symbol at the time of non-winning, the out of reach display effect is executed in the change display effect as follows.

[Reach production]
In the reach production, for example, a reach state occurs when up to two production symbols of the same kind (for example, the design of the Chinese numeral “5”) are aligned and stopped on the display screen. Specifically, when the left effect symbol and the right effect symbol are stopped, for example, the same kind of effect symbol is stopped at the middle position of the display screen to generate a reach state. At this time, the medium production symbol is changing. In general, when three productions of the same type are stopped in production, the game is “big hit” as described above, and only one of the medium production symbols remains until “big hit” during the reach state. At this time, a mode in which character information such as “reach!” Is displayed on the display screen and a sound is output in combination is also possible.

  After the reach state occurs, the process until the last effect symbol (medium effect symbol) is stopped and displayed is expressed with various contents. For example, as a simple mode, the scroll of the medium production design changes to a slower one than before, and in the process, the expectation of whether or not the Chinese numeral “5” stops at the middle position of the display screen ” A lasting effect is executed. In addition, since a well-known thing can be applied about reach production, the explanation is omitted here with illustration.

[Examples of performance at the time of small hit or hidden probability change]
Next, a description will be given of an effect example in the case where the result of the internal lottery is other than non-winning and the winning type of “small hit” or “hidden probability change” is selected.

  FIG. 16 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect at the time of either “small hit” or “hidden probability change”. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 16, (A): Similarly, a variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed in synchronization with the start of the variation of the special symbol. In addition, after this, scrolling of the effect symbols stops in the order of the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol, and the middle effect symbol, and the flow in which the result display effect is executed is the same as described above.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 16, (B): As a result display effect, for example, a combination of effect symbols representing Chinese numerals “three”-“five”-“seven” is displayed at the middle position of the display screen. In the present embodiment, such a combination of odd symbols arranged in order is referred to as “chance winning item”, for example. The “chance winning item” may be a combination other than this. Although not shown in particular, at this time, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in either the “small hit symbol” or the “specific probability variable symbol”.

(Door closing effect)
In FIG. 16, (C): When the above “chance winning item” is displayed in the result display effect, the image of the door (paper sliding door or bag) moves quickly from the left and right of the display screen toward the center of the screen. Direction (door closing effect) is executed. The image of the door is displayed at a position (front layer) that covers the effect symbol on the display screen.

  In FIG. 16, (D): The image of the door is matched at the center position of the display screen, and the state in which the door is completely closed is expressed in an effect. Such a door closing effect is performed, for example, in the sense of notifying the player that “the door will be opened several times from now on”. In relation to the process executed by the main control CPU 72, it is desirable that the door closing effect be executed during, for example, the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 in FIG. 7).

[Significance of door closing production]
The “door closing effect” described above is executed in common when either “small hit” or “hidden probability change” is met in the internal lottery regardless of the number of times of opening. Therefore, when the “door closing effect” is generated, it is possible to appeal to the player that there is a possibility that some hits (other than 15 round big hits) may have occurred.

  On the other hand, the content of the production after the “door closing production” following the “chance winning event” is different depending on which hit it falls into. Hereinafter, the example of the effect performed according to the hit type that was applicable at that time will be described.

[At the time of small opening per hit]
FIG. 17 is a continuous diagram illustrating an example of an effect executed when “one-time small hit” is met. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

[Encountering production]
In FIG. 17 (E): Following the “door closing effect” shown in FIG. 16 (D), an effect representing the behavior of shaking the closed door rattling is performed in the display screen. Such production is performed in the sense of appealing to the player that "the door is about to be opened from now on". In relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, this roaring effect is, for example, from the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000 in FIG. 7) to the special winning opening opening number setting processing (step S5200 in FIG. 9). It is desirable to be executed between.

(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 of causing the player to have some expectation on the result of the opening of the door. In relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the door opening effect is executed in synchronism with the operation (step S5302 in FIG. 11) in which the variable winning device 30 is opened by, for example, the big winning opening / closing operation processing. . As a result, it is possible to appeal to the player that “the big prize opening has been opened once for some reason”.

[One-time opening end effect]
In FIG. 17, (G): When the door is opened, an image of a female character wearing Japanese clothes is displayed at the center of the display screen together with the “normal mode image” as a background image. In this case, since there is no particular change from the previous background image before and after the opening and closing of the door, it is expressed stunningly that “unfortunately there was no development from the normal mode”. In relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, this effect is, for example, from when the variable winning device 30 is closed in the large winning opening / closing operation processing until the interval standby processing (step S5314 in FIG. 11) ends. Executed during.

[Continue normal mode]
In FIG. 17 (H): Thereafter, the above-described variation display effect is resumed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol. The background image at this time is a “normal mode image”, which informs the player that no mode transition has occurred before and after the door is opened or closed. In addition, considering that the reliability of “one-time opening small hit” is 0.00% as described above, it is possible to make the player have unnecessary expectation if the mode transition does not occur in production. There is no advantage.

[Mode transition production: production mode defining means]
Here, the mode transition on production will be described. In the present embodiment, a technique of expressing an internal “high probability state” or “time reduction state” in correspondence with the concept of “mode” in production is adopted. Specifically, the “normal mode” is associated with the normal state that has not shifted to the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state”, and the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” is different. "Chance mode" is supported. And in “normal mode” and “chance mode”, the content of the background image displayed on the display screen is made different to remind the player that the internal state differs depending on the type of the current stay mode. ing.

  Therefore, if a mode shift occurs on the performance after the above “door closing performance” and “door opening performance” are executed, the player can be reminded of the possibility that the internal state has changed. For example, if the player switches from "Normal Mode" to "Chance Mode" after "Door Closer" and "Door Opener", the player will have a sense of expectation that the player has shifted to the "high probability state". Can do. However, “chance mode” does not always mean “high probability state”, but is merely positioned as meaning “possibility of high probability state”. This is because, in the present embodiment, a common “chance mode” is associated with “hidden probability change” and “small hit” cases.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the degree of expectation of “small hit” or “hidden probability change” varies depending on the number of times of opening at that time. For this reason, by providing “chance modes 1 to 3” as a plurality of patterns in the “chance mode”, a difference is provided in the degree of expectation given to each player. For example, “chance mode 1” has the lowest expectation (low chance mode), “chance mode 2” has higher expectation (high chance mode), and “chance mode 3” has high expectation It is the highest or the “high probability state” is determined (special chance mode).

