JP2012085722A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for giving a player expectation as usual without carrying out a performance which is difficult for the player to understand when a performance of an accessory game is returned to a fluctuation performance of normal symbols.SOLUTION: In a game machine, sorting operation of game balls is carried out in a movable ball-entering accessory device and a big win occurs when the ball passes through a specific region. If an ending performance is ended in response to the game ball discharged without passing through the specific region as a result of the sorting operation, and if a fluctuation period of time T1 of the normal symbols is determined to include an end time (time t6) of the ending performance, "a remaining fluctuation period of time T2" is calculated. "The remaining fluctuation period of time T2" is used for carrying out a fluctuation display performance corresponding to fluctuation display and stop display of the normal symbols. Therefore, the fluctuation display performance on the basis of "the remaining fluctuation period of time T2" is shown to the player as if a normal fluctuation display performance and the performance is presented to the player without irrelevancy.

Description

  The present invention performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not to activate the accessory device in response to a winning game ball. When the accessory device is activated, the game ball is further distributed in the accessory device. The present invention relates to a gaming machine of a type that determines whether to give a profit to a player according to the result.

  As a prior art related to this type of gaming machine, for example, there is a gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 below. Prior art gaming machines first start the fluctuation of the normal symbol when the game ball passes through the gate in the gaming area, and when the change is decided at the end of the fluctuation, the variable winning ball apparatus is opened and the start prize is won. Allows winning in the mouth. Next, when the game ball wins the starting winning opening, a lottery (lottery without losing) is executed to start the special symbol variation, and if the special symbol variation is determined at the end, Is started to start. In this starting operation state, when a game ball wins a winning combination, and a gaming ball wins a specific winning opening in the winning combination, a V winning is generated. When a V winning occurs, the gaming state shifts to a big hit gaming state, and in this big winning gaming state, the big winning opening is controlled to open and close for a plurality of rounds, but if no V winning occurs, the gaming state shifts to the big hit gaming state. The game ball is discharged from the bonus item without any action (the bonus game ends).

  Further, in the prior art gaming machine, when the big hit game is finished, there is a case where the time saving state is entered. When shifting to the time shortening state, the ratio of selecting the starter moving time (5.0 seconds) at which it is easy to win a start when hitting the normal symbol becomes higher than in the normal state. For this reason, in the time shortening state, the special symbol is frequently changed, and accordingly, the above-mentioned accessory is also started frequently, so that the expectation for the V prize can be increased accordingly.

JP 2009-45120 A

As described above, in the gaming machine of the prior art, it is possible to realize a game characteristic in which the period of transition to the time shortening state is a chance state (advantageous state) for the player.
However, even if it is a time shortening state, it is only a chance state, and if a V prize does not occur in the chance state, the player cannot obtain a privilege. Therefore, in such a gaming machine, the player's primary concern is whether or not a V prize will occur. For this reason, during the role-playing game regarding whether or not a V prize is generated, a dedicated moving image corresponding to the role-playing game may be displayed on the liquid crystal display in order to further enhance the effect. The player enjoys the game while watching the future of the game ball together with the moving picture for the game of the game.

  By the way, it is possible to drive a game ball into the game area even while such an accessory game is being executed, and the game ball that has been driven may pass through the start gate. In addition, the operating memory of the normal symbol may be stored as the game ball passes through the start gate before entering the bonus game. In such a case, the game itself has entered the bonus game, but during the bonus game, the lottery and fluctuation of the regular symbols will continue, apart from the sorting action and bonus effects during the bonus game. Done.

When the bonus game is over (for example, when a V-winning is not obtained as a result of the sorting operation), the liquid crystal display device needs to return from the special display effect of the bonus game to the normal normal symbol variation effect. At this time, as described above, if the game ball may pass through the start gate, the normal symbol continues to change even during the game, so in some cases, the normal symbol at the end of the production of the game May be changing. Then, when returning from the special display effect of the bonus game to the normal normal symbol variation effect, there may occur a situation in which the normal symbol variation effect must be displayed halfway.
Therefore, in the above prior art gaming machine, when the normal symbol fluctuates at the end of the accessory game, there is a case where a special effect display is used to perform a time adjustment effect.

  However, if such a special effect is performed, it is difficult for the player to understand the effect itself, which gives a confusing feeling to the player. Also, since the special performance is different from the normal performance, it is difficult to judge whether the performance is an effect that can be expected and whether it is an effect that can not be expected so much, as a result for the player There was a problem that it was difficult to understand.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to provide a technique that can give a normal expectation without giving a difficult-to-understand effect to the player when returning from the effect game effect to the normal symbol variation effect. It is.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: In other words, the gaming machine according to the present invention is configured such that when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during a game, an operation lottery execution unit that executes an operation lottery and a predetermined lottery execution unit execute the operation lottery. A first symbol display means for stopping and displaying the first symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the operation lottery after the first symbol is variably displayed over a variation time of the first symbol, and the first symbol based on the result of the operation lottery When the operation lottery is performed by the first symbol variation time determining means for determining the variation time and the operation lottery executing means, at least the first symbol variation display by the first symbol display means is at least After the variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the first symbol is executed within the variation time of the first symbol, the variation display effect corresponding to the stop display of the first symbol by the first symbol display means is executed. A variable start winning device that performs an operation that enables a winning to be generated over a predetermined operating time based on a predetermined operating condition when winning is performed in the operating lottery by the operating lottery executing unit; When a winning in the variable start winning device occurs, an internal lottery executing means for executing an internal lottery, and when the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery executing means, the second symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. Second symbol display means for stopping and displaying the second symbol in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery, and at least the second symbol display means at the second symbol display means as a trigger, A movable pitching device that performs an opening / closing operation for changing the winning opening from a closed state to an open state over an open period, and winning a prize at the winning port with the opening / closing operation of the movable pitching device A sorting operation that performs a sorting operation of either discharging the game ball after passing through a specific area provided in the movable ball-entering device or discharging the game ball without passing through the specific area As a result of the distribution operation by the distribution operation means, the distribution effect execution means for executing the distribution effect according to the distribution operation, at least while the distribution operation means is performing the distribution operation It is a case where the distribution effect executed by the distribution effect execution means is completed in response to the game ball being discharged without passing through the specific area, and straddles at the end of the distribution effect. When the variation time of the first symbol is determined by the first symbol variation time determining means, the remaining variation time which is the remaining variation time of the first symbol after the distribution effect is finished is After executing the variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the first pattern using the remaining variation time calculating means to calculate and the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means, the first symbol And a remaining variation time effect executing means for executing a variable display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the first symbol by the display means.

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 the operation lottery of (1) above is executed, the fluctuation corresponding to the fluctuation display and stop display of the first symbol within the fluctuation time of the first symbol at the time of the fluctuation display of the first symbol for each time A display effect is executed.
(5) When winning in the operation lottery of (1) above (ordinary symbol winning), an operation is performed that enables a winning to be generated over a predetermined operating time based on a predetermined operating condition (of the variable start winning device) Operation).

(6) When a winning occurs during the operation (5), an internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed.
(7) When the internal lottery of the above (6) 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.
(8) When the second symbol of (7) above is stopped (or may be a stop display of a specific mode), an opening / closing operation (for example, the top prize winning opening) that changes the winning opening from the closed state to the opened state The operation of the accessory is performed.
(9) If a winning occurs during the operation of (8) above, either the game ball is discharged after passing through the specific area or discharged without passing through the specific area Is done.
(10) During the distribution operation of (9) above, a distribution effect according to the distribution operation is performed.

(11) In the distribution operation of (9) above, when the distribution effect ends in response to the game balls being discharged without passing through the specific area, and at the end of the distribution effect If the variation time of the first symbol is determined, the remaining variation time which is the remaining variation time of the first symbol after the distribution effect is finished is calculated.
(12) Using the remaining variation time calculated in (11) above, a variation display effect corresponding to the variation display and stop display of the first symbol is performed.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, as the flow of the game, while repeating the above (1) to (10) and appropriately performing the sorting operation, the game is provided by giving a bonus to the player by the occurrence of a prize. Can increase the profits of the elderly.
In addition, as described in (11) above, when the distribution effect is ended in response to the game ball being discharged without passing through the specific area, and at the end of the distribution effect, When the variation time of one symbol is determined, the “residual variation time” is calculated. Then, as described in (12) above, using the “remaining fluctuation time”, the fluctuation display effect corresponding to the fluctuation display and stop display of the first symbol is performed. For this reason, the variable display effect corresponding to the normal variable time is not performed, but the variable display effect can be performed based on the remaining variable time shorter than the normal variable time. Therefore, the variation display effect performed based on the remaining variation time can be shown to the player as if it were a normal variation display effect, and an effect that does not give the player a sense of incongruity can be provided. . For this reason, even when the bonus game is over, a normal performance can be performed without using a special performance, so that the player can have the same expectation as the normal performance.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, when a game ball passes through the specific area as a result of the distribution operation by the distribution operation unit, special conditions different from normal (for example, internal lottery and variation of special symbols are not performed, Special game execution means for executing a special game to which the variable winning device is continuously operated), and when the special game executed by the special game execution means is completed, the operation conditions are set to normal contents. By shifting from the normal state set to the specific game state (for example, the “time reduction state”) in which the operation condition is set to be advantageous to the player as compared to the normal state, this specific game state If the operation lottery performed during this period is won, the operation time during which the variable start winning device can perform a winning operation is extended from the normal state. Specific game state transition means to be set and the number of times the first symbol change display and stop display are performed by the first symbol display means during the transition to the specific game state by the specific game state transition means Based on the end determination means for determining whether or not to end the specific gaming state, and the end determination means determined that the specific gaming state should be ended while transitioning to the specific gaming state. In the state, when the winning at the variable start winning device occurs, and when the winning of the game ball to the winning opening occurs with the opening / closing operation of the movable pitching device, at least as a result of the sorting operation by the sorting operation means A normal state return means for returning from the specific game state to the normal state triggered by the game ball being discharged without passing through the specific area; The remaining fluctuation time calculating means responds to the fact that the game balls are discharged without passing through the specific area as a result of the sorting operation by the sorting action means in a normal state where the operation conditions are set to normal contents. The remaining variation time is calculated when the normal state is maintained or when the normal state returning means returns to the normal state from the specific gaming state.

If it is said aspect, the following structures are further added in the gaming machine of the present invention.
(13) When the game ball passes through the specific area as a result of the sorting operation of (9) above, a special game is performed.
(14) When the special game of (13) is completed, the operation time of (5) is set longer than the normal state by shifting from the normal state to the specific game state.
(15) When the game state is shifted to the specific game state according to the above (14), it is determined whether or not the specific game state should be ended based on the number of times of the variable display and stop display of the first symbol.
(16) When it is determined in (15) that the specific game state should be terminated, the game ball is returned from the specific game state to the normal state when triggered by the game ball being discharged without passing through the specific area. .
Then, when the normal state is maintained or when the specific gaming state is returned to the normal state by the above (16), the “residual variation time” is calculated.

  With this configuration, the operating condition is made advantageous by shifting to a specific gaming state (for example, “time reduction state”), thereby facilitating the occurrence of winning in the variable start winning device compared to the normal state. The For this reason, while moving to the specific game state, it is easy for a winning to the movable pitching device to occur, and as a result, an opportunity for performing a sorting operation in the movable pitching device is given more frequently than in the normal state. It is done. When the game ball passes through the specific area by the sorting operation, a profit (for example, a prize ball as a prize bonus) is given to the player as the special game is executed. This is a period of high expectations for the player.

  However, if it is determined to be “finished” based on the number of symbol fluctuations (the number of fluctuation display and stop display) performed during the specific gaming state, the specific gaming state ends and the normal state is restored. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the player, the game is executed in such a manner that the passage of the specific area is generated through as many sorting operations as possible until the specific game state is finished, thereby obtaining as many special game opportunities as possible. The game is realized by the gaming machine of the present invention on the premise of having such a goal.

  In view of the above gaming characteristics, until the specific gaming state is determined to be finished, the player is given an opportunity for the sorting operation to be legitimately, while the distribution operation given by proceeding with the game is performed. If all the opportunities are missed, the player can no longer be given an opportunity for the sorting operation, and the game state returns to the normal state. At this time, the first symbol may continue to be displayed in a variable manner, and it is necessary to switch the effect itself from the effect game effect to the first symbol effect. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the remaining variation time is calculated even after the return from the specific gaming state to the normal state, and the first design normal effect based on the remaining variation time is performed. As a result, even if a gaming machine has a normal state and a specific gaming state and has improved game playability, the expectation when the effect is switched can be maintained in the same way as normal, and the player's expectation Suppressing the loss of feeling.

  Solving means 3: The solving means 1 or 2 further includes a fluctuating effect pattern defining means for defining a plurality of fluctuating effect patterns prepared in advance for the fluctuating display effect of the first symbol by the first symbol effect executing means. The remaining variation time effect execution means selects a variation effect pattern having a variation time closest to the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means from the variation effect pattern defining means, and executes a variation display effect. It is characterized by doing.

The solving means further includes a variation effect pattern defining means (for example, a variation effect pattern table) for defining a plurality of variation effect patterns prepared in advance for the first symbol variation display effect. Then, the remaining variation time effect executing means selects the variation effect pattern having the variation time closest to the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means, and executes the variation display effect.
By adopting such a configuration, the effect of the first symbol performed based on the “remaining variation time” is to perform by selecting an optimal variation pattern (with no sense of incongruity) from normal variation effect patterns. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a special performance pattern in advance, and the image capacity can be reduced accordingly. In addition, with respect to the reduction in the image capacity or the like, an image or the like of a new effect pattern can be added, and variations of the effect at the normal time can be increased. In addition, the effect of the first symbol performed based on the “remaining variation time” is performed by selecting an effect from the normal variation effect patterns, so that an effect pattern familiar to the player is executed. By doing so, you can watch the performance with the usual expectations.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 3, the remaining variation time effect executing means is a variation effect pattern having a variation time closest to the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation unit, wherein the remaining variation time A variation effect pattern having a smaller variation time is selected from the variation effect pattern defining means, and the variation display effect is executed.

  In this case, the remaining variation time effect execution means does not simply select the variation effect pattern having the variation time closest to the remaining variation time, but the variation closest to the remaining variation time and less than the remaining variation time. A variation effect pattern having time is selected. In this regard, simply selecting a variation effect pattern having a variation time closest to the remaining variation time may possibly select a variation effect pattern having a variation time longer than the remaining variation time. There is a problem that the variation effect time of the first symbol becomes longer than the remaining variation time and the effect is interrupted. On the other hand, in the present solution, by selecting a variation effect pattern having a variation time less than the remaining variation time, such a problem occurs with a margin for the variation effect time of the first symbol. This is suppressed.

  Solution 5: If the variation time of the variation effect pattern selected by the remaining variation time effect execution unit is shorter than the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation unit in the solution unit 3 or 4, if the variation time is shorter An auxiliary effect executing means for executing an auxiliary effect to make up for time is further provided.

  For example, there is no particular problem if a variation effect pattern having a variation time that substantially matches the remaining variation time is defined in the variation effect pattern defining means (for example, a variation effect pattern table), but has a variation time that does not match the remaining variation time. A variation effect pattern may be selected. In this case, although depending on the variation amount (data amount) of the variation effect pattern defining means, there is a certain limit to the variation of the effect. Rather, a variation effect pattern having a variation time that does not match the remaining variation time is selected. Often. For this reason, in this solution means, by performing an auxiliary effect (for example, an effect in which the symbol that is stopped and displayed is not completely stopped and displayed), the time that does not match is compensated for, so that there is no sense of incongruity. And a smooth production can be realized.

  Solving means 6: In the solving means 1 to 5, when the remaining fluctuation time effect executing means is smaller than a predetermined value, the remaining fluctuation time calculating means calculates the remaining fluctuation time effect by the remaining fluctuation time calculation means. Regardless of the calculated remaining fluctuation time, a fixed effect fixed to a predetermined effect is executed.

  According to this solving means, when the remaining fluctuation time is smaller than a predetermined value, for example, when the remaining fluctuation time is extremely short, a fixed effect fixed to the predetermined effect can be executed. If the remaining fluctuation time is extremely short, there is almost no time for production, and even if lottery of fluctuation pattern or lottery of notice effect is done from there, there is still time to stop display after all. In many cases, in such a case, the processing is wasted even if the variable effect is selected. Therefore, in such a case, a fixed effect fixed to a predetermined effect (for example, an effect that the symbols are aligned from the beginning if it is a win, or a stop effect is displayed from the beginning if it is off) is performed. As a result, waste of processing can be reduced.

