JP2012045075A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a Pachinko machine for preventing a player from being puzzled when the operation timing of a performance button 80 overlaps with the operation timing of a ball removal lever 7a.SOLUTION: When the player has not yet operated the performance button 80 even if a lower tray full switch 7b is turned on (t2), no winning ball full annunciations are performed and a winning ball full annunciation is performed (t5) after the performance button 80 is turned on.

Description

  The present invention provides an information display device for notifying that a storage member for storing a prize ball paid out by a payout device is full of prize balls, and displaying an image when a game ball wins a start opening. The present invention relates to a pachinko machine whose display contents can be changed by a player's operation.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory front view of a conventional pachinko machine. A conventional pachinko machine 100 includes a launch lever 101, a game board 102, a starting port 103, a symbol display device 104, an upper plate 105, a lower plate 109, a variable winning device 106, a full notification lamp 110, A production button 111 is provided. When a game ball launched by the player operating the launch lever 101 wins the start port 103, a switch for detecting the game ball won in the start port 103 is turned on, and the microcomputer built in the pachinko machine 100 is Judgment of big hit or loss (hereinafter referred to as big hit judgment) is performed.

  Then, the symbol display device 104 starts a variable display (also referred to as scroll display) of a plurality of symbols. For example, an array of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbol rows) representing consecutive different numbers (for example, 0 to 9) is moved from the top of the screen to the bottom in the ascending order of the numbers in the three horizontal display areas on the screen. To display. Some screens are displayed so as to move from right to left on the screen. Various moving images are displayed on the background of the changing symbols. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the symbol display device 104 started the variable display of the symbol sequence, the operation of the effect button 111 becomes valid, and the player selects the desired change contents by operating the effect button 111. can do.

  For example, when the symbol variation state reaches reach, a desired reach pattern can be selected from a plurality of types of reach patterns. Here, the reach is a display state in which symbols are variably displayed in only one display region among all display regions, and symbols constituting the jackpot symbol are each confirmed and displayed in the other display regions. In other words, only one symbol out of the jackpot symbols is an undecided display state. The reach pattern is a variation pattern in which the reach state appears in the period from the start to the end of the symbol variation.

  When the symbol display device 104 confirms and displays the big hit symbol, a big hit occurs, and the variable winning device 106 opens the opening / closing member 107 and opens the big winning opening 108. The large winning opening 108 has an opening area larger than that of an ordinary winning opening, so that winning is facilitated. Then, a condition that a predetermined number (for example, 10) or more game balls have won in the big prize opening 108 or a condition that the opening time of the big prize opening 108 has reached a prescribed time (eg, 30 seconds) is satisfied. Then, the opening / closing member 107 is closed, and the special winning opening 108 is closed. A round from the opening to the closing of the special winning opening 108 is defined as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, a maximum of 14 rounds) are executed, during which the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. Hereinafter, games from the first round to the final round are referred to as jackpot games.

  In addition, when a game ball wins the big winning opening 108, a predetermined number (for example, 13) of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 105. When the number of prize balls stored in the upper plate 105 exceeds the upper limit of the allowable amount that can be stored in the upper plate 105, the extra prize balls are paid out to the lower plate 109. When the number of award balls stored in the lower plate 109 reaches the upper limit of the allowable amount that can be stored in the lower plate 109, a full detection switch for detecting this is turned on, the full notification lamp 110 is turned on, and the award ball Dispensing is interrupted.

  The player who saw the full notification lamp 110 light up operated the ball pulling lever 112 provided on the lower plate 109 and placed the prize ball stored in the lower plate 109 below the lower plate 109. Discharge to a prize ball box (not shown). Also, if there is a prize at the grand prize winning opening 108 or the like while the full notification lamp 110 is lit, the number of winnings is stored, the full is canceled, and the full prize notification lamp 110 is turned off before the stored prize is stored. A few minutes of prize balls are paid out.

JP 2007-307163 A

  However, in the conventional pachinko machine 100 described above, when the timing of operating the effect button 111 overlaps with the timing when the lower plate 109 is full, the player should determine whether to operate the effect button 111 first, There is a problem that it is difficult to operate the lever 112. In particular, the launch lever 101 must be operated with the right hand, and the effect button 111 and the ball release lever 112 must be operated with the left hand, and therefore, both the effect button 111 and the ball release lever 112 cannot be operated with the left hand alone.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can be used to prevent a player from getting lost when the operation timing of the effect button and the operation timing of the ball release lever overlap. It aims at realizing.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application includes a game board (5) in which a game area is formed, and a start opening (21) and a winning opening (17--) provided in the game board. 20), a launching device (4) for launching a game ball to the game area, a launching operation member (4b) operated by a player to adjust the launching intensity of the game ball by the launching device, and the launching device A start port switch (21a) for detecting a game ball launched by the launching device and winning the winning port, and a winning port switch (17a-20a) for detecting a game ball launched by the launching device and winning the winning port; A payout device (38) for paying out a winning ball when the starting port switch detects a game ball winning at the starting port and when the winning port switch detects a gaming ball winning at the winning port, respectively. And the withdrawal A storage member (7) for storing the prize balls paid out by the player, and a discharge operation member (7a) operated by the player to discharge the prize balls stored in the storage member to the outside of the storage member; , A full detection means (7b) for detecting that the prize ball stored in the storage member is full, and informing that the full detection means detects that the prize ball is full Full notification means (S203), a big hit determination means (S17) for determining whether the start opening switch detects a game ball won in the start opening, whether it is a big hit or lose, and the start opening switch is the start opening When a game ball that has won a prize is detected, a display content selected from a plurality of types of display content is displayed on the screen, and an image corresponding to the determination result of the determination means is displayed after a lapse of a specific time from the start of the display. On the screen Shimesuru image display device (30), and changing operating member that player operates to change the display contents of the image display device (80), in the pachinko machine (1) equipped with,
The full notification so that no notification is given during a period from when the full detection means detects that the prize ball stored in the storage member is full until the change operation member is operated. Control means (S200 to S202) for controlling the means is provided.

  The display content is an image consisting only of a moving image, an image consisting only of a still image, or an image combining a moving image and a still image. Moreover, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

According to the first aspect of the present application, since the full detection means detects that the prize ball stored in the storage member is full, in order to change the display content of the image display device. The full notification means can be controlled so that notification is not performed during the period until the change operation member operated by the player is operated.
Therefore, even when the player operates the change operation member, even if the lower plate is full of prize balls, this is not notified, so which should the player operate the change operation member or the discharge operation member? The change operation member can be operated without hesitation.