[Chance mode transition]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the “mode of expectation that varies depending on the number of times of opening” and the “expected degree of each chance mode” are made to correspond well, so that the mode on the production is synchronized with the behavior of the pachinko machine 1 “ It can be developed from “normal mode” to “chance mode”. That is, “the more the number of times of opening (the more the number of rounds progresses, the higher the degree of expectation for a high probability state)”, and “the expectation of hidden probability change as the production mode changes. It can be expressed as an intuitive and easy-to-understand idea that “the degree will increase”. Hereinafter, the mode transition effect accompanying the increase in the number of times of opening (progress of the number of rounds) will be described with specific examples.

[Examples of production during the second opening development]
FIG. 18 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect in the case of developing from opening once to opening twice (indicated as “2R” for convenience in the drawing). Hereinafter, an example of a production will be described in order.

[Encountering production]
(I) in FIG. 18: Following the “door closing effect” shown in FIG. 16 (D), an effect representing the behavior of shaking the closed door rattling is performed in the display screen. Such an effect is common to the effect example shown in FIG.

(Door opening production)
(J) in FIG. 18: Next, the “door opening effect” is performed. Such a door opening effect is common to the effect example shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 18 (K): When the door is opened by “door opening effect”, the same “normal mode image” as before is instantaneously displayed, but another female character is displayed at the center of the display screen. Is displayed. Note that, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, such a “twice-opening development effect” is, for example, a short time when the variable winning device 30 is opened for the first time of opening in the big winning opening opening / closing operation processing. It is executed at time (steps S5302 to S5304 in FIG. 11).

[Twice opening development production]
In FIG. 18 (L): Following the “door opening effect”, the “twice opening development effect” is executed by the second door closing effect. This effect is performed to prepare for the next second behavior (opening operation of the variable winning device 30). In relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the “twice opening development effect” at this stage is the timing at which the variable winning device 30 is closed for the first time in the big winning opening opening / closing operation processing (in FIG. 11). This step is executed in synchronization with step S5312). In addition, when the “2 times opening development effect” is executed, it is determined that the actual number of times of opening of the pachinko machine 1 is 2 times or more (a probable big hit of 2 rounds or a small hit of 2 times or more). .

  When the above “2 times opening development effect” is executed, the number of times of opening 2 times or more is fixed, but when actually hit “2 times opening small hit” or “2 rounds probable big hit”, the following An opening end effect is executed twice.

[2nd opening end effect]
FIG. 19 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect in the case of ending with two times of opening (indicated as “2R” for convenience in the drawing). Hereinafter, this example will be described in order.

[Second-time production]
In FIG. 19 (M): Following the “door closing effect” shown in FIG. 18 (L), a second roaring effect representing the behavior of shaking the closed door rattling is performed on the display screen. Such an effect is common to the effect examples shown in (E) of FIG. 17 and (I) of FIG. Further, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the second “turning effect” is, for example, the second opening after the variable winning device 30 is closed for the first time in the big opening opening / closing operation processing. It is executed during the interval waiting process (step S5314 in FIG. 11) until the operation is executed.

[Second door opening effect]
(N) in FIG. 19: Next, the second door opening effect is performed. In the second time, the door opening effect may be the same as the effect example shown in (F) of FIG. 17 or (J) of FIG. Further, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the second door opening effect is, for example, a big prize opening / closing operation processing, and the second time the variable winning device 30 is opened (step S5302 in FIG. 11). It is executed in synchronization with As a result, it is possible to appeal to the player that “the big winning opening has been opened up to two times in some way”.

  In FIG. 19, (O): When the operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is completed by opening twice, following the second “door opening effect”, the background image is displayed together with, for example, character information of “Yukata mode”. An image of another female character wearing a yukata is displayed in the center. Such a background image is different from the “normal mode image” described above, and can visually appeal to the player that the mode has been changed to a different mode. In this embodiment, the background image is a “chance mode 1 image” corresponding to the “chance mode 1”. Further, in relation to the process executed by the main control CPU 72, the effect of displaying the “chance mode 1 image” is changed for the second time in the prize opening opening / closing operation process, for example, after executing the “door opening effect”. This is executed after the winning device 30 is released, through the interval waiting process (steps S5302 to S5314 in FIG. 11) and until the end process (FIG. 12) is executed.

[Chance mode 1 transition effect]
In FIG. 19, (P): After the completion of the “two open small hits” or “two rounds probable big hit”, the above-described variable display effect is resumed in synchronization with the special symbol variable display. The background image at this time is “chance mode 1 image”, and through this, the player is informed that the screen has shifted from “normal mode” to “chance mode 1” through the door opening and closing operations twice. The At this time, since the reliability at the time of occurrence of the behavior in which the number of times of opening is two as described above is 9.09%, by shifting to “chance mode 1”, the player has some sense of expectation. You can make it. At this time, the BGM (fluctuating sound) during the fluctuation display effect may be changed to a different one from the “normal mode”.

  Next, an example of the “three times opening development effect” will be described. In the case of actually corresponding to “3 times open small hit” or “3 rounds probable big hit”, the following three open development effects are executed.

[Examples of performance during the 3rd opening development]
FIG. 20 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect in the case of developing from two times to three times (indicated as “3R” for convenience in the drawing). Hereinafter, an example of a production will be described in order.

[Second-time production]
In FIG. 20 (Q): Following the second “door closing effect” shown in FIG. 18 (L), a second roaring effect representing a behavior of shaking the closed door in the display screen is performed. Is called. Note that the second roaring effect is the same as the effect example shown in FIG.

[Second door opening effect]
In FIG. 20, (R): Subsequently, the second “door opening effect” is performed. The second door opening effect is also common with the effect example shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 20, (S): When the second “door opening effect” is executed, the same “chance mode 1 image” as the previous time is instantaneously displayed. At this time, an image of another female character may be displayed. Further, in relation to the process executed by the main control CPU 72, such an effect that displays the “chance mode 1 image” only for a moment is, for example, when the variable prize apparatus 30 is opened for the second time in the big prize opening / closing operation process. For a short time (steps S5302 to S5304 in FIG. 11).

[3 times opening development production]
In FIG. 20, (T): Following the second “door opening effect” and the “chance mode 1 image” effect, the third “door opening effect” is executed by the third door closing effect. This effect is performed to prepare for the next third behavior (opening operation of the variable winning device 30). In relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the “three-time opening development effect” at this stage is the timing at which the variable winning device 30 is closed for the second time in the big prize opening / closing operation processing (in FIG. 11). This step is executed in synchronization with step S5312). Further, when the “three-time opening development effect” is executed, it is determined that the actual behavior of the pachinko machine 1 is also three times opening (three rounds of positive variation big hit or three times small opening big hit).

