JP2011240071A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent reduction in amusement by suppressing complication of performance processing without impairing the coexistence of a general pattern game and a special pattern game.SOLUTION: When a lottery momentum due to gate passage or the like occurs, a general pattern lottery is executed to variably display a general pattern, and a variable start prize device is operated upon winning in the general pattern lottery to allow occurrence of a special pattern lottery momentum. A special pattern lottery is executed in response to winning in the variable start prize device to variably display a special pattern, and the variable prize device is opened upon winning in the special pattern lottery. An end time T2 of the general pattern is set longer than a time obtained by adding a variation time T3 of the special pattern and a stop time T4 of the special time, whereby the general pattern is prevented from varying during variation of the special pattern.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs an operation that enables winning according to, for example, a lottery result, and grants a privilege for the winning that actually occurs there.

  Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that changes a variation pattern of a normal symbol, which is a combination of a “normal variation mode” and a “special variation mode”, using a random number counter for the variation display of the ordinary symbol (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). This prior art adopts a game specification that increases the frequency of opening of the ordinary electric accessory when the “special variation mode” is selected at random with respect to the variation display of the ordinary symbol even in the ordinary gaming state where the time is not shortened.

  According to the above game specifications, the normal symbol game pattern tends to be neglected compared to the special symbol game, but the normal symbol variation pattern can change irregularly. It is thought that it can raise the player's interest.

JP 2008-35978 A

  The above-described prior art is characterized in that interest in a normal symbol game is increased apart from a special symbol game that is the main in advancing the game. The same idea as this is also adopted in a gaming machine such as a composite type in which two hits having different properties are combined or a combination type. Of these types, for example, if the first internal lottery (ordinary symbol lottery) is won, then the winning combination at the starting prize opening and the lottery (special symbol lottery) will proceed to the game ball distribution lottery. This is a type in which a privilege can be obtained if a prize for "V (Hits of the jackpot)" is generated. In addition, for the first consecutive bonus game, a regular symbol lottery is used for the first jackpot, and the winning of the bonus game is used as a special symbol jackpot to chain the actions of the actors. This type realizes continuity.

  In any case, in such a type of gaming machine, the first lottery is an important step. Therefore, the main lottery is also focused on the first lottery in advance of the game. In this case, the player first aims at “winning” in the first stage lottery. However, in such a game specification that increases the player's interest in the first stage game, A general technique is to display a variation display of a pattern with a liquid crystal effect.

  In this case, for example, in the composite type, (1) normal symbol variation effect → (2) normal symbol per unit effect → (3) special symbol variation effect → (4) special symbol per unit effect → (5) actor action effect → (6 ) The production progresses in the flow of the V prize winning distribution production in the role. However, if the normal symbol fluctuates during the effects (3) to (6), there is a situation in which the normal symbol variation effect (1) must be displayed halfway after the end of the effect (6). There is a problem that the switching process of the production becomes complicated.

  Similarly, even in the consecutive type, the production progresses in the following sequence: [1] normal symbol variation production → [2] normal symbol per production → [3] special symbol variation production → [4] special symbol stop production (when off) It will be. Still, if the normal symbol fluctuates during the above-mentioned effects [3] and [4], there will be a situation where the normal symbol variation effect of [1] must be displayed halfway after the end of the effect [4]. In the same way, the process of switching the production becomes complicated.

  In contrast, the above prior art gaming machines can change the variation pattern of the normal symbol irregularly, but this is only a control method related to the normal symbol, and control of the normal symbol It is not possible to realize the control in which the control of the special symbol and the special symbol are intertwined closely.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress the complication of effect processing corresponding to each symbol without impairing the coexistence of games related to different symbols such as a normal symbol game and a special symbol game.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: In the gaming machine of the present invention, when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during the game, an operation lottery execution unit that executes a predetermined operation lottery and the operation lottery execution unit execute the operation lottery. First symbol display means for displaying the first symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the operation lottery for a predetermined stop time after the first symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined variation time, and the result of the operation lottery The first symbol variation time determining means for determining the variation time of the first symbol based on the lottery for the internal lottery different from the operation lottery when the winning is obtained by the operation lottery by the operation lottery executing means An operating means for performing an operation that changes over a predetermined period from an inoperative state in which an opportunity cannot be generated to an operating state in which the internal lottery opportunity can be generated, and the operating means changes to the operating state. If a prize with the occurrence of the lottery trigger of the internal lottery occurs, the internal lottery executing means for executing the internal lottery and the internal lottery executing means for executing a predetermined variation time After the second symbol is variably displayed, the second symbol display means for stopping and displaying the second symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery over a predetermined stop time, and the second symbol based on the result of the internal lottery When winning is obtained by the second symbol variation time determining means for determining the symbol variation time and the internal lottery execution means by the internal lottery executing means, the occurrence of a prize is generated from a closed state where a prize cannot be generated for a predetermined period. Variable winning means for performing an opening operation that changes to a possible open state, and the result of the next operation lottery by the operation lottery executing means after the operating means has returned from the operating state to the non-operating state The second symbol display means displays the end time corresponding to the time until the first symbol variation is allowed to start by the first symbol display means based on the second symbol variation time and the first symbol. By setting the time longer than the time obtained by adding the stop time of the two symbols, the first symbol display means causes the first symbol display means to change the second symbol while the second symbol display means causes the second symbol to be variably displayed and stopped. 1st symbol fluctuation suppression means which suppresses carrying out the variable display of 1 symbol is provided.

A game by the gaming machine of the present invention proceeds, for example, along the flow shown below. The wording in parentheses is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during the game (passing the start gate), an operation lottery is performed (normal symbol lottery).
(2) When the operation lottery of (1) is performed, the first symbol (ordinary symbol) is variably displayed, and the first symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the operation lottery.
(3) The variation time of the first symbol of (2) is determined based on the result of the operation lottery.
(4) When winning in the operation lottery of the above (1) (ordinary symbol winning), an operation (for example, operation of a variable start winning device) that changes to an operating state capable of generating a lottery trigger for internal lottery is performed.

(5) When a winning occurs during the operation of (4) above, an internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed.
(6) When the internal lottery of the above (5) is performed, the second symbol (special symbol) is variably displayed, and the second symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery.
(7) The variation time of the second symbol in (5) is determined based on the result of the operation lottery.
(8) When winning in the internal lottery of (4) above, an opening operation (for example, an opening operation of the variable winning device) that enables winning can be performed.

(9) Here, in the above (4), the time from the return from the operating state to the non-operating state until the start of the next variation of the first symbol is allowed is referred to as “the end time (the operation at the time of hitting for the operation lottery. End time) ”. The “end time” is set longer than the time obtained by adding the variation time of the second symbol and the stop time of the second symbol. As a result, it is possible to suppress the first symbol from being variably displayed while the second symbol is being variably displayed and stopped.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, while the above (1) to (8) are repeated as the flow of the game, the player's profit is increased by giving a privilege to the player by the occurrence of a prize. I can go. Also, as shown in (9) above, by setting the “end time” to be longer than the time obtained by adding the variation time of the second symbol and the stop time of the second symbol, the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner and stopped. While being displayed, it is possible to suppress the first symbol from being variably displayed. Therefore, the next variation of the first symbol does not start until the “end time” elapses, and after the second symbol is stopped and displayed in the composite type, the combination type, etc., “the first symbol has already fluctuated. The “medium” situation does not occur.

  Furthermore, while the second symbol is variably displayed, the first symbol is not variably displayed in parallel. For example, the content according to the progress of the game up to now (the variation of the first symbol) Even in the case of performing an effect corresponding to 2 and an effect corresponding to the variation of the second symbol after the winning of the operation lottery, the process from the effect on the second symbol to the effect on the first symbol is switched. There is no problem of complexity. The “end time” itself is one of the conditions (flags and data) used in the control of the first symbol game (ordinary symbol game), and even if the time is set longer, the progress of the game process itself is stopped. Since it is not (prohibited), the coexistence of the first symbol game and the second symbol game is not harmed.

  In this regard, the above prior art gaming machines can change the variation pattern of the normal symbol irregularly, but this is only a control method related to the normal symbol, the normal symbol and the special symbol. This is not a consideration of the trade-off. Here, the first symbol game (ordinary symbol game) and the second symbol game (special symbol game) should be controlled in parallel (independently) as long as the respective lottery opportunities occur in parallel. Therefore, the idea of stopping the control of the first symbol game (the progress of the game process) during the second symbol variation cannot be fundamental in the technical field of gaming machines. Under such circumstances, the present invention solves the above problem by suppressing the start of fluctuation of the first symbol using the concept of “end time” during the variation of the second symbol. Therefore, such a control method of the present invention is unique in that it realizes a novel idea that has not existed in the past.

  In addition, in the present invention, since the above problem is solved with a relatively simple setting of setting the “end time” to be long, processing is performed by linking the control of the first symbol and the control of the second symbol. Although it is not necessary to perform this, it is possible to realize a control flow in which the first symbol variation always starts after the variation suspension of FIG. Thereby, it is possible to realize desired control while suppressing the complexity of the processing of the gaming machine by a simple method.

  Solution 2: In the solution 1, the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery execution unit, the first symbol display unit displays the change of the first symbol every time. After executing a variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the first symbol within at least the variation time of the first symbol, the variation display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the first symbol by the first symbol display means is performed. When the internal lottery is executed by the first symbol effect executing means to be executed and the internal lottery executing means, at least the second symbol is displayed when the second symbol display means displays the variation of the second symbol every time. After executing the variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the second symbol within the variation time, the second symbol executing the variation display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the second symbol by the second symbol display means. The first symbol variation suppressing unit is further configured to perform a variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the second symbol and the second symbol variation suppressing unit. While the variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode is performed, the first symbol effect execution means is suppressed from performing the variable display effect.

If it is said aspect, the following game flows are further implement | achieved in the gaming machine of the present invention.
(10) When the operation lottery is executed, the variable display effect corresponding to the variable display of the first symbol is executed within the variable time of the first symbol at the time of the variable display of the first symbol for each time. The variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of one symbol is executed.
(11) When the internal lottery is executed, the change display effect corresponding to the change display of the second symbol is executed within the change time of the second symbol at the time of the change display of the second symbol every time. A variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of two symbols is executed.
(12) At this time, while the variable display effect corresponding to the variable display and stop display of the second symbol is being performed, the variable display effect of the first symbol is suppressed from being performed.

  In this case, when the operation lottery is performed, first, an effect corresponding to the operation lottery is performed according to the above (10). When the operation lottery is won, an internal lottery opportunity is given and the internal lottery is performed. Then, the effect corresponding to the internal lottery is performed according to the above (11). Thereafter, the game progresses in various directions such as “big hit effect” and “out of effect” by winning or losing the internal lottery. In any case, once those effects have been completed, the operation lottery will be started again as long as the game on the gaming machine is continued. At this time, in the present invention, according to the above (12), while the variable display effect corresponding to the variable display and stop display of the second symbol is being performed, the variable display effect of the first symbol is suppressed. Therefore, the effect (10) is not performed during the effect (11).

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the effect for the first symbol is not performed while the effect for the second symbol is being performed, the effect for the second symbol has already been completed. The effect of the next first symbol has not started and the effect of the next first symbol has not already ended, and the player's interest can be prevented from being lowered. In addition, during the normal game, the first design variation effect → the first per symbol design → the second design variation effect → the second design stop effect → the next first design variation effect is produced. Since the control system and the second symbol production control system do not cooperate, it can be generated naturally as if they are cooperated, so the first symbol variation production must be displayed from the middle. The situation does not occur, and there is no problem that the effect switching process is complicated.

  Solving means 3: In solving means 1 and 2, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the first symbol fluctuation suppressing means stops the end time, and the second symbol display means stops from the timing of occurrence of a prize to the operating means. The time is set longer than the time until the end of the stop time of the second symbol to be displayed.

  In the present invention, the end time is set more strictly. That is, in the above-described solving means 1, using a simple relational expression, “end time”> “second symbol variation time + second symbol stop time”. Here, the “end time” is the time from when the operating means returns from the operating state to the non-operating state until the next variation of the first symbol is started (variation start is allowed). Can be defined with a clear span (scale, length). However, with respect to “the second symbol variation time + the second symbol stop time”, the second symbol variation start is started after a while from the occurrence of the winning to the operating means. Actually, it is a matter of ms, but strictly speaking, there is a slight difference between the winning timing to the operating means and the variation start timing of the second symbol. In addition to this, as a control method, even if a winning to the operating means occurs, the variation of the second symbol is not necessarily started immediately, but the variation of the second symbol is started after a while. There is also a possibility. In such a case, depending on the design and specifications of the gaming machine itself, the total time of “the second symbol variation time + the second symbol stop time” may remain the same depending on the game machine design and specifications. It is possible to slide back and forth. Therefore, as in the present invention, “end time”> “time from the occurrence timing of winning to the operating means to the end time of the stop time of the second symbol” and “certain timing of winning to the operating means” By using the correct timing as a part of the set value, the suppression of the fluctuation of the first symbol is ensured.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 1 to 3, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides a lottery opportunity for the internal lottery because no winning has occurred even though the operating means has changed to the operating state. If not, an actuating means winning generation promoting means may be further provided that produces an effect that prompts the player to generate a prize for the actuating means using the end time.

  In the present invention, when a winning is not generated in spite of the change to the operating state in the above (4), the lottery opportunity of the internal lottery is not obtained in the above (5), that is, so-called non-winning ( Puncture) is assumed. In such a case, if the “end time” has not completely elapsed, there will be a time during which the next variation of the first symbol is not started. The “end time” is longer to some extent in anticipation of fluctuation / stop scale (production scale) such as the second design fluctuation time (second design fluctuation production time) and the second design stop time (second design stop production time). Therefore, there will be no time for such a non-winning prize.

  Therefore, if such a situation occurs, the “exit time” that has been set for a long period of time is used to give the player a description of the game on the screen (production of content that prompts the player to generate a prize). It is possible to reduce the feeling of loss that the operating means has not been won, and to encourage the player who has not understood the game content to understand the game content. As a result, the game can be held until the “end time” elapses, and the player can understand the game contents so that the same “puncture” situation does not occur after the next time. . Therefore, if the game contents are correctly understood, the same situation will not occur after the second time, so the player will not have a sense of discomfort due to the "occurrence of repeated game explanation effects". is there.

In the present invention, the following configuration can also be applied.
The operating means may be a variable start winning device that performs an operation that enables a winning to be generated on the condition that a winning is obtained in the operating lottery by the operating lottery executing means.

  The variable winning means may be a variable winning device that performs an opening operation that allows a winning to be generated separately from the variable start winning device, on condition that a winning is obtained in the internal lottery by the internal lottery executing means. .

  The gaming machine of the present invention can provide continuity in the flow of both controls while executing the control related to the first symbol and the second symbol in parallel. Thereby, even in the case of performing an effect corresponding to each variation of the first symbol and the second symbol, it is not necessary to switch the processing of the effect with an unnatural flow in the middle of the game, and there is no sense of incongruity in appearance. Can provide sex.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable start prize-winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the completion | finish process in a variable start winning apparatus management process. It is a timing chart which shows the change of the various states which generate | occur | produce through the game by a pachinko machine. It is a timing chart which shows the change of the various states which generate | occur | produce through the game by a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a normal symbol operation condition setting table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage 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 figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. 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 completion | finish process in a variable winning device management process. It is a game flow figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine as an example. FIG. 49 is a game flow diagram showing a game flow when the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero. It is a conceptual diagram which classify | categorizes and shows the pattern of a game flow. It is a conceptual diagram which classify | categorizes and shows the pattern of a game flow. It is a continuation figure showing an example of an effect performed at the time of hitting a normal symbol. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of variable start prize-winning apparatus action | operation. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the example of the presentation performed at the time of special symbol change (within change time). It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the example of the presentation performed at the time of special symbol change (within change time). It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when a single symbol 2 or a probable variation symbol 3 is won at the time of special symbol variation (within variation time). It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when a game flow progresses during a probability change from variable winning apparatus operation. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when the limiter addition by single-shot winning in the process of probability change generate | occur | produces. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed after reaching a limiter. It is the figure which showed the example of the background image which changes with progress of a game flow. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of game description. 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 the aftereffects management process of a normal symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of a first time variable starting prize-winning apparatus action | operation. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation process after a big character start. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production pattern selection process during a chance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46 and 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit (without reference numerals) as components for production. In addition, a tray lamp 52 is installed in the tray unit 6, and the tray lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, and the glass frame side lamp 50 are integrally connected on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in appearance. Designed as if it were.