It is front explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the pachinko machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the lower plate provided in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view. It is front explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the game board 5 shown in FIG. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation | variation aspect of an effect design. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of button production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main electric structures of the pachinko machine 1 with a block. It is an explanatory view showing various tables stored in the effect control ROM 73. FIG. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the storage content of a special symbol reservation table moves. It is a timing chart which shows the timing of winning, production, production buttons, and full detection. It is a main flowchart which shows the flow of the main processes which CPU52 for main control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the winning detection process which CPU52 for main control performs. It is a main flowchart which shows the flow of the main processes which CPU62 for payout control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the start port process which CPU52 for main control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the display start process which CPU52 for main control performs. It is a main flowchart which shows the flow of the main processes which CPU72 for presentation control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the lower plate full detection process which CPU72 for presentation control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the data reception process which CPU72 for presentation control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the effect content selection process which CPU72 for effect control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the effect process which CPU72 for effect control performs. It is front explanatory drawing of the conventional pachinko machine.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[Main configuration]
The main configuration of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory front view showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a lower plate provided in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1, (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a front view. In the following description, a game that is performed when the probability of jackpot occurrence has changed to a certain probability is referred to as a probability variation game, and a game that is not a probability variation game is referred to as a normal game.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an outer frame set 8 constituting an outer shell, and the outer frame set 8 is provided with a front frame set 2. A transparent glass frame set 3 is attached to the front frame set 2 so as to be openable and closable. A game board 5 is provided inside the glass frame set 3, and a launching handle 4 a for operating a launching device for launching a game ball to the game board 5 is attached to the lower right front of the front frame set 2. Yes. A launch lever 4b for adjusting the launch strength of the game ball is attached to the launch handle 4a so as to be rotatable with respect to the launch handle 4a.

  Below the game board 5 is provided an upper plate 6 for receiving prize balls and rental balls paid out from the inside of the pachinko machine, and the player operates the upper plate 6 to pay out the rental balls. A ball lending operation unit 9 is provided. Below the upper plate 6, there is provided a lower plate 7 that accommodates game balls that have flowed over the number that can be accommodated in the upper plate 6. When the upper limit of the allowable amount of game balls accommodated in the lower plate 7 is reached, the lower plate full switch (in the figure) arranged in the flow path of the game balls leading to the lower plate 7 inside the pachinko machine 1 6 is indicated, and an effect display device (indicated by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 3) described later is informed that the lower plate 7 is full of game balls. In addition, depending on the model, an LED provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to notify that it is full.

  The lower plate 7 is provided with a ball removal lever 7 a that is operated by the player to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate 7 to the outside of the lower plate 7. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), on the bottom surface of the lower plate 7, a discharge port 7d for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 7 downward is formed so as to be openable and closable. When the 7a is not operated, the discharge port 7d is closed by the lid 7c. When the player moves the ball removal lever 7a to the left, the lid 7c moves and the discharge port 7d opens. The ball release lever 7a is biased rightward by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring. When the finger is released from the ball release lever 7a moved to the left, the ball release lever 7a is It moves rightward by the urging force of the urging member and returns to the original point before operation.

  The front frame set 2 is provided with a ball break LED 13 for notifying that there is no game ball to be paid out, and a payout abnormality LED 14 for notifying a payout abnormality of the game ball. The front frame set 2 is provided with a right speaker 10 that generates sound effects, a left speaker 11, and a lower speaker 12. The upper plate 6 is provided with an effect button 80 that is operated by the player when a button effect is performed during the game. Here, the button effect is an effect that starts in response to the operation of the effect button 80.

[Main components of the game board]
Next, the main configuration of the game board 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an explanatory front view showing the main configuration of the game board 5. 4 (a) to 4 (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the variation of the effect symbol.

  A game area where game balls flow down is formed on the board surface of the game board 5, and a large number of game nails 29 that restrict the flow path of the game balls are driven into the board surface of the game board 5. Around the board surface of the game board 5, a rail set 15 is provided for guiding a game ball launched by a launching device (indicated by reference numeral 4 in FIG. 6) to the game area.

  A center decoration 16 is provided at the center of the game board 5. The center ornament 16 is formed in a three-dimensional shape protruding forward from the board surface, and occupies a considerable area in the center of the game area. The center decoration 16 is provided with an effect display device 30 for variably displaying effect symbols and displaying various effect images. In this embodiment, the effect display device 30 is configured by a liquid crystal display device. A display device in which LEDs are arranged in a dot matrix, a 7-segment LED, or the like can also be used as the effect display device 30.

  At the left end of the center ornament 16, an inflow port 27 through which a game ball can flow into the center ornament 16 is formed. In the lower part of the center ornament 16, an outlet 28 is formed through which a game ball that has flowed into the center ornament 16 from the inlet 27 flows into the game area. On the left side of the board surface, a left side decoration 36 is provided along the inner periphery of the rail set 15. Between the left side decoration 36 and the center decoration 16, a left side game area in which game balls flow down is formed. In the game area on the left side, a windmill 35 that changes the flow path of the game ball is rotatably provided.

  The left side decoration 36 is provided with a left sleeve winning opening 17, a left sleeve winning opening 18, and a lower left winning opening 19. A start port 21 is provided immediately below the outlet 28 of the center ornament 16. Below the start port 21, an ordinary electric accessory 22 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 22 includes a pair of opening / closing wing pieces 22a. Each opening / closing wing piece 22a is pivotally supported at its base, and the tip is opened outward or closed inward by the rotation of the base. FIG. 2 shows a state in which each opening / closing blade piece 22a is opened.

  In this state, the game ball is guided by the opening / closing wing piece 22 a and can be awarded inside the ordinary electric accessory 22. A game ball guided by the opening / closing wing piece 22a and winning in the ordinary electric accessory 22 is detected by a start port switch (indicated by reference numeral 21a in FIG. 6) for detecting the game ball won from the start port 21. In other words, the ordinary electric accessory 22 plays a role of expanding the winning area of the start port 21 by opening each opening / closing blade piece 22a.

  A first variable winning device 24 having a first opening / closing member 24d is provided below the ordinary electric accessory 22. The first variation winning device 24 opens the first opening / closing member 24a by opening the first opening / closing member 24d when the effect display device 30 confirms and displays the effect symbol indicating the occurrence of the specific big hit. In addition, the first variable prize winning device 24 receives the first grand prize when the number of prizes received in the first big prize opening 24a reaches a prescribed number or when a prescribed time has elapsed from the opening of the first big prize opening 24a. The mouth 24a is closed. In this embodiment, the first opening / closing member 24d is formed in a horizontally long plate shape, and is configured to rotate back and forth around the lower ends on both sides.

  A second variable winning device 25 having a second opening / closing member 25d is provided on the upper left side of the center ornament 16. The second variation winning device 25 opens the second opening / closing member 25a by opening the second opening / closing member 25d when the effect display device 30 definitely displays the effect symbol indicating the occurrence of the specific big hit. In this embodiment, the second variable winning device 25 opens and closes the second opening / closing member 25d at regular intervals, and opens and closes the second big prize opening 25a at regular intervals. The second opening / closing member 25d is formed in a wing shape, and is configured to rotate left and right about the lower end.