  Solving means 7: In the solving means 2 to 6, when a winning in the variable start winning device occurs, a lottery element acquiring means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for the internal lottery and the lottery element acquiring means acquired by the lottery element acquiring means The lottery element storage means for storing the lottery elements in the order of acquisition, and when the number of lottery elements stored by the lottery element storage means reaches a predetermined upper limit number, A lottery element acquisition restricting means for restricting acquisition, wherein the internal lottery executing means is stored in the lottery element storage means after being returned from the specific gaming state to the normal state by the normal state returning means. The lottery elements are consumed in the order of acquisition, the internal lottery is executed, and the remaining variation time calculation means is configured to store all the lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage means. The remaining fluctuation time is calculated after being spent, and the remaining fluctuation time effect executing means is based on the remaining fluctuation time calculated after all the lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage means are consumed. A variable display effect is executed.

If it is said structure, the following game play will be added in this invention.
(13) Since the operating condition of the variable start winning device is more advantageous than the normal state when the game state is shifted to the specific gaming state, the point that the winning is likely to occur is the same as the solution means 2 described above.
(14) In the solution means 2, when a winning is generated in the variable start winning device, the internal lottery is basically performed only once, whereby the movable ball entering device is opened and closed only once. If it is the structure of a means, the memory | storage of a lottery element can be stored to an upper limit number.
(15) For this reason, even if the passing through the specific area does not occur in one sort operation, the lottery elements stored up to the upper limit number are consumed and the second and subsequent internal lotteries are executed. It is possible to generate a prize for the movable pitching device.
(16) As a result, during the transition to the specific gaming state, not only the number of symbol fluctuations until it is determined to end, but in addition to this, the distribution operation is performed up to the maximum number that can store lottery elements. You can get an opportunity.

Even in the above game playability, for example, when the number of lottery elements stored reaches the upper limit during the transition to the specific gaming state, acquisition of further lottery elements (and storage thereof) is limited. Even if the lottery elements stored up to the upper limit number are consumed after the specific gaming state is finished, there is no problem in view of the above gaming properties.
Further, even after the specific gaming state is ended, the game property of (16) can be realized by consuming the lottery elements stored so far and executing the internal lottery. As a result, even after the specific gaming state is finished and the normal state is restored, the maximum number of symbols can be changed to generate as many opportunities as possible for the sorting operation.
After the stored lottery elements are consumed without any problem, it is necessary to return from the effect game effect to the first symbol variation effect. Even in such a case, the remaining variation time is calculated. By performing the first effect of the first symbol based on the remaining fluctuation time, the effect switching process can be performed without a sense of incongruity in the same manner as the above-described solution means.

  As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention calculates the remaining variation time when the bonus game ends, and performs the usual variation display effect based on the remaining variation time. Without expecting to make a difficult-to-understand performance, you can give a normal expectation.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is the figure which expanded and showed the game area | region. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a game flow figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine as an example. It is a game flow figure which shows schematically the flow of the game performed when a game ball flows in into a movable pitching apparatus. 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 a power-off occurrence check process concretely. 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 special symbol action check process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol action check process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a normal game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol change start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable start prize-winning apparatus management process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation condition setting table classified by symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special game management process. It is the figure which showed as a list the progress of the special game corresponding to the value of a special game management status. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an accessory apparatus initial release process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an accessory apparatus closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an accessory apparatus operation | movement completion process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a variable winning apparatus operation | movement start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a variable winning apparatus open | release process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a variable winning apparatus closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of variable winning apparatus operation | movement completion processing. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of the display output management process performed in an interruption management process. It is the timing chart which showed the temporal change of various states accompanying progress of a special symbol game (the 1st example). It is a timing chart which showed temporal change of various states accompanying progress of a special symbol game (second example). It is a timing chart which showed temporal change of various states accompanying progress of a special symbol game (third example). It is a timing chart which showed temporal change of various states accompanying progress of a special symbol game (fourth example). It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the production example using the image performed during a normal game. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the production example using the image performed during a normal game. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the example of an effect using the image performed at the time of hit change in a normal game. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the example of the production using the image performed at the time of hit change in a normal game. It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the effect at the time of special symbol winning accompanying the change display of a special symbol. It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the production | presentation performed during the distribution operation | movement in a movable entrance ball apparatus. It is a continuation figure showing partially an example of the production performed during the big hit game after passing through the specific area. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of distribution operation production performed when it shifts to "time shortening state." It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the distribution operation effect performed when it shifts to a "time shortening state." It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the production | presentation in distribution operation | movement, and a shortening variation display production (1/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the production | presentation in distribution operation | movement, and the shortening variation display production (2/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the production | presentation in distribution operation | movement, and a shortening variation display production (3/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the production | presentation in distribution operation | movement, and the shortening variation display production (1/2). It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the production | presentation in distribution operation | movement, and the shortening variation display production (2/2). It is a figure explaining the example of a production | presentation of the shortening variation display effect in case the variation time of a normal symbol is short. It is a figure explaining the example of a production | presentation of the shortening variation display effect in case the variation time of a normal symbol is short. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect control process performed by effect control CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process during effect design change. It is a figure which shows an example of the conversion table for calculating a MODE value -EVENT value from remaining fluctuation time. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of the aftereffect management process of a normal symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a start gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, a variable start winning device 26, a variable winning device 30 and the like are installed. A relatively large movable ball accessory device 28 (movable ball player) is installed from the center to the upper right part of the game area 8a. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, win a prize (enter a ball) into the normal winning holes 22, 24, or operate (when opened) ) In the variable start prize-winning device 26, or in the same way (when opened), the prize is awarded to the movable winning ball accessory device 28. The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls pass through the through holes formed in the game board (the plywood material constituting the game board 8) to the back side of the game board 8. To be recovered.

  A front opening type normal winning opening 25 is provided immediately below the starting gate 20, and a ball receiving member 25 a is installed at the lower end position of the normal winning opening 25. The game ball that has passed through the start gate 20 does not win at that stage, but may randomly win the normal winning slot 25 by changing the flow direction by the ball receiving member 25a. In addition, the game balls that have flowed (winned) into the movable ball accessory device 28 are further discharged through a process of flow, rolling, holding, etc., inside the game balls 8, and are discharged to the back of the game board 8. To be recovered. Note that the operation of distributing game balls in the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 will be further described later with reference to another enlarged view.

  The variable start winning device 26 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, a winning can be made at the start winning port 26a ( Ordinary electric accessory). The start winning opening 26a is a front opening type that is open to the board surface, and the start winning apparatus 26 has, for example, a tongue piece (velo type) movable piece (not shown). The movable piece reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a normal electric accessory solenoid (not shown). That is, while the movable piece is in a position retracted from the board surface (closed position), it is impossible to win the start winning opening 26a (a state where the game ball simply passes through the front face of the starting winning opening 26a). When it moves to the position (open position) that protrudes to the near side from the board surface, it receives the game ball flowing down from above the start winning opening 26a and guides the inflow to the starting winning opening 26a. During this time, the variable start winning device 26 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a winning at the start winning port 26a.

  The movable ball accessory device 28 operates when a specific condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and allows the inflow of game balls. In other words, the movable ball accessory device 28 has a movable piece 28a (a so-called blade member) provided at an upper position of the game area 8a, and this movable piece 28a uses, for example, an upper prize winning solenoid (not shown). Due to the function of the link mechanism, it reciprocates by a predetermined angle along the board surface. As shown in the figure, the movable piece 28a is in a state of being substantially upright, and the upper prize winning opening 28b is closed, so that the inflow of the game ball to the movable ball accessory device 28 is always impossible. When the movable ball accessory device 28 is actuated, the movable piece 28a is displaced so as to fall to the left in the game area 8a with the base end portion as the center, and the upper big prize opening 28b is opened to move the movable ball. It is possible to win a prize to the accessory device 28 (inflow of game balls to the upper prize winning opening 28b). Since the movable piece 28a and the upper prize winning opening 28b are close to the upper position in the game area 8a, in particular, near the position where the game ball is first driven, the movable piece 28a is driven into the game area 8a. The game ball thus guided is easily guided by the obstacle nail at the upper position and easily reaches the movable piece 28a, and is guided to the movable piece 28a as it is, so that it is easy to win a prize (flow into the upper prize winning opening 28b).

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a game ball passes through a specific area provided in the movable winning ball accessory device 28), and the lower prize winning opening (see It is possible to win a prize (no special sign). The specific area in the movable ball accessory device 28 will be further described later. Alternatively, the variable winning device 30 may be activated when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner. The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a lower large winning port solenoid (not shown), for example. . As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, it is always impossible to win the lower big prize opening (the lower big prize opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge portion as a hinge, thereby opening the lower large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where the inflow of the game ball is not impossible, and can generate a special event of winning a prize at the lower prize winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of game balls to the lower prize winning opening.

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

  The game board 8 includes, for example, a special symbol display device 34 and a special symbol operation memory lamp 34a in a lower right position in the window 4a, a normal symbol display device 33, a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, and status display lamps 36 and 37. , 38, 39, etc. are provided. Among these, the special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, two (two digits) 7-segment LEDs (with dots) (second symbol display means). The normal symbol display device 33 is composed of, for example, two lamps (LEDs), one of which corresponds to the winning symbol and the other corresponds to the non-winning symbol (first symbol display means). Then, the normal symbol display device 33 turns on these two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the fluctuation state of the normal symbol, and at the time of the stop display, either lamp is selected according to the result of the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol. (LED) is turned on.

  Moreover, the special symbol operation | movement memory lamp 34a displays the memory number of 0-4 pieces, for example with the combination of light extinction of two lamps (LED) or lighting and blinking. Similarly, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a also displays 0 to 4 memory numbers, for example, depending on the combination of extinguishing or 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.

  The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a stores, for example, that when the game ball passes through the start gate 20 during normal symbol fluctuation display (including the fixed stop display time) by the normal symbol display device 33, the passage has occurred. The display increases one by one, and after the change stops, the display decreases by one each time the next change of the normal symbol is started. The special symbol operation memory lamp 34a memorizes that a winning occurs when a game ball wins the variable start winning device 26 while the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol (including the fixed stop display time). In this sense, the display increases one by one, and after the change stops, the display decreases by one each time the change of the special symbol is started next. Thus, the display number (maximum 4) of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages through the start gate 20 at which the normal symbol variation has not yet started. The number of displays (maximum 4) of the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a represents the number of winnings to the variable start winning device 26 at which the change of the special symbol has not yet started.

  The status display lamps 36 to 39 are each configured by an LED. In the present embodiment, the transition of the internal state relating to the game can be displayed by turning on or off these four state display lamps 36 to 39. The internal state to be displayed is, for example, either the operating state (short time ON) or the non-operating state (short time OFF) of the variable time shortening function. Here, the transition of one internal state is displayed using the four state display lamps 36 to 39. However, for example, the two state display lamps 36 and 37 may have different display functions. For example, regarding the status display lamp 36, the status display lamp 36 may be turned on when the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 can be opened, and may be turned off when the operation of the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 is completed. . Further, the status display lamp 37 is a jackpot display lamp, and this jackpot display lamp (status display lamp 37) is turned on when the variable winning device 30 is openable, and is turned off when the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished. It is good as well.

  In this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the status display lamps 36, 37, 38, and 39 are integrated and displayed. The game board 8 is mounted on a board (not shown).

[Other configuration of game board]
The movable entrance ball apparatus 28 is provided with a decoration unit 40 from the upper part to the right edge. The decorative unit 40 includes various decorative parts 40a, 40b, and 40c. These decorative parts 40a, 40b, and 40c improve the decorativeness of the game board 8 by three-dimensional modeling, and include, for example, a built-in light emitting device ( By producing the transmitted light from the LED or the like, a stunning operation can be performed.

  In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed in the inner area of the movable ball accessory device 28. The liquid crystal display 42 has various effect images including effect symbols corresponding to ordinary symbols. Is displayed. 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 decoration unit 40.

  In the game area 8a, a ball guide passage 40d is formed along the left side edge of the movable ball accessory device 28, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. A warp inlet 40f is provided at the upper end of the ball guide passage 40d, and the warp inlet 40f opens 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 passage 40d through the warp inlet 40f, the game ball passes through the inside of the ball guide passage 40d and is discharged onto the rolling stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40g is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40g easily passes through the start gate 20 directly below the ball. However, whether or not the game ball passes through the start gate 20 as it is is random, and it may collide with other game balls that have accidentally approached or be hit by obstacle obstacles in the vicinity, thereby releasing the ball discharge path. The game ball flowing down from 40 g may not pass through the start gate 20.

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

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

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 41 is installed at a position in front of the upper tray 6b. The player operates the effect switching button 41 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 effects (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, etc.).

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a composite sub-control board unit 171, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set. 174, a payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, and the like are installed. Among these, the main control board unit 170 and the composite sub control board unit 171 are installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the composite sub control board unit 171 is covered with the back cover unit 178 when viewed from the back side.

  In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, external terminal plates 160 and 161, power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 4).

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

[Internal configuration of the movable pitching device]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the game area 8a. Here, in particular, the internal configuration of the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 and the game ball distributing operation will be described.

  An introductory passage 28c is formed in the movable ball accessory device 28 with the upper prize winning opening 28b as an open end. The introduction passage 28c extends from the upper large winning opening 28b while curving in the movable right-handed ball accessory device 28 in the diagonally lower right direction. All of the game balls that have flowed in through the upper prize winning opening 28b when the movable ball accessory device 28 is operated are guided into the movable ball accessory device 28 through the introduction passage 28c. In the middle of the introduction passage 28c (upstream position closest to the upper prize winning opening 28b), an upper prize winning switch 200 is provided, and the game ball that has flowed into the movable ball winning accessory 28 is here. Detected by mouth switch 200.

  In addition, two route sorting bodies 44 and 45 are arranged in the movable entrance ball apparatus 28 following the introduction passage 28c. These route distribution bodies 44 and 45 have, for example, a form imitating the wheels of a vehicle (vehicle), and when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (other than during a power failure such as turning off the power), it is unidirectional along the board surface. (For example, counterclockwise or clockwise). Among these, in the route sorting body 44 positioned upstream in the direction of the game ball guided by the introduction passage 28c, three normal sorting holes 44a and one chance hole 44b are formed on the peripheral edge thereof. On the other hand, the route distribution body 45 located on the downstream side is formed with two normal distribution holes 45a and one special distribution hole 45b at the peripheral edge thereof.

  The game ball that has flowed into the movable ball accessory device 28 is first guided to the upstream route distribution body 44 through the introduction passage 28c, where route distribution is performed. A guide route 28d for a normal route and a guide route 28e for a special route are provided at an upper position in the movable ball accessory device 28. A game ball is provided by two route sorting bodies 44 and 45. The rolling destination is largely distributed to one of the guide passages 28d and 28e.

[First route distribution operation]
Specifically, first, when the game ball reaches the upstream route distribution body 44, the game ball enters one of the three normal distribution holes 44a or chance holes 44b. At this time, when the game ball enters one of the three normal distribution holes 44a, distribution to the normal route is determined at that time. That is, a flow-down passage 44 c is formed at the back of the route distribution body 44 inside the movable ball accessory device 28, and a game ball that has entered one of the normal distribution holes 44 a is stored in the route distribution body 44. With the rotation, it is discharged into the downflow passage 44c. The flow-down passage 44c internally communicates with the guide passage 28d, and the game balls released into the flow-down passage 44c are discharged from there into the guide route 28d for the normal route.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the chance hole 44b, the distribution destination is not yet determined at that time, and is subsequently handed over to the downstream route distribution body 45. In the movable entrance ball apparatus 28, a communication passage 28f is provided between the two route sorting bodies 44 and 45, and the game balls handed over to the downstream route sorting body 45 are route sorting. As the body 44 rotates, it is discharged from the chance hole 44b into the communication passage 28f and reaches the route distribution body 45 on the downstream side.