[Chance mode 2 transition effect]
FIG. 21 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect in the case of shifting to “chance mode 2” after the third opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed. Hereinafter, this example will be described in order.

[Third-time production]
In FIG. 21 (U): Following the “three times opening development effect” shown in FIG. 20 (T), a third roaring effect representing a behavior of shaking the closed door rattling is performed in the display screen. . Such an effect is common to the effect examples shown in (E) in FIG. 17, (I) in FIG. 18, and (Q) in FIG. Further, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the third “turning effect” is, for example, the third opening after the variable winning device 30 is closed for the second time in the big opening opening / closing operation processing. It is executed during the interval waiting process (step S5314 in FIG. 11) until the operation is executed.

[The third door opening effect]
(V) in FIG. 21: Subsequently, the third door opening effect is performed. In the third time, the door opening effect may be common to the effect examples shown in FIG. 17F, FIG. 18J, and FIG. Further, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the third door opening effect is, for example, a big prize opening / closing operation processing, and the third time the variable winning device 30 is opened (step S5302 in FIG. 11). It is executed in synchronization with As a result, it is possible to appeal to the player that “the opening operation has reached up to 3 times (has advanced up to 3 rounds)”.

  In FIG. 21, (W): When the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 has progressed up to three times, following the third “door opening effect”, the background image includes, for example, character information of “fireworks mode” as a background image. The image changes to "night sky that fires fireworks", and an image of another female character looking up at the night sky is displayed on the left side of the display screen. The background image at this time is different from the above-mentioned “normal mode image” and “chance mode 1”. Accordingly, it is possible to visually appeal to the player that the mode has been further developed in the production. In this embodiment, this background image is a “chance mode 2 image” corresponding to the “chance mode 2”. Further, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, such an effect of displaying the “chance mode 2 image” is executed by performing, for example, a big prize opening / closing operation processing after executing the “door opening effect”. This is executed after the variable winning device 30 is opened for the second time, through the interval waiting process (steps S5302 to S5314 in FIG. 11) and until the end process (FIG. 12) is executed.

[Chance mode 2 transition effect]
In FIG. 21, (X): After the completion of the “three open small hits” or the “three rounds probable big hit”, the above-described variation display effect is resumed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol. The background image at this time is “chance mode 2 image”, and through this, the door is opened and closed three times, and from the “normal mode” to “chance mode 1”, the “chance mode 2” is further produced. The player is informed of the development. At this time, as described above, the reliability at the time of occurrence of the behavior in which the number of times of opening is 3 times is 25.93%, so by shifting to “chance mode 2”, the player has a considerable sense of expectation. You can make it. At this time, the BGM (fluctuating sound) in the variable display effect may be changed to a characteristic unique to the “chance mode 2”.

[Relationship between the appearance rate and expectation level of the production according to the number of door opening and closing times]
FIG. 22 is a diagram that lists the appearance rates of the effects according to the number of times the door is opened and closed and the expectation level at that time. The left column in the figure shows the door opening / closing frequency on the production according to each opening frequency 1-3, and the middle column shows the appearance rate of the production by the door opening / closing frequency. In the right column, the expected degree for each door opening / closing frequency is shown.

[Doors open and close once]
As shown in the upper part of FIG. 22, the appearance rate of the effect in which the door opening / closing operation is performed only once is 1/100, which is the same as the appearance rate of the “one-time opening small hit”. The reliability at this time is also 0.00%.

[Doors open and close twice]
Next, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 22, the appearance rate of the performance in which the door opening / closing operation is performed up to twice is 1 / 363.64, which is “2 times open small hit” and “2 rounds” It is equal to the composite appearance rate with “probable big hit”. Further, the reliability at this time is also 9.09%.

[Door open and close 3 times]
Next, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 22, the appearance rate of the performance in which the door opening / closing operation is performed up to three times is 518.52 / 1/2, which is “3 times small opening small hit” and “3 rounds” It is equal to the composite appearance rate with “probable big hit”. Further, the reliability at this time is also 25.93%.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the gameability of “the higher the number of times of opening (the more the number of rounds progresses), the higher the degree of expectation for a“ high probability state ”” is expressed. This is expressed as a production preference that “the higher the number of times, the more likely it is to be in a high probability state”. For this reason, even if the player does not notice the behavior of the pachinko machine 1 at the time of “small hit” or “hidden probability change” (opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30), the effect linked to the behavior of the pachinko machine 1 Can be clearly appealed to the player. As a result, the player can be surely enjoyed the above-described gameability that “the higher the number of times of opening (the more the number of rounds advances), the higher the degree of expectation for a“ high probability state ””. .

[Production control processing]
Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described.
FIG. 23 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. The effects commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, start opening winning tone control commands, demonstration effects commands, lottery result commands, variation pattern commands, variation start commands, stop symbol commands, symbol stop commands, There are a certain change promotion command, a state designation command, a release count 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 result display effect using the effect symbols, or controls the contents of the effect during the 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 sends basic control information (for example, variable effect pattern number, notice effect number, mode number, etc.) of effect contents to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). Instruct. 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 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 number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for mode transition 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. 24 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. Further, the variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the main control CPU 72 shifts to a state of hitting a small hit or hitting a big hit. During the small hit or the big hit, 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. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  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 an effect button (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) during execution of a variable display effect using an effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the player has operated the effect button. Is monitored, and the display control CPU 146 is instructed to control the content of the effect (button effect) according to the result.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the result display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the lottery result. 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 result 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 within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the result display effect. As a result, the result 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 (execution of the symbol effect) 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.

  Alternatively, in the case of a small hit or a case where two rounds of probability variation big hit and three rounds of probability variation big hit are satisfied, the effect control CPU 126 performs control to execute the “mode transition effect” including the door opening / closing operation. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. 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. 23) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 23). 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 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S606. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on the variation pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the outlier normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier.

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current variation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command at the time of small hit is left, in this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S608. Note that whether or not the current variation is a big hit can also be confirmed based on the variation pattern command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the big hit variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit.

  Step S608: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance in pairs with the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect pattern selection table (not shown) and selects the effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. Can do.

  When the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule (change time, reach type and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, stop display The mode and the like are determined. The types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the above “chance winning item” and all correspond to “combination of symbols at the time of small hit”.