  A lower right winning opening 20 is provided on the right side of the first variable winning device 24, and an out opening 26 for collecting a game ball that has not been won anywhere is formed below. . A gate 23 is provided on the left side of the center ornament 16. A special symbol display device 31, a special symbol hold number display device 32, a normal symbol display device 33, and a normal symbol hold number display device 34 are provided at the lower right of the center decoration 16. In this embodiment, the special symbol display device 31, the special symbol hold number display device 32, the normal symbol display device 33, and the normal symbol hold number display device 34 are each configured by an LED, but are configured by a liquid crystal display device. You can also.

  The special symbol display device 31 is composed of a plurality of (for example, six) LEDs, and these LEDs blink in a predetermined blinking pattern when a game ball wins the start opening 21. The light emission color when these LEDs are turned on and the background color of the LEDs when they are turned off constitute a special symbol, and the state where the LEDs are blinking is a state where the special symbol is variably displayed. The special symbol display device 31 starts the special symbol variation display when the start port switch 21a is turned on.

  The special symbol display device 31 causes each LED to blink at random, and a big hit occurs when the combination of the lit LED and the unlit LED when the blinking stops is a specific combination. Depending on the type, the type of jackpot will vary. The jackpot type is composed of a combination of two or more of the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game, a normal jackpot, a probabilistic jackpot and a short time. Further, depending on the type of jackpot, either the first variable winning device 24 or the second variable winning device 25 is operated to perform a big win game. Here, “short time” means that the time required from the start of the special symbol to the end of the variable display after the special symbol is started is shortened, and that the normal symbol starts from the start of the variable display to the end of the variable display. A game state with reduced time.

  For example, after each LED of the special symbol display device 31 repeatedly blinks, when all the LEDs are lit, the second variable winning device 25 is activated to play a big hit game up to 16 rounds. And a first certainty-variable jackpot occurs in which the gaming state after the jackpot game ends changes to certainty. In addition, when the two LEDs are lit, the second variable winning device 25 can be operated to play a jackpot game up to a maximum of two rounds, and the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is definitely changed. A changing second probability big hit occurs.

  When the start opening switch 21a is turned on while the special symbol display device 31 is variably displaying the special symbol, the special symbol variability display based on the on state is not immediately executed but is temporarily held. The reserved number (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol reserved number) is displayed by the special symbol reserved number display device 32. In this embodiment, the special symbol reservation number display device 32 is constituted by four LEDs, and displays the special symbol reservation number by the number of lighting of the LEDs. That is, in this embodiment, the maximum number of special symbol reservations is four.

  The effect display device 30 is provided for the purpose of enhancing the effect of the special symbol display device 31. In other words, the special symbol display device 31 is configured by a plurality of LEDs, and the effect effect is poor only by the blinking of the LEDs. Therefore, the effect display device 30 displays the effect symbol in a variable manner or displays the effect image. This enhances the production effect.

  The effect display device 30 displays the contents of the effect at the same time that the special symbol display device 31 starts the variable symbol display. In this embodiment, the content of the production is composed of a moving image having a story and a variation pattern for varyingly displaying the effect design, and the variation pattern is displayed in the moving image. The moving image has different story development for each moving image, and the story development can be changed by operating the production button 80 in the middle of the story.

  The variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which the production symbol sequence moves from one end of the screen to the other end, a variation pattern in which the production symbol changes one by one at a fixed position on the screen, a variation pattern in which the appearing point is unspecified, on the screen Fluctuation patterns, etc., where the route to travel is unspecified are set. In addition, the effect display device 30 ends the display of the contents of the effect at the same time as the special symbol display device 31 ends the special symbol variation display, and the effect symbol corresponding to the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol that the special symbol display device 31 has determined and displayed. Is displayed.

  For example, the effect display device 30 displays 0 to 0 in three display areas A, B, and C arranged in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. The effect design representing the number 9 is displayed in a variable manner. The effect display device 30 displays a plurality of effect symbols in ascending numerical order. The example shown in FIG. 4 expresses a certain moment when there is an effect symbol that is variably displayed in each of the display areas A to C. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the effect symbol “7” is displayed in the display area A, the effect symbol “8” is displayed in the display area B, and the effect symbol “6” is displayed in the display area C. . Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the effect symbol “787” is displayed by the display areas A to C, which is a so-called reach state.

  When reaching reach, the effect display device 30 performs an effect that makes the player feel excited whether or not the big hit symbol is confirmed and displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4B, the effect symbols 6 and 7 are alternately displayed in the display area B, or the effect symbols 7 and 8 are alternately displayed. In addition, it temporarily appears to stop at 7, and only the display area B starts the variable display again. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, “777”, which is an example of a big hit symbol, is fixedly displayed in the display areas A to C.

  The normal symbol display device 33 is composed of a plurality of (for example, five) LEDs, and the emission color when each LED is turned on and the background color of the LED when the LED is turned off constitute a normal symbol. In addition, the state in which the normal symbol display device 33 blinks the LED is a state in which the normal symbol is variably displayed. When the variation display ends, the combination of the LEDs that are turned on and off turns on the normal symbol. Alternatively, the loss is notified. When the normal symbol per hit is fixedly displayed, the opening time of each open / close wing piece 22a of the normal electric accessory 22 becomes longer, the number of times that the special symbol starts to be changed per unit time increases, and a big hit occurs. Probability increases.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 23, the normal symbol display device 33 starts to display the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol display device 33 variably displays the normal symbol, when the game ball passes through the gate 23, the normal symbol variation display due to the passage is held, and the number of holds is displayed as the normal symbol hold number display. Displayed by device 34. In this embodiment, the normal symbol hold number display device 34 is constituted by four LEDs, the number of lighting thereof indicates the hold number, and the maximum of the hold number is set to four.

  In the following explanation, the time required from the start of change to the end of change of the special symbol is the special symbol change time, the time required from the start of display of the content to the end of display is the display time, and the time required from the start of change of the normal symbol to the end of change Time is called normal symbol variation time. The display time of the production contents is equal to the special symbol variation time.

[Game features]
Next, the features of the game will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of button effects. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the timing of winning, production, production buttons, and full detection.

  As described above, the button effect is an effect that starts in response to the operation of the effect button 80. In this embodiment, when the game ball wins the start opening 21, the effect display device 30 displays a video having a story, and when it is time to execute the button effect, the effect button 80 is operated, It is configured so that the lines of characters appearing in the story can be changed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is time to execute the button effect, the effect display device 30 displays a message image G1 that prompts the player to operate the effect button 80 on the screen as “button push”, and a story character. And an image G2 representing the characters A and B of the characters are displayed. Then, when the player operates the effect button 80 within the time limit after the timing for executing the button effect and the effect button 80 is turned on, as shown on the right side of FIG. Changes from C1 to D1.

  Further, when the production button 80 is turned on within the time limit after the lines are changed to C1 and D1, the lines are changed to C2 and D2. If the effect button 80 is not operated within the time limit after the message image G1 is displayed, the lines are changed to A1 and B1 as shown on the left side of FIG. In addition, when the effect button 80 is not operated within the time limit after the lines are changed to A1 and B1, the lines are changed to A2 and B2.