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

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

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 5).

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

  The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). From the external terminal board 160, the game progress of the pachinko machine 1 is achieved. Various external information signals (for example, award ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) indicating the state and maintenance state are output to an external electronic device. Yes.

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island facility to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Configuration of the board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board 8 alone. In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. Further, in the game area 8a, the middle start gate 20, the right start gate 21, the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30 and the like are distributed around the effect unit 40. ing. Among these, the middle start gate 20 is located in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a, and the right start gate 21 is located near the upper part in the right part of the game area 8a. In addition, the two normal winning holes 22 are located below the left portion of the game area 8a, and the other one normal winning hole 24 is positioned below the middle start gate 20. The remaining ordinary winning opening 25 is located on the right side of the game area 8a, and is located below the right start gate 21, and the variable winning device 30 is arranged directly below the right starting gate 21. Further, the variable start winning device 28 is located on the lower side of the right side of the game area 8a.

  The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 in the process of flowing down, win the normal winning openings 22, 24, 25, or operate. The variable start winning device 28 at the time and the variable winning device 30 at the time of the opening operation are won (entered). Note that the game balls flowing down the left area of the game area 8a may pass through the middle start gate 20 or win the normal winning holes 22 and 24. The game balls flowing down the right area of the game area 8a mainly pass through the right start gate 21 or win the normal winning opening 25, or the variable start winning device 28 during operation or the variable prize during opening operation. There is a possibility of winning (entering a ball) in the device 30. The game balls that have passed through the middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 continue to flow down in the game area 8a. However, the game balls 8A, 22B, 25, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are won (entered). ) Game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material constituting the game board 8).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, the start winning port 28a is connected to the start winning port 28a. Makes it possible to win a prize (ordinary electric equipment, operating means). 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 by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, winning to the start winning opening 28a is impossible (the game ball can flow in). (There is no gap). On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the start winning opening 28a. The opening width of 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 can generate a winning to the start winning port 28a (lottery opportunity generating operation means). The arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is basically an aspect that does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a during operation). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable start winning device 28 at the time of operation, and the inflow is generated randomly.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and enables a winning to the big winning opening 30b (special). Electric goods, variable winning means). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a, and these opening / closing members 30a also 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 by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, winning to the big winning opening 30b is impossible (the game ball can flow in). (There is no gap). On the other hand, when the variable winning device 30 is activated, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, the special winning opening 30b is opened (opening operation). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where game balls can flow in, and can generate a winning to the big winning opening 30b (opening operation means). Similarly, the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed in the game board 8 basically does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable winning device 30 (the big winning opening 30b at the time of opening). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) at the time of the opening operation, and the inflow is generated randomly.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, the game balls 8 including the game balls won in the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a), and the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) were driven into the game area 8a. All the game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). That is, the game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at a lower right position in the window 4a, and a special symbol display device 34 and a game state display device 38. Yes. Of 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 (first symbol display means). 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). For example, when both lamps are off, 0 is stored, when 1 lamp is lit, 1 is displayed, and when the same lamp is flashing, 2 is displayed. When the other lamp is turned on, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when the two lamps are both flashed, 4 stored numbers are displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  When the game ball passes through the middle start gate 20 or the right start gate 21, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is displayed one by one in the sense that it memorizes the occurrence of the passage that triggers the operation lottery. Each time the change of the normal symbol is started with the passage, the display decreases by one. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the middle start gate 20 or the right start gate 21 is set in a state where the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). Even if a game ball passes, the display does not increase. That is, the display number (maximum of 4) of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of times the normal symbol variation has not yet started at that time.

  Further, 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) (second symbol display means). Since one special symbol is used in this embodiment, it is sufficient to provide one 7-segment LED as the special symbol display device 34. However, as shown in FIG. By mounting, the same hardware configuration (integrated display substrate 89) can be applied to other models using two special symbols. In the present embodiment, the working memory lamp and the working memory number display device corresponding to the special symbol are not provided. One special symbol may be displayed by two 7-segment LEDs.

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, two LEDs corresponding respectively to the high probability state display lamp 38c and the variation time reduction state display lamp 38d. In FIG. 4, other lamps (LEDs) not particularly denoted by reference numerals are unused (blank). In the present embodiment, the above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, special symbol display device 34, and game state display device 38 are mounted on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89. It has been.

[Other configuration of the game board: see FIG. 3]
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, 40c, and 40k on the inside thereof. The decorative parts 40b, 40c, and 40k can enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by 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). it can. 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 normal 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 rolling stage 40e is formed, for example, in two upper and lower stages, of which the upper stage is located at the back as viewed from the player and the lower stage is located at the front as viewed from the player. In both the upper and lower stages, 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 rolls on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down from the lower stage into the lower game area 8a. At the lower stage of the rolling stage 40e, a ball discharge portion 40i is formed at a substantially central position, and the game ball that has flowed down from the lower stage of the rolling stage 40e via the ball discharge portion 40i is a middle start immediately below it. It becomes easy to pass through the gate 20 (however, it does not always pass).

  An inflow passage 40g is formed at a substantially central position of the rolling stage 40e, and game balls can randomly flow into the inflow passage 40g from both upper and lower stages. The inflow passage 40g is formed by extending the lower edge portion of the effect unit 40 downward and then bent in an L shape toward the front side, and a ball discharge port 40h is formed at the end thereof. The ball discharge port 40h is opened toward the front surface, and the opening position is located directly above the middle start gate 20. For this reason, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow passage 40g from above the rolling stage 40e is released from the ball discharge port 40h and easily passes through the middle start gate 20 directly below it (however, it does not always pass). .)

  In addition, the effect unit 40 is provided with a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, and the like) (not shown) together with a movable body 40f (for example, a heart-shaped ornament) for effect. The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to such an effect using the movable body 40f, an appealing power different from the effect using a two-dimensional image can be exhibited. A production example using the movable body 40f will be described later.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated. The main controller 70 is 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 (I / O) port 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. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 described above are integrally provided with a middle gate switch 78 and a right gate switch 80 for detecting the passage of a game ball, respectively. Further, the game board 8 is provided with a start winning port switch 82 and a count switch 84 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. Among these, the start winning port switch 82 is for detecting a winning of a game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (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 30b) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning port switch 86 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25. The winning opening switch 86 may be the same for all the normal winning openings 22, 24, 26, or a separate winning opening switch 86 may be provided for each of the normal winning openings 22, 24, 26. Good. For example, separate winning port switches 86 are installed on the left and right and center of the board, respectively, and the left winning port switch 86 detects the winning of a game ball with respect to the normal winning port 22 located on the left side of the board, and the center winning port switch In 86, the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 24 located in the center of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 25 located on the right side of the board is detected. Good.

  In any case, 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 middle gate switch 78, the right gate switch 80, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87. It has become. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

  The display operation of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, and the game state display device 38 described above is controlled 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, and 38 and the lamp 33a in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamp 33a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal board 87.

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full switch 161, for example, inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the bowl as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173. When the upper plate 6b is full of game balls, As described above, it flows into the lower plate 6c. When the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends further prize ball operations, and stores the unpaid prize ball remaining number in the RAM 98. Note that the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so that even if a power failure (including momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the number of remaining unsold prize balls will not be lost. .

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

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

  The above receiving tray unit 6 is provided with a launch 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 launch relay terminal plate 118. Sent to. The drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital 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 to this, the launch relay terminal plate 118 is connected with a lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to this lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, the launch is similarly performed. The drive circuit of the control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a rental / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the display of the frequency display unit (7-segment LED for 3 digits). The lending / return switch board 123 has switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended and It is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connecting terminal board 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. If no valuable medium is inserted in the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display device to display a demonstration (of the valuable medium). (Display for prompting input) can also be performed.

  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 CPU 126 can be of a type that is faster (high clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and has a wide data bus width (for example, 64 bits). The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

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

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

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

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

  In addition, a panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a movable body solenoid 57 is connected to the panel board 138 in addition to the panel lamp 53. The movable body solenoid 57 drives the movable body 40f, for example, via a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body solenoid 57 via the panel illumination board 138, respectively.

  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 a backlight (for example, a cathode tube) 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 the various lamps 46 to 53, the speakers 54, 55, and 56, and the movable body 40f as described above, and the production by the image display using the liquid crystal display 42. Control is included. 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 each pixel (for example, 24-bit color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data. ) Individually.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) pass through the payout control device 92 to the external terminal plate 160. Is output to the outside. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but a configuration in which an external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may be used.

  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.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 7 (connection symbol A → A).

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

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, a hit determination random number corresponding to a normal symbol, a hit symbol random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random number (hardware random number) are programmed. It is generated above. Note that the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the reach determination random number corresponding to the special symbol can be generated as necessary, and if not used, the random number generation process can be omitted. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 8), but each time the random number value makes one round in this process, the loop counter The initial value (not all random numbers need to be targeted) is changed. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 8), and therefore overlap (conflict) ) To prevent the above). As described above, in this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update cycle is faster (eg, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the initial value of the jackpot determination random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 8). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 8 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 ms) 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 random number counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, normal symbol random numbers determined, and the like.

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

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

  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, events that occurred during the game based on the passage detection signal from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 and the winning detection signal from the start winning opening switch 82 And further processing is executed in accordance with each event that has occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the start winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as an internal lottery trigger (lottery trigger) corresponding to the special symbol has occurred. When a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that becomes 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 the passage detection signal is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 and the processing executed when the winning detection signal is input from the start winning port switch 82 are further different. This will be described later with reference to the flowchart.

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

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the middle start gate 20 or the right start gate 21 in the previous switch input event process (step S204). In the normal symbol game process, a random number value is read from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (lottery trigger generation operation 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. The details of the normal symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

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

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in port output request buffer.

  In the present embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display device) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is output. Can provide various jackpot information (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be tabulated and managed (however, in this embodiment, the small hit is not used). Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently jackpot. Or for each table, it can be recognized whether or not the current symbol variation time is in a shortened state. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

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

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer together.

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

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

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

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

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

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 8). 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 start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S11 and executes a special symbol storing process. The specific contents of the special symbol storage process (step S11) will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S13 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. Specific contents of the normal symbol memory update process (step S16) will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

[Normal symbol memory update processing]
Next, the normal symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the normal symbol storage update process. Hereinafter, the procedure of the normal symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S20: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the normal symbol operating memory number counter to check whether or not the operating memory number is less than the maximum value of 4. The working memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of random numbers determined per ordinary symbol 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, 1 byte each) for the normal symbols, and one random number determined per normal symbol can be stored in each section. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter has reached the upper limit value (maximum value) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the upper limit value (maximum value) (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21.

  Step S21: The main control CPU 72 adds one normal symbol operation memory number. The normal symbol operation memory number counter is stored in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, for example, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8).

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 obtains a winning random number corresponding to the normal symbol from the winning random number counter area of the RAM 76, for example. When the main control CPU 72 reads the determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it to the transfer destination address as a per-decided random number corresponding to the ordinary symbol.

  Step S23: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved determined random number per normal symbol to a random number storage area corresponding to the normal symbol, and stores it in an empty section in the area. 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 determined 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 determined random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read in the FIFO format.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol effect command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a setting for transmitting, for example, a normal design start sound control command to the effect control device 124. The main control CPU 72 may perform, for example, a prefetch determination process before this process. In this case, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the lottery is successful in the pre-reading determination process, and generates a normal destination determination effect command based on the result. And main control CPU72 can perform the setting for transmitting a universal destination determination production | presentation command with respect to the production | presentation control apparatus 124 by step S24.

  When the above procedure is completed or the normal symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (maximum value) (step S20: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Normal design game processing]
Next, the details of the normal symbol game process (step S206 in FIG. 8) executed during the interrupt management process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the normal symbol game process. Normal symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1001), normal symbol variation pre-processing (step S2001), normal symbol variation processing (step S3001), normal symbol stop display processing (step S4001), variable start winning device management. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5001). First, the basic flow of the normal game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1001: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S2001 to S5001). 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 normal symbol game process in the “jump table” 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 normal symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol change pre-process (step S2001) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the normal symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol variation processing (step S3001) as the next jump destination, and if the normal symbol variation processing has been completed, For example, the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) 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 is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2001: In the normal symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation for preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the regular symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3001: In the normal symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each of the two LEDs constituting the normal symbol display device 33. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a normal symbol variation display is performed. In this embodiment, since the two symbols are alternately lit and extinguished to perform normal symbol variation display, the drive signal pattern can be configured simply (for example, in two patterns), and the main control accordingly. The load on the CPU 72 can be reduced.

  Step S4001: In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the normal symbol display device 33. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each of the two LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a normal symbol stop display is performed. In the present embodiment, among the two upper and lower LEDs, for example, a stop display at the time of winning is performed with the upper LED lit, and a stop display at the time of non-winning is performed with the lower LED lit. Yes (upper and lower logic may be reversed).

  Step S5001: The variable start winning device management process is selected when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner (for example, the upper LED is lit) in the previous normal symbol stop display process. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner, in this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable start winning device 28 on the assumption that the operation condition is satisfied. The operating conditions for the variable start winning device 28 will be described later.

  While the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, the jump destination is set in the variable start winning device management process (step S5001) in the previous execution selection process (step S1001), and the normal symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable start winning device management process, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, once) so that the variable start winning device 28 operates in a set pattern, and the start winning port is set. It is possible to generate a prize for 28a (lottery opportunity generation operation means). In the present embodiment, the special symbol game process also proceeds with the occurrence of the winning at the start winning opening 28a. However, for the sake of convenience, the normal symbol game process will be explained in advance below. .

[Normal pattern change pre-processing]
Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the normal symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S6100: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the normal symbol operation memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the normal symbol operation 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 S6500.

  Step S6500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the normal symbol game process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6200.

  Step S6200: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads a random number for lottery (normal random number determined per symbol) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 and stores it in, for example, another common 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 common storage area is used for the operation lottery in the subsequent hit determination process.

  Step S6250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76, and sets the value after subtraction to the “normal symbol fluctuation start operation memory number”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33 is changed (decreased by 1) in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8). When the procedure so far is completed, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6300.

  Step S6300: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit determination process (operation lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of normal symbol value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (operation lottery execution means). The range of normal symbol values set at this time is different between the non-time shortened state (when the time shortening function is not activated) and the time shortened state (when the time shortening function is activated). In addition, since the range of the winning value is expanded to about 100 times or more, the winning probability of the operation lottery is set extremely high as compared with the non-time shortened state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the winning value, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol winning flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S6400. In the present embodiment, the hit determination is performed by setting a range of the hit value on the program. However, the hit determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance, and the hit determination is read and compared with the random number value. There are also programming examples. Further, the specific winning probability for each state will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S6400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the hit flag in the previous hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6404.

  Step S6404: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol determination process upon disconnection. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the normal symbol display device 33. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol designation 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 S212 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since two LEDs are used for the normal symbol display device 33, for example, as described above, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is only the lighting display of one of the LEDs (lower side). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value. 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. Such a way of thinking can be similarly applied to a case where a 7-segment LED is used for the normal symbol display device 33.

  Step S6406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the normal symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the type of variation pattern or to define the variation time at that time, and is determined, for example, by random number lottery by the main control CPU 72. That is, the main control CPU 72 refers to, for example, a variation pattern determination table (not shown) in this process and selects a variation pattern number corresponding to a random number per symbol (non-winning one) on this table. In the table, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern number (for example, 6.0 seconds to 180 seconds) is preset, and the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern number from the table. (First symbol variation time determining means).

  In the present embodiment, except for the case where the deviation reach fluctuation is performed, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is set based on, for example, “the number of operation memory at the time of start of fluctuation display (0 to 3)” set in step S6250. . The variation time is set differently in the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state. In the non-time shortened state, the variable time is set based on the variation pattern number selected as described above. It is set to a fixed value (for example, 0.6 seconds). The setting of the variation time for each state will be further described later using another drawing.