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but if it corresponds to “big hit” (including cases of big hits other than 15 rounds), the production control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606. Yes (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The types of effect symbols determined here include those constituting the “chance winning item” in addition to those constituting the “hit combination”. Note that, in the big hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. In other words, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), it next executes step S612.

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes an off-effect effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern command (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. Note that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control CPU 126 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of detachment is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) , Reach type and reach occurrence timing), and stop display mode (for example, “seven”-“two”-“eight”, etc.).

  When any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or for notifying that there is a possibility that it will eventually be a big hit. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address).

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the variable winning device operating process. As described above, the variable winning device operating process is selected as a jump destination only when the main control CPU 72 shifts to a state of hitting a big hit or hitting a big hit. Among these, the difference between “small hit” or “big hit” is selected. To further branch the process.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current state is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the big hit state designation command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that a big hit is being made (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S800. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the big hit is not being made (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S900. Steps S800 and S900 will be described with reference to different flowcharts.

[Big hit effect selection process]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the big hit effect selection process. This big hit effect selection process executes an effect accompanying the operation of the variable winning device 30 and, in the case of two rounds or three rounds probable big hit, executes a mode transition effect according to the number of rounds and other conditions. belongs to. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S802: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current big hit is a 15 round big hit. This confirmation can be performed based on a stop symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, for example. That is, when the stop symbol command is other than the 15 round jackpot symbol (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S804.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current big hit is a two-round big hit. This confirmation can also be performed based on the stop symbol command. As a result, if it is confirmed that the current big hit is a two-round big hit (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S806.

[2 rounds probable big hit]
Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening twice opening effect selection process. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 opens twice from the door closing effect ((C), (D) in FIG. 16) as an effect following the result display effect ((B) in FIG. 16) using the effect symbol. The contents of the development effect (FIG. 18) and the effect until the second door opening effect ((M), (N) in FIG. 19) are selected. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and determines an effect schedule that designates the door image number at the time of opening twice, door closing effects, turn effects, door opening effects, and the like. With the scheduler specified in this production schedule, the behavior of the variable winning device 30 and the production can be synchronized.

  Step S808: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current two round big hit corresponds to the “time reduction function”. This confirmation can be performed based on whether or not a game state command transmitted from the main control CPU 72 at the time of the current big hit represents “time saving”. As a result, when it is confirmed that the state designation command indicating “time saving” is not saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S810.

  Step S810: The effect control CPU 126 selects the “chance mode 1” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “01H” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “chance mode 1 image” from a background image data table (not shown).

  Step S812: On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S808 that the state designation command indicating “time saving” is stored (Yes), the production control CPU 126 selects “chance mode 3” as the production mode. To do. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “03H” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to “chance mode 3 image” from a background image data table (not shown). The “chance mode 3” will be further described later.

  The above is an example of the procedure in the case of 2 round big hits, but the following procedure is executed in the case of 3 round big hits.

[3 rounds probable big hit]
Step S814: When it is confirmed in the previous step S804 that the game is not a big hit for two rounds (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening three times effect selection process. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 opens twice from the door closing effect ((C), (D) in FIG. 16) as an effect following the result display effect ((B) in FIG. 16) using the effect symbol. The contents of the development effect (FIG. 18), the third opening development effect (FIG. 20), and the effects up to the third door opening effect ((U), (V) in FIG. 21) are selected. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and determines an effect schedule that specifies the timing of the door image number, door closing effect, turn effect, door opening effect, etc. at the time of opening three times.

  Step S816: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current three round big hit corresponds to “with time reduction function”. The confirmation method is the same as in step S808. As a result, when it is confirmed that the state designation command indicating “time saving” is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S818.

  Step S818: The effect control CPU 126 selects the “chance mode 2” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “02H” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “chance mode 2 image” from a background image data table (not shown).

  Step S820: On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S816 that the state designation command indicating “time saving” is stored (Yes), the production control CPU 126 selects “chance mode 3” as the production mode. To do. This procedure is the same as that in the previous step S812.

  The above is a procedure example in the case of a big hit of 2 rounds or a big hit of 3 rounds, but the following procedure is executed in the case of a big hit of 15 rounds.

[15 rounds big hit]
Step S822: When it is confirmed in the first step S802 that 15 rounds are a big hit (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening 15 times opening effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect contents during the big hit. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown) and determines an effect schedule that designates an image number displayed at the time of a big hit and a display timing.

  Step S824: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current 15 round jackpot corresponds to a specific symbol (probability variation symbol). This confirmation can be performed based on the above stop symbol command, for example. As a result, when it is confirmed that the stop symbol command representing the specific symbol (probability variation symbol) is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S826.

  Step S826: The effect control CPU 126 selects “time reduction mode” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “0AH” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “time reduction mode” from a background image data table (not shown). Although not particularly illustrated, the background image corresponding to the “short-time mode” is an image representing, for example, “Bon dance venue”.

  Step S828: On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the stop symbol command representing the specific symbol is stored in the previous step S828 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 selects “probability change mode” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “64H” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “probability change mode” from a background image data table (not shown). Although not particularly illustrated, the background image corresponding to the “probability change mode” is, for example, an image representing “Gyoen”.

  When the mode is selected through any one of the steps S810, S812, S818, S820, S826, and S828, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the variable winning device operating process.

[Direction selection process for small hits]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described small hitting effect selection process. This small hit effect selection process executes an effect associated with the operation of the variable winning device 30 and, for the one-time opening, two-time opening, or three-time opening small hits, the mode according to the number of times of opening and other conditions. This is for executing the transition effect. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S902: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current small hit is one open. This confirmation can also be performed based on the stop symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, for example. That is, when the stop symbol command corresponds to the one-time small bonus symbol (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S904.

  Step S904: The effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening once-open effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 opens once from the door closing effect ((C), (D) in FIG. 16) as an effect following the result display effect ((B) in FIG. 16) using the effect symbol. The contents up to the production at the end (FIG. 17) are selected. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and determines an effect schedule that designates the door image number at the time of opening once, the timing of each door closing effect, turning effect, door opening effect, and the like. By the scheduler specified by this production schedule, the behavior of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a small hit and the production can be synchronized.

  Step S906: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the previous operation was the “chance mode 3”. That is, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the mode number at the time when the small hit is obtained this time, and if the value is not “03H” corresponding to “chance mode 3” (No), then executes step S908. To do.

  Step S908: The effect control CPU 126 selects the “normal mode” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “00H” as the mode number. Further, the effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “normal mode image” from a background image data table (not shown).