In addition, when the button performance period elapses, the video is displayed again, and a reach notice image that suggests that a reach pattern will appear, or a jackpot notice image that suggests the occurrence of a big hit is displayed. The pattern or reach pattern is displayed. Each notice image may be included in the variation pattern.
Further, when the effect button 80 is operated within the time limit in the button effect, an image with higher reliability is displayed than when the effect button 80 is not operated. Here, reliability means the degree of probability that a notice (such as a jackpot notice or a reach notice) will be as predicted.

  In other words, when the effect button 80 is pressed during the period in which the button effect is being executed and the character line of the character is changed, a highly reliable image is displayed later, so most players are restricted during the button effect period. Press the production button 80 within the time. Whether the big hit or lost is determined when the game ball wins the start opening 21, the result of the big hit determination does not change depending on whether or not the effect button 80 is pressed.

  Further, when the lower plate 7 is full of prize balls and the lower plate full detection switch 7b is turned on, as shown in the middle diagram of FIG. 5, the screen of the effect display device 30 indicates “the ball is full. Message image G3 is displayed, and it is notified that the lower plate 7 is full of prize balls. This notification (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball full notification) is performed after the player operates the effect button 80. In other words, even if the lower plate full detection switch 7b is turned on before the player operates the effect button 80, the prize ball full notification is not performed until the player operates the effect button 80.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the game ball wins the start opening 21 at time t1, and the effect display device 30 starts displaying the effect contents. At time t2, the lower plate full switch 7b is turned on, but the effect display device 30 does not notify the prize ball full. Then, at time t3, the effect display device 30 displays the message image G1 to notify that the effect contents can be changed. Then, the player operates the effect button 80 (t4), and then the effect display device 30 displays the message image G3 to give a full notification of the winning ball (t5). When the player operates the ball removal lever 7a to pull out the prize ball stored in the lower plate 7 into the prize ball box and the lower plate full switch 7b is turned off, the effect display device 30 displays the message image G3 on the screen. Is cleared, and the full ball notification is finished (t6).

In other words, the period from when the lower plate full switch 7b is turned on to when the effect button 80 is turned on is set to the full notification prohibition period TA for prohibiting the prize ball full notification.
Therefore, even when the player operates the effect button 80, even if the lower plate 7 is full of prize balls, this is not immediately notified, so the player can operate either the effect button 80 or the ball removal lever 7a. The production button 80 can be operated without wondering if it should be done.

[Main electrical configuration]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control board 50, and a main control MPU (microprocessor unit) 51 is mounted on the main control board 50. The main control MPU 51 includes a main control CPU 52, a main control ROM 53, and a main control RAM 54. The main control CPU 52 determines the jackpot, the jackpot symbol lottery, the jackpot type lottery, the lottery symbol lottery, the special symbol variation time (display time) lottery, the winning detection, the gate passage detection, the normal symbol hit determination. Execute important processes in the game, such as prize ball payout instructions.

  The main control ROM 53 stores a computer program for the main control CPU 52 to execute each of the above processes, a control command to be transmitted to each control board, a jackpot value to be referred to when the jackpot determination is performed, and the like. ing. The main control RAM 54 has a work area that is used when the main control CPU 52 executes the computer program. The main control RAM 54 stores the processing results and determination results generated by the main control CPU 52 executing the above-described computer program in a readable and rewritable manner.

  The main control board 50 has a start port switch (start port SW for detecting a game ball won in the start port 21 or a game ball guided to the inside of the ordinary electric accessory 22 by the opened opening / closing blade piece 22a. ) 21a is electrically connected. Further, a payout control board 60 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. On the payout control board 60, a payout motor 38 for driving a member for paying out the game balls to the upper plate 6 and a payout sensor 39 for detecting the game balls paid out by the payout motor 38 are electrically connected. It is connected.

  Further, the payout control board 60 includes a ball break switch 13a for detecting a state where there are no game balls to be paid out, and a lower plate full switch (for detecting a state where the lower plate 7 is filled with game balls). Lower plate full SW) 7b, door opening switch (door opening SW) 3a for detecting a state in which glass frame set 3 is opened, and launching device 4 for launching a game ball are electrically connected. .

  The launching device 4 drives the launching device 4 by detecting that the player touches the launching lever 4b, and a launch volume 4c for adjusting the launching intensity of the launching device 4 according to the amount of rotation of the launching lever 4b. The touch sensor 4d for making it connect is connected. The drive source of the launcher 4 is a rotary solenoid or a motor.

  The payout control board 60 is equipped with a payout control MPU 61, and the payout control MPU 61 includes a payout control CPU 62, a payout control ROM 63, and a payout control RAM 64. The payout control CPU 62 controls the payout motor 38 in accordance with the payout control command transmitted from the main control MPU 51 to control payout of prize balls. Further, the payout control CPU 62 detects a change in the signal output from the payout sensor 39 and counts the number of prize balls that have been paid out.

  The payout control ROM 63 stores a computer program executed by the payout control CPU 62 so as to be readable. The payout control RAM 64 has a work area used when the payout control CPU 62 executes the computer program. Also, the payout control RAM 64 stores the processing results and the determination results generated by the payout control CPU 62 executing the above computer program in a readable and rewritable manner.

  A panel surface relay terminal plate 37 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. The panel surface relay terminal plate 37 is connected to a large winning opening solenoid 24b for opening and closing the first opening / closing member 24d, and a second opening / closing. A large winning opening solenoid 25b for opening and closing the member 25d, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 22b for opening and closing the opening / closing wing piece 22a of the ordinary electric accessory 22, and a game ball won in the first large winning opening 24a are detected. The big prize opening switch (large prize opening SW) 24c for performing the game and the big prize opening switch (large prize opening SW) 25c for detecting the game ball won in the second big prize opening 25a are electrically connected. ing.

  Further, the main control board 50 includes a gate switch (gate SW) 23a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the gate 23, and a winning opening switch (for detecting a gaming ball that has won the left sleeve upper winning opening 17). (Award opening SW) 17a, a winning opening switch (award opening SW) 18a for detecting a gaming ball winning in the left sleeve winning opening 18, and a winning opening switch for detecting a gaming ball winning in the lower left winning opening 19 (Winning port SW) 19a and a winning port switch (winning port SW) 20a for detecting a game ball won in the lower right winning port 20 are electrically connected.

  Furthermore, the effect control board 70 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. The effect control board 70 includes a special symbol display device 31, a normal symbol display device 33, an effect display device 30, an LED control board 42, an audio output device 43, a mechanism control board 40, and an effect button 80. Electrically connected. A Karakuri motor 41 that drives a Karakuri (not shown) provided on the game board 5 is electrically connected to the Karakuri control board 40.

  An effect control MPU 71 is mounted on the effect control board 70, and the effect control MPU 71 includes an effect control CPU 72, an effect control ROM 73, and an effect control RAM 74. In the effect control ROM 73, a computer program for controlling the above-described various devices electrically connected to the effect control board 70 is stored in a readable manner. The effect control ROM 73 stores various tables that can be read when the effect control CPU 72 executes a computer program.