[Second route distribution operation]
Next, when the game ball reaches the route distribution body 45 on the downstream side, the game ball enters one of the two normal distribution holes 45a or one special distribution hole 45b. At this time, when the game ball enters one of the two normal distribution holes 45a, distribution to the normal route is determined at that time. A flow-down passage 45c is also formed in the interior of the movable ball accessory device 28 at the back of the route distribution body 45, and a game ball that has entered one of the normal distribution holes 45a is stored in the route distribution body 45. As it rotates, it is discharged into the downflow passage 45c. The flow-down passage 45c also communicates with the guide passage 28d inside, and the game balls released into the flow-down passage 45c are discharged from there to the guide route 28d for the normal route.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the special distribution hole 45b, distribution to the special route is determined at that time. In this case, the game ball is discharged from the special distribution hole 45b into the special route guide passage 28e as the route distribution body 45 rotates.

[Normal route]
First, the configuration of the normal route will be described. In the movable ball accessory device 28, a flow-down passage 28g is disposed along the left edge portion thereof. The lower flow passage 28g has a lower end bent obliquely leftward and downward along the lower edge portion of the movable ball accessory device 28, and its end is opened to the lower left as it is. A normal route switch 202 and a first stopper 190 (holding device) are provided in the middle of the flow-down passage 28g. The game balls distributed to the normal route are detected by the normal route switch 202 in the process of flowing down the downflow passage 28g. In response to this, for example, a normal pattern effect when the game ball is distributed to the normal route is executed on the liquid crystal display 42 or the like.

  The first stopper 190 can be reciprocated by a first stopper solenoid (not shown), and in accordance with this reciprocation, the first stopper 190 moves to a holding position where the flow passage 28g is dammed and a retreat position where the flow passage 28g is circulated. When the first stopper 190 moves to the holding position, the game ball flowing down the downflow passage 28g is once blocked and temporarily held down. When the first stopper 190 moves to the retracted position in this state, the game balls that have been held until then flow down again. When two or more game balls are flowing down in the downflow passage 28g, the first stopper 190 holds only the first game ball, and the second and subsequent game balls are moved to the movable entrance ball accessory device. 28 is discharged (the discharge route is not shown).

  A sorting stage 28h is formed at the lower edge of the movable ball accessory device 28, and the game balls released from the open end of the flow-down passage 28g are released onto the sorting stage 28h. For example, the sorting stage 28h is slightly inclined downward toward the front side (the player side facing the pachinko machine 1), and the upper surface has a certain depth and width.

[Distributing operation means]
More specifically, a first rotating body 440 is provided in the sorting stage 28h. The first rotating body 440 has, for example, a disk shape (or a shade shape) as a whole, and when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (other than during a power failure such as power-off), the first rotating body 440 is unidirectional along the upper surface of the sorting stage 28h ( For example, it rotates clockwise in top view.

  Further, the first rotating body 440 has six out distribution holes 440a (all not shown), one V winning hole 440b, and one reverse route distribution part (not shown) formed in the peripheral portion thereof. Has been. Among these, the V winning hole 440b and the reverse route distribution portion are formed at positions (on the diagonal line in the polygon) that are symmetric with respect to the rotation center of the first rotating body 440. Accordingly, the reverse route distribution portion is located just behind the V winning hole 440b as viewed in FIG. The other six out distribution holes 440a are arranged at regular intervals of three each between the V winning hole 440b and the reverse route distribution part when viewed in the circumferential direction.

  Furthermore, the distribution stage 28h is formed with a circular recess (not shown), and the recess accommodates the first rotating body 440 so as to be depressed one step lower than its surroundings. A sorting guide path (not shown) is formed on the left side of the depression portion of the sorting stage 28h from the open end of the flow-down passage 28g to the depression portion. As described above, the game ball released from the flow-down passage 28g rolls on the distribution guide path to reach the recessed portion, and any of the out distribution hole 440a, the V winning hole 440b, or the reverse route distribution unit described above. Get in. In this state, the game ball is transferred in the rotation direction as the first rotating body 440 rotates.

  Although not particularly illustrated, a V winning path is formed as a specific area in the distribution stage 28h (below the hollow portion), and the first rotating body 440 is a drop opening to the V winning path along with the rotation. The V winning hole 440b is passed through in the rotational direction at a position directly above. For this reason, the game ball that has entered the V winning hole 440b passes through the V winning path along with the rotation of the first rotating body 440 and is then discharged from the movable winning ball accessory device 28. In addition, a specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the V winning path, and a game ball passing through the V winning path is detected by the specific area switch.

  In addition to the V prize winning passage, an out passage is formed in the distribution stage 28h (below the hollow portion), and the first rotating body 440 is rotated directly above the drop opening to the out passage. Each out-distribution hole 440a is passed in the rotation direction at the position. For this reason, the game balls that have entered the above-mentioned out-distribution hole 440a are discharged from the movable ball-entry accessory device 28 through the out path without passing through the V winning path. The distribution destination of game balls that have entered the reverse route distribution unit will be described later.

[Special route]
Next, the configuration of the special route will be described. A special route switch 204 is provided in the middle of the guide passage 28e, and the game balls distributed to the special route are detected by the special route switch 204 in the process of flowing down the guide passage 28e. In response to this, for example, a special pattern effect when a game ball is distributed to a special route is executed on the liquid crystal display 42 or the like. In this case, it is preferable that the content of the effect is a content with a higher expectation than the normal pattern effect (for example, content that is flashy in appearance). A second stopper 192 (holding device) is provided at the lower end position of the guide passage 28e.

  The second stopper 192 can be reciprocated by a second stopper solenoid (not shown). In accordance with this reciprocation, the second stopper 192 moves to a holding position for closing the lower end of the guide passage 28e and an open position for opening the lower end of the guide passage 28e. . When the second stopper 192 moves to the holding position, the game ball is temporarily held at the lower end of the guide passage 28e. When the second stopper 192 moves to the open position in this state, the game ball held until then is released from the lower end of the guide passage 28e.

  In the movable ball accessory device 28, a ball derivative 28k is provided below the guide passage 28e. The ball derivative 28k has a form imitating a container such as a wine glass, for example, and the game balls released (falling) from the lower end of the guide passage 28e are randomly rolled inside the ball derivative 28k. Move. Further, a flow-down passage 28m is formed in the back of the ball derivative 28k, and the game ball that has fallen into the ball derivative 28k eventually flows into the flow-down passage 28m.

[Change in inflow timing]
At this time, the entire spherical derivative 28k can reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface. When the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (except during a power failure such as power-off), for example, a motor and a reciprocating slider mechanism (not shown) are used. Due to the action, the spherical derivative 28k repeatedly moves left and right with a constant period and amplitude. An opening 28p is formed inside the sphere derivative 28k. When the sphere derivative 28k moves in one of the left and right directions from the state shown in FIG. 3, the opening 28p moves together and falls into the downflow passage 28m. It deviates from the mouth (the downflow passage 28m does not move). In this state, the game ball cannot flow into the flow-down passage 28m from the opening 28p, and during that time, the game ball is held inside the ball derivative 28k. As the ball derivative 28k reciprocates, the next time the timing at which the opening 28p and the drop opening coincide is reached, the game ball flows into the flow-down passage 28m from the opening 28p. Thereby, the inflow timing of the game ball released from the hold of the second stopper 192 into the flow-down passage 28m changes variously.

  The flow-down passage 28m extends downward in the movable ball accessory device 28, and its lower end is opened on the game board surface. A guide passage 28n is provided below the open end of the flow-down passage 28m, and the guide passage 28n has a downward slope in the right direction. When the game ball that has flowed into the flow-down passage 28m is released from its lower end opening, it is received by the guide passage 28n and rolls to the right along its downward slope.

[Distributing operation means]
Further, a second rotating body 442 is provided in the movable ball accessory device 28. The second rotator 442 is positioned adjacent to the lower end of the guide passage 28n, and the game balls rolling on the guide passage 28n are finally distributed by the second rotator 442.

  The second rotating body 442 also has a form imitating, for example, a vehicle wheel, and rotates in one direction (for example, counterclockwise) along the board surface when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on. Further, the second rotating body 442 is formed with two out distribution holes 442a and one V winning hole 442b at the peripheral edge thereof.

  The game ball released from the guide passage 28n enters either the out distribution hole 442a or the V winning hole 442b according to the rotation angle (rotation position) of the second rotating body 442 at that time. Although not particularly shown here, a V winning path is formed as a specific area inside the second rotating body 442, and the game ball that has entered the V winning hole 442b passes through the V winning path. After that, it is discharged from the movable ball accessory device 28. In addition, a specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the V winning path, and a game ball passing through the V winning path is detected by the specific area switch. In addition, the game balls that have entered the out-distribution hole 442a are discharged from the movable ball-entry accessory device 28 without passing through the V winning path.

  As described above, the game ball distribution operation in the movable pitching equipment 28 is performed by (1) distributing the normal route or the special route by the route distribution bodies 44 and 45, and (2) the normal route. Is distributed by the first rotator 440, and (3) is distributed by the second rotator 442 when distributed to the special route. At this time, in the distribution by the first rotating body 440 in (2), it passes through the specific area in 1/8, but in the distribution by the second rotating body 442 in (3), it is specified with a relatively high probability of 1/3. Will pass through the area.

  For this reason, when a game ball flows into the movable ball accessory device 28, the player first attracts the player's interest regarding “whether it is distributed to the normal route or the special route”, and then “specifies each route. It is possible to further attract the player's interest as to whether or not the game ball passes through the area. In particular, when the route is assigned to a special route, the probability of passing through a specific area becomes as high as one third, so that the player's interest and expectation can be increased at once.

[Distribution by reverse pattern]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the game ball released onto the sorting stage 28h may not enter either the out-sorting hole 440a or the V winning hole 440b, but may enter the reverse route sorting unit. In this case, the game ball does not fall from the distribution stage 28h to either the V winning path or the out path, and is given an opportunity to receive the above-described distribution operation by the second rotating body 442.

  Specifically, a reverse route guiding path (not shown) inclined downward in the right direction is formed in the right side area of the first rotating body 440 in the sorting stage 28h. The game ball that has entered the reverse route distribution unit is released to the reverse route guide path in the right region of the distribution stage 28h as the first rotating body 440 rotates. The game ball rolls to the right along the downward slope of the reverse route guiding path. A third stopper 194 is provided at the right end position of the sorting stage 28 h in the movable ball accessory device 28, and the game ball that rolls rightward through the reverse route guide path is at the third stopper 194. It is accepted.

  The third stopper 194 can be reciprocated in the vertical direction by an elevating mechanism using a third stopper motor (not shown) that may be a solenoid as well as the first and second stoppers. The third stopper 194 can be moved to a holding position for receiving the game ball and a release position for releasing the game ball to the guide passage 28n in accordance with the reciprocation. The third stopper 194 holds the game ball that has rolled from the reverse route guiding path in the state of the holding position. In this state, when the third stopper 194 rises to the release position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the game ball held until then rolls to the right and is released to the guide passage 28n. Also, a proximity-type reverse rotation detection switch 205 is installed in the vicinity (downward here) of the third stopper 194. When a game ball is received by the third stopper 194, the presence of the game ball is detected as the reverse rotation detection switch 205. Is detected.

  As a result, the game balls once allocated to the normal route (V winning probability 1/8) are also received by the third stopper 194 from the reverse route distribution portion of the first rotating body 440 via the reverse route guide path. If there is a possibility, the possibility of being given the same chance as the case where the special route is reversed in reverse (the distribution of the V winning probability by one third by the second rotating body 442) is left. Will be. Thereby, a player's interest is maintained to the last about a normal route, and the fall of interest can be suppressed.

  In addition, although the case where a game ball enters into the reverse rotation route distribution part of the 1st rotary body 440 is mentioned as an example here as a case where it stores in the 3rd stopper 194, such a reverse rotation route distribution part is provided. Even if not, for example, when the game ball does not enter either the V winning hole 440b or the out distribution hole 440a, the game ball rolls to the right region of the distribution stage 28h and is stored in the third stopper 194. Good.

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

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

  The main controller 70 is 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 hit determination, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver (I / O) 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is provided with a start gate switch 80 for detecting the passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board 8 is provided with a specific area switch 82 corresponding to the above-described movable ball accessory device 28. The specific area switches 82 are arranged at two locations corresponding to the first rotating body 440 and the second rotating body 442, respectively. Further, the game board 8 is provided with a special drawing start winning port switch 78 corresponding to the variable start winning device 26. In addition to these, the above-described upper prize winning port switch 200 and the discharge detection switch 206 are provided in the movable pitching accessory device 28. The discharge detection switch 206 detects a game ball discharged from the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 and outputs a detection signal thereof. These detection signals are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Further, the discharge detection switch 206 may be arranged at two locations corresponding to the first rotating body 440 and the second rotating body 442, respectively.

  In addition to this, the game board 8 is provided with a count switch 208 and a prize opening switch 210. Of these, the count switch 208 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (the lower large winning opening) and counting the number. The winning opening switch 210 detects a winning of a game ball in the normal winning openings 22, 24, 25. The winning detection signals of these switches 208 and 210 are also transmitted to the main control device 70 and input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Note that due to the configuration of the game board 8, in the present embodiment, detection signals from the start gate switch 80 and the specific area switch 82 are transmitted to the main controller 70 without any particular relay, and the other detection signals are relayed to the panel. The signal is transmitted to the main controller 70 via the terminal board 87. The panel relay terminal plate 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, and the like for relaying the respective detection signals.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with the above-described ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212, upper large prize opening solenoid 214, and lower large prize opening solenoid 216. A drive signal is input to the solenoids 212 to 216 via the panel relay terminal board 87 from the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72).

  Further, in the movable entrance ball accessory device 28, a route distributing body motor 218, the first stopper solenoid 220, the second stopper solenoid 222, and the third stopper motor 224 described above are provided, and the first rotating body motor. 226 and a second rotating body motor 228 are provided. Among these, the route distribution motor 218 rotates the two route distribution bodies 44 and 45 and reciprocates the ball derivative 28k. The first rotating body motor 226 and the second rotating body motor 228 are for rotating the first rotating body 440 and the second rotating body 442, respectively. The first stopper solenoid 220 and the second stopper solenoid 222 are for switching the first stopper 190 and the second stopper 192 to the holding position or the release position, respectively. The third stopper motor 224 is for moving the third stopper 194 between the holding position and the discharge position. Here, the second rotating body 442 is rotated by the dedicated motor 228. For example, the second rotating body 442 is rotated by using the root distributing body motor 218 common to the route distributing bodies 44 and 45. Also good.

  In addition, a third stopper position detection switch 225 is provided in the movable ball accessory device 28 corresponding to the third stopper 194. The third stopper position detection switch 225 outputs a position detection signal (ON signal) when, for example, the third stopper 194 is in the holding position. Based on this position detection signal (ON or OFF), the main control CPU 72 can determine whether the third stopper 194 is at the holding position or other than the holding position. In the present embodiment, since the route allocating bodies 44 and 45, the first rotating body 440, the second rotating body 442, the spherical derivative 28k, etc. each perform a constant operation after the power is turned on, the origin position relating to these rotations in particular Although detection (motor index) is not performed, a motor index sensor or a pulse encoder may be provided to detect each rotational position.

  In the present embodiment, for example, one integrated display board 230 is provided on the game board 8, and the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, and the special symbol display are mounted on the integrated display board 230. The apparatus 34, the special symbol operation | movement memory lamp 34a, and the status display lamps 36-39 are installed. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the integrated display board 230 via the panel relay terminal board 87, and the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, and the special symbol are displayed. The operation memory lamp 34 a and the status display lamps 36 to 39 are all controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33 and 34 and the lamps 33a, 34a and 36 to 39 in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 is built in the composite sub control board unit 171. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

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

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 26, the movable ball winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, the decoration unit 40, and 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 above-described effect switching button 41 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 41, 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 41 to the glass frame electrical decoration board 136 is given here, when installing said saucer electrical decoration board, the production switch button 41 is connected to the saucer electrical decoration board. Also good.

  In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138. In addition, the above-described normal route switch 202, special route switch 204, and reverse rotation detection switch 205 are provided as a ball detector for production in the movable ball accessory device 28. These detection signals are transmitted via the panel electrical decoration board 138 and input to the effect control CPU via an input / output driver (not shown).

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

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

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

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

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

[Game flow]
Next, FIG. 5 is a game flow diagram showing an example of a game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. A normal game by the pachinko machine 1 is started by driving (launching) a game ball into the game area 8a. Hereinafter, the flow of the game will be described on the assumption that the game ball is launched.

[G01: Passing start]
When the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down the game area 8a, the start gate switch 80 detects the passage of the game ball, and the normal symbol lottery is performed using this as a trigger. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery (operation lottery) related to whether or not to operate the variable start winning device 26 as described above.