  The above steps S6404 and S6406 are control procedures when the hit determination result is out of order, but when the determination result is hit (step S6400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

  Step S6410: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines a winning stop symbol number. However, in this embodiment, since a plurality of winning symbols are not provided for the normal symbol, the main control CPU 72 basically selects one type of stop symbol number at all times.

  Step S6412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number (normal symbol variation random number) from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol based on the value (first symbol). Variation time determination means). In the game by the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern at the time of hitting including the symbol effect is basically performed at the time of hitting the normal symbol, so the reach variation pattern is selected here. In general, in the case of the reach fluctuation at the time of hit, the fluctuation time longer than that at the time of the normal fluctuation is determined. Further, the fluctuation pattern determination random number (ordinary symbol fluctuation random number) may be acquired, for example, in the previous normal symbol memory update process (FIG. 10) other than the acquisition in step S6412. In this case, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired normal symbol variation random number as a set with the winning random number in step S23 of the normal symbol memory update process.

  Step S6413: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (win symbol) by the normal symbol display device 33 based on the hit symbol number. However, as described above, since the stop symbol number is always one type in the present embodiment, the main control CPU 72 always determines one display mode (lights the upper LED on). The main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (winning time) 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 S212 in FIG. 8).

  Step S6414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes normal 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 normal 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 returns to the normal symbol game process.

[Figure 11: Normal symbol variation processing, normal symbol stop display processing]
When returning to the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol changing process (step S3001) as the next jump destination. In the normal symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and thereafter, according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter count number). Decrement the timer counter value. Then, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the timer counter and controls the normal symbol fluctuation display as described above until the value becomes zero. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) as the next jump destination.

  In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the normal symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the hit stop symbol determination process (steps S6404 and S6410 in FIG. 12). 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. If the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the normal symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, the variable start winning device management process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable start winning device management process. The variable start winning device management process includes a subroutine group of a game process selection process (step S5101), an opening pattern setting process (step S5201), an opening / closing operation process (step S5301), a closing process (step S5401), and an end process (step S5501). It is the structure containing.

  Step S5101: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S5201 to S5501). 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 start 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 of the variable start winning device 28 has not been started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects an opening pattern setting process (step S5201) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the opening / closing operation process (step S5301) as the next jump destination, and if the opening / closing operation process has been completed, it closes as the next jump destination. A process (step S5401) is selected. When the opening / closing operation process and the closing process are executed, the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5501) as the next jump destination. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Open pattern setting process]
Step S5201: In the opening pattern setting process, the main control CPU 72 sets, for example, an operating time (opening time) and the number of operations (opening frequency) as the opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28. In the present embodiment, the operating time and the number of operations of the variable start winning device 28 are set in common in both the non-time shortening state and the time shortening state. The main control CPU 72 sets an opening / closing operation process (step S5301) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5301: In the next opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 drives the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 based on the operation time set in the previous step S5201. Thus, the variable start winning device 28 is actually actuated (opened). When a winning of a game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) occurs during operation of the variable start winning device 28 and a winning detection signal is generated (ON) by the start winning port switch 82, the main control CPU 72 Generates a variable start winning device winning command. The variable start winning device winning command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). The main control CPU 72 sets a closing process (step S5401) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5401: In the closing process, the main control CPU 72 counts the elapsed operating time based on the timer counter value. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 switches the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 to the non-operating state (OFF). The main control CPU 72 generates a variable start winning device closing command. The variable start winning device closing command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). Then, the main control CPU 72 sets an end process (step S5501) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5501: In the end process, the main control CPU 72 sets conditions for ending the operation of the variable start winning device 28. For example, the main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the ordinary electric accessory operation flag. The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 11) in the normal symbol game process to the normal symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process.

[End processing of variable start winning device management process]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the end process (step S5501 in FIG. 13) during the variable start winning device management process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable start winning device 28. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5530: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the procedure of this end processing is the first activation (calling). If it is the first activation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes Step S5532, and if it is not the first activation (No), it executes Step S5538. The determination as to whether or not it is the first activation is performed by the end time activation flag of the RAM 76 described above. If the end time activation flag is not set, it is determined that the activation is the first time, and the end time activation flag is set. If the end time activation flag is set, it is determined that the activation is not the first time.

  Step S5532: The main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76 and confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the variable time shortening function operation flag is set. This time shortening function operation flag is set in the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (FIG. 20) described later. If the variable time shortening function operation flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5534. If the variable time shortening function operation flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5536.

Step S5534: If the variable time shortening function operation flag is set, that is, if the time is short, the main control CPU 72 sets the end time of the normal symbol to the time reduction time (for example, “10 seconds”).
Step S5536: The main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol end time to the normal time (eg, “45 seconds”) if the variable time shortening function activation flag is not set, that is, if it is not in time.

Step S5538: The main control CPU 72 counts down the end time of the normal symbol.
Step S5540: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the normal symbol end time is “0”. If the end time of the normal symbol is “0” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5542. If the end time of the normal symbol is not “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process (see FIG. 13), and further returns to the normal symbol game process (see FIG. 11). Also in the next interruption cycle, jumping from the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 11) and the variable start winning device management process end process (step S5501 in FIG. 13) are repeatedly executed.

Step S5542: The main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the ordinary electric accessory operation flag. Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the end time activation flag.
Step S5544: Thereby, the operation state of the variable start winning device 28 ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 generates an end time elapsed command. The end time elapsed command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).
Step S5546: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 11) in the normal symbol game process to the normal symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process (see FIG. 13).

  15 and 16 are timing charts showing changes in various states that occur through a game by the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 15 shows the state when the variable time shortening function is not operating (normal time), and FIG. 16 shows the state when the variable time shortening function is operating (short time). Of these, (A) in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 shows changes in the normal symbol or changes in the stopped state, and (B) in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 shows changes in the operating or non-operating state of the variable start winning device 28. Is shown. 15 and FIG. 16 (C) shows a state where a winning detection signal is generated by the start winning port switch, and (D) in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 shows a state change of the end time of the normal symbol. Moreover, (E) in FIG.15 and FIG.16 has shown the fluctuation | variation of the special symbol or the change of a stop state.

[Normal design]
FIG. 15 (A): For example, when the middle start gate 20 (or the right start gate 21) passes during a normal game (time t0), a normal symbol lottery is performed using this as the first stage lottery opportunity. Ordinary design fluctuates. The variation time is set according to the result of the lottery, and in the case of winning, a relatively long variation time is set for reach production.

[Variable start winning device]
In FIG. 15, (B): When winning is obtained in the normal symbol lottery in the first stage, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (the symbol that the variable start winning device 28 is activated), and the variation is stopped. When a predetermined stop display time T1 (for example, about 0.5 seconds) elapses later, the variable start winning device 28 is activated (time t1). As a result, the variable start winning device 28 changes from the non-operating state to the operating state, and the pair of movable pieces 28b spread left and right, thereby enabling the winning to the starting winning port 28a.

[Start winning prize switch]
In FIG. 15, (C): When a game ball is driven toward the right area of the game area 8a, winning of the game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning opening 28a) in operation occurs relatively easily. . As a result, a winning detection signal is generated (ON) by the start winning port switch 82. In this example, it is shown that two winnings occur within the operation time (for example, 6.0 seconds) of the variable start winning device 28.

[Normal design end time]
In FIG. 15, (D): When the variable start winning device 28 returns from the operating state to the non-operating state, the end time of the normal symbol is started. The normal symbol end time is the time (T2) from when the variable start winning device 28 returns from the operating state to the non-operating state until the next normal symbol variation display is allowed (can be varied). is there.

[Special design]
In FIG. 15, (E): a lottery trigger for internal lottery occurs with the first winning of the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a), and thereby a special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed. In this example, the case where the first lottery corresponds to the winning is cited (the waveform with (1) in parentheses).
In FIG. 15, (C): For the second prize (the waveform with (2) in parentheses) generated during the change of the special symbol, the lottery trigger for the special symbol lottery is not generated.

[Big hit state]
In FIG. 15, (E): When the winning is a special symbol lottery, the special symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation display time T3 (for example, about 35 seconds), and after the fluctuation is stopped, a predetermined stop display time T4 (for example, When about 0.5 second) elapses, the condition device for generating the big hit state (the big-duty flag OFF → ON) is activated (time t2). As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened so that the variable winning device 30 changes from the closed state to the open state.

  The condition device for generating the big hit state is an end time (for example, when a predetermined number (for example, one) of game balls are won or the opening time of the variable winning device 30 (for example, 3.0 seconds) elapses or a winning is detected. After 0.5 seconds), it becomes inactive. After that, for example, when there is a normal symbol operation memory, the next normal symbol lottery is performed and the normal symbol fluctuates (time t3).

[Summary of normal symbol fluctuation suppression processing]
As described above, the “normal symbol end time T2” is the time from when the variable start winning device 28 returns from the operating state to the non-operating state until the next normal symbol variation display is allowed. The “normal symbol end time T2” is set longer than the time obtained by adding the special symbol variation time T3 and the special symbol stop time T4.
In other words, using a simple formula, the “normal symbol end time T2” is set so as to satisfy the relationship of “normal symbol end time T2”> “special symbol variation time T3 + special symbol stop time T4”. Set. The “special symbol change time T3” is a time for performing a special symbol change effect (for example, Janken game) described later, and the change time is a fixed time (for example, about 35 seconds). Similarly, the “special symbol stop time T4” is also a fixed time (for example, about 0.5 seconds). The “ordinary symbol end time T2” may be set to be longer than 35.5 seconds, which is the total of these times, but in this embodiment, the time T5 taking into account the opening time of the variable winning device 30 and a slight margin. "Regular symbol end time T2" is set to "45 seconds" by adding (about 6 seconds). Thereby, the main control CPU 72 can suppress the fluctuation of the normal symbol during the fluctuation of the special symbol (first symbol fluctuation suppressing means).

  Note that the state when the variable time reduction function in FIG. 16 is activated (short time) is the same as the normal time, but during the short time, the special symbol fluctuation time T3-1 is the normal special time fluctuation. Since it is shorter than the time T3 (see FIG. 15), the end time T2-1 of the normal symbol is set to “about 10 seconds” which is shorter than “45 seconds” in the normal time. The special symbol change time T3-1 is, for example, about 0.6 seconds, and the special symbol stop time T4 is, for example, about 0.5 seconds. Therefore, the opening time of the variable winning device 30 and a slight margin are taken into consideration. The time T5-1 is about 8.9 seconds, for example. The normal symbol end time T2-1 may be, for example, “about 5 seconds” shorter than “10 seconds”. Even in this case, since the above-described time T5-1 is about 3.9 seconds, a time with a sufficient margin can be secured. However, in the case of this embodiment, during the operation of the variable time shortening function, the big hit is likely to occur continuously (chance zone), and the center of the production changes to the contents of the short time, so that The production corresponding to the normal symbol variation display and stop display is not performed.

  In this way, since the next variation of the normal symbol does not start until the “normal symbol end time T2” elapses, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the situation “the normal symbol is already changing” Does not occur. In addition, since the normal symbol is not variably displayed while the special symbol is variably displayed and stopped, the switching process between the effect corresponding to the normal symbol and the effect corresponding to the special symbol is complicated. There is no problem.

  Returning to FIG. 15, the “normal symbol end time T <b> 2” can also be set as follows. For example, in the setting method described above, basically, “normal symbol end time T2”> “special symbol variation time T3 + special symbol stop time T4”. Here, the “ordinary symbol end time T2” is a time from when the variable start winning device 28 returns from the operating state to the non-operating state until the next variation of the normal symbol is started. Can be defined with a clear span (scale, length). However, with regard to “special symbol variation time T3 + special symbol stop time T4”, the special symbol variation start is started after a little time has elapsed from the occurrence of winning to the variable start winning device 28 (in FIG. 15). (See arrow A). Actually, it is a matter of ms, but strictly speaking, there is a slight difference between the timing of winning the variable start winning device 28 and the timing of starting the change of the special symbol. As a control method, even if a winning to the variable start winning device 28 occurs, the change of the special symbol is not necessarily started immediately, and the change of the special symbol may be started after a while.

  In such a case, the total time of “special symbol change time T3 + special symbol stop time T4” itself, depending on the design and specifications of the pachinko machine 1, even if the span remains unchanged, May slide back and forth. Therefore, if “ordinary symbol end time T2”> “time T6 from the timing of the winning to the variable start winning device 28 to the end of the special symbol stop time”, “the winning to the variable start winning device 28”. The certain timing of “occurrence timing” can be used as the set value, and the suppression of the fluctuation of the normal symbol can be ensured. Note that the advantages in effect control based on the setting of the end time described above will be further described later with reference to actual effect examples and control examples.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a normal symbol operating condition setting table. In this normal symbol operating condition setting table, the normal symbol hit probability and variation time are set differently in the non-time shortened state (during normal time) and the time shortened state (during time short), and the variable start winning device 28 for hitting is set. This is for setting an opening pattern (operation time and number of operations).

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 17, in this embodiment, in the operation lottery performed in the non-time shortening state (when the time shortening function is not operated), a normal hit probability (for example, 1/128) is set. Applied. In addition, for the normal symbol variation display performed in the non-time shortened state, the variation time set using the normal symbol variation random number as described above is applied.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 17, in the operation lottery performed in the time shortening state (when the time shortening function is activated), a higher hit probability (for example, 127 / 128≈1 / 1) applies. Thereby, in the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won (the operation condition is satisfied) more frequently than in the non-time shortening state, so that the variable start winning device 28 is more likely to be won. Further, for the normal symbol variation display performed in the time shortening state, a fixed variation time (for example, 0.6 seconds) set in advance as described above is applied. However, in this embodiment, the operating time is set to be common (for example, 6.0 seconds) in both the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state, and the number of times of operation (one time) is also set in common. ing.

  The above is the outline of the control method for operating the operation lottery and variable start winning device 28 performed through the normal symbol game process (step S206 in FIG. 8). Next, a special symbol storage process (step S11 in FIG. 9) accompanying the winning to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) and a special symbol game process (in FIG. 8) that proceeds with the occurrence of the winning. The contents of step S205) will be described.

[Special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol storing process. Hereinafter, the special symbol storage process will be described along with a procedure example.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is an operation memory for the special symbol. In this embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided in the special symbol, here, for example, if there is a big hit decision random number (one piece) already transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 It is determined that there is working memory for the symbol (Yes). If there is already a working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9). On the other hand, when there is no operation memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32. In addition, it is good also as using a special symbol action | operation memory | storage number counter (upper number 1 piece) here on the structure of a control program. In this case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol working memory number counter, and determines that there is working memory when the working memory number is 1 (Yes). If the number of operating memories is not 1 (= 0), the main control CPU 72 determines that there is no operating memory (No).

  Step S32: When it is determined that there is no working memory in the previous step S30 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 acquires a big hit determination random number value from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 described above. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, 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 address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

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

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the special symbol. Similarly, the acquisition of the random number value is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it in the transfer destination address.

  Step S36: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol random number and the variation pattern determination random number to a random number storage area corresponding to the special symbol (at this time, an empty state), and stores these random numbers as a set. .

  Step S38: The main control CPU 72 executes a production command output setting process for the special symbol. This process is for performing setting for transmitting a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124, for example.

  When the above procedure is completed or the special symbol operation memory has already been stored (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 8) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

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

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

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

  Step S3000: In the special symbol 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. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the “limiter count” for the probability variation function or performs a subtraction process. The specific contents of the process and the significance of the “limiter count” will be further described later.

  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. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit mode, an opportunity to shift to a big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, up to 6.0 seconds or until one winning is counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, twice). Thus, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (opening operation means). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win the game ball, the player is given an opportunity to win a prize ball (for example, six prize ball payouts per one prize) (giving a prize bonus) means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as “round”, and if the number of continuous operations is two, these may be collectively referred to as “2 rounds”. However, in this embodiment, since the opening time per time is relatively short (6.0 seconds) and the number of counts in one round is the minimum (for example, one), the general 15 rounds Compared with big hits (for example, 1 round 29 seconds open, number of counts 9), the number of prize balls that can be obtained with one big hit (2 rounds) is smaller.

  In any case, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the variable winning device 30 for one round Each time the release operation is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. When the value of the round counter reaches the set number of continuous operations (in this example, 2 times), the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (main role) only for that round.