  The effect control RAM 74 has a work area used when the effect control CPU 72 executes a computer program. In addition, the effect control RAM 74 stores processing results and determination results generated when the effect control CPU 72 executes a computer program in a readable and rewritable manner.

[Various tables]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing various tables stored in the effect control ROM 73. The effect control ROM 73 includes a special symbol variation pattern table 73a, an effect content table 73b, an LED lighting pattern table 73c, a music table 73d, a jackpot effect image table 73e, a customer waiting image table 73f, a button effect image table 73g, and a message image table. Data necessary for production such as 73h is stored.

  The special symbol variation pattern table 73a is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol that the special symbol display device 31 variably displays by lottery. The special symbol variation pattern table 73a is stored in the effect control ROM 73 for each special symbol variation time that the main control CPU 52 can determine by lottery. For example, when the range of the special symbol variation time is 5 to 60 seconds, a plurality of types of special symbol variation patterns are set for the special symbol variation time of 30 seconds.

  The special symbol variation pattern lottery is performed using a special symbol variation pattern lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values. The special symbol variation pattern table 73a is configured by associating the count value of the special symbol variation pattern lottery counter with the variation pattern of the special symbol. The effect control CPU 72 obtains one count value from the special symbol variation pattern lottery counter, and obtains the above from the special symbol variation pattern table provided for the special variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 52. The variation pattern of the special symbol associated with the count value is read out.

  The effect content table 73b is a table that the effect control CPU 72 refers to when determining the effect content displayed by the effect display device 30 by lottery. As described with reference to FIG. 6, the effect content is an effect that allows the player to change a part of the effect by pressing the effect button 80. In addition, the effect contents include a change pattern (such as a normal change pattern, a normal reach pattern, and a super reach pattern) from the start of change to the end of change of the effect symbol. The effect content table 73b is stored in the effect control ROM 73 for each display time of the effect contents. As described above, since the display time of the effect content is equal to the special symbol variation time, the same number of effect content tables 73b as the special symbol variation time are provided.

  The effect content lottery is performed using an effect content lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values. The effect content table 73b is configured by associating the count value of the effect content lottery counter with the effect content. Further, each effect content is set for each different display time, and a plurality of types of effect contents are set for one display time.

Furthermore, the effect content with a high appearance probability is set for the short display time, and the effect content with a low appearance probability is set for the long display time. In this embodiment, the display time of the effect content including the normal variation pattern is the shortest, and the display time of the effect content including the super reach pattern is the longest.
For example, in the effect content table 73b, 10 types of effect contents including a normal variation pattern for the display time of 15 seconds are set in association with numerical values of 0 to 9, and the normal reach pattern for the display time of 30 seconds. 10 types of production content including 0 are set in association with numerical values of 0 to 9, and 10 types of production content including a super reach pattern are set in association with numerical values of 0 to 9 for a display time of 60 seconds. Has been. In addition, the production content lottery counter counts a continuous numerical value of 0-9.

  The effect control CPU 72 obtains one count value from the effect content lottery counter, and from the effect content table provided for the display time of the same time as the special symbol variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 52. The contents of the effect associated with the acquired count value are read out. For example, if the special symbol variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 52 is 60 seconds and the numerical value acquired from the effect content lottery counter is 5, the ten types of effect contents set to the display time of 60 seconds. Of these, the one associated with the numerical value 5 is selected.

  That is, when the special symbol variation time is transmitted from the main control CPU 52, the effect control CPU 72 corresponds to the display time of the same time as the special symbol variation time in order to equalize the special symbol variation time and the display time. The production contents are read from the production content table.

  In addition, in both cases where the big hit determination result is a big hit or a loss, there is a possibility that a production content including a super reach pattern may be drawn. There is a high probability that the production contents including will be drawn. In other words, from the viewpoint of the player, when the content of the production including the super reach pattern appears, the expectation for occurrence of the big hit is set high.

  The LED lighting pattern table 73c is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines lighting patterns of various LEDs provided in the pachinko machine 1 by lottery. The LED lighting pattern lottery is performed using an LED lighting pattern lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values.

  The LED lighting pattern table 73c is configured by associating the count value of the LED lighting pattern lottery counter with the LED lighting pattern. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the LED lighting pattern lottery counter, reads the LED lighting pattern associated with the acquired count value from the LED lighting pattern table 73c, and selects the LED according to the lighting pattern. The LED control board 42 is instructed to light up.

  The music table 73d is a table that is referred to when the production control CPU 72 determines the music output by the audio output device 43 by lottery. Music lottery is performed using a music lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values.

  The music table 73d is configured by associating the count value of the music lottery counter with music. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the music lottery counter, reads the music associated with the acquired count value from the music table 73d, and instructs the audio output device 43 to output it. .

  The jackpot effect image table 73e is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines the effect image by lottery when a big hit occurs. The effect image lottery is performed using a jackpot effect image lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values. The big hit effect image table 73e is configured by associating the count value of the big hit effect image lottery counter with the type of the big hit effect image. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the jackpot effect image lottery counter, reads out the type of the jackpot effect image associated with the acquired count value from the jackpot effect image table 73e, and displays it. The effect display device 30 is instructed.

  The customer waiting image table 73f stores data for the effect control CPU 72 to instruct the effect display device 30 to display the customer waiting image when the pachinko machine 1 is not in a so-called customer waiting state. It is a table.

  The button effect image table 73g is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines the contents of the button effect image by lottery when the effect button 80 is turned on. The button effect image lottery is performed using a button effect image lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values. The button effect image table 73g is configured by associating the count value of the button effect image lottery counter with the type of the button effect image. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the button effect image lottery counter when the effect button 80 is turned on, and sets the type of the button effect image associated with the acquired count value to the button effect image table 73g. And directs the effect display device 30 to display it.

  The message image table 73h is a table in which data for displaying various message images on the effect display device 30 is stored. The message image includes the message image G1 “button push” and the message image G3 “The ball is full. Please remove the ball.”

[Contents stored when a hold occurs]
Next, the contents stored in the effect control RAM 74 when a special symbol is suspended will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams showing how the stored content moves in the special symbol holding table stored in the effect control RAM 74.
In the following description, the confirmed symbol refers to an effect symbol that is confirmed and displayed by the effect display device 30, and usually refers to any one of the big hit symbol, the probability variation big hit symbol, and the lost symbol. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the upper limit of the special symbol reservation number U1 is four.

  The special symbol holding table 74a stores data generated when the game ball wins the starting port 21. The “determination result” in the figure is a result of the jackpot determination performed by the main control CPU 52 when the game ball wins the start opening 21. The “definite symbol” is a definite symbol determined by the main control CPU 52 when the game ball wins the start opening 21. The “variation time” is the variation time determined by the main control CPU 52 when the game ball wins the start opening 21. The “production content” is the production content determined by the production control CPU 72 based on the change time determined by the main control CPU 52. The determination result, the determined symbol and the variation time are transmitted from the main control CPU 52 to the effect control CPU 72 and stored in the special symbol hold table 74a by the effect control CPU 72.