  Step S910: On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the previous step S906 that the previous time is "chance mode 3" (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 selects "chance mode 3" as the mode on effect. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 continues to select “03H” as the previous mode number. The effect control CPU 126 continues to select a background image data number corresponding to “chance mode 3 image” from a background image data table (not shown).

  The above is an example of the procedure in the case of small hits once, but the following procedure is executed in the case of small hits twice.

[When opening twice for small hits]
When it is confirmed in the previous step S902 that it is not a small opening small hit (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S912.

  Step S912: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current small hit is open twice. For example, if the stop symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 corresponds to the symbol for the small opening twice (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S914.

  Step S914: The effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening twice opening effect selection process. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 opens twice from the door closing effect ((C), (D) in FIG. 16) as an effect following the result display effect ((B) in FIG. 16) using the effect symbol. The contents of the development effect (FIG. 18) and the effect until the second door opening effect ((M), (N) in FIG. 19) are selected. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and determines an effect schedule that designates the door image number at the time of opening twice, door closing effects, turn effects, door opening effects, and the like.

  Step S916: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the previous operation was the “chance mode 3”. That is, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the mode number at the time when the small hit is obtained this time, and if the value is not “03H” corresponding to “chance mode 3” (No), then executes step S918. To do.

  Step S918: The effect control CPU 126 selects the “chance mode 1” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “01H” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “chance mode 1 image” from a background image data table (not shown).

  Step S920: On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the previous step S916 that the previous chance is “chance mode 3” (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 selects “chance mode 3” as the effect mode. Note that the content of the procedure is the same as in step S910.

[Three times of opening small hits]
Finally, the following procedure is executed at the time of three small hits. That is, when it is confirmed in the previous step S912 that it is not a small opening hit twice (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S922.

  Step S922: The effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening three times opening effect selection process. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 opens twice from the door closing effect ((C), (D) in FIG. 16) as an effect following the result display effect ((B) in FIG. 16) using the effect symbol. The contents of the development effect (FIG. 18), the third opening development effect (FIG. 20), and the third turn effect (U in FIG. 21) and the door opening effect (V in FIG. 21) are selected. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and determines an effect schedule that specifies the timing of the door image number, door closing effect, turn effect, door opening effect, etc. at the time of opening three times.

  Step S924: Here again, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the previous operation was the “chance mode 3”. That is, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the mode number at the time when the small hit is obtained this time, and if the value is not “03H” corresponding to “chance mode 3” (No), then executes step S926. To do.

  Step S926: The effect control CPU 126 selects the “chance mode 2” as the effect mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, “02H” as the mode number. The effect control CPU 126 selects a background image data number corresponding to the “chance mode 2 image” from a background image data table (not shown).

  Step S928: On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S924 that the previous mode is “chance mode 3” (Yes), the production control CPU 126 selects “chance mode 3” as the production mode. Note that the contents of the procedure are the same as those in the previous steps S910 and S920.

  When the mode is selected through any of the steps S908, S910, S918, S920, S926, and S928, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the variable winning device operating process.

[Summary of mode transition effects]
As described above, when one of the small win, 2-round probability variable big hit, or 3-round probability variable big hit is won, the above-mentioned mode transition effect is executed (mode transition effect execution means), and the expectation given to the player for each open count The feeling can be changed step by step. In particular, in the above control example, since the contents of the effect executed at the time of the big hit or the big hit with the number of opening times of 2 or more are selected in common (effect content setting means), It is difficult for a person to discriminate. Thereby, it becomes possible to accurately reproduce the reliability (FIG. 22) for each number of times of opening by the mode transition effect.

[Conditions for transition to chance mode 3]
Next, the transition to “chance mode 3” will be described. The condition for the transition from “chance mode 3” to “chance mode 3” in the production is that the “time reduction state flag” is set at the time of “2 rounds probable big hit” or “3 rounds probable big hit”. is there. This condition is met when the internal lottery during the transition to the “high probability state” is other than non-winning and corresponds to “2 rounds probable big hit” or “3 rounds probable big hit”. In this case, for example, the following mode transition effects are executed.

[Chance mode 3 transition effect example: special mode transition effect execution means]
FIG. 29 is a continuous diagram showing an example of effects performed when shifting to “chance mode 3”. In the following, description will be given in order.

  FIG. 29A: As a result display effect, for example, “chance winning item” representing the Chinese numerals “one”-“three”-“five” is displayed at the middle position of the display screen. It should be noted that “chance winning item” displayed at the time of transition to “chance mode 3” may be a combination other than this. Although not shown in particular, at this time, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in one of the two-round specific probability variable symbols or the three-round specific probability variable symbols.

  (B) in FIG. 29: After this, for example, when the door opening effect is finally performed (they are not shown) through the above-described two-time opening development effect or three-time opening development effect, neither is the center position of the display screen. The image of the female character in the V sign pose is displayed.

  In FIG. 29 (C): Subsequently, background images related to the festival on the display screen (for example, images of drums, paper lanterns, fan fans, fireworks, etc.) together with character information of “festival mode” as a background image, for example. Is displayed. This background image is a “chance mode 3 image” corresponding to “chance mode 3”. Further, in relation to the processing executed by the main control CPU 72, the effect of displaying the “chance mode 3 image” is, for example, the variable winning device 30 at the end (second round or third round) in the big winning opening / closing operation processing. This is executed after the opening, through the interval waiting process (steps S5302 to S5314 in FIG. 11) and before the end process (FIG. 12) is executed.

  (D) in FIG. 29: Thereafter, the above-described variation display effect is resumed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol. The background image at this time is a “chance mode 3 image”, which clearly informs the player that the mode on production has shifted to “chance mode 3” through the door opening / closing operation. Also, by displaying such “chance mode 3 image”, clearly appealing to the player that it is an advantageous state that has shifted to the “high probability state” and “time reduction state” Can do.

  In addition, when shifting to the “time reduction state”, the internal lottery using the normal symbol becomes a high probability state (for example, about 250/251), and the normal symbol becomes a winning mode with almost every change. At the same time, the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, and the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared with the normal symbol (normally shortened from about 4 seconds to about 1 second). Therefore, in the “time reduction state”, the frequency at which the variable start winning device 28 operates (so-called electric chew support) is increasing. And since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened than usual (for example, the variation time at the time of non-winning is reduced to about 1/10), the time efficiency of the game is improved, and the superficial behavior is changed. The player can easily recognize it. As described above, in this embodiment, when the transition is made in accordance with the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”, the player intuitively uses the current background image as the “chance mode 3”. It makes it easy to recognize the state.