  When the big hit game (opening operation of the variable winning device 30) is finished, the main control CPU 72 determines the state (high probability state) after the big hit game based on the game state flag (probability changing function operating flag or time shortening function operating flag). , Change the time reduction state). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function operates, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes higher than usual (high probability state transition means). However, in the present embodiment, even if the probability variation function is inactive in the “low probability state”, the winning probability in the internal lottery is set to a value close to 1 (for example, about 65534/65536). When shifting to the “high probability state” from here, the winning probability is set to approximately the same high probability (for example, about 65535/65536).

  In the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability (for example, 1/128 → 127/128) as described above. It is set (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). In addition, the variation time of the special symbol is also set to be shorter than the non-time shortened state (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). 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. Regarding the mechanism of internal state changes such as “low probability state” or “high probability state”, “non-time shortening state” or “time shortening state”, the special symbol winning symbol (winning type) or pachinko machine 1 This will be further described later together with the game system.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not there is a special symbol operation memory in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Alternatively, confirmation may be performed with reference to the value of the working memory number counter as described above. Note that the operation memory of the special symbol is generated when a winning is made to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) in the switch input event process as described above. At this time, if it is confirmed that there is no working memory of the special symbol that should start changing (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 19). On the other hand, when it is confirmed that there is a special symbol working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, first, the main control CPU 72 reads a lottery random number (a jackpot determined random number, a jackpot symbol random number) stored in a random number storage area of the RAM 76. The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area, and the working memory is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the low probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated), but as described above, in the present embodiment, it is approximately the same in any state. A range of jackpot values (for example, 0 to 65533 in the low probability state and 0 to 65534 in the high probability state) is set in accordance with the winning probability. In any case, if the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

  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 S2404.

  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 S212 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the special symbol display device 34, for example, the display pattern of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to display only one segment (center 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 fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 0.6 seconds). If it is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is determined based on, for example, a fluctuation pattern determination random number. However, in the present embodiment, the winning probability of the internal lottery is about one-one, and therefore, there is almost no probability that the special symbol is deviated (non-winning). In any case, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs the following procedure. Execute. In the present embodiment, since the winning probability is approximately one-tenth, the following processing is selected at almost every change.

  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 current winning symbol type (successful symbol number at the time of jackpot) for each special symbol 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 special symbol determination data table. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol based on the big hit symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the big hit symbol stop selection table in the big hit symbol stop determination process.

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines a special symbol variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) based on the variation pattern determination random number read in the previous step S2300 (second symbol variation time determination means). The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. The fluctuation time at the time of big hit also differs depending on whether or not the above-mentioned “time reduction state”. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and checks whether or not the current state is the “time reduction state”. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 0.6 seconds) even at the big hit time. If it is not “time shortening state”, a variation pattern corresponding to a certain long variation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 60 seconds) is set in order to secure a time for performing an effect during variation at the time of big hit. In any case, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of big hit) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of big hit in the stop symbol display timer.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the value of the probability variation function activation flag (for example, as a gaming state flag) when the type of winning symbol (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 corresponds to any probability variation symbol, for example. 01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76, and a count counter value (for example, 10,000 times) is set together. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag as the gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 when the time shortening function operation count corresponding to the winning symbol determined at that time is added. At the same time, the count counter value (100 times or 10,000 times) is set. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a time shortening function operation number command (or a count cut counter number command) based on the value of the time shortening function operation number added corresponding to the winning symbol. The time reduction function activation number command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. The addition of the type of winning symbol and the number of times the time shortening function is activated will be described later with a specific example.

  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. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). 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 (second symbol fluctuation time determination). means). The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Fig. 19: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. 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 (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 20). 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. The special symbol stop display in-progress process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
Next, the types of winning symbols determined in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) will be described. In this embodiment, the following five types are prepared roughly as winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The five types of breakdown are, for example, “single (normal) symbol 1”, “single (normal) symbol 2”, “probability variation symbol 1”, “probability variation symbol 2” and “probability variation symbol 3”. These are merely preferred examples, and the above five types of winning symbols are not exhaustive.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the big hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol with reference to the big hit stopping symbol selection table shown in FIG. 21 in the previous big hit stopping symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) (winning type) Decision means). Further, the main control CPU 72 can determine the number of times the time shortening function is activated according to the determined gaming state (non-time shortening state, time shortening state, low probability state, high probability state) for each determined winning symbol.

  In the big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG. 21, the leftmost column shows the distribution value for each winning symbol, and each distribution value “2”, “2”, “26”, “5”, “65” corresponds to a ratio (selection ratio) where the denominator is 100, respectively. In the second column from the left, “single (normal) symbol 1”, “single (normal) symbol 2”, “probability variation 1”, “probability variation 2” and “probability variation” corresponding to each distribution value. 3 "is shown. That is, at the time of big hit in the internal lottery, the ratio of “single (normal) symbol 1” being selected is 2/100 (= 2%), and the ratio of selecting “single (normal) symbol 2” is also It is 2/100 (= 2%). In addition, the ratio that “probability variation 1” is selected is 26/100 (= 26%), the proportion that “probability variation 2” is selected is 5/100 (= 5%), and “probability variation 3”. The ratio at which is selected is 65/100 (= 65%). The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. Here, “single (normal) symbol 1” and “single (normal) symbol 2” are winning symbols (non-probable variable symbols) that do not activate the probability variation function after a big hit. For this reason, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol is 96% as a whole, and “probability variation symbol” is selected at a very high ratio at the time of big hit.

[Time reduction function operation count (time reduction count)]
Next, a description will be given of the difference in the number of times the time shortening function is activated, which is added for each winning symbol (winning type) and each winning state. In the present embodiment, the number of times of the time shortening function to be added differs according to the state at the time of winning for the five types of winning symbols described above. This will be specifically described below.

(1) Low probability non-short-time medium As shown in the third column from the left in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and the normal symbol (operation lottery) is “non-probable”. It is assumed that the time is in a “time shortening state” (normal time that is neither probabilistic nor time-saving). In this case, if the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1”, the time reduction function activation count of 100 times is added, but if it corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 2”, the time reduction function activation frequency is added. Not done (0 times = no time saving). In addition, when it corresponds to either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, the state after the jackpot is “low probability state”.

  In addition, if the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, 10000 times of the time reduction function activation number is added respectively, but if it corresponds to “probability variation symbol 3”, the time reduction function activation. Number of times is not added (0 times = no time saving). In addition, even if it corresponds to any of “probability change pattern 1” to “probability change pattern 3”, the state after the end of the jackpot is a “high probability state”.

(2) High probability non-short-time medium Next, as shown in the fourth column from the left in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “high probability state”, but the normal symbol (working lottery) ) Is assumed to be in a “non-time-reduced state” (the normal time during so-called internal latent probability change). Such a high-probability non-time-short state can occur, for example, when the winning is performed by an internal lottery during the low-probability non-time-saving of the above (1) and the “probability variation 3” is met. Internally, it is a “high probability state”, but since the time shortening function is a non-actuated “non-time shortened state”, the probability of winning in the operational lottery remains normal (1/128). In such a high probability non-temporal time, when the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1”, 100 times of the time shortening function activation number is added, but when it corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 2”, The number of times the time shortening function is activated is not added (0 times = no time saving). In addition, when it corresponds to either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, the state after the jackpot is “low probability state”.

  In addition, only when the winning symbol corresponds to “probability symbol 1”, 10,000 times of the time shortening function activation count is added, and when it falls under any other “probability symbol 2” or “probability symbol 3”, the time is shortened. The number of function operations is not added (0 times = no time saving). In addition, even if it corresponds to any of “probability change pattern 1” to “probability change pattern 3”, the state after the end of the jackpot is a “high probability state”.

  The above is the difference in the number of time reductions added in the “non-time reduction state (non-temporary short time)” in which the time reduction function is not activated mainly for normal symbols (action lottery). The difference in the number of time savings added by “)” is further subdivided as follows.

[Limiter count setting]
First, in the present embodiment, with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), the internal state at the time of winning is “low probability state”, and from there, winning in any of “probable variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” (first winning) Then, for example, in the previous special symbol stop display process (step S4000 in FIG. 19), the above “limiter count” is set based on a predetermined upper limit count (for example, 30 including the first count). (Consecutive number setting means). This “limiter count” means a limit (continuous count) that the main control CPU 72 can continuously determine if it falls under “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3” when winning in the “high probability state”. . If the “limiter count” corresponds to “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3” at the time of winning in the “high probability state”, 1 is subtracted each time, and the remaining number decreases. However, while the “limiter count” does not reach the remaining zero (there is one or more remaining), the main control CPU 72 performs the “high probability state” in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20). It is possible to determine that it corresponds to “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3” continuously when winning. Therefore, first, a case where there is one or more remaining “limiter count” (before reaching the limiter) will be described.

(3) Short and high probability For example, as shown in the fifth column from the left in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “high probability state” and the normal symbol (operating lottery) Assuming the case of “time reduction state”. For example, it corresponds to “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” in the low probability non-time reduction of (1), or “probability variation 1” in the high probability non-time reduction of (2) above. In this case, it becomes a state with a high probability. In this case, the time reduction function operation count is always added to any of the five types of winning symbols. Specifically, when the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, the time reduction function operation count of 100 times is added in any case. Further, when the winning symbol corresponds to any one of “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3”, the time reduction function operation count of 10,000 times is added in any case. In this case, since “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3” is continuously won in the “high probability state”, “limiter count” is decremented by 1 as described above. In addition, regardless of any of “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3”, the state after the big hit ends becomes “high probability state” and “time reduction state” together. ) “High probability short and medium” will be maintained. On the other hand, if either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2” is applicable, the state after the big hit ends returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). The “time reduction state” is maintained with respect to the normal symbol (action lottery).

(4) Low probability during short time For example, as shown in the third column from the right in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and the normal symbol (operation lottery) Assuming the case of “time reduction state”. It corresponds to “single symbol 1” during the low probability non-shortening of (1) above, or “single (normal) symbol 1” during the high probability non-shortening of (2) above, or (3 ), When it falls into either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2” during the high probability time reduction, the state becomes a low probability time reduction. In this case as well, the time reduction function activation count is always added to any of the five types of winning symbols. Specifically, when the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, the time reduction function operation count of 100 times is added in any case. Further, when the winning symbol corresponds to any one of “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3”, the time reduction function operation count of 10,000 times is added in any case. In this case, since “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3” is first selected from the “low probability state”, the “limiter count” is reset (set to the remaining 29). In addition, regardless of any of “probability pattern 1” to “probability pattern 3”, the state after the big hit is “high probability state”, and in addition, “time reduction state”. ) Will be resumed. On the other hand, if it falls under either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, the state after the big hit ends returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). The “time reduction state” is maintained with respect to the normal symbol (action lottery).

[When reaching the limiter]
In the “high probability state”, one of the “probability pattern 1” to “probability pattern 3” is won continuously, and the “limiter count” is subtracted each time. As a result, the above “limiter count” remains 0. When the number of times is reached, the main control CPU 72 cannot determine that it corresponds to the “probability variation symbol 1” to the “probability variation symbol 3” when winning in the “high probability state”. Specifically, even if the jackpot symbol random number corresponds to any of “probability symbol 1” to “probability symbol 3”, the final winning symbol is “single symbol 3” or “single symbol 4”. It is forcibly changed to (Winning type restriction means).

(5) At the time of reaching the limiter with a high probability of shortening The forced change of the winning symbol is shown in the two columns on the right side in FIG. For example, as shown in the second column from the right in FIG. 21, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 (specified value) in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”, the table Even if it falls under either “probability variation 1” (selection ratio 26%) or “probability variation 2” (selection ratio 5%), the final winning symbol is forced to “single symbol 3” Is done. Or even if it is a case corresponding to “probability variation 3” (selection ratio 65%) on the table, the final winning symbol is forced to “single symbol 4”. As a result of the forced (restriction) of the winning symbol, the “high probability state” after the remaining “limiter count” reaches zero is not continued, and once the big hit ends, it becomes “low probability state”. It will be forcibly restored. Furthermore, when “single symbol 1” or “single symbol 2” is normally selected as the winning symbol and when “single symbol 3” is forcibly selected (composite selection ratio 35%), both The number of times the time shortening function is activated is added, but when “single pattern 4” is forcibly selected (selection ratio 65%), the number of times the time shortening function is activated is not added (0 times = no time reduction). This means that when the “limiter count” reaches zero, it always returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). This means that the rate of recovery is 65% of the total, and the “time reduction state” is maintained at the rate of the remaining 35%.

(6) When reaching the limiter with a high probability non-time shortage For example, in the case of the high probability non-time short of (2) above, the winning symbol for the special symbol (internal lottery) falls under “probability variable 2” or “probability variable 3” If it is continued, the remaining “number of limiters” may reach zero without ever being in the “time reduction state”. In this case, as shown in the rightmost column in FIG. 21, the final winning symbol is “single symbol” even when “probability variation 1” (selection ratio 26%) is met on the table. 3 ”. Or, even if it is a case that corresponds to “probability variation 2” (selection ratio 5%) or “probability variation 3” (selection ratio 65%) on the table, the final winning symbol is forced to “single symbol 4” Will be. As a result of the forced (regulation) of the winning symbol, the hidden “high probability state” after the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 is not continued, and after the big hit, the “low probability state” Will be forcibly restored. Furthermore, when “single symbol 1” is normally selected as the winning symbol, 100 times of the time reduction function is activated, and “single symbol 3” (selection ratio 26%) is forcibly selected. The time reduction function is activated 10,000 times, but the time when “single symbol 2” is selected normally and when “single symbol 4” (composite selection ratio 70%) is forcibly selected. The number of shortening function operations is not added (0 times = no time saving). This means that if the number of remaining “limiters” reaches 0 in the latent “high probability state”, it will always return to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). This means that the ratio of continuing is 72% of the total, and the remaining 28% is shifted to the “time reduction state”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be seen that the number of times the time shortening function is added is different depending on the state at the time of winning and the number of remaining limiters (before arrival / when reaching). As a result, for example, even if the same “single (normal) symbol 2” is used, the number of times the time reduction function is activated 100 times depending on the state at the time of winning or the remaining number of limiters (before or at the time of arrival) may be added. If so, the number of times the time reduction function is activated may not be added. Similarly, even with the same “probability variation 2” or “probability variation 3”, 10,000 times of time shortening function activation frequency may be added depending on the state at the time of winning, or the time reduction function activation frequency is added. It may not be done. In any case, in this embodiment, regardless of the state at the time of winning or the remaining number of limiters (before arrival or at the time of arrival), the case where the number of times the time shortening function is activated is added as “single symbol of the first category (usually normal “Winning type)” or “1st category probability variation (specific winning category)”, or “No. 2 category single-shot symbol (normally winning category)” or “2nd category probability variation design” (Specified winning type) ".

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process (step S3000 in FIG. 19). Hereinafter, a method for setting the above “limiter count” and performing the subtraction process together with a specific procedure for the special symbol stop display process will be described.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (for example, decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 19), and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag here.

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4310.

  Step S4310: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol is a probability variation symbol. This confirmation can be made based on the big hit stop symbol number. That is, if the current big hit stop symbol number corresponds to one of the above-mentioned “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S4320.

[When probability variation is selected]
Step S4320: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning time is the “high probability state”. When the current winning time is the “low probability state” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4330.

  Step S4330: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the “limiter count” based on the upper limit count (30 times including the first). Specifically, the “limiter count” value is set to 29 (remaining limiter number = 29), and the value is saved, for example, in the remaining counter area of the RAM 76. Here, the reason why the “limiter count” is set to 29 is that the upper limit count is set to 30 including the first win as described above, so the remaining count is 29 throughout.

  The above is an example of the procedure when the current winning time is the “low probability state”, but when the current winning time is the “high probability state” (step S4320: Yes), the main control CPU 72 Perform the procedure.

  Step S4340: In this case, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (−1) the “limiter count” and saves (updates) the value after the subtraction in the remaining number counter area. For example, if the current winning is the second consecutive from “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3”, the “limiter count” is already set to 29 at the time of the first winning, so the main control CPU 72 In the second time, the “limiter count” is decremented by 1, and the remaining is 28 times to update the “limiter count”. Alternatively, if the current win is “Continuous Variation 1” to “Consistent Variation 3”, the “Limiter Count” subtracted 28 times in the second time is subtracted one more in the third time. The “limiter count” is updated with the remaining 27 times. As a result, when the “high probability state” is a big hit, if any of “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3” is consecutively met, the remaining “limiter count” will be reduced each time. (Continuous number subtraction means).