  The effect control CPU 72 also determines special symbol variation patterns and fixed symbols, music and LED lighting patterns, etc. by lottery and stores them in the hold table, but the description thereof is omitted here. A description will be given using the fixed symbol as a representative.

  The “holding order” indicates the order in which the holding occurs. The special symbol reservation table 74a stores the special symbol reservation number U1. In the example shown in FIG. 8 (a), in the third symbol (*) of the special symbol reservation table 74a, “probability big hit” is stored as the determination result, and “super reach pattern” is stored as the production content. ing. In this embodiment, the “super reach pattern” is a variation pattern of effect designs displayed in a moving image having a story. In addition, the special symbol reservation number U1 stored in the special symbol reservation table 74a is the upper limit of four.

  In the case where the effect display device 30 displays the contents of the effect in accordance with the special symbol display device 31 variably displaying the special symbol, when the display is finished, the reservation order 1 in the special symbol hold table 74a is displayed. The content of the effect is displayed according to the content of the effect stored in the second, and the confirmed symbol is confirmed and displayed at the end timing of the display.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), in the state where the special symbol reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit of four, the special symbol variation display and the contents of the effects are displayed based on each data stored in the first holding order. When the display is started and the display is finished, as shown in FIG. 8B, each data stored in the second to fourth holding ranks is moved to the storage area obtained by raising the holding rank by one.

  Then, each time the number of display of the special symbol change display and the production content is increased by one, as shown in FIG. 8C, each data stored in the special symbol reservation table 74a is incremented by one. Move to each storage area. Each of the data stored in the holding order 4th in FIG. 8B and the holding order 4th in FIG. 8C is displayed on the basis of each data of the holding order 1 This is data newly generated when a game ball wins the start opening 21 while the effect contents are being displayed.

(Main processing executed by main control CPU)
Next, the flow of main processes executed by the main control CPU 52 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a main flowchart showing a flow of main processing executed by the main control CPU 52. In the following description, the process step is abbreviated as S.

  The main control CPU 52 executes initial setting when the pachinko machine 1 is activated (S500). In this initial setting, processing such as returning the data stored in the main control RAM 54 to the initial value or clearing it to 0 is performed. Next, the main control CPU 52 performs a winning detection process (S501), a start port process (S502), a gate process (S503), a display start process (S504), an ordinary electric accessory process (S505), and a big winning hole process ( S506) and game information transmission processing (S507) are executed.

  In the gate processing (S503), a change in the output signal from the gate switch 23a (FIG. 6) is detected, the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 23 is detected, and a normal symbol hit determination is performed. In the ordinary electric accessory processing (S505), when the normal symbol hit determination in the gate processing (S503) is successful, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 22b (FIG. 6) is operated to open and close the open / close blades of the ordinary electric accessory 22 The piece 22a (FIG. 3) is opened. In the game information transmission process (S507), the pachinko machine 1 in which the pachinko machine 1 is installed is used to display game information generated during the game, such as the number of occurrences of normal jackpots, the number of occurrences of probable big hits, and the total number of winning balls (number of balls played). It transmits to the management computer provided in the management room of the store.

(Winning detection process)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a winning detection process (S501) executed by the main control CPU 52.

  The main control CPU 52 determines the input signal level from the winning prize switch connected to the main control board 50 (S1). Here, the winning opening switch is a switch that pays out a winning ball when turned on, and includes a start opening switch 21a, winning opening switches 17a to 20a, and large winning opening switches 24c and 25c. The input signal from each winning port switch is L (low) level when no game ball is detected, and changes to H (high) level when a game ball is detected.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the input signal level from any of the winning opening switches is H level, that is, whether or not the game ball has won any winning opening (S2). Here, if it is determined that the game ball has won any of the winning openings (S2: Yes), the number of winning balls set for the winning opening is determined as the number of payouts (for example, 8) (S3). ), A prize ball payout command for instructing the payout of the prize ball is transmitted to the payout control CPU 62 (S4).

(Main processing executed by the payout control CPU)
FIG. 12 is a main flowchart showing the flow of main processing executed by the payout control CPU 62.

  The payout control CPU 62 executes initial setting when the pachinko machine 1 is activated (S100). In this initial setting, processing such as returning the data stored in the payout control RAM 64 to the initial value or clearing it to 0 is performed. Then, the payout control CPU 62 determines whether or not the main control CPU 52 has received the prize ball payout command transmitted in S4 (FIG. 11) of the above-described winning detection process (S101), and determines that it has been received ( (S101: Yes), the number of payouts represented by the received prize ball payout command is stored in the winning number table set in the payout control RAM 64 (S102).

  Subsequently, the total payout m is updated (S103). The total number of payouts m is the total number of payouts that have not been paid out. For example, if 9 winning numbers with 13 payouts are stored in the winning number table, the total payout m is 117. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the payout number m is greater than 0, that is, whether or not an unpaid prize ball remains (S104). If it is determined that an unpaid prize ball remains (S104: Yes), It is determined whether or not the lower pan full switch 7b is turned on (S105). If it is determined that the lower plate full switch 7b is not turned on (S105: No), the payout motor 38 (FIG. 6) is driven to pay out a prize ball (S106).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the payout sensor 39 (FIG. 6) is turned on, that is, whether or not the paid-out prize ball is detected (S107). If it is determined that it is detected (S107: Yes), the total payout m 1 is subtracted from (S108). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the total number m of payout has become 0 (S109). If it is determined that it has become 0 (S109: Yes), the payout motor 38 is stopped and payout of prize balls is stopped (S110). If it is determined in S105 that the lower plate full switch 7b is turned on (S105: Yes), the prize ball is not paid out until the lower plate full switch 7b is turned off.

(Start-up processing)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the start port process (S502) executed by the main control CPU 52, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the process of FIG.

  The main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the start port switch 21a is turned on, that is, whether or not the game ball has won a prize from the start port 21 or the opened opening / closing wing piece 22a (S10). Here, if an affirmative determination is made (S10: Yes), the special symbol reservation number U1 stored in the main control RAM 54 is referred to (S11), and whether or not the special symbol reservation number U1 is less than the upper limit of four. Determine (S12). If an affirmative determination is made (S12: Yes), the big hit lottery counter value counted by the big hit lottery counter at this time is acquired (S13).

  Here, the big hit lottery counter is a counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values. In this embodiment, it is a ring counter that counts a total of 500 numerical values from 0 to 499. Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the probability variation jackpot flag indicating that the gaming state has changed to probability variation is on (S14). Here, when an affirmative determination is made (S14: Yes), the probability variation big hit jackpot value table is referred to (S15), and when a negative determination is made (S14: No), the normal big hit jackpot value table is referenced (S16). . The jackpot value table for probability variation jackpot is a table in which a jackpot value to be referred to during probability variation is set, and the jackpot value table for normal jackpot is a table in which a jackpot value to be referenced during normal game is set.