[G02: Hit determination]
The normal symbol lottery is performed, for example, by internally acquiring a winning random number in the main controller 70 and comparing the random value with a predetermined comparison value (a winning value having a certain range) (operation). Lottery execution means). Also, in the normal symbol lottery, the hit type determination random number is also obtained together with the hit determination random number, and if the hit determination random number falls within the range of the hit value, refer to the value of the hit type determination random number. The winning type is determined. If the game is not won here, the game flow is terminated for the time being, and the game flow is started again from the start of passage (G01).

  In the present embodiment, for example, “winning A” and “winning B” are prepared as winning types in the normal symbol lottery. In comparison with one “winning A”, the other “winning B” has a high probability of about 30 to 50 times.

  Although not shown in particular, when the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 33 for a predetermined fluctuation time, and then stopped and displayed in a manner representing the lottery result. In addition, when the next passage start (pass of the start gate 20) occurs during the fluctuation display, the random numbers acquired there are stored (maximum of four).

[G04: Normal electric actor operation]
When the normal symbol lottery is won and the normal symbol display device 33 stops displaying the normal symbol in a winning manner, the variable start winning device 26 is activated. In the present embodiment, the operating time (opening time) in the case where the same winning is true for the above “winning A” is set to be relatively long (for example, about 5.5 seconds to 6.0 seconds). The operation time in the case of “winning B” is set extremely short (for example, about 0.06 seconds to 0.1 seconds). In such an extremely short time operation, it is almost impossible for a winning to the variable start winning device 26 (start winning port 26a) to occur. On the other hand, in the case of “winning A”, since a certain amount of sufficient opening time is secured, there is a good possibility that a game ball will win the start winning opening 26a during that time.

[G06: Special figure starting prize determination]
In accordance with the operation of the variable start winning device 26, it is determined whether or not a winning at the start winning port 26a has occurred. In the present embodiment, a special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed in response to a winning at the start winning opening 26a, but the winning probability (small hit probability) of the special symbol lottery is set to 1 (= 1/1). Therefore, the occurrence of a prize corresponds to the winning as it is (internal lottery execution means). Therefore, it is not particularly necessary to internally acquire the hit determination random number in the main controller 70, but it may be intentionally acquired. In the present embodiment, there is not provided a hit (so-called direct hit, per direct hit) where the variable prize winning device 30 (the lower large prize winning opening) is opened directly in response to a winning at the start winning opening 26a. The hit determination may be performed using the hit determination random number. If no winning occurs here, the game flow is terminated for the time being, and the game flow is started again from the start of passage (G01).

  In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determination random number is acquired here in order to change the variation pattern of the special symbol by the special symbol display device 34 at random. Further, in the special symbol lottery, when a specific area passing (V winning) occurs in the movable ball-and-ball accessory device 28 after this, the number of times of operation of the time shortening function added after the end of the big hit (0 may be included) ) To determine the lottery. For this reason, a plurality of winning types are also prepared for the special symbol lottery. In the present embodiment, for example, there are three types: “Special drawing winning 1”, “Special drawing winning 2”, and “Special drawing winning 3”. It shall be provided. However, it is assumed that a plurality of winning types (for example, “special drawing winnings 1a to 1j”, “special drawing winnings 2a to 2j”, etc.) are provided for each winning type.

  When the special symbol lottery is executed, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol over the variation pattern (variation time) determined based on the variation pattern determination random number, and then the special symbol lottery is displayed. The symbol is stopped and displayed. In the present embodiment, the special symbol does not have a “missing” display mode, and the stop display mode at this time represents one of “Special Figure Winning 1” to “Special Figure Winning 3”. As described above, each winning type is provided with a finer sub-category, and a stop display mode is individually set corresponding to all of the winning types (for example, about 30 to 120 types). For this reason, the stop display mode of the winning symbol is diversified so that it is difficult to discriminate the apparent result.

[G08: Movable ball accessory device operation]
In any case, when the special symbol is displayed in a fixed stop state by the special symbol display device 34, the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 is activated (opening operation). The operation of the movable ball accessory device 28 changes the movable piece 28a to the open position as described above, but in this embodiment, it is performed only once over a predetermined open time (for example, about 1.6 seconds). The movable piece 28a is opened.

[G10: Judgment of winning a prize]
Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has flowed in (indicated as “winning item winning” in the figure) during operation of the movable pitching accessory device 28. Here, when there is an inflow of game balls, the game flow further proceeds to a sorting operation in the movable incoming ball accessory device 28. Note that if the game ball does not flow into the movable incoming ball accessory device 28, the game flow is terminated for the time being, and the game flow is started again from the passage start (G01).

[G12: Determination of passage through specific area]
When the game flow progresses into the movable ball accessory device 28, it is determined whether or not the game ball has finally passed through the specific area (V winning) through various game ball sorting operations as described above. Done. As a result, when the game ball is finally discharged from the movable entrance ball accessory device 28 without passing through the specific area, unfortunately, the game flow ends there, and the game flow starts again from the start of passage (G01). It will be.

[G14: Variable prize-winning device operation (big hit symbol lottery effect)]
On the other hand, when a game ball passes through a specific area (V winning) in the movable winning ball accessory device 28, the variable winning device 30 operates. At this time, the operation of the variable winning device 30 is the same as in the case of a so-called first type special electric game (big hit game). Specifically, for example, either the opening time (for example, about 30 seconds) of the lower prize winning opening per time has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls has been won within the opening time. Until such a condition is satisfied, one round is set, and this round is repeated over a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 15 times). During such a big hit (when the variable winning device 30 is in operation), a large number of prizes can be generated within a short period of time in the lower major prize opening that is normally closed, so that many players gather together during that period. Can be obtained (special game execution means). In this embodiment, since [G08] movable ball-and-ball accessory device operation is the first round, one round is added to the total number of rounds (for example, 15 times + 1 time).

  Further, in the present embodiment, a big hit symbol lottery is performed on the production while the variable winning device 30 is operating (during the big hit). The jackpot symbol lottery effect tells the player how many times (the maximum number of regular symbol lotteries for which the time reduction function is activated) will be added after this jackpot ends (or disclosure, suggestions, etc.) To do. Note that the jackpot symbol effect lottery may be performed before the big hit, not during the big hit.

  Although not shown in particular, the “hit symbol lottery effect” displays on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 a symbol representing the type of the jackpot symbol such as “regular bonus”, “big bonus”, “super bonus”, for example. It becomes an aspect. At this time, for example, “Big Bonus” is added more frequently than “Regular Bonus”, and “Super Bonus” is added more often than “Big Bonus”. Therefore, which title is displayed in the “hit symbol lottery effect” is of great interest to the player. In the present embodiment, for example, the above-mentioned “regular bonus” corresponds to “per 2 times of time (G16)”, “big bonus” corresponds to “per 4 times of time (G18)”, and “super bonus” "Corresponds to" 6 times per hour (G20) ".

  In addition, the actual performance is performed as if, for example, the big hit symbol lottery is performed by performing the action of disappearing the big hit symbols of each candidate such as “Regular Bonus”, “Big Bonus”, and “Super Bonus” one after another on the screen. It progresses as if it were That is, for example, after the name of “Regular Bonus” is first displayed, the name changes in the order of “Big Bonus” and “Super Bonus”, and from “Regular Bonus” to “Big Bonus”, “ As the display of each name changes, it changes to “Super Bonus”. When one of the names (“Regular Bonus”, “Big Bonus”, or “Super Bonus”) is finally stopped, an effect indicating that this is the big hit symbol type is performed. The “big hit symbol type” this time teaches (disclosure, suggestion, etc.) “how many times will be added after the big hit ends”.

  In this way, since the big hit symbol type this time corresponds to depends on the number of times that are added thereafter, the big hit symbol lottery effect is interesting for the player. However, in actual control, since the winning type has already been determined in the special symbol lottery (G06) performed immediately before the big hit this time, the big hit symbol lottery effect here is the result of the lottery performed previously. It will be expressed in a production.

[G24: Transition to time reduction state]
In any case, in the big hit (the so-called first hit) from the normal state (non-time shortened state), any of “2 times shorter (G16)”, “4 times shorter (G18)” or “6 times shorter (G20)” Therefore, after the big hit, the time shifts to a preset number of times (specific game state). When shifting to the time shortening state, the normal symbol variation time in the normal symbol lottery is shortened from the normal time (for example, 28 seconds → 1 second), and the opening time for “winning B” is extended from the normal time (for example, 0.08). Second → 5.8 seconds). Accordingly, in the time shortening state, the operation of the variable start winning device 26 is controlled based on an operating condition (extension of the opening time) that is more advantageous to the player than usual.

  When the time reduction state is entered, the opening operation (opening for a long time) of the variable start winning device 26 accompanying the passage of the start gate 20 is performed with a high frequency (particularly, the probability of “winning B” is 1 / 1.04). Therefore, it becomes easier for a winning to the variable start winning device 26 to occur. As a result, since the operation of the movable ball accessory device 28 also frequently occurs, the game flow is likely to proceed to the sorting operation within the movable ball player device 28.

[Big hits in short and medium hours]
Note that, when passing through a specific area while shifting to the time reduction state, the winning type is selected from two types of “special drawing winning 4” or “special drawing winning 5”. Of these, “Special Figure Winning 4” corresponds to the winning type with the same number of time reductions of 6 as above, and “Special Drawing Winning 5” is the winning type with the reduced number of time reductions of 0 (no time reduction). Applicable. Here, it is assumed that a plurality of winning types (for example, “special drawing winnings 4a to 4j”, “special drawing winnings 5a to 5j”, etc.) are provided for each winning type.

[Game flow in the movable pitching device]
Next, a game flow that proceeds in the movable ball accessory device 28 will be described. FIG. 6 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of a game that is performed when a game ball flows into the movable incoming ball accessory device 28. Here, the “game flow” corresponds to a game flow that progresses with the rolling and distribution of game balls.

[G50: Route distribution]
In the movable ball accessory device 28, the route distribution by the two route distribution bodies 44 and 45 is first performed as described above.

[G52: Normal route]
A game ball that enters the normal distribution hole 44a by the first route distribution body 44 or enters the normal distribution hole 45a by the second route distribution body 45 is distributed to the normal route as described above.

[G54: Hold at first stopper]
The game balls distributed to the normal route are held in the downflow passage 28g as described above. At this time, the first stopper 190 is moved to the holding position in advance by the first stopper solenoid 220 described above.

[G56: Image production execution]
In synchronism with the hold timing by the first stopper 190, based on the detection signal from the normal route switch 202, the image effect by the normal pattern effect is executed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. This image effect is, for example, a notice that “the game ball will be released toward the first rotating body 440 from now on”, thereby exerting the effect of attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball. To do.

[G58: First stopper released]
In synchronism with the timing at which the holding of the game ball by the first stopper 190 is released, the image effects that have been performed so far are almost completed. The first stopper 190, the other second stopper 192, and the third stopper 194 all perform an operation of releasing the hold in order according to a predetermined time schedule. The order of releasing these stoppers 190 to 194 is, for example, when the movable piece 28a is opened, and when a predetermined time is counted from the timer, the first stopper 190 is first released, and then the predetermined time elapses thereafter. Secondly, the hold of the second stopper 192 is released, and then the hold of the third stopper 194 is finally released after a predetermined time has passed. As a result, firstly, the release of the first stopper 190 causes the player to pay attention to the distribution trend of the game balls, and then the release of the second stopper 192 causes the player to pay attention to the trend of the game ball on the special route. By releasing the third stopper 194, it is possible to create a game flow in which the player pays attention to the last distribution trend.

[G60: first rotating body reached]
As described above, the released game ball is released from the flow-down passage 28g to the upper surface of the sorting stage 28h, and reaches the first rotating body 440 through the sorting guide path. At this time, the player's attention can be gathered in the game ball distribution trend.

[G62: Specific region passage determination]
When a game ball enters the V winning hole 440b, the specific region switch 82 detects passage of the specific region when the game ball passes through the V winning path.

[G64: Variable winning device operation]
When the passage through the specific area is detected, the game flow proceeds to the big hit game as described above, and the variable winning device 30 is activated.

[G78: Reversal chance determination]
When the passage through the specific area is not detected by the first rotating body 440, it is internally determined whether or not a reverse rotation chance has occurred next. This determination can be performed using, for example, the reverse rotation detection switch 205 described above. If the detection signal is not particularly input in effect control, it can be determined that the reverse chance has not occurred. In this case, the game flow in the movable ball accessory device 28 ends, and the first game flow (FIG. 5) is restarted. In addition, the reverse detection chance may be determined using the discharge detection switch 206. For example, when the discharge of the game ball is detected by the discharge detection switch 206 within a certain time without detecting the passage of the specific area after the release of the hold by the first stopper 190, it is determined that no reverse rotation chance has occurred. be able to.

  On the other hand, when the game ball enters the reverse rotation route distribution unit by the first rotating body 440 and is received by the third stopper 194 through the reverse route guide path, a detection signal is input from the reverse rotation detection switch 205. As a result, it can be determined that a reverse chance has occurred. Here, although the determination is made using the reverse rotation detection switch 205, it may be determined that a reverse rotation chance has occurred when a detection signal is not input from the discharge detection switch 206 within a predetermined time. .

[G80: Hold at the third stopper]
In any case, when a reverse chance occurs, the game ball is temporarily held by the third stopper 194. The third stopper 194 has been moved to the holding position (lowering position) in advance by the third stopper motor 224.

[G82: Image production execution]
In synchronism with the hold timing by the third stopper 194, an image effect is executed within the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. This image effect is, for example, a notice that “the game ball will be lifted and released toward the second rotating body 442”, thereby attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball. Demonstrate the effect. In particular, in this case, since it is a reverse chance after missing the V prize at the first rotating body 440, the player's expectation is greatly increased.

[G84: Third stopper released]
In synchronism with the timing at which the holding of the game ball by the third stopper 194 is released, the image effects that have been performed so far are almost completed. The release of the hold is performed by raising the third stopper 194 to the discharge position by the third stopper motor 224. During this time, the image effect may be continued.

[G74: second rotating body reached]
The game ball released from the hold rolls in the right direction on the guide passage 28n as described above and reaches the second rotating body 442. The sorting operation in the second rotating body 442 will be described in the flow of the next special route.

[G66: Special route]
The game balls that have entered the special distribution hole 45b by the second route distribution body 45 are distributed to the special route as described above.

[G68: Hold at second stopper]
The game balls distributed to the special route are held by the second stopper 192 in the guide passage 28e as described above. The second stopper 192 has been moved to the holding position in advance by the second stopper solenoid 222 described above.

[G70: Image production execution]
In synchronism with the hold timing by the second stopper 192, based on the detection signal from the special route switch 204, the image effect by the special pattern effect is executed in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. This image effect is, for example, a notice that “the game ball will be released toward the second rotating body 442 from now on”, thereby attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball. Demonstrate the effect. In particular, in the case of the second rotating body 442, since the probability of passing through the specific area (V winning) is higher than that of the first rotating body 440, the player's sense of expectation is also increased accordingly.

[G72: Second stopper released]
In synchronism with the timing at which the holding of the game ball by the second stopper 192 is released, the image effects that have been performed so far are almost completed.

[G74: second rotating body reached]
The game balls released from the hold flow down the flow down passage 28m through the ball derivative 28k as described above, and reach the second rotating body 442 through the guide passage 28n. At this time, since the drop timing is changed by the ball derivative 28k as described above, the player's attention can be attracted to the game ball distribution trend. In particular, since the distribution ratio of passing through the specific area by the second rotating body 442 is high, the interest of the player can be enhanced at a stretch here.

[G76: pass through specific area]
As described above, in addition to the case where the game ball arrives from the special route, also when the game ball arrives through the above reversal chance, when the game ball enters the V winning hole 442b, the game ball becomes a V prize. The passage of the specific area is detected by the specific area switch 82 when passing through the passage.

[G64: Variable winning device operation]
When the passage through the specific area is detected, the game flow proceeds to the big hit game as described above, and the variable winning device 30 is activated.

  On the other hand, when the discharge of the game ball is detected by the discharge detection switch 206 without detecting the passage of the specific area, the game flow in the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 ends there, and the first game is started again. The flow (FIG. 5) will be resumed.

  The above is the flow of the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. The progress of such a game and the accompanying effects are controlled by the electronic equipment centered on the main control device 70 and the effect control device 124 described above. . Hereinafter, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main controller 70 will be described including when the power is turned on.