  After this, every time you win, if you fall into the “probability pattern 1” to “probability pattern 3” up to the 30th time, the “limiter count” subtracted by the remaining time in the 29th time is 1 in the 30th time. When one is subtracted, the rest reaches zero. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 executes the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) at the next winning, the “limiter count” remains 0 when determining the winning symbol using the table of FIG. Since the number of times has been reached, the “probable variation 1” to “probability variation 3” is forced to “single symbol 3” or “single symbol 4” as described above.

[When single-shot (normal) design is selected]
On the other hand, in the previous step S4310, the current big hit stop symbol number corresponds to the above-mentioned “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, or the “single” When it corresponds to either “symbol 3” or “single symbol 4” (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4345.

  Step S4345: In this case, the main control CPU 72 clears the value of “the number of limiters” to 0 (remaining number of limiters = 0). Note that the main control CPU 72 selects, for example, any one of “single symbol 1” to “single symbol 4” as the current winning symbol in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20). The value of “limiter count” may be cleared.

  Step S4346: In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 next generates a limiter remaining number command based on the current “number of limiters”. The limiter remaining number command generated here is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

  Step S4350: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management processing”.

Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.
When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not winning]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the big hit.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), it next executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter value is set in the probability variation count area or the time-short count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. Here, although “number of times cut” is used, the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” is set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). Also, in the case of the “time reduction state”, the number of times of operation may be added 10,000 times depending on the winning symbol as described above. By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. In addition, when 100 times is added as the number of times of operation in the “time reduction state”, the value of the count cut counter is set to 100 times, but in this embodiment, the normal symbol in the “time reduction state” (operation lottery) Since the winning probability is approximately 1/1 (127/128), it is probabilistically guaranteed that the “time reduction state” will continue to the next time even 100 times.

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count cut counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count-down counter value is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 erases the flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variation function activation flag or the time shortening function activation flag is erased, but the value of the count-down counter is not substantially zero in the “high probability state” as described above, and similarly In the “time shortening state”, the value of the count-down counter is substantially zero. However, since it may occur theoretically, if the value of the count-down counter actually becomes 0, the corresponding probability variation function activation flag or time reduction function activation flag is deleted. As a result, the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state” ends after the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), and an operation memory display setting process (step S1230). It is.

  Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are, as already described, the special symbol display device 34, the normal symbol display device. 33 and a process of generating and outputting a drive signal applied to each LED of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) is a process for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time shortening function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. Note that the probability variation state display lamp 38c is switched to non-display (turned off) even if the probability variation function operation flag is set when the variation display of the special symbol is performed thereafter. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 24 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 pattern 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 operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not yet been started, the main control CPU 72 selects the big winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the winning opening opening pattern 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 over the set number of continuous operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. .

  Step S5200: In the special winning opening opening pattern setting process, the main control CPU 72 sets an opening pattern of the opening time, interval and number of rounds in one round. In the present embodiment, the maximum open time of one round is, for example, “6.0 seconds”, and the number of rounds is fixed to “2 rounds” in advance. As a result, values are set in the release timer, interval timer, and round number counter, respectively. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big winning opening / closing operation process. However, the above opening pattern is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  Step S5300: Next, in the big winning opening / closing operation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening / closing operation (opening operation) of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90. As a result, the opening / closing member 30a of the variable winning device 30 is displaced from the closed position to the open position, so that a winning can be made to the big winning opening 30b. Further, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the release timer, and if the value of the release timer is not less than or equal to 0, then the main control CPU 72 executes the counting of the number of winning balls. When it is confirmed that the opening time has ended or the count number has reached a predetermined number (for example, one), 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. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the interval timer, and when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize closing process.

  Step S5400: In the special winning opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 continues the operation of the variable winning device 30 or ends the operation. That is, if the current gaming state is a big hit (a big game), the main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the first round ends, and the value of the round number counter increases at the stage toward the second round. The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter when the next jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation processing.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening / closing operation process as the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100). Then, the variable winning device until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (2 times) by the main control CPU 72 executing the special prize opening closing process again after the special prize opening opening / closing operation process is executed. 30 opening and closing operations are executed continuously. When the actual round number reaches the set execution round number, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), and sets the next jump destination to the end process. Further, 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 of variable winning device management process]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the end process (step S5500 in FIG. 24) during the variable winning device management process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

Step S5502: 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 S5504: Also, the main control CPU 72 ends the state of being a big player internally here.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76 and confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the time reduction function operation flag is set. This time shortening function operation flag is set in the previous special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 20). If the time reduction function operation flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5512.

  Step S5512: The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the count-down counter corresponding to the time shortening function based on the number of times the time shortening function is activated (100 times or 10,000 times) corresponding to the current winning symbol. The set number-of-times counter value is stored in the above-mentioned time count area of the RAM 76. If the time reduction function operation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512 and the next step S5514. In this case, it does not shift to the “time reduction state” after the big hit (the time reduction function is not activated).

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command here. Specifically, with the reset of the big hit flag, a state designation command indicating “end of big role” is generated as the gaming state. In addition, when the value of the count-down counter is set based on the number of times the time shortening function is activated, a state designation command that represents “time shortening state” is generated as an internal state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

  Step S5516: After the above procedure at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 19) 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.

  The above is the contents of various control processes performed by the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). When the main control CPU 72 executes these processes, the game by the pachinko machine 1 is specifically progressed.

[Game Flow]
Next, FIG. 26 is a game flow diagram illustrating an example of a game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. A game by the pachinko machine 1 proceeds by driving (launching) a game ball into the game area 8a in accordance with the player's operation. Hereinafter, the flow of the game on the premise that the game ball is launched will be described. In the following description, reference numerals F1 to F47 and the like in the drawings are indicated with parentheses as appropriate.

[F1] During normal game For example, when a player starts a game with the pachinko machine 1, it is assumed that the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is in a "normal game" state. In the present embodiment, the state of “normally playing” includes, for example, the state of [F1c] internal probability change in addition to the most orthodox [F1a] normal state. Among these, [F1a] during normal means that it is “non-time-reduced state” with respect to the normal symbol (operation lottery) and “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). On the other hand, during [F1c] internal probability change, it means that the normal symbol (operating lottery) is “non-time shortened state”, but the special symbol (internal lottery) is “high probability state”. In other words, during [F1c] internal probability change, it is not particularly “time shortening state”, so it is difficult to understand that it is “high probability state” (so-called latent probability variation state). However, as described above, in this embodiment, there is almost no difference in the winning probability between the “low probability state” and the “high probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). There is no significant difference between [F1c] and the internal probability change.

[F2] Normal symbol non-winning In any case [F1] When the game passes through the middle start gate 20 (or the right start gate 21) during the normal game, the above-described operation lottery is executed. When the result of the operation lottery is non-winning, no internal state change occurs, and [F1] normal game is continued as it is.

[F3] Per normal symbol in normal game On the other hand, [F1] If the game lottery is won during normal game, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F4] Variable Start Winning Device Operation In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is operated, and it becomes possible to generate a winning at the start winning port 28a as described above. Due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), it is necessary to drive a game ball toward the right side in the game area 8a after winning the normal symbol (action lottery).

[F5] No winning When the variable starting winning device 28 is in operation (operating time 6.0 seconds) and no winning is made to the starting winning port 28a, [F5-1] After the game description, F1] Return to normal game. In this case, the game flow is resumed from the operation lottery.

[F6] Starting Port Winning In contrast, when a winning to the starting winning port 28a occurs while the variable start winning device 28 is operating (operating time 6.0 seconds), the game flow further proceeds to the next stage. In addition, although the winning that triggers the internal lottery is valid only once, each time a plurality of winnings (on average, 7 to 8 winnings) occur during operation of the variable start winning device 28, A prize bonus (for example, 12 prize ball payouts per prize ball) is given to the player.

[F7] Special symbol variation A special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning port 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F8] Non-winning With regard to special symbols (internal lottery), even in the “low probability state”, the winning probability is approximately one-tenth (65534/65536). However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game and is resumed from the operation lottery.

[F9] One-shot symbol 2 winning When the winning symbol is an internal lottery and the current winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “single (normal) symbol 2”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “single (normal) symbol 2”. Is done. In this case, the game flow further proceeds to the next stage.

[F10] Variable winning device operation
The variable winning device 30 is opened by winning the special symbol (internal lottery). Further, the number of times of opening at this time is two (two rounds). When a prize is awarded to the big prize opening 30b during the two opening operations, a prize bonus (for example, six prize ball payout per prize ball) is given to the player as described above. Even if it corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 2”, the probability variation function activation flag is not set, and the time shortening function activation count is set to 0. The game flow returns to [F1] normal game and restarts from the operation lottery.

[F11] One-shot symbol 1 winning When the winning symbol is an internal lottery and the current winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “single (normal) symbol 1”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “single (normal) symbol 1”. Is done. Again, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F12] Variable winning device operation
Similarly, in this case, the variable winning device 30 is opened by winning in the special symbol (internal lottery), and the number of times of opening is 2 (2 rounds). In the case of “single (normal) symbol 1”, the probability variation function activation flag is not set, but the time reduction function activation count is set to 100 times. For this reason, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is not [F1] during normal game, but proceeds to the stage of [F31] time reduction. In addition, the game flow from [F31] time is described later.

[F13] Probability Variation 3 Winning When winning the internal lottery, if the winning symbol corresponds to the above “probability variation 3”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “probability variation 3”. Again, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F14] Limiter remaining number set [F1a] In the case of normal winning, “limiter count” is internally set based on the upper limit count (30 including the first). Specifically, the “limiter count” is set to the remaining 29 times (remaining limiter number = 29). [F1c] If the winning is during internal probability change, the already set “limiter count” is subtracted.

[F15] Variable winning device activated
Similarly, in this case, the variable winning device 30 is opened by winning in the special symbol (internal lottery), and the number of times of opening is 2 (2 rounds). In the case of “probability variation 3”, the probability variation function activation flag is set, but the time reduction function activation count is set to 0, so the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is [F1]. Return to normal game, and resume from operation lottery. However, in this case, as described above, [F1c] shifts to the internal high probability.

[F16] Probability Variation 1, 2 Winning On the other hand, if the winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “probability variation 1”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “probability variation 1”. Alternatively, when the winning symbol corresponds to the “probability variation 2”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the “probability variation 2”. In either case, the game flow proceeds to the following stage.

[F14] Limiter remaining number set Similarly, [F1a] When the winning is from the normal, the “limiter count” is internally set to the remaining 29 (limiter remaining number = 29). [F1c] If the winning is during internal probability change, the already set “limiter count” is subtracted.

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). In addition, when either of the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met, the probability variation function operation flag is set and the time reduction function operation frequency is set to 10,000 times. The game flow after the opening operation of 30 proceeds to the probability change (high probability, short time: F19).

[F19] Probability change (high probability, short time)
In the present embodiment, once the game flow enters [F19] probability change, it is easy to continue [F19] probability change in terms of probability. Hereinafter, this point will be specifically described.

[F20] Normal symbol non-winning [F19] During probability change, the winning probability of the normal symbol (operating lottery) is set to approximately one-hundred (127/128). rare. However, in theory, there is a possibility of non-winning, and if it is not won, the game in [F19] probability change will be continued.

[F21] Per normal symbol during probability change In the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), [F19] During the probability change, a game ball is shot into the right side portion in the game area 8a (so-called "right hit"). Is assumed. As a result, when the game ball passes through the right start gate 21, it is won with almost one change of the normal symbol. Since the variation time is shortened (0.6 seconds) as described above, the game flow proceeds to the next stage within a very short time.

[F22] Variable start winning device operation The variable start winning device 28 is activated by winning the normal symbol (actuation lottery), and the start winning port 28a is ready for winning. In the present embodiment, the operating time of the variable start winning device 28 is constant (6.0 seconds) even in the “time reduction state”. However, if a game ball is driven into the right side portion in the game area 8a, the game ball flows down toward the variable start winning device 28 that is operating as it is.

[F23] No winning Even if no winning is made to the starting winning opening 28a during the operation of the variable starting winning device 28 for some reason (out of ball, clogged ball, etc.), the game flow is [F19] As the inside continues, there is no extreme penalty for the player.

[F24] Start opening prize [F19] If a winning to the start winning opening 28a occurs during the operation of the variable start winning apparatus 28 due to the "right-handed" flow during the probability change, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F25] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning port 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F26] Non-winning With regard to the special symbol (internal lottery), the winning probability in the “high probability state” is approximately one-tenth (65535/65536), and therefore, almost no non-winning occurs probabilistically. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, since the game flow continues during [F19] probability change, there is no extreme disadvantage for the player. In addition, since the number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to at least 100 times (maximum 10,000 times), even if one non-winning event occurs, there still remains a sufficient number of time reductions (at least 99 times). .

[F27] Probability Variation 1 to 3 Winning In the present embodiment, the probability variation ratio is 96% of the whole as described above, and therefore the probability variation symbol is selected at a high frequency when winning. [F19] If the winning symbol corresponds to any of “probability symbol 1” to “probability symbol 3” during probability variation, the time reduction function is activated 10,000 times as described above. In [F19], the continuation during the probability change is confirmed internally.

[F28] Limiter remaining number -1
In this case, since the positive variation is continuously selected in the “high probability state”, the “limiter count” is subtracted internally (limiter remaining number−1).

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). The probability variation function operation flag is set and the time reduction function operation count is set to 10000 times for any of the cases of “probability variation 1” to “probability variation 3”. In addition, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 continues to be in the process of being probabilistic (high probability, short time: F19).

[Chance zone due to certain change]
As described above, once the game flow shifts to [F19] during certain change, [F21] from the normal symbol [F22] variable start winning device operation, [F24] start opening winning, [F25] special symbol fluctuation, [F27 ] The most frequent game flow (or probability, rate, ratio) of [1] winning odds 1 to 3, [F28] remaining limiter -1 and [F18] variable winning device operation and [F19] looping during probability change It becomes easy to occur. In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is operated once in a loop, and the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. Therefore, a game ball is basically located on the right side in the game area 8a. If the player has been struck, the winning ball is paid out in response to the occurrence of the winning prize (winning privilege granting means).

  Each time the above loop is performed once, [F28] Limiter remaining number -1 decreases the remaining "limiter count", but the same frequency remains high until the remaining zero is reached. The loop will be repeated.

[F29] One-shot symbol 1,2 winning during probability change On the other hand, if [F19] Winning symbol corresponds to "single (normal) symbol 1" or "single (normal) symbol 2" during probability change, Become. In this case, since it is not a probabilistic symbol, the “high probability state” is not maintained, but since 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, the continuation of the “time shortening state” is promised internally at this point. .

[F30] Variable winning device activated
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Although not shown, the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the control process of the main control CPU 72 as described above (limiter reset).

[F31] Short time [F19] If the probability change function is either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2”, the probability variation function activation flag is cleared, but the time reduction function activation count Is set to 100 times, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is shifted to a short time (low probability short time) (continuous number resetting opportunity generating means).

[F20] Normal symbol non-winning [F31] Even during the short time, the winning probability of the normal symbol (working lottery) is set to approximately one-hundred (127/128). rare. In theory, however, there is a possibility of non-winning, so if it is not won, the game in [F31] time is continued.

[F32] per normal symbol during time reduction [F31] Even during the time reduction, if the game ball passes through the right start gate 21 in the “right-handed” flow as it is, it is won with almost one normal symbol change. Since the variation time is shortened (0.6 seconds) as described above, the game flow proceeds to the next stage within a very short time.

[F33] Variable start winning device operation The normal start (operating lottery) winning operation activates the variable start winning device 28 so that a winning can be generated at the start winning port 28a.

[F34] No win Similarly, even if no winning is made to the start winning opening 28a during the operation of the variable start winning device 28 for some reason (out of ball, clogged ball, etc.), the game flow is [ F31] Since the time is continued, there is no extreme penalty for the player.