In the probability variation jackpot value table, more jackpot values are set than in the normal jackpot value table, and the probability that a jackpot will occur at the time of probability variation is high.
In this embodiment, a total of eight big hit values of 7, 89, 137, 197, 257, 307, 359, and 409 are set in the probability variation big hit big hit value table, and the normal big hit big hit value table includes , 7,257, a total of two jackpot values are set.
That is, the probability of occurrence of a big hit is 2/500 = 1/250 in normal times, and the probability change time is 8/500 = 4/250. It is four times higher.

Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not it is a big hit (S17). Here, if the big hit value having the same value as the count value acquired from the big hit lottery counter in the previous S13 is set in the probability variation big hit big value table or the normal big hit big value table, it is judged as big hit (S17: Yes) ), A lottery drawing of the jackpot symbol is executed (S18).
The jackpot symbol lottery is performed using a jackpot symbol lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values and a jackpot symbol table. The jackpot symbol table is configured by associating the count value of the jackpot symbol lottery counter with the jackpot symbol. The main control CPU 52 acquires one count value from the jackpot symbol lottery counter, and reads the jackpot symbol associated with the acquired count value from the jackpot symbol table.

  For example, the jackpot symbol lottery counter counts 0 to 9, and the jackpot symbol table is configured by associating the count values of 0 to 9 with the jackpot symbols 000 and 111 to 999. Then, when the count value acquired from the jackpot symbol lottery counter is 7, for example, the main control CPU 52 reads the jackpot symbol “777” associated with the count value 7 from the jackpot symbol table.

  If it is not a big hit in S17, that is, it is determined that the game has been lost (S17: No), a lottery of lottery symbols is executed (S19). Lost symbol lottery is performed using a loss symbol lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values and a loss symbol table. The lost symbol table is configured by associating the count value of the lost symbol lottery counter with the lost symbol. The main control CPU 52 acquires one count value from the lost symbol lottery counter, and reads the lost symbol associated with the acquired count value from the lost symbol table.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is determined by lottery, the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not it is a normal big hit according to the determined type of big hit symbol (S20 in FIG. 15). For example, if the jackpot symbol determined by lottery is a jackpot symbol representing an even number such as 000 or 222, it is determined that the jackpot symbol is a normal jackpot. Here, if it is determined that it is a normal big hit (S20: Yes), a normal big hit flag indicating that it is determined that it is a normal big hit is turned on (S21).

  If it is determined that it is not a normal big hit (S20: No), it is determined whether or not it is a first positive variation big hit (S22). For example, when the jackpot symbol determined by lottery is 777, it is determined that the first probability variation jackpot. Here, if it is determined that it is the first probability variation big hit (S22: Yes), the first probability variation big hit flag indicating that it is determined that it is the first probability variation big hit is turned on (S23).

  Further, when it is determined that it is not the first probability variation big hit (S22: No), it is judged whether or not it is the second probability variation big hit (S24). For example, if the jackpot symbol determined by the lottery is a jackpot symbol representing an odd number other than 777 such as 333 or 555, it is determined that the jackpot symbol is the second probability variation jackpot. Here, if it is determined that it is the second probability variation big hit (S24: Yes), the second probability variation big hit flag indicating that it is determined that it is the second probability variation big hit is turned on (S25).

  Here, the normal jackpot is a jackpot for operating the first variable winning device 24, and is a jackpot for executing n3 rounds of opening and closing of the first jackpot 24a. Further, the first probability variation jackpot is a jackpot for operating the second variable winning device 25, and is a jackpot for executing n1 rounds of opening and closing of the second jackpot 25a. In addition, the second probability variation jackpot is a jackpot for operating the second variable winning device 25, and is a jackpot for executing n2 (n2 <n1) rounds in which the second prize winning opening 25a is opened and closed. For example, n1 = 16, n2 = 2, and n3 = 15.

In addition, the average value of the total number of winning balls to be paid out by winning in the first big winning opening 24a or the second big winning opening 25a during the big hit game is p1 for the first positive change big hit and p3 for the normal big hit. When the second probability variation big hit is p2, p2 <p3 <p1. Further, if p2 / p1 = r, then 0.125 ≦ r <1.
In other words, the total number p2 of the number of prize balls that the player can obtain at the second probability variation jackpot is not less than 0.125 times (1/8) of the total number of prize balls p1 that can be earned at the first probability variation bonus. It is configured.

  Then, the main control CPU 52 determines the special symbol variation time by lottery (S26). Since the special symbol variation time is equal to the display time of the production content, the determination of the special symbol variation time is also a determination of the display time of the production content. The special symbol variation time lottery is performed using a special symbol variation time lottery counter and a special symbol variation time table. The special symbol variation time lottery counter counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values, for example, 0-19. The special symbol variation time table is stored in the main control ROM 53, and is configured by associating the counter value of the special symbol variation time lottery counter with the special symbol variation time.

  For example, a counter value of 0 to 19 and a plurality of types of special symbol variation times having different times such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds,. Then, the main control CPU 52 acquires one counter value from the special symbol variation time lottery counter at the time of executing S26, and specially changes the special symbol variation time associated with the acquired counter value. Read from the symbol variation time table.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 adds 1 to the special symbol holding number U1 (S27), and as a result of the special symbol holding number U1, jackpot determination, jackpot symbol, lost symbol, jackpot type, special symbol variation time, etc. Data indicating the lottery result is transmitted to the effect control board 70 (S28).

(Display start processing)
Next, the flow of the display start process (S504) executed by the main control CPU 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time is being measured (S40). If it is determined that the special symbol variation time is not being measured (S40: No), the main control CPU 52 refers to the special symbol hold number U1 (S41). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol reservation number U1 is 1 or more (S42). If it is determined that it is 1 or more (S42: Yes), 1 is subtracted from the special symbol reservation number U1 (S43). Then, the display start command for instructing the start of display of the special symbol variation and the effect content and the data indicating the current special symbol reservation number U1 are transmitted to the effect control board 70 (S44). Subsequently, measurement of the special symbol variation time (display time) is started (S45).

  Although not shown, the main control CPU 52 counts the number of times the display start command is transmitted to the effect control board 70, that is, the number of times the effect display device 30 displays the effect contents, and the count value reaches a predetermined value. When you do, turn off the probable jackpot flag. For example, the probability variation big hit flag is turned off when the display count of the production contents reaches 70 times. In other words, the period during which the player can enjoy the profit of certainty is the period until the number of times the effect contents are displayed reaches 70 times.

(Main processing executed by the production control CPU)
Next, the main processing flow executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 executes initial setting when the pachinko machine 1 is activated (S600). In this initial setting, processing such as returning the data stored in the effect control RAM 74 to the initial value or clearing it to 0 is performed. Next, the effect control CPU 72 executes a lower plate full detection process (S601), a data reception process (S602), an effect content selection process (S603), an effect process (S604), and the like.