[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.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, the display mode of each of the special symbols and the normal symbols, Internal probability state, working memory contents, various flag states, random number update state, 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 the interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 2 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. 8 (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 drive voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 sets output port buffers corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212, the upper large prize opening solenoid 214, the lower large prize opening solenoid 216, the first stopper solenoid 220, the second stopper solenoid 222, and the like. Clear the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, 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, hit determination random numbers corresponding to ordinary symbols, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) are generated on the program. ing. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 10). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). 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 that step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 is the same as another interrupt management process (step S203 in FIG. 10). ) 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 in this process are random numbers (for example, reach determination random numbers corresponding to fluctuations in normal symbols, fluctuation 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. 10). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power interruption. This check condition can be set as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output, for example.

  Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly illustrated, the main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is monitored. When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power-off detection signal is output. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built in the power control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the main power-off detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

  Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether or not the result is 0. If the on-counter value is not yet 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. When the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S136.

  Step S136: The main control CPU 72 sets the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212, the upper large prize opening solenoid 214, the lower large prize opening solenoid 216, the first stopper solenoid 220, and the second stopper solenoid 222 as described above. In addition, the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal is cleared.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76 in units of 1 byte, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. .
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: The main control CPU 72 stores “01H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for shutting off the main power supply. After the main power is cut off, the backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70), so the stored contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. Held without. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum added) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. The stored memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 7).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 10 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 port output request buffer initial setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 clears the RAMs corresponding to the port output request buffers from 0 to 13, for example, to 0 (stores value = 00H).

  Step S202: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, symbol random numbers per special symbol, random numbers determined per ordinary symbol, symbol random numbers per ordinary symbol, and the like. Among these, the symbol random number per special symbol and the symbol random number per ordinary symbol are sequentially updated in the range of 0 to 99, for example.

  Step S203: 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 S204: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output driver (I / O) 79. Specifically, the input state (ON / OFF) of the passage detection signal from the start gate switch 80 and the winning detection signal from the special drawing start winning port switch 78, the count switch 208, and the winning port switch 210 is read. The main control CPU 72 reads the input state of detection signals from the upper prize winning switch 200, the specific area switch 82, the discharge detection switch 206, and the like.

  Step S206: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the events that occurred during the game are determined based on the winning detection signals from the starting gate switch 80 and the special figure starting winning port switch 78, and each occurred. Further processing is executed depending on the event.

  In the present embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the special figure start winning opening switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers an internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol has occurred. When a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the start gate switch 80, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers the operation lottery 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 specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a game board error state has occurred. This confirmation is performed by referring to the value of the game board error state flag, for example. The game board error state flag is set in the previous switch input event process. When the value (01H) is set in the game board error state flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs the subsequent processing from step S210. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is not set in the game board error state flag (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S208.

  Step S208: The main control CPU 72 executes a special game management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the change display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34 described above, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. The details of the special game management process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal game management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 26 according to the display result. Details of the normal game management process will also be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 detects the origin position relating to the rotation of various motors (route distribution motor 218, third stopper motor 224, first rotary motor 226, second rotary motor 228, etc.) When a drive signal is output to various motors, the drive signal is stored in a corresponding port output request buffer.

  Step S211: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout management processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball instruction command for instructing the number of prize balls to the payout control device 92 based on a winning detection signal input from the various switches 80, 200, 208, 210.

  Step S212: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes security management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms the presence or absence of an input signal from a fraud detection switch (not shown) (for example, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.), and if there is an input signal, its notification operation (for example, lighting of a frame lamp, alarm) Sound output).

  Step S213: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 stores external information to be output to the hall computer of the game hall through the board external terminal board 160 in the port output request buffer.

  Step S214: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (for example, during a big hit, when the time reduction function is activated, or when a game board error state is occurring), and stores these 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 S215: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal and test signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S213) and test signal processing (step S214), respectively. The main control CPU 72 also stores various solenoids stored in the port output request buffer (normal electric accessory solenoid 212, upper large prize opening solenoid 214, lower large prize opening solenoid 216, first stopper solenoid 220, second stopper solenoid 222. ) Is output to the port. Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal for various motors (route distribution motor 218, first rotary motor 226, second rotary motor 228, third stopper motor 224) to the port.

  Step S216: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. 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 special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the various status display lamps 36, 37, 38 and the like. . Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) applied to each LED is output to a port. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED in the previous special game management process (step S208) and the normal game management process (step S209). 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 S217: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. 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 S218, Step S219: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S206 in FIG. 10). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a game board error state has occurred. This confirmation is performed by referring to the value of the game board error state flag as described above. If a game board error state has occurred at this time (Yes), the main control CPU 72 exits from this process and returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the game board error state has not occurred (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32.

  Step S32: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms the value of the current special game management status. The “special game management status” is a status value for managing (monitoring) the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol. The value of the “special game management status” is set according to the actual progress of the game while the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process. The “special game management status” transitions from “00H” to “0BH”, for example, according to the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol. The value of the special game management status that is set depends on how far the game corresponding to the special symbol has progressed at that time. For example, when the current progress status is the operation of releasing the movable ball accessory device 28, the value of the “special game management status” is set to “4 (04H)”. Alternatively, when the current progress is in the closed state after opening the movable entrance ball apparatus 28, the value of the “special game management status” is set to “5 (05H)”. In any case, when the value of the “special game management status” is set to either “4 (04H)” or “5 (05H)” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs steps S36 to S36. The process of S39 is executed. On the other hand, if the value of the “special game management status” is not set to “4 (04H)” or “5 (05H)” (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S34. The setting of “special game management status” will be described later.

Step S34: In this case, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a security error has occurred. For example, a device for detecting magnetism by a magnetic sensor (not shown) (unauthorized act using a magnet or the like), detecting vibration by a vibration sensor (unauthorized act of applying an impact to a table), detecting disconnection of various switches, or generating a prize If any error in detecting an illegal prize when the variable start winning device 26, the movable winning ball accessory device 28 and the variable winning device 30 are not in operation is detected, it is determined that a security error has occurred (Yes). The main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S35.
Step S35: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the game board error state flag (= 01H), and returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10).

  On the other hand, if no security error has occurred (step S34: No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S36 to S39.

  Step S36: In this case, first, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operation check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks the input from the special figure start prize opening switch 78, and executes each process according to the result. The specific content of the special symbol operation check process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S37: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol operation check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks the input from the start gate switch 80 and executes each process according to the result. The specific content of the normal symbol operation check process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S38: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 wins the start winning opening 26a or passes through the start gate 20 based on the check results in the special symbol operation check process (step S36) and the normal symbol operation check process (step S37). Production commands corresponding to each of these are generated and stored in the port output request buffer.

Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes various winning check processes. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks the input from the switches corresponding to various winning holes (winning hole switch 210), and based on the result, adds a counter for prize ball control or a counter for outputting external information. Or add.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10).

[Special symbol check process]
Next, the special symbol operation check process (step S36 in FIG. 11) executed in the switch input event process (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the special symbol operation check process. Hereinafter, this process will be described along with an example procedure.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the special figure starting winning opening switch 78. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter to check whether or not the operation memory number is less than 4. The working memory number counter represents the determined random number per special symbol stored in the special symbol random number storage area of the RAM 76 and the number (number of sets) of per symbol random numbers. In other words, the special symbol random number storage area of the RAM 76 is also divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each), and each section can store a set random number and a winning design random number one by one. . At this time, if the number of memories of the winning random number set and the winning symbol random number set does not reach 4, the value of the special symbol operating memory counter is less than 4 (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 Proceed to step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one special symbol operation memory number. The special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S216 in FIG. 10).

  Step S16: The main control CPU 72 acquires a winning random number from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the hit random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as the hit determined random number.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, since the winning probability (small probability) of the special symbol lottery is set to 1 (= 1/1), the occurrence of winning corresponds to the winning as it is. Therefore, step S16 may be omitted particularly when it is not necessary to acquire a hit determination random number in this processing.

  Step S17: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a winning design random value from the counter area of the RAM 76 (lottery element acquisition means). In this case, the random value is also acquired by designating the address of the RAM 76. When the main control CPU 72 reads the symbol random number value from the designated address, it hits the source address and saves it as a symbol random number.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 transfers both the saved winning determination random number and the winning symbol random number to the random number storage area, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section in the area (lottery element storage means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section.

  Step S20: The main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol start opening prize flag. When returning to the switch input event process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the flag set here in the effect command output setting process (step S38 in FIG. 11) and outputs it to the effect control device 124. Set the start opening winning tone control command. Also, in various winning check processes (step S39 in FIG. 11), a counter for prize ball control is added with reference to the flag value set here.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no winning detection signal is input from the special figure start winning opening switch 78 (step S10: No), or when the number of special symbol operating memory reaches 4 (No at step S12). ), The main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process. Therefore, when the number of special symbol working memories has already reached 4 (upper limit number), the acquisition of various random values in steps S16 and S17 is restricted (lottery element acquisition restriction means).

[Normal symbol operation check processing]
Next, the normal symbol operation check process (step S37 in FIG. 11) executed in the switch input event process (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the normal symbol operation check process. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S01: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal is input from the start gate switch 80. When the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S02.

  Step S02: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter and confirms whether or not the operation memory number is less than 4. The working memory number counter represents the determined random numbers per normal symbol stored in the normal symbol random number storage area of the RAM 76 and the number (number of sets) of per symbol random numbers. That is, the normal symbol random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each), and each section can store one hit determined random number and one hit symbol random number as a set. At this time, if the number of memories in the set of hit determination random numbers and hit symbol random numbers has not reached 4, the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 Proceed to step S04.

  Step S04: The main control CPU 72 adds one normal symbol operation memory number. The normal symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is controlled by the display output management process (step S216 in FIG. 10).

  Step S06: Then, the main control CPU 72 obtains the determined random number per symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the hit random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as the hit determined random number.

  Step S07: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a symbol random number per symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. In this case, the random value is acquired by designating the address of the RAM 76. When the main control CPU 72 reads the symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a symbol random number per symbol in the transfer source address.

  Step S08: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved hit determination random number and the hit symbol random number to the normal symbol random number storage area, and stores these random numbers as a set 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 random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section.

  Step S09: The main control CPU 72 sets a normal symbol passage start flag. When returning to the switch input event process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the flag set here in the effect command output setting process (step S38 in FIG. 11) and outputs it to the effect control device 124. Sets the normal symbol passage start sound control command.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no detection signal is input from the start gate switch 80 (step S01: No), or when the normal symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S02: No), the main control The CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process.

[Normal game management processing]
Next, the details of the normal game management process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the normal game management process. The normal game management process includes a normal game control module selection process (step S1001), a normal symbol change start waiting process (step S2001), a normal symbol change process (step S3001), a normal symbol stop display process (step S4001), a variable This is a configuration including a subroutine group of the start winning device management process (step S5001). First, the basic flow of the normal game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1001: In the normal game control module selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of the control modules in 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 game management 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 changing display, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol change start waiting process (step S2001) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the normal symbol variation start waiting process 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 is completed, For example, the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) 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 There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2001: In the normal symbol variation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the normal symbol variation display. 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 two LEDs. The drive signal is output symmetrically with respect to the two LEDs, and the pattern changes with the passage of time, so that a normal symbol variation display (two LEDs are alternately lit) is performed.

  Step S4001: In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the normal symbol display device 33. In this case as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to two LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a normal symbol stop display is performed. At this time, if the lottery result corresponding to the normal symbol is winning, the driving signal is turned on for the LED representing the winning symbol, and if the lottery result is not winning, the LED representing the non-winning symbol is displayed. The drive signal is turned on.

  Step S5001: The variable start winning device management process is selected when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode ("winning A" or "winning B") in the previous normal symbol stop display process. When the normal symbol stops in the winning display mode, in this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable start winning device 26 based on preset operating conditions.

  During the operation of the variable start winning device 26, the jump destination is set in the variable start winning device management process in the previous ordinary game control module selection process (step S1001), and the normal symbol variation display is not performed. Further, in the variable start winning device management process, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, once) for a predetermined time, whereby the variable start winning device 26 is opened in a predetermined pattern (ordinary electric combination) Operation of the object). In the meantime, by causing the variable start winning device 26 to win a game ball, it is possible to generate an operation (release) trigger for the movable ball-indicating accessory device 28 in the above-described game flow.

[Normal symbol variation start wait processing]
Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the normal symbol variation start waiting process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the normal symbol operating 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 S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the normal game management process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter is larger than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads lottery random numbers (ordinary random numbers per symbol, random symbols per symbol) stored in the normal symbol random number storage area of the RAM 76, and stores these 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 next hit determination process.

  Step S2250: 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”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33 changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S216 in FIG. 10). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a 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). In the present embodiment, the range of hit values set at this time is constant. If the read random number value is included in the range of the winning value, the main control CPU 72 sets a winning flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. 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.

  Step S2400: 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 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 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 S217 in FIG. 10).

  In this embodiment, since two LEDs are used for the normal symbol display device 33, the display mode (non-winning LED) by the normal symbol display device 33 for all stop symbol number data is controlled by the main control CPU 72. Is lit). For this reason, for example, the stop symbol number data at the time of loss can be fixed to one value (for example, 01H).

Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process (first symbol variation time determination means). 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 distinguishes the type of variation pattern and defines the variation time at that time. Except when the reach variation is performed, the variation time at the time of losing is determined based on, for example, “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in step S2250.
The main control CPU 72 sets the current variation pattern based on the determined variation pattern number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a normal symbol variation time (for deviation variation) and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). The variation pattern command is a 2-byte command such as “A0H01H” described in the format of MODE value-EVENT value, for example. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the hit determination result is out of order, but when the determination result is win (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (success stop symbol number) based on the winning symbol random number. The relationship between the winning symbol random value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the normal symbol determination data table. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of the winning symbol based on the winning symbol random number from the stored content by referring to the normal symbol determining table in the winning stop symbol determining process. In the present embodiment, as described above, two types are prepared roughly divided into winning types. One of them is “Winning A” and the other is “Winning B”.

Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process (first symbol variation time determination means). In this process, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the above variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol based on the value. In the game by the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern including the symbol effect is basically performed at the time of the normal symbol hit, so the reach variation pattern is selected here. Generally, in the case of a hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that in the normal fluctuation is determined.
The main control CPU 72 sets the current variation pattern based on the determined variation pattern number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a normal symbol variation time (for big hit reach variation) and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). The variation pattern command is a 2-byte command such as “A1H01H” described in the format of MODE value−EVENT value, for example. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2413: 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, under the control of the main control CPU 72, the display mode (the winning LED is lit on) for the normal symbol display device 33 is common to all the stop symbol numbers at the time of winning. 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 S2414: 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 game management process.

[Figure 14: Normal symbol changing process, Normal symbol stop display process]
When returning to the normal game management process, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol changing process (step S3001) as the next jump destination. In the normal symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the variation timer value from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the timer counter value in accordance with the passage of time (clock pulse count). . 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 stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 15). 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.

[Variable start winning device management process]
Next, the variable start winning device management process will be described. FIG. 16 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 (opening / closing operation) of the variable start winning device 26 has not yet been started, the main control CPU 72 selects the 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 opening time and the number of times of opening as the operating conditions of the variable start winning device 26. Here, the setting of the opening time differs depending on whether the time reduction function is activated or not. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

[See Fig. 17: Symbol-specific operating condition setting table]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the symbol-specific operation condition setting table. This symbol-specific operation condition setting table is normal when the time reduction function is not in operation (normal) and when it is in operation (short time) for each of the “winning A” and “winning B”, which are normal symbol winning types. This is to set different symbol variation time and variable start winning device 26 operating conditions.

  FIG. 17A: First, for the “winning A” symbol, as described above, the hit probability (1/54) does not change between when the time reduction function is inactive and when it is activated. However, the fluctuation time is set to a relatively long time (normal fluctuation time) during normal times, whereas the variable time is set to a shortened fluctuation time (1.0 seconds). Since the normal variation time is set in a plurality of ways (for example, within a range of several seconds to several hundreds of seconds) using, for example, a variation pattern determination random number, it is longer than the variation time during the time reduction. Note that the conditions for the operation time and the number of operations are the same during normal and short time.