  Further, the present embodiment is not limited to the contents so far. In other words, in this embodiment, even when the internal lottery is not won, by generating a mode transition effect at an appropriate frequency, the game will become ruined in the situation where it is not possible to obtain a small hit or big hit for a long time. Is moderately prevented. Hereinafter, the control method of the mode transition effect at the time of non-winning will be described.

[Direction pattern selection process at the time of loss]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the off-stage effect pattern selection process. This process is executed in the above-described effect symbol variation pre-process (step S612 in FIG. 25).

  Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 executes a background change notice lottery. This background change notice lottery corresponds to the lottery of whether or not to execute the mode transition effect at the time of non-winning. For example, when the effect control CPU 126 obtains the background change notice determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 130, the lottery table is referred to based on the value, and either “with background change notice” or “without background change notice” is selected by lottery. decide. The background change notice determination random number is updated, for example, in the above-described effect random number update process (step S410 in FIG. 23).

  Step S302, Step S304: When “no background change notice” is determined in the previous Step S300 (No), the effect control CPU 126 continues the current mode. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 continues the mode number currently selected as it is.

  Step S318: Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects a deviation variation effect pattern. Note that the selection method is the same as that already described in the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S612). When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol variation pre-processing.

[When there is a background change notice]
On the other hand, when “background change notice” is determined in the previous step S300 (step S302: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S306.

  Step S306: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current mode is the “normal mode”. That is, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the currently selected mode number, and if the value is “00H” corresponding to the “normal mode” (Yes), next, executes step S308.

[When the current mode is normal mode]
Step S308: The effect control CPU 126 determines one of the above “normal mode” and “chance mode 1” by lottery as the effect mode. For example, when the effect control CPU 126 obtains the mode determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 130, the mode control lottery table is referred to based on the value, and either “normal mode” or “chance mode 1” is selected as the mode transfer destination. To decide. Then, the effect control CPU 126 newly selects the determined mode transition destination mode number. Note that the mode determination random number is updated, for example, in the above-described effect random number update process (step S410 in FIG. 23). An example of the mode transition lottery table will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  On the other hand, in the previous step S306, when it is confirmed that the currently selected mode number value is other than “00H” corresponding to the “normal mode” (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S310. Execute.

  Step S310: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current mode is “chance mode 1”. That is, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the currently selected mode number, and if the value is “01H” corresponding to “chance mode 1” (Yes), then executes step S312.

[When the current state is chance mode 1]
Step S312: The effect control CPU 126 determines one of the above “normal mode”, “chance mode 1” or “chance mode 2” by lottery as a mode on the effect. The lottery method is the same as step S308 described above.

  On the other hand, in the previous step S310, when it is confirmed that the value of the mode number currently selected is other than “01H” corresponding to “chance mode 1” (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S314. Execute. In this case, the current mode is “chance mode 2”.

[When the current situation is chance mode 2]
Step S314: The production control CPU 126 determines either “chance mode 1” or “chance mode 2” as a production mode by lottery. The lottery method is the same as step S308 described above.

  Step S316: When the mode transition lottery is executed through the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 selects a background change notice pattern for each selected mode. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown) and determines an effect schedule that designates the timing of the door image number, door closing effect, turning effect, door opening effect, etc. at the time of background change notice. Note that the background change notice is executed, for example, at any timing during the variable display effect. For this reason, the production schedule designates the timing for generating the background change notice within the variation time of the special symbol.

  Step S318: Even when the background change notice is selected, the effect control CPU 126 selects the deviation variation effect pattern. When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol variation pre-processing.

[Example of mode transition lottery table]
31 and 32 are diagrams showing an example of the structure of a mode transition lottery table prepared for each internal probability state. FIG. 31 is a lottery table at the time of internal low probability (normal time), and FIG. 32 is a lottery table at the time of internal high probability (high probability state). 31A shows the mode transition lottery table (1) in the normal mode, FIG. 31B shows the chance mode 1:00 mode transition lottery table (1), and FIG. ) Shows the chance mode 2 o'clock mode transition lottery table (1). 32A shows the normal mode mode shift destination lottery table (2), FIG. 32B shows the chance mode 2 mode shift lottery table (2), and FIG. 32 (C ) Shows the chance mode 2 o'clock mode transition lottery table (2). The last number (1) represents the low internal probability, and the last number (2) represents the high internal probability.

  These mode transition destination lottery tables define, for example, two-stage or three-stage comparison values, and each comparison value is associated with mode numbers “00H”, “01H”, and “02H” from the bottom as a lottery result. It is. The effect control CPU 126 compares the value of the acquired mode determination random number (0 to 255) with the comparison value, and when the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, selects the mode number corresponding to the comparison value. Hereinafter, description will be made for each table.

[Normal mode mode transition lottery table (1)]
In FIG. 31, (A): In this lottery table, the comparison value “229” shown in the top row corresponds to the mode number “00H” representing “normal mode”, and the comparison value (here, the maximum value) shown in the middle row. "FFH") corresponds to the mode number "01H" representing "chance mode 1". A mode number “02H” representing “chance mode 2” is designated at the bottom, but no comparison value is assigned here. Accordingly, the effect control CPU 126 selects “normal mode” or “chance mode 1” other than “chance mode 2” by referring to this lottery table in the above-described effect pattern selection process at the time of deviation (step S308 in FIG. 30). can do.

[Chance mode 1 mode transition lottery table (1)]
In FIG. 31, (B): In this lottery table, the comparison value “199” shown in the top row corresponds to the mode number “00H” representing “normal mode”, and the comparison value “238” shown in the middle row. The mode number “01H” representing “chance mode 1” corresponds to the mode number “02H” representing “chance mode 2” to the comparison value (here, “FFH” which is the maximum value) shown at the bottom. is doing. Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 refers to this lottery table in the above-described effect pattern selection process at the time of losing (step S312 in FIG. 30), so that one of “normal mode”, “chance mode 1” or “chance mode 2” is selected. Can be selected.

[Chance mode 2 o'clock mode transition lottery table (1)]
In FIG. 31, (C): In this lottery table, the comparison value “238” shown in the middle row corresponds to the mode number “01H” representing “chance mode 1”, and the comparison value (here, the maximum) The value “FFH”) corresponds to the mode number “02H” representing “chance mode 2”. A mode number “00H” representing “normal mode” is designated at the top row, but no comparison value is assigned here. Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 selects “chance mode 1” or “chance mode 2” other than “normal mode” by referring to this lottery table in the above-described effect pattern selection process at the time of deviation (step S314 in FIG. 30). can do.