(Lower plate full detection process)
The flow of the lower plate full detection process (S601) executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 determines whether or not the lower plate full switch 7b (FIG. 6) is turned on (S200), and if it is determined that it is turned on (S200: Yes), the effect symbol variation time is being measured. It is determined whether there is, that is, whether or not the effect display device 30 is displaying the display content (S201). If it is determined that the effect symbol variation time is being measured (S201: Yes), it is determined whether the effect button 80 is turned on (S202). If it is determined that the effect button 80 is not turned on (S202: No). ), Move to next process. That is, if the production button 80 is not turned on even if the lower plate full detection switch 7b is turned on, the prize ball full notification is not performed.

If it is determined in S202 that the effect button 80 is turned on (S202: Yes), an image that prompts ball removal as shown in the message image G3 (FIG. 5) is displayed on the effect display device 30 (S203). If it is determined in S200 that the lower pan full switch 7b is not turned on (S200: No), the image for prompting the ball removal is erased (S204).
As described above, in the lower plate full detection process, even when it is detected that the lower plate 7 is full of prize balls, the full notification is not performed when the effect button 80 is not operated. Thus, control is performed so that the player can preferentially operate the effect button 80.

(Data reception processing)
The flow of the data reception process (S602) executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 determines whether or not data has been received from the main control CPU 52 (S210). If it is determined that the data has been received (S210: Yes), the received data is analyzed (S211). Then, as a result of the analysis, it is determined whether the received data is a display start command or a lottery result indicating a jackpot determination result and a variation time (S212, S213).

  If it is determined that the received data is not a display start command, that is, the received data is a lottery result (S212: No, S213: Yes), the received lottery result is stored in the special symbol holding table 74a (S214). The received lottery result is stored in the special symbol reservation table 74a corresponding to the rank in which the special symbol reservation number U1 occurs. When it is determined in S212 that the command is a display start command (S212: Yes), the process proceeds to the next process.

(Production content selection process)
Next, the flow of effect content selection processing executed by the effect control CPU 72 in S603 (FIG. 16) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 determines whether or not the special symbol holding number U1 is 1 or more (S230), and if it is determined that it is 1 or more (S230: Yes), the count value is calculated from the effect content lottery counter described above. Is acquired (S231), and the fluctuation time stored in the first holding order in the special symbol holding table 74a is referred to (S232). Subsequently, in the effect content table 73b (FIG. 7), the effect content table provided for the display time of the same time as the variation time referenced in S232 is referred to (S233), and the effect content table referred to is referred to. The effect content associated with the acquired count value is selected from among them, and is stored in the first holding order in the special symbol holding table 74a (S234).

  The effect control CPU 72 also determines the variation pattern of the special symbol by lottery in the effect content selection process described above. Further, the output pattern of the sound effect, the type of music, and the lighting pattern of the LED for production arranged in the pachinko machine 1 are determined by lottery.

(Direction processing)
Next, the flow of the effect process (S604) executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 determines whether or not the display time of the effect contents is being measured (S240). If it is determined that the effect content is not being measured (S240: No), the special control holding table 74a is referred to. The effect content stored first in the holding order of the special symbol hold number U1 is read (S241), and the effect display device 30 is caused to start displaying the read effect content (S242). Subsequently, the display time of the production contents is set (S243), and measurement of the display time is started (S244).

  Subsequently, the storage order of each data stored in the special symbol hold table 74a is incremented by one (S245), and the special symbol hold number U1 is updated by subtracting 1 from the special symbol hold number U1 (S246). Then, when executing the effect processing in the next cycle, if it is determined in S240 that the display time is being measured (S240: Yes), it is determined whether or not the measured time is up. (S247) When it is determined that the time is not up (S247: No), it is determined whether or not it is time to notify that the effect content can be changed by pressing the effect button 80 (S251).

  If it is determined that it is time to notify (S251: Yes), the effect button 80 is pressed to notify that the effect content can be changed (S252). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a message image G <b> 1 of “button push” is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 30, and the player is notified to press the effect button 80. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the effect button 80 is turned on within the time limit (S253). If it is determined that the effect button 80 is turned on (S253: Yes), one count value of the button effect lottery counter described above is acquired. The button effect image associated with the acquired count value is read from the button effect image table 73g (FIG. 7) and displayed on the effect display device 30 (S254).

  That is, the effect image that would have been displayed when the effect button 80 was not turned on within the time limit is changed to the button effect image read from the button effect image table 73g. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the characters A and B of the characters are changed to words C1 and D1.

[Effect of the embodiment]
As described above, when the pachinko machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment is implemented, the effect display device starts when the lower plate full switch 7b detects that the prize balls stored in the lower plate 7 are full. It is possible to control so as not to notify the player that the prize ball is full during the period until the effect button 80 operated by the player to change the display content of 30 is operated.
Therefore, even when the player operates the effect button 80, even if the lower plate 7 is full of prize balls, this is not notified. Therefore, the player must operate either the effect button 80 or the ball removal lever 7a. The production button 80 can be operated without wondering whether it is good.

<Other embodiments>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the fact that the effect content can be changed by pressing the effect button 80 is notified by an image on the screen of the effect display device 30, but the sound output device 43 (FIG. 6) is notified by sound. You can also Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which alert | reports by lighting or blinking LED provided in the pachinko machine 1. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which encourages ball removal with an audio | voice or LED.

1 .. Pachinko machine, 4 .... Launching device, 4b ... Launch lever (launching operation member),
5 .. Game board, 7 .. Lower plate (storage member), 7a .. Ball release lever (discharge operation member),
21 .. Start port, 30 .. Production display device (image display device),
80..Direction button (change operation member).

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening and a winning opening provided in the game board;
A launcher that launches a game ball into the game area;
A launch operation member operated by a player to adjust the launch intensity of a game ball by the launch device;
A start port switch that detects a game ball that has been launched by the launch device and won the start port;
A prize opening switch for detecting a game ball launched by the launching device and won in the prize opening;
A payout device for paying out a winning ball when the starting port switch detects a gaming ball winning at the starting port and when the winning port switch detects a gaming ball winning at the winning port;
A storage member for storing a prize ball paid out by the payout device;
A discharge operation member operated by a player to discharge the prize balls stored in the storage member to the outside of the storage member;
Full detection means for detecting that the prize balls stored in the storage member are full;
Full notification means for notifying when the full detection means detects that the prize ball is full;
A jackpot determining means for determining whether the jackpot switch is a big hit or a lost game ball when the starter switch detects a winning game ball in the starter;
When the start opening switch detects a game ball that has won the start opening, display contents selected from a plurality of types of display contents are displayed on the screen, and after a specific time has elapsed since the start of the display. An image display device for displaying an image corresponding to a determination result of the determination unit on a screen;
In a pachinko machine comprising a change operation member operated by a player to change the display content of the image display device,
The full notification so that no notification is given during a period from when the full detection means detects that the prize ball stored in the storage member is full until the change operation member is operated. A pachinko machine comprising control means for controlling the means.

Images