  FIG. 17B: Next, as for the “winning B” symbol, the hit probability (1 / 1.04) does not change between when the time reduction function is inactive and when it is in operation as described above. However, the fluctuation time is set to a relatively long time (normal fluctuation time) during normal times, whereas the variable time is set to a shortened fluctuation time (1.0 seconds). Furthermore, the operating time condition is extended during the shorter time than during normal operation (0.08 seconds → 5.8 seconds). Note that the conditions for the number of operations are the same during normal and short time.

  The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the time reduction function operation flag (“01H” or “00H”) in the opening pattern setting process (step S5201 in FIG. 16), and operates if the value “01H” is set. Set the operating conditions (especially the operating time) set in the lower part of the condition setting table. As a result, the opening time corresponding to “winning B” with a high probability of winning is extended during the time reduction compared to the normal time, and accordingly, the winning to the variable start winning device 26 is more likely to occur.

  The main control CPU 72 can also use the operating condition setting table of FIG. 17 when setting the variation pattern (variation time) in the previous variation pattern determination process (step S2406 and step S2412 in FIG. 15). .

[Refer to Fig. 16: Variable start winning equipment management process]
Step S5301: In the next opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 drives the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 based on the operating condition (opening time) set in the previous step S5201. As a result, the opening time is extended (5.8 seconds) regardless of whether “winning A” or “winning B”, especially during the time reduction. 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 elapse of the opening 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 a non-operating state. 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 26. 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 normal game control module selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 14) in the normal symbol game process to the normal symbol change start waiting process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process.

[Special game management processing]
Next, the details of the special game management process will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special game management process. Special game management processing includes special game control module selection processing (step S1000), special symbol variation start waiting processing (step S1500), special symbol variation processing (step S2000), special symbol stop display processing (step S2500), role Object device operation start waiting process (step S3000), an accessory device initial opening process (step S3500), an accessory device closing process (step S4000), an accessory device operation end process (step S4500), a variable prize apparatus operation start process (step S4500) Step S5000), variable winning device release processing (Step S5500), variable winning device closing processing (Step S6000), variable winning device operation end processing (Step S6500), remaining ball error command setting processing (Step S7000), and solenoid control processing (Step S7000) Of step S7500) A configuration that includes the subroutines group. Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the special game control module selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S1500 to S6500). 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 program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) 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 special symbol has not yet started changing display, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol variation processing is completed, For example, the special symbol stop display process (step S2500) 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.

  Further, as described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the next jump destination, the progress of the processing up to the present is represented by the value of “special game management status”. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started the variable display, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the “special game management status” up to the present to “00H”. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the “special game management status” up to the present to “01H”, and if the special symbol variation processing is completed. The value of the “special game management status” up to the present is set to “02H”. The setting of the value of “special game management status” will be described later. In any case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the “special game management status” in the special game control module selection process, and selects a process (any one of steps S 1500 to S 6500) that becomes the jump destination at that time. Can do.

  In addition, as described above, steps S1500 to S6000 are selected as the jump destination in the special game control module selection process (step S1000), and the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and the solenoid control process ( Step S7500) is executed in every interruption.

  Step S1500: As described above, when the value of the “special game management status” is “00H”, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol change start waiting process in the special game management process. In this special symbol variation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation for preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. Although not shown in particular, for example, when the number of special symbol working memories is 1 or more, the main control CPU 72 stores the special symbol hit random number and the hit symbol random number memory in the common storage area and shifts other memories. Then, subtract the working memory number at the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. The main control CPU 72 compares the winning random number stored in the common storage area with the winning value to make a hit determination. In this embodiment, since the winning probability (so-called small hitting probability) of the special symbol lottery is 1, the hit determination at this time is a confirming process.

  Next, the main control CPU 72 determines a winning stop symbol in step S1500. As described above, in the present embodiment, three types of special symbol winning 1 to special symbol winning 3 are provided as the special symbol winning types obtained during normal operation (when the time reduction function is not activated). Since each of the winning types is provided with a plurality of winning types as further subcategories, the winning type is determined based on the winning design random number. The upper limit number of time reduction functions to be added after the big hit ends (normally 0 times) based on the winning stop symbols determined here (substantially divided as “Special figure winning 1” to “Special figure winning 3”). Is not included). When the time shortening function is activated, the winning type obtained for the special symbol is either “special drawing winning 4” or “special drawing winning 5”. Since each of these “special drawing winning 4” and “special drawing winning 5” is provided with a plurality of winning types as small classifications, the main control CPU 72 also selects any winning type based on the winning design random number. Determine if it applies. Then, based on the winning hour stop symbol determined here (substantially divided as “Special Figure Winning 4” or “Special Drawing Winning 5”), the upper limit number of times that is added after the jackpot at the time reduction function is activated ( (Including zero).

  However, in the present embodiment, the winning in the special symbol lottery is not a big hit as it is, but only an opening opportunity (= small hit) of the movable pitching accessory device 28 and actually proceeds to a big hit (opening of the variable winning device 30). For this purpose, it is necessary to cause a specific area to pass in the movable ball accessory device 28. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 stores the result of the winning stop symbol (winning type) determined here in the buffer area of the RAM 76, and then displays a lottery result flag (lottery result flag) until a special symbol hit determination is performed. ) Is remembered. Note that the main control CPU 72 may delete the previous lottery result flag when a special symbol storage shift is performed in the next special symbol variation start waiting process.

  In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the variation timer in the special symbol variation start waiting process. For example, the main control CPU 72 selects variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number, and sets the variation time value corresponding to the variation pattern in the variation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. The main control CPU 72 updates the value of the “special game management status” to “01H” after completing the special symbol variation start waiting procedure.

  Step S2000: When the value of the “special game management status” is “01H”, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol changing process in the special game management process. In this special symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of 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 two 7-segment LEDs. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Thereafter, when the count of the variation timer becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “02H”.

  Step S2500: When the value of “special game management status” is updated to “02H”, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol stop display process in the special game management process. In this special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol display device 34 while counting the stop display timer. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of two 7-segment LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed. At this time, the special symbol stop display mode corresponds to the winning type (small classification) determined in the special symbol variation start waiting process. Thereafter, when the count of the stop display timer becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “03H”.

  Step S3000: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “03H”, the main control CPU 72 executes an accessory device operation start waiting process in the special game management process. In this combination act start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the upper prize winning opening release timer as a special game timer. Note that the count time of the upper prize opening opening timer is based on the production time (for example, several seconds) necessary to make the player aware of the opening start of the movable ball winning equipment 28 (upper prize opening) described above. Is set. Thereafter, when the count of the upper prize winning opening release timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “04H”.

  Step S3500: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “04H”, the main control CPU 72 executes the accessory device initial release process in the special game management process. In the first opening process of the accessory device, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening operation of the movable ball accessory apparatus 28. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of game balls won from the upper large winning opening 28b while counting the upper large winning opening first opening timer, and sets a drive signal for the upper large winning opening solenoid 214. Thereby, the opening and closing operation | movement of the movable entrance ball apparatus 28 is performed. When the variable pitching device 28 is opened and then closed, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “05H”. In addition, the detail of an accessory apparatus first time opening process is later mentioned using another flowchart.

  Step S4000: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “05H”, the main control CPU 72 executes the accessory device closing process in the special game management process. In the accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes accompanying the closing of the movable ball accessory device 28. Various internal processes include, for example, confirming the completion of the discharge of the game ball that was won when the movable ball accessory device 28 was opened, confirming the presence or absence of passing through a specific area, and confirming the operating state of the count-off function. Processing is included. When ending these processes, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “06H”. The details of the accessory device closing process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 detects passage of a specific area in the accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 sets a value (01H) in the jackpot flag and sets a jackpot state designation command. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a jackpot type command based on the lottery result flag stored at that time. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10). In response to this, the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) can control the execution of the jackpot symbol lottery effect as described above.

  Step S4500: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “06H”, the main control CPU 72 executes the accessory device operation end process in the special game management process. In the accessory device operation end process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with the end of the operation of the movable incoming ball accessory device 28. The various internal processes include, for example, a process of confirming the ending time for determining the end of the operation of the movable ball accessory device 28 and setting a jackpot state transition command or a time shortening state designation command. When the big hit state transition command is set here, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “07H”. On the other hand, when the big hit state transition command is not set, the main control CPU 72 returns the “special game management status” to the initial value “00H”. The details of the accessory device operation end process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S5000: The variable prize apparatus operation start process is executed when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “07H” in the preceding accessory apparatus operation end process. In the variable winning device operation start processing, the main control CPU 72 executes pre-processing prior to the start of operation of the variable winning device 30. That is, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the jackpot start waiting time timer as a special game timer, and when the timer count becomes 0, the operating conditions of the variable winning device 30 (the number of execution rounds, the opening time and the number of times of opening, Interval time etc.). Further, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “08H”. Thereafter, during the jackpot game, the value of “special game management status” is updated from “08H” to “0BH” according to the progress of the game, and steps S5500 to S6500 are executed according to the value at that time. become. Details of the variable winning device operation start process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S5500: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “08H”, the main control CPU 72 executes a variable winning device release process. In this variable winning device opening process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. As a result, one round of jackpot game is executed. When the big winning game for one round is finished and the variable winning device 30 is closed, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “09H”. Details of the variable winning device opening process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S5550: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “09H”, the main control CPU 72 executes the next variable winning device closing valid process. In this variable winning device closing effective process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the big winning opening closing effective time timer, and when the timer count becomes 0, the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “0AH”. Note that this processing is executed to adjust the time required for opening and closing the variable prize apparatus 30, and details thereof will be omitted.

  Step S6000: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “0AH”, the main control CPU 72 executes the next variable winning device closing process. In this variable winning device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes an internal process associated with completion of closing of the variable winning device 30. In this internal processing, the main control CPU 72 confirms the number of rounds executed so far, and if the number of executed rounds has not reached the set number of rounds (number of continuous operations), the value of “special game management status” is set to “ To "08H". In this case, in the next special game control module selection process (step S1000), the previous variable winning device release process (step S5500) is selected again. On the other hand, when the number of rounds already executed reaches the set number of rounds, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “0BH”. The details of the variable winning device closing process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S6500: When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “0BH”, the main control CPU 72 executes variable winning device operation end processing. In this variable winning device operation end process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the big hit ending time timer. When the count of the timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol state flag, and sets the number of times the time shortening function is activated (upper limit number) according to the special symbol stop symbol type. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol state designation command and returns the “special game management status” to the initial value “00H”. As a result, the special symbols can be changed (or the number of working memories can be added) thereafter. The details of the variable winning device operation end process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure regardless of the value of the “special game management status”.
Step S7000: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining sphere error command setting process. In the remaining ball error command setting process, the main control CPU 72 monitors the discharged ball shortage error after the operation of the movable ball-and-ball accessory device 28 is finished, and sets a notification command when the discharged ball shortage error occurs. For example, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls counted from the time when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “04H” to the time when the value is updated to “05H”, and the number within the discharge time. Check if the number of discharged balls matches. As a result, if the number of winning balls matches the number of discharged balls, the discharged ball shortage state flag is reset (00H), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the main control CPU 72 sets a discharge ball shortage state flag (01H) and sets a discharge ball shortage error state command. The discharged ball shortage error state command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10).

  Step S7500: The main control CPU 72 executes solenoid control processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the operating state (ON or OFF) of the first stopper solenoid 220 and the second stopper solenoid 222.

[Special game progress]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a list of values of “special game management status” that change as the special game management process is executed, and the progress of special games corresponding to each value. In this embodiment, a special game (game corresponding to a special symbol) is started with, for example, (1) “special symbol variation waiting state” as an initial state. Then, when a winning to the variable start winning device 26 occurs, the progress of the special game changes to the next (2) “special symbol variation display state”, and (3) “special symbol stop symbol” It goes through (4) “actual device operation start producing state” through (displaying state), (5) “actual device open state”, (6) “closed state after opening of accessory device”, (7) “ It changes to the state in which the accessory device operation end effect is being produced.

  At this time, if the passing of the specific area (V winning) does not occur in the movable pitching accessory device 28 (the accessory device), the progress status of the special game returns to (1) “special symbol variation waiting state”. From there, repeat. On the other hand, if (5) the passing of a specific area (V winning) occurs in the movable pitching accessory device 28 (the accessory device) after “the accessory device is open”, the progress of the special game is (8) a big hit (9) “Large winning port opening / closing operation state”, (10) “Closed state after opening of large winning port”, (11) “Large winning port closing time state”, ( 12) Transition to the “big hit ending production state”. When (12) the “big hit ending production in progress state” is completed, the progress status of the special game returns to (1) “special symbol variation waiting state” and repeats from there. More specific description will be given below.

(1) "Waiting for special symbols"
At the beginning of the game by the pachinko machine 1, the progress of the special game is (1) “waiting for special symbol variation”. This state means that the start condition of the special symbol is satisfied. For example, when the special symbol is not changing and the previous change display is performed, the special symbol stop display is already confirmed. In this state, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “00H”, and the special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500) is selected in the special game management process.

(2) "Special symbol change display state"
If a winning to the variable start winning device 26 occurs in the above (1) “special symbol variation waiting state” or if a special symbol working memory remains, special symbol variation display is started and progressed. The situation changes to (2) “Special symbol variation display state”. This state means that the special symbol is being variably displayed on the special symbol display device 34. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “01H”, and the special symbol changing process (step S2000) is selected in the special game management process.

(3) "Special symbol stop symbol display state"
When the special symbol change time elapses and the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the progress status changes to (3) “special symbol stopped symbol displaying state”. This state means that the special symbol is being stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 34. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “02H”, and the special symbol stop display process (step S2500) is selected in the special game management process.

(4) "State of equipment starting operation effect"
When the stop display time of the special symbol (small hit symbol) is confirmed after the stop display time of the special symbol elapses, the progress status changes to (4) “actual device operation start producing state”. This state means that it is waiting for the operation start of the movable pitching accessory device 28 triggered by special figure winning (small hit). During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of “special game management status” to “03H”, and the special equipment management process wait process (step S3000) is selected.

(5) “Accessory device open state”
When the movable ball accessory device 28 is actuated, the progress status changes to (5) “object device open state”. This state means that the upper prize winning opening 28b is being opened due to the operation of the movable pitching accessory device 28. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “04H”, and the accessory device initial release process (step S3500) is selected in the special game management process.

(6) “Closed state after opening the accessory device”
When the upper prize winning opening 28b is closed, the progress status changes to (6) “closed state after opening of the accessory device”. This state means that the upper prize winning opening 28b is being closed in the movable ball accessory device 28. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “05H”, and the accessory device closing process (step S4000) is selected in the special game management process.

(7) "Statement during operation of accessory device operation"
After the upper prize winning opening 28b is closed, the progress status further shifts to (7) “actual device operation end effecting state”. This state means that it is in a period in which the game using the game ball distributing operation in the movable entrance ball apparatus 28 is ended. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “06H”, and the accessory device operation end process (step S4500) is selected in the special game management process. In addition, when the passage (V winning) of the specific area does not occur in the movable ball accessory device 28, the progress status returns to (1) “special symbol variation waiting state”.

(8) “Big hit start producing state”
When the passage of the specific area (V winning) occurs in the movable ball accessory device 28, the progress status shifts to (8) “Big hit start producing state”. This state means that the variable winning device 30 is waiting for the operation to start. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “07H”, and the variable winning device operation start process (step S5000) is selected in the special game management process.

(9) “The state of opening / closing the grand prize opening”
When the variable winning device 30 starts operating, the progress status shifts to (9) “Large winning opening / closing state”. This state means that the lower prize winning opening is being opened. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “08H”, and the variable prize winning device release process (step S5500) is selected in the special game management process.

(10) “Closed after opening the grand prize opening”
When the lower prize winning opening is closed by the variable prize winning device 30, the progress status changes to (10) “closed state after opening the big winning prize opening”. This state means a state immediately after the lower prize opening is closed at the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of “special game management status” to “09H”, and the variable winning device closing effective process (step S5550) is selected in the special game management process.

(11) “During the closing time of the big prize opening”
After the variable winning device 30 is closed, the progress status shifts to (11) “Large winning opening closing state”. This state means that it is in a standby state after the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of “special game management status” to “0AH”, and the variable winning device closing valid process (step S6000) is selected in the special game management process. If all the rounds in the big hit have not been exhausted, the progress status after this returns to (9) “Big winning opening / closing state”.

(12) “Big hitting ending production state”
When the standby time after the end of the big hit final round elapses, the progress status shifts to (12) “A big hit ending producing state”. This state means that it is in the big hit ending production state. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “0BH”, and the variable winning device operation end process (step S6500) is selected in the special game management process.