[F35] Start opening prize [F31] If the winning to the start winning opening 28a occurs during the operation of the variable start winning apparatus 28 due to the "right-handed" flow in the short time, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F36] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning opening 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F37] Non-winning [F31] Regarding the special symbol (internal lottery) during the short time, the winning probability in the “low probability state” is almost one-thousand (65534/65536). do not do. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, since the game flow continues for [F31], there is no extreme penalty for the player. In addition, since the number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 100 times, even if one non-winning event occurs, the number of time reductions (99 times) still remains.

[F38] Probability change symbol 1 to 3 winning in short time Since the probability change ratio is 96% of the whole as described above, the probability change symbol is also selected with high frequency at the time of winning. [F31] When the winning symbol corresponds to any one of “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” from the time shortening, 10,000 times are added as the number of times of the time reduction function operation as described above.

[F39] Number of remaining limiters = 29
In this case, since [F31] the “low probability state” during the time reduction corresponds to the first probability variation winning, the “limiter count” is internally reset here (the limiter remaining) Number = 29). Furthermore, in this case, since it is a chance variation winning game, the following game flow will proceed.

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
By winning the special symbol (internal lottery), the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. [F31] The probability variation function operation flag is set and the time shortening function operation count is set to 10000 times in any case corresponding to any of “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” from the time reduction. Therefore, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is actually changed (high probability time short: F19) is resumed (re-entry, return).

[Addition of a limiter by single winning during a certain change]
In the above game flow, even if the “limiter count” is subtracted to some extent while repeating the loop of [F19] probability change, “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol is in the middle. If “1” is selected, it means that “Limiter Count” is reset, and “Limiter Count” is reset to the maximum value again by winning “Probability Variation 1” to “Probability Variation 3” ( Continuous number resetting opportunity generation means).

  As a result, even if [F19] “Limiter count” during probability change is reaching the remaining 0 times, “One-shot (normal) symbol 1” or “One-shot (normal) symbol 2” is won before that ( If the selection ratio is 4%), the “limiter count” is reset accordingly, so that [F19] the number of loops during the probability change can be increased.

[F40] One-shot symbol 1, 2 wins during the short time Note [F31] If the winning symbol falls under "Single-shot (normal) symbol 1" or "Single-shot (normal) symbol 2" after the [F31] 100 times are added as the number of shortening function operations. Accordingly, the game flow continues for [F31] time reduction after [F30] variable winning device operation.

  The above is the game flow that can occur before [F19] “Limiter count” reaches 0 remaining during [F19] probability change. On the other hand, as a result of repeating the above loop during [F19] probability change, when the remaining "limiter count" reaches zero, the following game flow is performed.

[Game flow when reaching the limiter]
FIG. 27 is a game flow diagram showing a game flow when the “limiter count” reaches 0 remaining. For example, in the case where [F19] variable start winning device is activated and [F24] start opening winning is generated per [F21] normal symbol in a state where [F19] “limiter count” reaches 0 remaining during [F19] probability change. Suppose.

[F41] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning opening 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F42] Non-winning Regardless of the “limiter count”, the winning probability of the “high probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery) is about one-tenth (65535/65536). Does not occur. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, the game flow continues during [F19] probability change, but the “limiter count” remains 0. In addition, since the number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to at least 100 times (maximum 10,000 times), the number of time reductions still remains even if a non-winning event occurs.

[F43] One-shot symbol 1, 2 winning [F19] With the remaining "Limiter count" reaching 0, the winning symbol is "single (normal) symbol 1" or "single (normal) symbol 2" If applicable, the game flow is as follows. In this case, since it is not a probability variable symbol, the remaining number of “limiter times” is not particularly related, and 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated as it is.

[F44] Variable winning device activated
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). At this time, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0, but the remaining limiter is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the control process of the main control CPU 72 as described above.

[Chance zone continuation]
In this case, the game flow returns to [F31] time shortening, and from there, again in the “time shortened state”, [F32] per normal symbol, [F33] variable start winning device operation, [F35] start opening winning, [F36] special A game flow such as symbol variation proceeds. Then, [F38] Probability change symbol 1 to 3 wins, [F39] Limiter remaining number = 29, “limiter count” is reset, and the game flow again shifts to [F19] Probability change.

[F45] Probability symbol 1, 2 winning → forced one shot 3
[F19] The game flow is as follows when the winning symbol corresponds to “probability symbol 1” or “probability symbol 2” with the remaining “limiter count” during probability variation reaching zero. In this case, since the “limiter count” has already reached 0, the probability variation symbol cannot be selected in the control process of the main control CPU 72, and “single symbol 3” is forcibly set as described above. Will be selected. In this case, the probability variation function activation flag is cleared, but 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, so the “time shortening state” continues.

[F44] Variable winning device activated
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Similarly, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0 at this time, but the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped.

[Chance zone continuation]
In this case as well, the game flow returns to [F31] time reduction, and from there, again in the “time reduction state”, [F32] per normal symbol, [F33] variable start winning device operation, [F35] start opening winning), [F36] A game flow such as special symbol variation proceeds. Then, [F38] Probability change symbol 1 to 3 wins, [F39] Limiter remaining number = 29, “limiter count” is reset, and the game flow again shifts to [F19] Probability change.

[F46] Probability symbol 3 winning → Forced single 4
On the other hand, when the winning symbol is “probability variation 3” in the state where [F19] “limiter count” during probability variation has reached 0, the game flow is as follows. Also in this case, since the “limiter count” has already reached 0, it is not possible to select the probability variation symbol on the control process of the main control CPU 72. Then, “probable variation 3” is forcibly changed to “single symbol 4” as described above. In this case, since the probability variation function operation flag is cleared and 0 (= no time reduction) is set as the time shortening function operation count, the time shortening function operation flag is also cleared.

[F47] Variable winning device operation
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Similarly, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0 at this time, but the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped.

[End of Chance Zone]
In this case, the game flow returns to [F1a] normal, and becomes [F1] normal game in the “non-time shortened state” and the “low probability state”.

[Summary of game flow]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game flow is once changed during [F19] probability change, the following features are clarified. FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are conceptual diagrams showing classified game flow patterns in the present embodiment. In the following, description will be given in order.

(1) Basic pattern (A) in FIG. 28: When the game flow is shifted to [F19] during the probability change after winning the “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2”, basically a very high rate ( Probability wins occur continuously at a selection ratio of 96%. Therefore, if the “limiter count” before the first (first) chance of winning the change is considered as 30 times (up to 30 consecutive times including the first) for convenience, the remaining 29 times are set at the time of the first win. The “limiter count” is subtracted from 29 times by 28 in the next consecutive second chance variation win, and is further 28 times, and is further subtracted from 28 by 27 in the third successive chance change win.

  After this, the “Limiter Count” is subtracted every time the chance variation winning is continuously generated. When the 30th consecutive chance variation winning is counted from the first, the “Limiter Count” is subtracted from the remaining one. Reach 0 times. In this case, since the winning with the single symbol is compulsory at the next winning, the probability variation winning is forcibly terminated up to 30 consecutive times.

(2) Limiter addition pattern In FIG. 28 (B): In the basic pattern of (1) above, before the “limiter count” reaches the remaining 0, for example, after the first n times of positive variation selection, the “limiter” Consider a case where “number of times” remains (30−n) times and corresponds to either “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 2” (composite selection ratio 4%). In this case, since 100 times is added as the number of times the time reduction function is activated for any of the symbols, it corresponds to “single winning with a short time”.

  (C) in FIG. 28: After the completion of the major role, since the shift to the above [F31] time shortening, the normal symbol (operating lottery) wins and then the next special symbol (internal lottery) wins (selection ratio 96%) ), The “limiter count” is reset there. In this case, the probability variation winning corresponds to the first time after the single winning, and therefore, the possibility of the probability variation winning is newly generated 30 times including the first time (the remaining “limiter count” is 29 times). In this case, the “number of limiters” is an addition of the number of times that has been newly generated this time minus the remaining (30−n) times so far (that is, n times).

  Such addition can be repeated, and even when the “limiter count” is reset, before the “limiter count” reaches 0 remaining after resetting, the “single (normal) symbol 1” or “ If any one of the “single (normal) symbols 2” is applicable, 100 times is added as the number of times the time reduction function is activated for any symbol, and therefore, it corresponds to “single winning with a short time”.

  (D) in FIG. 28: Then, since the transition to the above [F31] time reduction will be made after the end of the major role in the same way, the regular symbol (operational lottery) wins and the next special symbol (internal lottery) wins. In this case, the “limiter count” is reset. Similarly, since the chance variation win in this case corresponds to the first time after the single win, there is a new possibility of the chance change winning of 30 consecutive times including the first time (the remaining “limiter count” is 29 times). It has occurred.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, [F19] If the single winning is made before reaching the limiter during the probability change, the “limiter count” is reset (the limiter is reset) at the time of the next probability change winning [F19] the probability change. As a result of restarting the inside, it is possible to realize a game characteristic as if the “limiter count” is added one after another. However, the “limiter count” is not increased in game control, and the single symbol winning is always sandwiched between them, so that the gambling of the game is not extremely enhanced. Further, the number of times of addition is “30 times—the current remaining number of times”, and when the addition occurs, the remaining number of times until then is discarded.

(3) Continuation pattern after reaching the limiter (addition pattern after reaching the limiter)
In FIG. 29 (E): On the other hand, when the addition before reaching the limiter does not occur and the “limiter count” reaches the remaining 0 according to the basic pattern of (1) above, “probability pattern 1” at the 31st consecutive time. Or, even if it corresponds to “probability variation 2”, it is forcibly changed to “single occurrence 3”.

  In FIG. 29 (F): However, since the forced “single symbol 3” in this case is added with 100 times as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, it shifts to the above [F31] time reduction after the end of the major role. . Then, after winning the normal symbol (operational lottery), when the next special symbol (internal lottery) is selected, the “variable number of limits” is set again. In this case, the probability variation winning corresponds to the first time after the probability variation ends, so the possibility of the probability variation winning of 30 consecutive times including the first time (the remaining “limiter count” is 29 times) has been added. .

  In this case, [F19] Probability change is once ended by reaching the limiter as a game flow. However, if the winning symbol at the time of reaching the limiter is forced to “one-shot symbol 3”, [F31] the next probability change winning from the short time Sometimes “limiter count” is newly set and [F19] is being changed. If it happens to be “single (normal) symbol 1” or “single (normal) symbol 1” after reaching the limiter, 100 times are added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated. Shift to the above [F31] time. Therefore, the ratio of transition to [F31] time reduction after reaching the limiter is the selection ratio of “single (normal) symbol 1”, “single (normal) symbol 2”, “probability variation symbol 1” and “probability variation symbol 2”. It becomes 35% synthesized.

  In any case, by winning the “single pattern with short time” after reaching the limiter, it is possible to realize a game characteristic as if the “number of limiters” seemed to be added (in this case, +30 times). Here too, the “variable number of limiters” is not increased in game control, but forced single symbol winning (or pure single symbol winning) due to reaching the limiter in the meantime is generated. There is no increase in gambling.

(4) End pattern (G) in FIG. 29: On the other hand, if it corresponds to “probability variation 4” at the 31st consecutive time after reaching the limiter, it is forcibly changed to “single symbol 3”. In this case, since the forced “single symbol 4” does not include the number of times the time shortening function is activated (0 times = no time saving), after the completion of the major role, [F1a] shifts to normal and [F19] is in the process of being probable. The game ends.

  The above is the outline of the prominent patterns (1) to (4) of the game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. In particular, the above (2) limiter addition pattern and (3) the continuation pattern after reaching the limiter. The player's profit increases as each game flow occurs. However, the above patterns (2) and (3) are only performed on the control processing by the main control CPU 72, and it is difficult for the player to perceive the flow directly.

  Of course, if the display mode of the special symbol display device 34 is carefully observed, it is possible for the player to confirm what winning symbol the game corresponds to during the game. However, the special symbol display device 34 itself is a 7-segment LED, and the display mode of any winning symbol is somewhat symbolic (for example, “巳”, “self”, “L”, “¬”, “Γ”). Therefore, it is difficult to instantaneously determine the type of winning symbol from such a display mode.

  Further, the “limiter count” is an internal control variable, and is not displayed on the game state display device 38 in particular, so that the “limiter count” is added during the game, It is difficult for the player to directly know the control information such as that the “limiter count” has reached the remaining 0, or that the time limit has been reached and the single symbol has been won after reaching the limiter.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an effect technique is used to easily convey to the player that the game flow is progressing along the patterns (1) to (4). Hereinafter, the production technique employed in the present embodiment will be described with some examples. Note that these are merely examples, and there is no particular limitation on the contents of the effect design and the effect image.

[Normal design per design]
First, FIG. 30 is a continuous diagram showing an example of effects executed when the above [F3] normal symbol is hit. This effect example corresponds to normal symbol variation display and stop display, and is specifically an example of a variation display effect and a result display effect based on the effect symbol. Of these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects that are performed during the period from when the normal symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including the fixed stop). The result display effect is an effect that represents that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the operation lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. As described above, since the normal symbol display device 33 itself is a lighting / flashing display using two LEDs, 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. In addition, since the normal symbol is only displayed in a simple manner (for example, one upper lamp is lit), the player can determine whether or not the winning symbol is selected unless the result is a result display by the effect symbol. Hard to notice. On the contrary, this means that the player basically has a tendency to judge the result of the internal lottery from the contents of the production, and it can be said that the production plays an important role in the game flow.

  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 effect design is a design of a picture tag to which some image (for example, a character not shown) is attached together with, for example, Chinese numerals “1” to “9”. These left effect symbol, middle effect symbol, and right effect symbol constitute a symbol sequence in which, for example, the Chinese numerals are arranged in descending order of “9” to “1”. 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.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 30, (A): Synchronized with the start of the change of the normal symbol, the change display effect is started by the scrolling change of the three effect symbols on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol, the variable display effect is started such 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. Although not shown here, it is assumed that, for example, an image serving as the background of the effect symbol is displayed in the display screen at this time. In addition, after this, for example, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen.

[Reach condition occurs]
(B) in FIG. 30: For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the Chinese numeral “5” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Further, the right effect symbol stops changing, and at this time, the effect symbol representing the Chinese numeral “5” is also stopped at the middle position of the screen, so that the reach state occurs. At this time, the medium performance symbol is changing. In this example, no effect symbols other than the effect symbols stopped on the screen are displayed.

  In general, when all three of the same type of effect symbols are stopped on the effect, it is “winning”, and here, there is only one of the remaining medium effect symbols until “winning” is confirmed. Although not particularly illustrated, it may be an aspect in which character information such as “reach!” Is displayed on the display screen, and a sound is output together.

[Reach production]
In FIG. 30, (C): After the reach state occurs, the process until the last effect symbol (medium effect symbol) is stopped and displayed is expressed with various contents. In this example, a process is shown in which numbers “1” to “5” are moved so as to fly around the display screen, and numbers are sequentially dropped from “1”. This kind of performance is intended to remind the player of the notion that “If the last five Chinese characters are left,” the player will continue to expect. Although not shown in the figure, a mode in which a notice effect after the occurrence of reach is performed by displaying an image of a character or the like on the display screen in this process may be used.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 30, (D): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially synchronously with the stop display of the normal symbol (not necessarily at the same time). In the example shown in the figure, the Chinese numeral “5” remains on the screen without being erased, and the left, middle, and right production symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of “5”-“5”-“5”. Is done. However, in this embodiment, since the hit of the normal symbol (operation lottery) does not directly guarantee the above [F19] high probability, the content does not appeal to “hit” on a large scale. For example, the “three-piece” image is relaxed to some extent by changing the display mode of the medium effect symbol (for example, the display color of Chinese numerals) from the left effect symbol and the medium effect symbol.

[Direction when variable start winning device is activated]
Next, FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed when [F4] variable start winning device is operated. In this example, for example, a female character appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and an effect of generating a dialogue such as “Please make a right strike!” Is performed. In addition, a speech balloon image in which dialogue is written is displayed, and an arrow indicating the lower right direction of the board surface is displayed therein. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is started. At this time, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue as character information on the display screen.

[Direction when special symbol changes]
FIG.32 and FIG.33 is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of said [F7] special symbol fluctuation | variation (within fluctuation time). In this example, it is assumed that the game flow proceeds from the special symbol variation of [F7] to the probability variation symbol 1, 2 winning of [F16].