[Normal mode mode transition lottery table (2)]
(A) in FIG. 32: This lottery table is different from the normal mode mode transition lottery table (1) when the internal low probability is set in comparison values. Specifically, the comparison value shown at the top is “25”, and the selection ratio of the “normal mode” is lower than when the internal low probability. Therefore, the range of comparison values (“26” to “FFH”) shown in the middle is expanded accordingly, and the selection ratio of “chance mode 1” is relatively high.

[Chance mode 1 mode transition lottery table (2)]
(B) in FIG. 32: This lottery table is also different from the chance mode 1:00 mode transition lottery table (1) when the internal low probability is set in the comparison value setting of each stage. Specifically, the comparison value shown at the top is “16”, and the selection ratio of the “normal mode” is lower than when the internal low probability. Next, the comparison value shown in the middle row is “55”, but when viewed in the range of comparison values (“17” to “55”), the size is the same setting as when the internal low probability. Therefore, the selection ratio of “chance mode 1” does not change depending on the internal probability state. On the other hand, since the range of comparison values (“56” to “FFH”) shown at the bottom is expanded, it can be seen that the selection ratio of “chance mode 2” is relatively high.

[Chance mode 2 o'clock mode transition lottery table (2)]
(C) in FIG. 32: This lottery table is also different in the setting of comparison values from the chance mode 2:00 mode transition lottery table (2) at the low internal probability. Specifically, the comparison value shown in the middle row is “177”, and the selection ratio of “chance mode 1” is lower than when the internal low probability. Accordingly, the comparison value range (“178” to “FFH”) shown at the bottom is expanded by that much, and it can be seen that the selection ratio of “chance mode 2” is relatively high.

[Mode transfer destination selection ratio by internal probability state]
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a list of mode transition destination selection ratios for each internal probability state. Among these, (A) in FIG. 33 shows a selection ratio list at the time of low internal probability, and (B) in FIG. 33 shows a list of selection ratios at the high internal probability.

[Internal low probability]
FIG. 33 (A): This list shows the ratios in which each mode is selected as the transition destination from the current stay mode when “with background change notice” is selected in the low internal probability state.

[Destination from normal mode]
With this selection ratio, it can be seen that when the current state is “normal mode”, the same “normal mode” is easily maintained, and from there, it is difficult to shift to “chance mode 1”. Note that the current state does not shift to “chance mode 2”.

[Destination from chance mode 1]
Further, when the current state is “chance mode 1”, the transition to the “normal mode” is likely to occur, and the ratio of maintaining the current “chance mode 1” is low. Further, it can be seen that it is difficult to shift to “chance mode 2” from the current state.

[Destination from chance mode 2]
When the current state is “chance mode 2”, the transition to “chance mode 1” is likely to occur, and the ratio at which the current “chance mode 2” is maintained is low. Note that the current mode does not shift to the “normal mode”.

[Internal high probability]
FIG. 33B: This list shows the ratios in which each mode is selected as the transition destination from the current stay mode when “with background change notice” is selected in the internal high probability state.

[Destination from normal mode]
With this selection ratio, when the current state is “normal mode”, it is easy to shift to “chance mode 1”, and the current “normal mode” is difficult to continue. Even when the internal probability is high, the current state does not shift to “chance mode 2”.

[Destination from chance mode 1]
Further, when the current state is “chance mode 1”, the transition to “chance mode 2” is likely to occur, and the ratio of maintaining the current “chance mode 1” is low. It can also be seen that it is difficult to shift from the current state to the “normal mode”.

[Destination from chance mode 2]
When the current state is “chance mode 2”, the transition to “chance mode 1” is likely to occur moderately, and the ratio at which the current “chance mode 2” is maintained is somewhat low. Note that the current mode does not shift to the “normal mode”.

  By adopting the selection ratio as described above for each internal probability state, the transition to the mode with the highest degree of expectation is suppressed as much as possible when the internal probability is low. This can prevent the player from having an excessive degree of expectation. On the other hand, by generating a transition to a mode with a high expectation as much as possible at the time of high internal probability, the player can have a certain degree of expectation and can fully exhibit the original role of the mode transition effect.

[Example of mode transition effect at the time of non-winning: Changing mode transition effect execution means]
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a mode transition effect that occurs at the time of non-winning in a chart format.

[Transition from normal mode]
In FIG. 34, (I) → (II): When the current stay mode is “normal mode”, when the non-winning mode transition effect is executed by the background change notice, the door closing effect is displayed during the changing effect. appear.

[Continue normal mode]
In FIG. 34 (III): At this time, if “normal mode” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image is maintained as “normal mode image” through the door closing effect. Thereby, it can be instructed to the player that the mode transition has not occurred.

[When entering Chance Mode 1]
34 (VI): On the other hand, if “chance mode 1” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image changes to “chance mode 1 image” through the door closing effect. Accordingly, it is possible to appeal to the player that the mode transition has occurred, and thereby to have a certain level of expectation.

[Transition from Chance Mode 1]
In FIG. 34 (IV) → (V): When the current stay mode is “chance mode 1”, when the mode transition effect at the time of non-winning is executed by the background change notice, the door closing effect is also produced during the variable effect here. Will occur.

[Chance mode 1 continued]
34 (VI): At this time, if “chance mode 1” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image is maintained in “chance mode 1” through the door closing effect. Thereby, it can be instructed to the player that the mode transition has not occurred.

[When entering normal mode]
In FIG. 34 (III): If “normal mode” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image changes to “normal mode” through the door closing effect. Accordingly, it is possible to teach the player that the mode transition (in this case, mode down) has occurred, thereby preventing the player from having an excessive expectation.

[When entering Chance Mode 2]
In FIG. 34 (IX): On the other hand, if “chance mode 2” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image changes to “chance mode 2 image” through the door closing effect. Accordingly, it is possible to appeal to the player that the mode transition (in this case, the mode up) has occurred, and thereby it is possible to have a higher expectation than “chance mode 1”.

[Transition from Chance Mode 2]
In FIG. 34 (VII) → (VIII): When the current stay mode is “chance mode 2”, if the mode transition effect at the time of non-winning is executed by the background change notice, the door closing effect is also produced during the variable effect here. Occurs.

[Chance mode 2 continued]
34 (IX): At this time, if “chance mode 2” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image is maintained in “chance mode 2” through the door closing effect. Thereby, it can be instructed to the player that the mode change (down to another mode) has not occurred, and the expectation up to that time can be maintained.