  As described above, in the special game management process (FIG. 18), the main control CPU 72 changes the value of “special game management status” from “00H” to “0BH” in accordance with the change in the progress status of the special game. It is possible to select a special game control module according to the progress of time.

[First-time equipment opening process]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the accessory device initial opening process (step S3500 in FIG. 18). As described above, in the special equipment device initial release process, the special symbol is displayed in the special game management process, and after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning (probability 1/1) mode, the operation of the accessory device starts. It is executed after the countdown of the upper prize winning opening release timer by the waiting process (step S3000 in FIG. 18). In this case, the value of “special game management status” is updated to “04H”. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S3501: First, in the accessory device initial opening process, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper prize winning port solenoid ON flag. This flag is stored in the flag set area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S3502: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the winning ball counter for the movable winning ball accessory device 28 (upper winning port 28b) based on the winning detection signal from the upper winning port switch 200. The value of the winning ball number counter is stored in the count number area of the RAM 76, for example. In the switch input process, the main control CPU 72 also confirms each detection signal from the discharge detection switch 206 and the specific area switch 82. Note that when the first call is made to this module, the top prize winning solenoid 214 is inactive and the top prize winning opening 28b is not yet opened, so that the winning ball counter is not added for the first time.

  Step S3504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the winning ball counter reaches the maximum number (for example, 10). As described above, since the counter is not added when the module is called for the first time (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S3506.

  Step S3506: In this case, an initial release timer countdown process is executed. If this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial release timer to an initial value (for example, 1600 ms). If the call is made after the first call, the main control CPU 72 decrements the value of the set first release timer.

  Step S3508: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the upper prize winning opening initial opening time has ended. If the value of the initial release timer still exceeds 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S3514.

  Step S3514: In this case, the main control CPU 72 reads the top big prize opening solenoid ON flag from the flag set area of the RAM 76, and sets “operation (ON)” as a control signal for the top big prize opening solenoid 214 based on the value. . As a result, the upper large winning opening solenoid 214 is excited and the upper large winning opening 28b is opened.

  Then, when this module is called after the next time and a winning is actually made to the upper prize winning opening 28b, the value of the winning ball counter is added in the switch input process (step S3502).

  When the value of the winning ball counter reaches the maximum number (step S3504: Yes) or when the value of the initial release timer becomes 0 (step S3508: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3509.

  Step S3509: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets an upper prize winning solenoid OFF flag. As a result, the ON flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76 is rewritten to the OFF flag.

  Step S3510: The main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “05H”. As a result, this module is not called from the next time, and the special game progress status shifts to the next stage.

  Step S3512: The main control CPU 72 also sets an accessory device closing command. This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) that the movable entrance ball apparatus 28 is closed. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10).

  Step S3514: The main control CPU 72 sets “not actuated (OFF)” as a control signal for the top prize winning solenoid 214 based on the value of the top prize winning solenoid OFF flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76. . As a result, the excitation of the upper prize winning solenoid 214 is stopped and the upper prize winning opening 28b is closed.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000). As described above, since the value of the “special game management status” has been updated to “05H” thereafter, this module is not called for the time being (until the next special symbol change).

[Used equipment closing process]
Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the accessory device closing process (step S4000 in FIG. 18). As described above, the accessory device closing process is executed when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “05H”. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S4002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly checks the detection signal from the discharge detection switch 206 and adds the value of the discharge ball number counter. The value of the discharge ball number counter is stored in the count number area of the RAM 76, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 confirms the presence or absence of a passage detection signal from the specific area switch 82 in this processing. When the passage detection signal is input within the effective time of the specific area switch 82, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the big hit flag (01H) here.

  Step S4004: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effective ball number management start timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 measures the timing of starting the discharge count of game balls that have been won effectively through the upper prize winning opening 28b. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the game ball has been illegally present in the movable ball accessory device 28 before the movable ball accessory device 28 is normally operated, and for example, the special symbol stop display is confirmed. In response to this, the first stopper solenoid 220, the second stopper solenoid 222, and the third stopper motor 224 are caused to execute the discharging operation, and then the original releasing operation is executed at each determined timing. For this reason, the discharge count of the game balls that are won effectively through the upper prize winning opening 28b is started after the timing at which such a discharge operation is completed. Therefore, the effective ball number management start timer is set appropriately in advance (for example, about 19 seconds to 25 seconds) in view of the required time from when the special symbol is confirmed to be stopped until when the discharge operation is completed.

[Before starting effective ball count management]
Step S4008: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the effective number of balls is currently managed based on the value of the effective number of balls management start timer after the countdown in the previous step S4004. If the effective ball number management start timer has not yet reached 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

[After effective ball number management starts]
Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the illegal game ball discharging operation within the movable pitching accessory device 28 is completed and the value of the effective ball number management start timer has reached 0 in step S4008 (step S4008: Yes). The main control CPU 72 executes step S4010.

  Step S4010: In this case, the main control CPU 72 loads a detection signal from the third stopper motor position detection switch 225. As described above, the third stopper motor position detection switch 225 outputs an index signal when the third stopper motor 224 is at the origin position (when the third stopper 194 is at the holding position).

  Step S4012: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the third stopper motor 224 is stopped at the origin position. As described above, when the third stopper motor 224 is performing the normal release operation (the operation of moving the third stopper 194 up and down between the holding position and the release position), the third stopper 194 is still stopped at the origin position. Not done. In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, when the third stopper motor 224 completes the normal release operation and stops at the origin position (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4014 and subsequent steps.

  Step S4014: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining ball discharge check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the above-mentioned winning ball number counter with the value of the discharged ball number counter. Note that the value of the discharged ball number counter includes the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 82.

  Step S4016: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the discharge of the effective sphere has been completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the discharged ball number counter is smaller than the value of the winning ball number counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the discharging of the effective balls has not been completed yet (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, if the value of the discharged ball number counter is not smaller than the value of the winning ball number counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the discharging of the effective ball is completed (Yes), and proceeds to the next step S4018.

  Step S4018: Here, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the number cut counter. Here, the “number of times counter” is a value set in the time count count area of the RAM 76 as the upper limit count when the variable time reduction function is activated. If the variable time shortening function is not in operation (normal time), the value of the count-down counter is normally maintained at “0”. On the other hand, when the variable time shortening function is in operation (during time reduction), the value of the count-down counter is set to either “4” or “6” as an initial value.

  Step S4020: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count-down counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4028. On the other hand, when the count-down counter value is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4022.

Step S4022: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4024: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not 0 (end determination means). As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4028. On the other hand, when the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S4026.

  Step S4026: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag (time shortening function operation flag) at the time of the number cut function operation. As a result, in this embodiment, the time shortening state ends (short time OFF) upon completion of the discharge of the effective sphere from the movable incoming ball accessory device 28 (normal state return means). Therefore, even if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 after that, the contents of the normal time (non-time shortened state) are applied to the normal symbol operating conditions, so that it is variable compared to the “time shortened state”. The frequency with which the start winning device 26 is opened decreases.

Step S4028: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “06H”.
Step S4030: Further, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. In particular, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, when the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4032.

  Step S4032: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit state designation command. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Functional equipment operation end processing]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the accessory device operation end process (step S4500 in FIG. 18). As described above, the accessory device operation end process is executed when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “06H”. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S4502: The main control CPU 72 executes an ending time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value in the ending time timer, and then counts down the timer with the passage of time (every time this module is called). In addition, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, an ending effect for ending the game flow in the movable ball accessory device 28 is performed using this "ending time".

  Step S4504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the ending time has expired. Specifically, if the value of the ending time timer has not yet become 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has not ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

  Thereafter, when the value of the ending time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has ended (Yes), and executes step S4506 and subsequent steps.

  Step S4506: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the jackpot state designation command is set. In particular, when the value of the big hit state designation command is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4512. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit state designation command is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4508.

Step S4508: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit state transition command.
Step S4510: The main control CPU 72 sets a time reduction state designation command. The setting here is one of the above “Special figure winning 1” to “Special figure winning 3” (normal time), or “Special figure winning 4” or “Special figure winning 5” (time reduction function) Based on operation). That is, (1) In the normal time, the time shortening state designation command is set to “01H” for any of “Special Figure Winning 1” to “Special Figure Winning 3”. On the other hand, in the case of (2) when the time shortening function is activated, for example, the time shortening state designation command is set to “01H” for “Special Figure Winning 4”, but the time shortening state designation command for “Special Figure Winning 5” Is maintained at the reset value (= 00H).

  As described above, when the value of the big hit state designation command is not set (step S4506: No), or when the value of the big hit state designation command is set (step S4506: Yes), steps S4508 and S4510 are executed. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes step S4512.

  Step S4512: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets an ending time end command. This ending time end command is used to notify the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that the game flow in the movable entrance ball apparatus 28 has ended. The ending time end command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10).

  Step S4514: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” based on the value of the jackpot state transition command. That is, here, the result differs depending on whether or not the value (01H) of the big hit state transition command is set. Specifically, when the big hit state transition command is set in the previous step S4508, the main control CPU 72 sets (updates) the value of “special game management status” to “07H”. In this case, as described above, the variable prize device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 18) and subsequent steps are executed in the special game management process.

  On the other hand, if step S4508 is not executed (the jackpot state transition command is not set), the main control CPU 72 returns the value of “special game management status” to “00H”. In this case, in the subsequent special game management process, the variable winning device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 18) is not selected, and the special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 18) is executed. .

  Step S4516: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the time shortening function operation flag (“01H” or “00H”), and if the value is “00H” (if it is non-time-short, normal), step S4516: The process proceeds to S4518.

  Step S4518: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol operation memory number, and if the value is “0” (if there is no special symbol operation memory), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4520.

  Step S4520: The main control CPU 72 sets a shortened variation display effect execution command. This command is used to cause the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) to perform a normal symbol shortened variation display effect. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10).

The main control CPU 72 determines that the value of the time reduction function operation flag is “01H” (during time reduction, non-normal operation; step S4516: No), or that the operation memory of the special symbol is 1 or more. If it is determined (step S4518; No), the shortened variation display effect execution command is not set.
In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 18).

[Variable winning device operation start processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the variable winning device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 18). Hereinafter, a process when the jackpot state transition command is set (when the value of “special game management status” is updated to “07H”) will be described.

  Step S5002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit start waiting time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the jackpot start waiting time timer, and then counts down the timer as time elapses (each time this module is called). The initial value of the big hit start waiting time timer is set as a waiting time (for example, about several seconds) from the end of the operation of the movable pitching accessory device 28 to the start of the operation of the variable winning device 30. Also, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the “pre-hit start waiting time” is used to produce the pre-start effect of the big hit game.

  Step S5004: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the big hit start waiting time has elapsed. That is, if the value of the big hit start waiting time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the big hit start waiting time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

  Thereafter, when the value of the big hit start waiting time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the big hit start waiting time has passed (Yes), and executes step S5006 and subsequent steps.

  Step S5006: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds. In the present embodiment, the number of execution rounds (the number of continuous operations) is one of “16 rounds”. However, as described above, the first opening (movement per small hit) of the movable ball accessory device 28 is performed in the first round. Equivalent to. Therefore, the remaining “15 rounds” are set as the number of execution rounds here. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“14” for 15 times). Here, the number of execution rounds may be set to “16 rounds” and the initial value of the round number counter may be set to “1”.

  Step S5008: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In this embodiment, for example, about 29.0 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer. With such an opening time, a sufficient number (for example, about 9) of game balls can be awarded to the grand prize opening during that time.

  Step S5010: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer (a big prize closing time timer). The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hit or the waiting time at the end of the final round. The timer value is set to about 2 to 3 seconds, for example.

  Step S5012: Then, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “08H” and returns to the special game management process.

[Variable winning device opening process]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the variable winning device opening process (step S5500 in FIG. 18). When the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “08H” in the previous variable winning device operation start processing (step S5012 in FIG. 23), thereafter, the variable winning device release processing is executed. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 as an operation during the big hit game (special game). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 opens the special winning opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the lower grand prize winning solenoid 216 is output. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  Step S5504: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the big hit release timer set in the previous variable winning device operation start process (step S5008 in FIG. 22).

  Step S5506: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big-hit release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 Step S5508 is executed.

  Step S5508: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 30 (the lower major winning opening being opened) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 208 within the opening time.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (for example, 9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one round of big hit) as described above. If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to “08H” at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the variable winning device release process, and the above steps S5502 to S5510 are performed. Repeat the above procedure.

  If it is determined in step S5506 that the opening time has ended (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5510 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5512.

  Step S5512: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the lower grand prize winning solenoid 216 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Step S5514: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the special game management status to “09H” and returns to the special game management process. Therefore, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the next variable winning device closing effective process (step S5550 in FIG. 18) is selected as the jump destination.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the variable winning device closing effective process as described above is executed to adjust the time required for closing the variable winning device 30 from the opening thereof. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of “special game management status” to “0AH” and returns to the special game management process. Next, when the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process, the next variable winning device closing process (step S6000 in FIG. 18) is selected as the jump destination.

[Variable winning device closing process]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the variable winning device closing process. This variable winning device closing process is for adjusting the internal state before moving to the next operation after the effective closing time of the variable winning device 30 has elapsed as described above. This will be specifically described below.

  Step S6002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the big hit interval timer (large winning opening closing time timer) set in the previous variable winning device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 23).

  Step S6004: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the closing time (interval time) has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big hit interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 is variable here. Finish the winning device closing process and return to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to “0AH” at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the variable winning device closing process, and the above steps S6002 to S6004 are performed. Repeat the above procedure. If it is determined in step S6004 that the closing time has expired (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6006.

  Step S6006: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the round number counter. Note that the value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with an initial value of 0.

  Step S6008: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented round number counter has reached the set number of execution rounds. The number of execution rounds is set in the previous variable winning device operation start process (step S5006 in FIG. 23). At this time, if the value of the round number counter has not yet reached the number of execution rounds (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S6014.

[Before the final round]
Step S6014: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a round number command based on the value of the current round number counter. The round number command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10). The effect control device 124 can recognize the current number of rounds based on the received round number command and reflect the result in the effect control during the big hit.

  Step S6016: Then, the main control CPU 72 changes the value of the special game management status from “0AH” and sets it to “08H”. Thus, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the main control CPU 72 again selects the variable winning device release processing (FIG. 24), and the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 in the next round is executed. Will be.

  Step S6018: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter counted in the current round. Thus, when the variable winning device release process (FIG. 24) is executed again, the number of winning balls in the next round is counted from zero.

[At the end of the final round]
Thereafter, when it is confirmed in step S6008 that the value of the round number counter has reached the set execution round number (step S6008: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S6010.

Step S6010: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter used in this big hit.
Step S6012: Then, the main control CPU 72 updates and sets the value of the special game management status from “0AH” to “0BH”.
Step S6018: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter counted in the final round.

  When the above procedure is executed at the end of the final round, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Thus, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the variable winning device operation end process (step S6500 in FIG. 18) is next selected as the jump destination.

[Variable winning device operation end processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of variable winning device operation end processing. This variable winning device operation end process is for confirming the elapse of the jackpot ending time as described above and adjusting the internal state (special symbol state) after the end of the jackpot game. This will be specifically described below.

  Step S6502: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot ending time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of a big hit ending time timer which is set in advance as “big hit ending time (ending effect time)”. Using the “big hit ending time” at this time, the big hit game ending effect is executed in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  Step S6504: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the big hit ending time has elapsed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the jackpot ending time timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to “0BH” at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the variable winning device operation end process, and the above steps S6502-step The procedure of S6504 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S6504 that the big hit ending time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6506.

  Step S6506: The main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol state flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the time reduction function operation flag (01H) if the number of time reductions corresponds to a winning type other than 0 at the time of the previous big hit (special drawing winnings 1 to 4). In this case, after the big hit game ends, the “non-time shortened state (normal state)” shifts to the “time shortened state” (specific game state transition means). On the other hand, in the case of the previous big hit, if the number of time reductions corresponds to the winning type (special drawing winning 5), the main control CPU 72 clears the time reduction function operation flag (00H). In this case, it does not shift to the “time reduction state” after the big hit game ends.