  For example, as shown in FIG. 32 (A), at the initial stage of this production, images of female characters (left side) and enemy characters (right side) are displayed side by side, and they rub each other. A state where sparks are scattered in the middle is expressed stunningly by moving images. Further, by appropriately displaying characters such as “game” on the display screen, it is possible to remind the player that “the game of two players will finally begin”. Further, at this time, the dialogue of each character (for example, “absolutely win!”, “Please come!”, Etc.) may be output as sound. In this case, for example, the degree of expectation can be suggested by the content of the dialogue (the more the content of the dialogue is more positive, the higher the degree of expectation).

  In FIG. 32 (B): In the middle of the production, the two characters disappear from the display screen and the character information “Janken” is displayed large. As a result, it is possible to remind the player of the notion that “characters are fighting against each other”. In addition, it may be a mode in which a shout, sound effect, BGM, etc., such as “Janken de match” are output as sound.

  In FIG. 33 (C): In the middle stage of the production, two characters display a moving image with the content “Janken hands out”. In this example, a series of situations from the left side of the screen to the appearance of the friendly character's hand “Choki” and the appearance of the enemy character's hand “par” from the right side of the screen are represented. At this time, in accordance with the movement of each character, a mode in which a shout such as “Janken-pon!” Is output as sound.

  In FIG. 33 (D): At the end of the production, it is displayed that the character of the ally has won a brilliant victory as a result of the game. In this example, the ally-winning character is a close-up in the center of the display screen, and the appearance of showing the victory V-sign beside the face is expressed in a stunning manner. In addition, the display screen displays the word “I won!” To remind the player that they won “Janken,” and “ Can be taught.

  In addition, the above example of production can also be applied to the case where the single symbol 1 winning of [F11] is advanced from the special symbol change of [F7]. On the other hand, if you move from [F7] special symbol variation to [F13] probability variation symbol 3 winning, or [F9] single-shot symbol 2 winning, the hands shown in (C) in FIG. In FIG. 33 (D), it is possible to execute an effect example in which an ally character loses.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of an effect that is executed when [F9] single symbol 2 of [F9] or probability variation symbol 3 of [F13] is won in the [F7] special symbol variation (within the variation time). . Note that (A) in FIG. 34 corresponds to (D) in FIG. 33, and (B) in FIG. 34 corresponds to (E) in FIG. 33.

  In FIG. 34 (A): In this example, a series of states from the left of the screen until the friendly character's hand “choki” appears, and from the right of the screen the enemy character's hand “goo” appears. It is expressed.

  In FIG. 34 (B): It is displayed that, as a result of the game, the ally's character has been defeated unfortunately. In this example, the defeated ally character becomes a close-up in the center of the display screen, and the state of disappointment is expressed in a stunning manner. In addition, by displaying the letters “Lost ...” in the display screen, the player was reminded of the idea that “Jenken was defeated”, Can be taught. And if there is a normal symbol working memory, after this defeat effect, the next normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol fluctuates, and on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol The change display effect is started by scrolling the three effect symbols (see FIG. 30A). Even in such a case, the variation display effect of the first symbol is suppressed while the variation display effect corresponding to the variation display and stop display of the second symbol is performed. For this reason, during the production of the “Janken game”, the three production symbols do not scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

[Direction during certain change]
Next, FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed when the game flow progresses during the probability change of [F19] from the above [F18] variable winning device operation.

  FIG. 35 (A): For example, when the variable winning device [F18] is operated, for example, “right-handed” character information is displayed along with the background image on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the game area 8a is displayed. An arrow symbol indicating the right side portion of is displayed. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that a winning accompanying the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 occurs. At this time, the background image represents, for example, a state in which a female character who has won in the previous production example is sitting relaxed.

  In addition, a limiter remaining number meter (reference symbol M) corresponding to the remaining “limiter count”, for example, is displayed at the lower position in the screen. The limiter remaining number meter M displays the “limiter count” at the present time. Is displayed in a bar graph-like manner. In this example, in the rectangular frame of the limiter remaining number meter M, the “limiter count” is maximum (30 times) in a state where all the vertically long blocks are fully lit up to the right end. After this, when the game flow proceeds during the variable change of [F19] from the operation of the variable winning device of [F18], the display on the limiter remaining number meter M is decreased by 1 to 20 times.

[Limiter remaining meter production]
FIG. 35 (B): [F19] While repeating the loop in the probability change, the text information of “right-handed” is continuously displayed on the screen together with the background image, and the right part in the game area 8a is also displayed. An arrow symbol is displayed. On the other hand, the limiter remaining number meter M is displayed in such a manner that the number of lighting blocks decreases one by one every time a probability variation winning occurs. With such a display mode of the limiter remaining number meter M, the player is reminded that the remaining number of limiters that are probably changing is gradually decreasing, and the internal information used in the actual game flow. ("Limiter count") can be transmitted (taught, suggested) to the player.

[Director on limiter]
Next, FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect that is executed when a limiter is added due to a single-winning winning change. However, the actual number of extra additions differs depending on the number of remaining limiters at the time of occurrence, and it is difficult for the player to visually determine at which stage the extra addition occurred. Various aspects can be considered for the presentation technique (how to show) when expressing this on the presentation.

  36 (A): For example, even if an increase of 20 times or more is generated internally in the “limiter count”, this can be divided into 10 times and an additional effect can be executed twice. In this case, an image simulating a relatively small heart shape is displayed on the screen, and information on the number of times of addition, for example, “+10” is displayed inside the image. In addition, an effect of increasing the display of the limiter remaining number meter M by 10 times is performed (not shown). Thereby, it can be transmitted to the player that “the remaining limiter count has been added 10 times”. After that, for example, at the stage where the display of the limiter remaining number meter M is reduced, an additional effect for 10 times is executed. Thereby, although the number of times of addition per production is reduced, it is possible to give the player a sense of surprise and surprise by generating a number of addition effects.

  In FIG. 36 (B): Alternatively, when the limiter remaining number meter M has already been displayed with a small remaining amount, an actual increase of 20 times can be expressed as an additional effect. In this case, an image imitating a relatively large heart shape is displayed on the screen, and information on the number of times of addition, for example, “+20” is displayed inside. In addition, an effect of increasing the display of the limiter remaining number meter M by 20 degrees at once is performed (not shown). As a result, it can be transmitted to the player that “the remaining limiter count has been added 20 times at once”. In addition, when the limiter remaining number meter M display is low, an additional has occurred, so that the tension of “the limiter may be gone” is released, and the feeling of relief and joy due to the addition is displayed. be able to.

[Director after reaching the limiter]
Next, FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an effect example executed after reaching the limiter. For example, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 times in the game flow, the following example effects are executed.

[End production]
In FIG. 37, (A): In this case, for example, the character information of “chance zone end” is displayed on the screen, and the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M becomes zero. As a result, the player is instructed to “end during probability change” and contributes to maintaining motivation for the next probability change entry.

[Continuation (revival) production]
In FIG. 37 (B): On the other hand, when shifting to [F31] time reduction after reaching the limiter in the actual game flow, the continuation effect is executed following the end effect. In this case, an effect of dropping the movable body 40f to the front side of the liquid crystal display 42 is performed. In addition, the appearance as if the female character in the background image is surprised at the fall of the movable body 40f is expressed in a stunning manner. At the lower position in the screen, for example, an effect is produced in which the number displayed on the limiter remaining number meter M returns to full (full). Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body 40f may return to the original position after this, and a character such as “continuation of chance zone” may be displayed on the screen, for example. In any case, it is possible to give a big surprise to the player by executing such a continuous effect. Further, by using the movable body 40f, it is possible to enhance the visual appeal and maximize the effect of the presentation.

[Background change production]
In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, when the “limiter count” decreases in the game flow, an effect of changing the background image according to the remaining count is performed. FIG. 38 shows an example of a background image that changes as the game flow progresses.

[Initial stage production]
FIG. 38 (A): For example, in the early stage of the transition to [F19] probability change in the game flow, the background image is the previous “female character wearing a yukata” and this is the “initial stage”, for example. . In this case, since the content of the background image is relatively calm, it is possible to express a stable impression that has just shifted to the probability change. Although not shown here, it is assumed that the above-mentioned limiter remaining number meter M, “right-handed” character display, and the like are displayed on the display screen (the same applies hereinafter).

[Yukata stage production]
FIG. 38 (B): When the remaining “limiter count” decreases to some extent as the game flow progresses (for example, the remaining 19 to 10 times), the background image is changed based on lottery for effect control. Production is performed. In this example, for example, a large “female character wearing a yukata” is displayed on the display screen, and this is, for example, a “yukata stage”. In this way, by performing an effect (stage change effect) that changes from the “initial stage” to the “yukata stage”, the visual impact on the player is enhanced, and [F19] Can give a sense of continuity and a sense of tension.

[Fireworks stage production]
In FIG. 38 (C): When the game flow further progresses and the “limiter count” gradually decreases (for example, the remaining 9 to 5 times), the background image is further changed based on the lottery for effect control. Production is performed. In this example, for example, the display screen is changed to “Landscape of fireworks in the night sky”, and “Scenery of another female character looking up at fireworks” is displayed in a stunning manner. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “fireworks stage”. By executing such an effect of changing to the “fireworks stage”, it is possible to finally make the player feel that the game in the middle of [F19] probability change has reached the climax.

[Festival stage production]
(D) in FIG. 38: This example changes the background image to “festival scenery”, and in the present embodiment, this is referred to as “festival stage”. This “festival stage” represents that the remaining “number of limiters” is small (for example, 4 to 1 time). By executing such an effect to change to the “festival stage”, the player can realize that [F19] the game that is undergoing certain change is low, or add it when the limiter arrives (or before it reaches). It can make you feel nervous about whether continuation will occur.

[Game description production]
In addition, in this embodiment, when the variable start winning device 28 is in operation (operating time 6.0 seconds), the start winning opening 28a is not won and [F5] no win is found in the game flow. The so-called “punk” state is entered, and the game flow proceeds to [F5-1] Game Description. FIG. 39 shows an example of the game description effect.

  In FIG. 39 (A): Immediately after the occurrence of “punk”, a female character that sheds her neck and sheds tears is displayed, and a letter of “sorry ...” is displayed. As a result, the player can be reminded of the idea that “puncture has occurred”. Even if the player does not know the state of “punk”, the idea that “something unfortunate has occurred” can be recalled.

  In FIG. 39 (B): Next, a female character with a serious expression is displayed, and a character “Let's hit right and put a ball into the electric Chu!” Is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player to make a right-handed strike and to prompt the variable start winning device 28 to be awarded.

  In FIG. 39 (C): A female character with a smiling expression is displayed, and a character “Janken game will be entered if a ball enters!” Is displayed. As a result, the player can feel that the game has progressed to the next step.

  In FIG. 39 (D): Finally, a female character with a positive expression is displayed and a character “I will do my best again !!” is displayed. As a result, the player can be motivated to continue the game again.

  These game explanation effects can be performed by using a “normal symbol end time” (see T2 in FIG. 15) set in advance for a long time. Such a game explanation effect can reduce a player's sense of loss that the player has been punctured, and can encourage a player who has not understood the game content to understand the game content (actuation means winning a prize) Generation promotion means). This makes it possible to hold the game until the “normal symbol end time” elapses, and to allow the player to understand the game contents and to prevent the occurrence of a similar “puncture” situation from the next time. . Therefore, if the game content is correctly understood, it will not fall into the same situation from the second time onward, so there is an unexpected effect that the player will not have a sense of incongruity due to repeated “occurrence of game explanation effects”. is there. That is, the “game explanation effect” itself is not an effect with the content corresponding to the progress of the original game, and therefore it is not preferable in the game flow to be repeated too many times. On top of that, showing the “game explanation effect” even once has the effect of preventing the player from causing the “game explanation effect” (= puncture), so the same “game explanation effect” "Can be suppressed from occurring repeatedly.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-mentioned effect per normal symbol (FIG. 30), the effect when the variable start winning device is activated (FIG. 31), the special symbol change effect (FIGS. 32, 33, and 34), the probability change effect (FIG. 35), and the limiter addition effect (FIG. 36), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 37), the background change effect (FIG. 38), the game explanation effect (FIG. 39) and the like are controlled through the following control processing.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure 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 cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) 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 normal symbol post-effect effect management process (step S404), a display output process (step S405), a lamp driving process (step S406), This is a configuration including a subroutine group of an acoustic drive process (step S408), an effect random number update process (step S410), and other processes (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 production commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a start gate passage command, a working memory number command, a start opening winning tone control command, a demonstration production command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, and a variation start command. , Stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, time shortening function activation frequency command (number cut counter number command), limiter remaining command, error notification command, variable start winning device winning command, variable starting winning device closing command And an end time elapsed command.

  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 symbol. In this process, the contents of the above normal symbol effect (FIG. 30) are controlled.

  Step S404: In the normal symbol after-effects management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effects after winning in the normal symbol lottery (operation lottery). For example, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of effects when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, and controls the contents of effects when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. In this process, the above variable start winning device operation effect (FIG. 31), special symbol change effect (FIGS. 32 and 33), probable change effect (FIG. 35), limiter addition effect (FIG. 36), and after reaching the limiter The contents of the effect (FIG. 37), the background change effect (FIG. 38), and the game explanation effect (FIG. 39) are controlled. Note that the contents of the post symbol management processing for normal symbols will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S405: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 gives basic control information of the effect contents to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) (for example, the number of working memories of normal symbols, the variable effect pattern number, the notice effect) Number, effect mode number, limiter added effect pattern number, limiter remaining number meter display number pattern number, background change effect pattern number, revival effect pattern number, end effect pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and 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. Execution means and second symbol effect execution 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 acoustic drive process, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 about the effect contents (for example, BGM, audio data, etc. during various effects). Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

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

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body solenoid 57 as a drive source, and performs an effect in synchronism with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 as described above or independently.

  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 after-hit effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Normal presentation management processing per symbol]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the after-effects management process for normal symbols. For example, the after-hit effect management process for the normal symbol is, for example, an execution selection process (step S500), an initial variable start winning device operation process (step S502), a special symbol change-time effect process (step S504), and a major role start effect process (step S506). ), A group of subroutines for the end effect process (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control 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 post effect management process per normal symbol 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, the effect control CPU 126 selects the first variable start winning device operating process (step S502) as the first jump destination. On the other hand, if the variable start winning device operation process (step S502) has already been completed and a special symbol variation pattern command (or a start opening winning tone control command) has been received, the effect control CPU 126 can execute the next jump. As a destination, the special symbol variation effect process (step S504) is selected. If the special symbol variation effect processing (step S504) has been completed and the special symbol (internal lottery) winning command has been received, the effect control CPU 126 will perform the effect processing after starting the big role as the next jump destination (step S506). Select. Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects the end process (step S508) as the next jump destination when the end flag is set in the effect process after the start of the big role. Note that the first variable start winning device activation process (step S502) and the special symbol variation effect process (step S504) are not selected as jump destinations when a state designation command representing "time reduction state" is received. This is because, when the game flow is once shifted to the “time reduction state” ([F19] during probability change or [F31] time reduction), the center of the effect content is the above-described effect during change (FIG. 35) or limiter addition effect (FIG. 36), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 37), the background change effect (FIG. 38), etc., during this time the variable start winning device operating effect (FIG. 31) and the special symbol change effect (FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34) and the game explanation effect (FIG. 39) need not be executed.

  Step S502: In the first variable start winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect when the variable start winning device 28 is operated after the first hit of the normal symbol (operation lottery). The contents of the initial variable start winning device operation process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S504: In the special symbol variation production process, the production control CPU 126 can produce the content corresponding to the special symbol variation display or stop display. The content of the effect controlled here is the same as the special symbol variation effect (FIGS. 32, 33, and 34) described above. By performing such an effect, the player has a sense of expectation whether or not he / she can enter the chance change (chance zone) due to the special symbol (internal lottery) fluctuation after the first winning of the normal symbol (action lottery), It is possible to provide fun and fun.

  Step S506: In the effect processing after the start of the big role, the effect control CPU 126, as described above, the effect during probability change (FIG. 35), the limiter addition effect (FIG. 36), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 37), and the background change effect (FIG. 38). Etc. are controlled. As a result, information on the flow and progress of the game after the game flow has changed to [F19] Probability Change or [F31] Time Shortening is communicated to the player, or the “limiter count” addition is strongly urged. Can be.