[When entering Chance Mode 1]
34 (VI): On the other hand, if “chance mode 1” is selected as the mode transition destination, the background image changes to “chance mode 1 image” through the door closing effect. In this case, the player can be instructed that a mode transition (in this case, mode down) has occurred, thereby preventing excessive expectation.

  By appropriately generating the mode transition effect at the time of non-winning as described above, it is possible to prevent the game from being extended during the normal game and to suppress the decrease in the game motivation. Also, even if the mode goes down during this time, the basic expectations until then do not change, so the player will not be particularly discouraged.

[Other Embodiments]
In the embodiment described above, an example is given in which the degree of expectation increases as the number of times of opening (number of rounds) increases. However, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of times of opening (number of rounds) is conversely two times. The game may be given a game such that the expectation is the highest when it falls within the range, and the expectation decreases when it reaches 3 or more times. In order to realize such gameability, for example, in FIG. 14, the appearance rates of the combinations may be reversed in the combination of the number of times of opening 2 times and the combination of 3 times. In this case, since the degree of expectation can be increased if the mode transition effect at the time of non-winning is held twice, it is possible to provide the player with another preference of “I want you to stop as much as possible”.

  Further, in one embodiment, the number of times of opening is only provided up to 3 times, but the number of times of opening may be provided 4 times or more. Similarly, in this case, the higher the number of times of opening (the more the number of rounds progresses), the higher the expectation of the “high probability state” is set, or conversely, the number of times of opening is more than 2 (2 rounds). The degree of expectation can be set lower as you move forward. In accordance with this, the setting of “chance mode” can be increased, and different “chance modes” can be made to correspond to the number of times of opening.

  In one embodiment, two rounds, three rounds of probable big hits and two open small hits, and three open small hits are combined, but two rounds, three rounds of probable big hits and two rounds non-probable big hits, three rounds. The selection ratios (appearance rates) may be different from each other by combining non-probable big hits. Therefore, the “special prize winning” in the present invention includes “non-probable big hit” in addition to “small hit”.

  In addition, the images given in the various effects are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. In one embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the production door is represented by an image, but the opening / closing operation of the door may be represented using a door-shaped movable body. 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 Special symbol display device 34a Operation memory lamp 42 Liquid crystal display 70 Main controller 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (3)

When an event that results in a special prize occurs during the game, a special privilege granting means for granting a special prize privilege to the player,
While the specified condition is not satisfied during the game, the closed state in which the occurrence of the special winning event is always disabled is maintained, while the special condition is satisfied from the closed state only when the specified condition is satisfied. A winning event generating means capable of shifting to an open state where the generation of an event that becomes a winning prize is impossible,
A lottery executing means for executing an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least the prescribed condition is satisfied when a predetermined lottery trigger occurs during a normal game in which the winning event generating means is maintained in the closed state;
When the internal lottery is performed 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 is other than non-winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means in any manner corresponding to the result other than non-winning, the prescribed condition is satisfied. A transition trigger generating means for generating a transition trigger for shifting the winning event generating means from the closed state to the open state;
An event that causes the winning event generation means to shift from the closed state to the opened state for a predetermined time during which the occurrence of the special winning event is facilitated or a predetermined number of times the special winning event occurs within the predetermined time. Special game execution means for executing an opening operation for shifting the winning event generating means from the closed state to the open state and returning to the closed state until it occurs,
The winning event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the opened state and returned to the closed state for a short time when the occurrence of the special winning event is more difficult than the predetermined time by the special game executing means. Short-term opening / closing operation execution means for executing a short-term opening / closing operation over the number of times of opening set according to the result of the internal lottery;
As a winning type other than non-winning obtained by the internal lottery, a plurality of symbols whose symbols are stopped and displayed in a specific manner by the symbol display means and the number of times of opening by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means set at the time of winning are different from each other. In addition to the specific winning, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a special manner by the symbol display means, and the number of times of opening by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means in which the number of times of opening set at the time of winning is set for each specific winning And a lottery result defining means for preliminarily defining a plurality of special cases winning,
If the short-time opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation execution means for the number of times of opening when the transition trigger occurs due to the symbol being stopped and displayed in the specific mode, at least the winning probability in the internal lottery Specific game state transition means for shifting to a specific game state to which a specific condition different from a normal game is applied,
When the result of the internal lottery performed by the lottery execution unit is other than non-winning, the winning type determining unit that selectively determines which of the winning types specified by the lottery result defining unit When,
Specific winning selection ratio setting means for setting individual selection ratios for each of the plurality of specific winnings that are different in the number of open times set at the time of winning when the winning type determining means determines which winning type corresponds to When,
When determining which win type corresponds to the winning main pair determining means, the specific winning selection ratio setting means is set for each of a plurality of the special winnings that are different in the number of open times set at the time of winning. A gaming machine comprising special winning selection ratio setting means for setting each selection ratio different from individual selection ratios. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The special winning selection ratio setting means is:
Regarding the combination of the specific winning and the special winning where the number of open times is equal to each other at the time of winning, the ratio of the specific winning being selected by the winning type determining means as the number of open times is set smaller Also, while setting the ratio that the special winning is selected higher, the ratio that the special winning is selected is set lower than the ratio that the specific winning is selected as the number of times of opening is set more. Or
Regarding the combination of the specific winning and the special winning where the number of open times is equal to each other at the time of winning, the ratio of the specific winning being selected by the winning type determining means as the number of open times is set smaller Also, while setting the ratio at which the special prize is selected to be low, the ratio at which the special prize is selected is set higher than the ratio at which the specific prize is selected as the number of times of opening is set more. A gaming machine characterized by In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
After executing a variation display effect corresponding to the symbol variation display by the symbol display means within at least the variation time, the internal lottery result is either non-winning or non-winning corresponding to the symbol stop display A symbol effect execution means for executing a result display effect in a mode that represents whether it corresponds to at least the specific winning or the special winning in the case other than non-winning,
When the result display effect is executed by the symbol effect executing means in a manner indicating that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the specific winning or the special winning, the short-time opening / closing operation executing means performs the short-term opening over the number of times of opening. A transition effect execution means for executing a transition effect that changes the effect in a plurality of ways each time the opening and closing operation is performed;
An effect content setting means for commonly setting the content of the transition effect executed by the transition effect execution means for a combination of the specific winning and the special winning where the number of times of opening is equal to each other at the time of winning A gaming machine characterized by having it.

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