  Step S508: In the end effect process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the effect accompanying the end of [F19] probability change. The content of the effect controlled here is the same as the aspect ((A) in FIG. 37) representing “chance zone end” among the effects after reaching the limiter described above. By executing such an effect, once the [F19] probability change is completed, the player is informed in the game flow, and the game motivation is maintained for the next transition to [F19] probability change. Can be made. In this end effect process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect accompanying the end of [F5-1] game description. The content of the effect controlled here is the same as the aspect ((D) in FIG. 39) representing “game description end” among the game explanation effects described above. By executing such an effect, [F5-1] in the game flow is transmitted to the player that the explanation of the game has been completed, and the game will be maintained toward the next [F3] normal symbol. Can do.

[Processing when the first variable start winning device is activated]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process when the first variable start winning device is activated. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect when the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) is operated after the normal symbol is first hit.

  Step S800: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the game ball has won the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) based on the variable start winning device winning command received from the main control CPU 72. . The effect control CPU 126 confirms, for example, the variable start winning device winning command saved in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms that a winning has occurred (Yes), and then proceeds to step S801.

  Step S801: The effect control CPU 126 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S500 in FIG. 41) in the normal symbol post-effect management process (FIG. 41) as a special symbol change effect process (step in FIG. 41). S504).

  Step S802: On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S800 that no winning of the game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) has occurred (step S800: No), the effect control CPU 126 performs the game Check whether the explanation is in progress. Whether or not a game explanation effect is being performed is determined by the above-described game explanation effect flag in the RAM 130. If the game explanation production flag is not set, the production control CPU 126 determines that the game explanation production is not in progress, and proceeds to step S803. If the game explanation production flag is set, the production control CPU 126 determines that the game explanation production is underway, and proceeds to step S805.

  Step S803: The effect control CPU 126 selects an effect when the variable start winning device is activated. The content of the effect selected here is the same as the above-described effect at the time of operation of the variable start winning device (FIG. 31). For example, a message such as “Right-handed!” Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. By displaying, the progress status in the game flow is guided to the player. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prevent the player from digesting the game indiscriminately and to reconfirm the purpose consciousness to prevent a decrease in gaming motivation.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the variable start winning device 28 is once closed after being opened based on the variable start winning device closing command received from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 confirms, for example, the variable start winning device closing command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms that the variable start winning device 28 is closed (Yes), and then proceeds to step S805.

  Step S805: When it is determined in the previous step S802 that the game explanation is being produced (step S802: Yes), or when it is confirmed that the variable start winning device 28 is closed in the previous step S804 (step S804: Yes). The production control CPU 126 sets a game explanation production flag and selects a game explanation production. The contents of the effect selected here are the same as the above-described game explanation effects ((A) to (C) in FIG. 39). For example, “unfortunately”, “ If you win a big hit, let ’s hit the right and put a ball into the electric chew! ”,“ If you get a ball, you ’ll enter the Janken game! ” is there. By executing such effects, it is possible to reduce the player's sense of loss and to encourage the player who did not understand the game content to understand the game content (actuation means winning occurrence promotion means) .

  Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the normal symbol end time has elapsed based on the end time elapsed command received from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 confirms, for example, an end time elapsed command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and when it is confirmed that the end time has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S807.

  Step S807: When the effect control CPU 126 confirms that the end time has elapsed in step S806 (S806: Yes), the execution selection process (shown in FIG. 41) in the normal symbol hit effect management process (FIG. 41). The jump destination in step S500) is set in the end effect process (step S508 in FIG. 41). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 resets the value of the game explanation effecting flag.

[Direction processing after the start of a major role]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect process after the start of a big game. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 performs special symbol (internal lottery) winning symbol-specific (single shot or probability change) processing.

  Step S600: That is, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol corresponds to any of “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3”. This confirmation can be performed based on the winning symbol command received from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 confirms, for example, the winning symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms that the current winning symbol is one of “probable variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” (Yes). ), And then proceeds to step S602.

  Step S602: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes an effect pattern selection process during chance. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 creates specific effect patterns for the above-mentioned effect during the change (FIG. 35), the limiter addition effect (FIG. 36), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 37), the background change effect (FIG. 38), and the like. select. The contents of the during-chance effect pattern selection process will be described later using another flowchart.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S600 that the current winning symbol does not correspond to any of “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” (step S600: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S604.

  Step S604: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol corresponds to the “single symbol with time reduction”. This confirmation can be confirmed based on, for example, the time reduction function operation number command received from the main control CPU 72. That is, the effect control CPU 126 confirms, for example, the time shortening function activation number command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms that the value is greater than 0 (> 0) (Yes), then proceeds to step S606. move on.

  Step S606: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 sets the effect limiter remaining number counter to the maximum. That is, the effect control CPU 126 stores in advance, for example, an effect limiter remaining counter in the count area of the RAM 130 based on the limiter remaining number command received from the main control CPU 72 in the previous command reception process (step S400 in FIG. 40). However, in step S606, the effect control CPU 126 sets the effect limiter remaining number counter to the maximum value (for example, 30 times). This is because, if the winning symbol of the special symbol (internal lottery) falls under “single symbol with a short time”, the subsequent game flow shifts from [F31] short time to [F19] during probability change as described above. Furthermore, this corresponds to the occurrence of resetting of the “limiter count” in the processing of the main control CPU 72.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect pattern selection process during chance with the value of the effect limiter remaining counter set to the maximum value.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S604 that the current winning symbol does not correspond to the “single symbol with time reduction” (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S608.

  Step S608: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 sets an end process flag. As a result, the end effect process (step S508 in FIG. 41) is selected as the next jump destination in the execution selection process (step S500 in FIG. 41) after returning to the normal symbol after effect management process (FIG. 41). Will be.

[Dance pattern selection process during chance]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the during-chance effect pattern selection process executed in the effect process after the start of the previous major role. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the value of the limiter remaining number counter. The limiter remaining number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 130 as described above, and is normally updated (subtracted update) based on the value of the limiter remaining number command, or corresponds to the occurrence of a limiter reset (addition). The maximum value is set.

  Step S702: Next, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect content to be given priority from the difference between the limiter remaining number displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 and the internal limiter remaining number. For example, the effect control CPU 126 first calculates the difference between the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M currently displayed in the screen and the value of the limiter remaining number counter. Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect content to be prioritized from the priority effect selection table (not shown) according to the calculation result.

[Direction priority]
The effect patterns during chance mainly include the above-mentioned limiter addition effect (FIG. 36), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 37), the background change effect (FIG. 38), etc. It is desirable to determine this based on the progress of the game flow. For example, even if the “limiter count” is added internally, the actual number of additions differs depending on the number of remaining limiters at the time of occurrence, and at what stage for the player It is difficult to visually determine whether an actual addition has occurred. Therefore, for example, even if the limiter remaining number is sufficiently large (for example, the remaining 29 times), the number of times of addition is relatively small, so the limiter addition effect (FIG. 36) is executed at this timing. But there is not much surprise (joy) for the player. On the other hand, if an extra is generated when the remaining number of limiters is considerably reduced (for example, the remaining three or less), an extra number of times can be obtained. Therefore, the limiter extra effect (FIG. 36) is executed at this timing. As a result, the surprise (joy) increases for the player. Further, it is natural that the restoration effect after reaching the limiter ((B) in FIG. 37) is actually executed at the timing when the “limiter count” becomes zero. In the present embodiment, based on the above-described concept of effect priority, the content of effects to be prioritized according to the difference between the number displayed on the limiter remaining number meter M and the value of the limiter remaining number counter is defined by a priority effect selection table (not shown). is doing.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the number-of-times increasing effect (limiter addition effect) is selected as the priority effect in the previous step S702. If the number-of-times effect (limiter addition effect) is actually the current priority effect (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S706.

  Step S706: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a limiter number increase effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 performs an effect lottery using, for example, an effect lottery random number, and if this is won, the pattern number of the limiter added effect (FIG. 36) is selected. The limiter added effect pattern number selected here is output to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) in the display output process (step S405 in FIG. 40). Thereby, the limiter addition effect shown in (A), (B), etc. in FIG. 36 is actually executed in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  On the other hand, if the number-of-times increasing effect (limiter added effect) is not selected as the priority effect in the previous step S702, it is determined that the effect control CPU 126 times increasing effect (limiter added effect) is not the current priority effect (No). Step S708 is executed.

  Step S708: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes other effect pattern selection processing. Also in this processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs effect lottery using the effect lottery random number, and when winning is selected, for example, the pattern number of the background change effect (FIG. 38) is selected. Alternatively, for example, when there is no difference between the number displayed on the limiter remaining number meter M and the actual limiter remaining number counter value and both are zero, the effect control CPU 126 reaches the limiter by effect lottery (probability 1/1). The pattern number of the later revival effect ((A) and (B) in FIG. 37) is selected. The background change effect pattern number or the restoration effect pattern number selected here is also output to the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) in the display output process (step S405 in FIG. 40). Thereby, the background change effect shown in (A) to (D) in FIG. 38 or the like is actually executed in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, or shown in (A) and (B) in FIG. The rebirth production will be executed.

  In each of the previous step S706 and step S708, particularly when the effect lottery is not won (effect non-winning), the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern number for reducing the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M. Thereby, in any case, an effect of reducing the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is executed.

[Summary of production techniques]
According to the example of the production method described above, information useful to the player can be provided as production in accordance with the progress of the game flow in the pachinko machine 1. Specifically, (1) the necessity of “right-handed” has occurred per normal symbol, and (2) internal lottery (special figure fluctuation) due to winning at the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a). It was executed, (3) The winning in the probable variation pattern was obtained by internal lottery, (4) The game flow transitioned (entered) during [F19] probability variation, (5) During [F19] probability variation The remaining “limiter count” is decreasing, (6) the “limiter count” is added, (7) after reaching the limiter, [F31] after passing the time and [F19] when returning to the certainty On the contrary, (8) Providing information to the player in an easy-to-understand manner (transmission, teaching, etc.) by directing information such as (8) reaching the limiter to end [F19] changing probability and returning to [F1] normal game , Suggest). Further, regarding (3) above, it can be provided as information that the winning in the probable variation pattern was not obtained by the internal lottery.

  Thereby, the player can fully enjoy the game performance by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment while preventing the game from being performed indiscriminately while the progress of the game flow is not understood by the player. In addition, by clearly realizing from the content that the “limiter count” has actually increased in the game flow, it is possible for the player to play his / her own game results ([F19] 4% single win during certainty) The player can feel a certain level of satisfaction and achievement. Alternatively, by clearly realizing from the contents that the resurgence occurred after reaching the limiter in the game flow, the game result was again given to the player (35% after reaching the limiter, and a single win was assigned. ) Realize it, so that the player can have a certain level of satisfaction and achievement.

  In particular, in the internal game flow, the contents of the actual control processing are complicated for the mechanisms (6) and (7) above, but in the present embodiment, this is transmitted to the player in an easy-to-understand manner as performance information. In that respect, not only the game flow but also the production technique is excellent.

[Usefulness in game flow]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the original game flow itself has the following utility.
(1) For example, [F16] The right (possibility) of generating a loop during [F19] Probability change 30 times including the first is generated by winning the [F16] Probability symbol 1 and 2 wins from the normal game To do. Accordingly, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation for each loop, and the profit can be increased.

(2) In addition, [F19] If you win the [F29] one-shot symbol 1, 2 winning in the middle of the loop in the probability variation, [F38] after the short-term [F38] probability variation symbol 1-3 winning (the probability variation ratio 96%) This is likely to occur, thereby causing a re-loop to [F19] probability change. In this case, since the “limiter count” is reset (reset) as described above, a new “limiter count” is added to the amount that has been digested in the previous loop. Become. As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation, and the profit can be further increased.

(3) Also, even if [F19] no additional increase occurs in the loop under certain probability and the remaining "limiter count" reaches 0, [F43] single-shot symbol 1, 2, or [ F45] Probability variation 1 and 2, winning → compulsory single-shot symbol 3 (combination selection ratio 35%), and then from [F31] time shortening, [F19] loop in probability variation can be resumed. Also in this case, since the “limiter count” is reset (reset), a new “limiter count” is added to the amount that has been digested during the loop before reaching the limiter. . As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation, and the profit can be further increased.

(4) In addition, since the profit of (2) or (3) may occur randomly according to the result of the special symbol (internal lottery), the above (2) and (3) occur in a chain. By doing so, it is possible to realize a game property that can add a ball to the ball each time.

(5) In addition, in this type of pachinko game, drawing a probabilistic symbol basically generates continuity of profit (so-called continuous chain). The common sense of gaming is that sex ends. However, in the present embodiment, [F19] Draws a single-shot symbol during probability change to generate an increase in continuity of profit, which is significant in that it achieves game characteristics using the concept of reversal from the conventional one. It is useful.

  The present invention can employ various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the images and operations given as examples of various production methods are merely examples, and these can be modified as appropriate.

  The conditions such as the probability of lottery, the variation time of the symbols, the operation time of the variable start winning device 28, the opening time of the variable winning device 30, the number of times of opening, the number of prize balls, etc., given in one embodiment are merely examples, and these are appropriate. You may deform | transform into. Further, the number and arrangement of the various start gates 20 and 21, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30 and the like in the game area 8 may be variously modified.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Middle start gate 21 Right start gate 28 Variable start winning device 30 Variable winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 42 Liquid crystal display device 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (4)

An operation lottery execution means for executing a predetermined operation lottery when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery executing means, the first symbol is displayed in a variable manner over a predetermined variation time, and then the first symbol is stopped in a manner corresponding to the result of the operation lottery over a predetermined stop time. A first symbol display means for displaying;
First symbol variation time determining means for determining a variation time of the first symbol based on the result of the operation lottery;
When winning is obtained in the operation lottery by the operation lottery execution means, it is possible to generate a lottery trigger for the internal lottery from a non-operating state in which a lottery trigger for an internal lottery different from the operation lottery cannot be generated. Actuating means for performing an operation that changes over a predetermined period of time in a different operating state;
An internal lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery when a winning with the occurrence of the lottery trigger of the internal lottery occurs while the operating means is changing to the operating state;
When the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery execution means, the second symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and then the second symbol is stopped in a mode corresponding to the result of the internal lottery over a predetermined stop time. A second symbol display means for displaying;
A second symbol variation time determining means for determining a variation time of the second symbol based on the result of the internal lottery;
A variable winning means for performing an opening operation for changing from a closed state in which a winning can not be generated over a predetermined period to an open state in which a winning can be generated when winning is obtained in the internal lottery execution means by the internal lottery executing means;
After the actuating means returns from the actuated state to the non-actuated state, the first symbol display means allows the first symbol change to be started based on the result of the next actuating lottery by the actuating lottery executing means. By setting the end time corresponding to the time until the second symbol display means to be longer than the time obtained by adding the variation time of the second symbol displayed by the second symbol display means and the stop time of the second symbol. 1st symbol fluctuation suppression means for suppressing that the 1st symbol display means variably displays the 1st symbol while the symbol display means variably displays and stops the 2nd symbol. A gaming machine characterized by In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery execution means, at the time of the first symbol change display by the first symbol display means, the first symbol change display at least within the first symbol change time. A first symbol effect executing means for executing a variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the first symbol by the first symbol display means,
When the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery executing means, the second symbol change display is performed at least within the change time of the second symbol when the second symbol change display is performed once by the second symbol display means. And a second symbol effect executing means for executing a variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the second symbol by the second symbol display means after executing the variable display effect corresponding to
The first symbol variation suppressing means is:
While the second symbol display means displays the second symbol in a variably displayed and stopped display, the first symbol display means suppresses the variably displaying the first symbol, thereby suppressing the second symbol effect. While the execution means is performing the variable display effect corresponding to the variable display of the second symbol, and while performing the variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the second symbol, the first means A gaming machine characterized in that the design effect execution means is prevented from performing a variable display effect. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The first symbol variation suppressing means is:
2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the end time is set longer than a time from a time when the winning to the operating means is generated to a time when the second symbol display means stops displaying the second symbol. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the case where the lottery opportunity of the internal lottery is not obtained because the winning means did not occur even though the operating means changed to the operating state, the end time is used to inform the player to the operating means. A gaming machine further comprising actuating means winning generation promoting means for producing contents that prompt the generation of winnings.

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