  Step S6508: Also, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions according to the special symbol stop symbol type (special symbol winning 1 to 5) determined at the time of the previous big hit. Specifically, if the previous winning type is “Special Figure Winning 1”, the number of time reductions is set to “2”. Also, if the winning type is “Special Figure Winning 2”, the time reduction count is set to “4 times”, and if the winning type is “Special Drawing Winning 3”, the time reduction count is set to “6 times”. Is done. The above is the case of the “non-time shortening state”, but in the “time shortening state”, if the winning type is “special drawing winning 4”, the number of time shortening is set to “6 times”. If the winning type is “Special Figure Winning 5”, the number of time reductions is not particularly set (or is set to “0”). Then, based on the time reduction number set here, the value of the count cut counter is set.

  Step S6510: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol state designation command. The special symbol state designation command set here represents either the operation (ON) or the non-operation (OFF) of the time shortening function, and in the case of the operation (ON), the special symbol state designation command is combined with the number of times of time shortening. . The special symbol state designation command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S217 in FIG. 10). The production control device 124 recognizes the time shortening function (ON) or non-actuated (OFF) based on the received special symbol state designation command. It can be reflected in the production.

  Step S6512: Then, the main control CPU 72 initializes the value of the special game management status to “00H”. As a result, the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol transitions to a “waiting for change” state (a state that satisfies the start condition). Therefore, if the number of special symbol working memories remains at this time, it becomes possible to change (start) the special symbols by consuming that memory for control. Alternatively, if the number of special symbol operating memories does not remain (the number of memories is 0), it is possible to add the operating memory in response to a new winning to the variable start winning device 26 and change (start) the special symbols. Become.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 18) and then returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10). Thereby, in the subsequent special game management process, the special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 18) is selected.

[Display output management processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the display output management process (step S216 in FIG. 10) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), a special symbol operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a normal symbol operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of the storage display setting process (step S1240).

  Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), the special symbol action memory display setting process (step S1230), and the normal symbol action memory display setting process (step S1240) have already been described. As described above, this is a process for generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the special symbol display device 34, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, and the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a.

  The status display setting process (step S1220) is a process of generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the status display lamps 36 to 39. That is, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LEDs corresponding to the status display lamps 36 to 39 when the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag. To do. On the other hand, if the time reduction function operation flag is cleared (00H), the main control CPU 72 does not output a lighting signal for the LEDs corresponding to the status display lamps 36 to 39. Thereby, ON or OFF of the state display lamps 36 to 39 is controlled according to the special symbol state.

[Processing after operation of the accessory device]
Next, four main timing patterns assumed in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 28 to FIG. 31 are timing charts showing temporal changes in various states accompanying the progress of the special symbol game.
28 and 29 show timing charts in the case where the V prize does not occur in the normal time, and FIG. 30 shows timing charts at the time of completion of the short time and when there is no special symbol working memory. 31 shows a timing chart in the case where there is a special symbol working memory. Hereinafter, four examples will be described in time series.

[First example]
First, a timing chart in the case where the V prize is not generated at the normal time and the variation of the normal symbol does not extend at the end of the end effect will be described.
[Time t0]
(A) and (B) in FIG. 28: For example, a case is assumed where the special symbol is being variably displayed at time t0. In this case, the special game progress status is (2) “special symbol variation display state”, and the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “01H”.
(F) in FIG. 28: At time t0, the time shortening function is inactive (OFF).

[Time t1]
In FIG. 28, (A) and (B): The change of the special symbol is completed at time t1, and the progress status is changed to (3) “special symbol stopped symbol display state”. At this time, the stop symbol is a winning (small win) mode, and the winning type at that time is “special drawing winning 1”, “special drawing winning 2” or “special drawing winning 3”. Accordingly, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “02H”.

[Time t2]
In FIG. 28, (A) and (B): When the stop display time ends at time t2, the progress state changes to (4) “a state-of-the-apparatus device operation start effect state”. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “03H”.
(C) in FIG. 28: At this stage, the upper prize winning opening 28b is still closed.

[Time t3]
In FIG. 28 (C): At time t3, the movable ball accessory device 28 is operated, and the upper prize winning opening 28b is opened.
In FIG. 28, (A) and (B): Along with this, the progress status shifts to (5) “objects device open state”, and the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “04H”. To do.
(D) in FIG. 28: Also, after time t3, the winning detection signal is output by the upper winning port switch 200 because a winning occurs while the upper winning port 28b is opened. Since the timing at which the winning detection signal is output depends on the actual movement of the game ball, the winning detection signal may be output after the upper large winning opening 28b is closed.

[Time t4]
(C) in FIG. 28: At time t4, the movable ball accessory device 28 ends its operation, and the upper prize winning opening 28b is closed.
In FIG. 28, (A) and (B): Along with this, the progress status changes to (6) “Closed state after opening of accessory device”, and the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “Special game management status” to “05H”. Set to.
In FIG. 28 (E): Further, as a result of the game ball sorting operation being performed within the movable ball accessory device 28, if the game ball is discharged without passing through the specific area, it is detected from the discharge detection switch 206. A signal is output.

[Time t5: Discharge completion]
28A and 28B: Detection signals for the number of winning balls are output from the discharge detection switch 206 (effective ball discharge is completed), and other conditions (the third stopper motor 224 is at the origin position). When “stopped” is satisfied, the progress status changes to (7) “actual device operation end effecting state”. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “06H”. Note that whether or not other conditions are satisfied is determined in the above-described accessory device closing process (step S4012 in FIG. 21). The determination of “effective ball discharge completion” is performed in the accessory device closing process (step S4016 in FIG. 21).

  (F) in FIG. 28: At time t5, the state where the time shortening function is OFF is maintained. As a result, the “non-time reduction state” remains internally. The actual internal process is performed in the above-mentioned accessory device closing process (step S4026 in FIG. 21) by the main control CPU 72.

[Occurrence of normal symbol fluctuations during an accessory game]
In FIG. 28 (G): In the example of this timing chart, the game ball passes through the start gate 20 three times, and the start gate switch 80 detects the passage of the game ball three times, thereby changing the normal symbol three times. An example is shown.
Regarding the first fluctuation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (1) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 5.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner.
Regarding the second variation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (2) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 20.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner. At this time, since there is no normal symbol that fluctuates when the end effect shown in FIG. 28B ends (time t6), no special processing is performed in this case.
Regarding the third variation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (3) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 5.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner. Specific examples of performance will be described later, but the waveforms with parentheses (1) and (2) are fluctuations during the game, so that they are small enough not to interfere with the production during the game. There is an effect (for example, a decrease in the holding mark and a change in the 4th symbol), but the waveform with (3) in parentheses is a change after the bonus game, so the change in the effect design as usual Display is performed.

[Time t6]
28 (A) and 28 (B): As the ending time elapses, the special game progress status transitions from (7) “actual device operation end effecting state” to (1) “special symbol variation waiting state”. . Accordingly, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “00H”. Since the special symbol can be changed under the control of the main control CPU 72 thereafter, if the number of special symbol working memories remains, the working memory is shifted to display the special symbol fluctuation display. Is possible. Alternatively, when the number of working memories is 0, new working memory can be performed with a winning at the start winning opening 26a.

[Second example]
Next, a timing chart in the case where the V prize is not generated at the normal time and the variation of the normal symbol straddles at the end of the end effect will be described. Note that, in the following timing charts, overlapping description of portions common to the first example described above is omitted as appropriate.

[Time reduction function]
In FIG. 29, (F): This example shows a timing chart at normal time, so that the time reduction function remains in the OFF state as in the first example.

[Occurrence of regular symbol fluctuations during an accessory game]
In FIG. 29 (G): In the example of this timing chart, the game ball passes the start gate 20 twice, and the start gate switch 80 detects the passage of the game ball twice, so that the normal symbol fluctuates twice. An example is shown.
Regarding the first fluctuation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (1) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 5.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner.
Regarding the second variation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (2) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 20.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner. At this time, since the second variation of the normal symbol extends over the time point (time t6) when the end effect (distribution effect) shown in FIG. 29B ends, the effect control CPU 126 displays the shortened change display effect. (Remaining variation time effect execution means). The details of the shortened variation display effect will be described later, but briefly explained here. When the variation time T1 of the normal symbol extends over at the end of the end effect (time t6), after the end effect ends. This is an effect of performing a normal display effect using the remaining fluctuation time T2 which is the remaining fluctuation time of the normal symbol.

[Third example]
Next, a description will be given of a timing chart when the time is short and when there is no special symbol working memory number.
[Time reduction function]
In FIG. 30, (F): This example shows a timing chart at the time of time reduction, so that the time reduction function is in operation (ON) at time t0.
[Time t5: Discharge completion → End of time reduction]
In this example, after the transition to the “time reduction state”, if the passing through the specific area (V winning) does not occur in the movable pitching accessory device 28, the progress status is “6” The time shortening function is deactivated (OFF) at the time of transition from "closed state after opening" to (7) "actual device device operation end effecting state".
30A and 30B: Detection signals for the number of winning balls are output from the discharge detection switch 206 (effective ball discharge is completed), and other conditions (the third stopper motor 224 is at the origin position). When “stopped” is satisfied, the progress status changes to (7) “actual device operation end effecting state”. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of “special game management status” to “06H”.

  In FIG. 30, (F): As described above, the time shortening function changes from ON to OFF in accordance with the transition of the progress status to (7) “actual equipment device operation end effecting state” at time t5. As a result, the “time reduction state” ends internally and returns to the “non-time reduction state”. The actual internal process is performed in the above-mentioned accessory device closing process (step S4026 in FIG. 21) by the main control CPU 72.

[Occurrence of general-purpose fluctuations during an accessory game]
FIG. 30 (G): In the example of this timing chart, the game ball passes through the start gate 20 twice, and the start gate switch 80 detects the passage of the game ball twice, so that the normal symbol fluctuates twice. An example is shown.
For the first fluctuation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (1) in parentheses), the internal state is “time shortened state”, so that the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has a high probability (“winning A” and You can win any of the “Win B”. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 5.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner.
Regarding the second variation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (2) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 20.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner. At this time, since the second variation of the normal symbol extends over the end effect (time t6) shown in FIG. 30B, the remaining variation time T2 is used as in the second example. Thus, a shortened variation display effect is performed.

[Fourth example]
Finally, a timing chart when there is a special symbol working memory number will be described.
If there is a special symbol working memory number, even if the “time shortening state” ends and returns to the “non-time shortening state”, the special symbol is changed by the amount of the working memory. In the illustrated example, a plurality of operation memories are stored, and a state in which the last operation memory (final hold) when they are consumed sequentially is shown.

[Time reduction function]
In FIG. 31, (F): In this example, since the operating memory is consumed, the time reduction function is already inactive (OFF).

[Occurrence of general-purpose fluctuations during an accessory game]
In FIG. 31, (G): In the example of this timing chart, the game ball passes through the start gate 20 twice, and the start gate switch 80 detects the passage of the game ball twice, so that the normal symbol fluctuates twice. An example is shown.
Regarding the first fluctuation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (1) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 5.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner.
Regarding the second variation of the normal symbol (the waveform with (2) in parentheses), since the internal state is the “non-time shortened state”, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed with a low probability. Then, the normal symbol fluctuates (for example, fluctuates for 20.0 seconds), and then is stopped and displayed in a hit or miss manner. At this time, since the second variation of the normal symbol extends over the end effect (time t6) shown in FIG. 31B, the remaining variation time is the same as in the second and third examples. A shortened variation display effect is performed using T2.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the normal symbol game progresses as the main control CPU 72 executes the control process, the progress of the special symbol game changes according to the result. Furthermore, in the special symbol game, the progress status greatly branches to the big hit game or the normal game according to the result of the game ball distributing operation in the movable ball-and-ball accessory device 28.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, an effect using mainly a liquid crystal image is performed according to the actual progress of the game, and the transition of the progress is easily transmitted to the player. Hereinafter, an example using the liquid crystal image will be described.

[Normal production example]
FIG.32 and FIG.33 is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the production example using the image performed during a normal game. The effect during the normal game is executed mainly in response to the normal symbol variation display and stop display. In the following, description will be given in order.

  In FIG. 32 (A): For example, three effect symbols are displayed in the upper area of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The three effect symbols are, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol (no reference symbol), and are stopped in a state where any one of the numbers “1” to “7” is displayed. In this example, the size of the middle effect symbol is slightly smaller than that of the left effect symbol and the right effect symbol. Further, each effect symbol is not displayed as a so-called “symbol example”, but is displayed individually as a single effect symbol.

  Further, in the lower right position in the screen, a special effect symbol TZ1 corresponding to the special symbol display mode is displayed together with the fourth symbol FZ4 corresponding to the normal symbol display mode. Here, the fourth symbol FZ4 means the “fourth effect symbol” following the three left effect symbols, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol. The special effect symbol TZ1 alone corresponds to the special symbol display mode.

  Further, a common memory number marker FM corresponding to the number of working symbols of the normal symbol is displayed at the lower right position in the screen. The common figure memory number marker FM displays the number of working memories of a normal symbol as an effect, for example, by displaying up to four heart-shaped symbol marks. In this example, four normal memory number markers FM are displayed, which indicates that the current working memory number is four.

  In addition, in the screen, a female character is displayed at the center position together with a background image (not shown). In this example, a state in which one female character is standing quietly is displayed in a dramatic manner.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 32 (B): A variation display effect using three effect symbols is executed in accordance with the start of variation of the normal symbol. At this time, the variation display of the three effect symbols is expressed, for example, in such a manner that the reel of one line display is rotating. At this time, the variable display is also started for the fourth symbol FZ4. The variation display of the fourth symbol FZ4 is expressed in a manner that the display color is changed variously, for example. Since this special symbol has not changed, the special effect symbol TZ1 remains stopped.

  In addition, with the start of normal symbol variation, the number of displays of the conventional figure memory number marker FM decreases by one, and the remaining three move forward in the direction of the center of the screen. Has been. As a result, it can be communicated to the player that “the number of working memories has been reduced (consumed) by the start of normal symbol fluctuation”.

  At this time, for example, a certain item (for example, a present box) appears from the left side of the screen, and a notice effect is performed in a manner in which the female character exhibits some reaction (for example, “small surprise”). Such a notice effect suggests that there is a possibility that the current fluctuation display may develop to reach, or eventually win.

[Left effect design stop]
(C) in FIG. 32: When the middle stage of the variable display effect is reached, the left effect symbol is first stopped and displayed. In this example, the left effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the number “3”. Other medium effect symbols and right effect symbols are still being displayed in a variable manner. Similarly, the variation display is continued for the fourth symbol FZ4.

  Further, the aspect of the notice effect changes to the content that the item that appears first passes to the right side of the screen, and the female character quietly sees it off. With such a notice effect mode, the player can be reminded that there is no significant change in the current fluctuation.

[Figure 33: Right effect design stopped]
In FIG. 33 (D): When the middle stage of the variable display effect is reached, the right effect symbol is subsequently stopped and displayed. In this example, the stop display of the right effect symbol is performed in a mode representing the number “5”. The remaining medium production symbols are still being displayed in a variable manner. The variation display is also continued for the fourth symbol FZ4.

  The aspect of the notice effect has changed to the content that the item that appears first has finally passed away from the right end of the screen and the female character sees it off as it is. With such a notice effect mode, the player can be reminded that “there was no change in the current fluctuation (the possibility of non-winning is high)”. In the present embodiment, the winning probability of “winning B” corresponding to the normal symbol is 1 / 1.04, and it is difficult for non-winning to occur probabilistically. It is treated as “Non-winning”. Even if it corresponds to “Win B” at normal times, the operating time of the variable start winning device 26 is extremely short, about 0.08 seconds. It is difficult. Therefore, in the following, “winning B” in the normal time will be described as “non-winning in production”.

[Intermediate design stop]
In FIG. 33 (E): When the end of the variable display effect is reached, the medium effect symbol is finally stopped and displayed. In this example, the medium effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the number “2”. Further, the fourth symbol FZ4 is finally stopped and displayed. At this time, the result display effect corresponding to the stop display of the normal symbol is obtained by stopping the display in a combination of three numbers (for example, “3”-“2”-“5”) in which the three effect symbols are not uniform. Has been done. With such a result display effect mode, it is possible to notify the player that the normal symbol has been stopped and displayed in a non-winning mode (“winning B” in normal times) in the current variation. In addition, when it internally corresponds to “winning B”, the fourth symbol FZ4 is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to “winning B”. That is, even when “winning B” is won, such an effect is displayed that the three effect symbols are stopped and displayed in a combination of three numbers in which the three effect symbols are not uniform.

  In addition, in the lower right position of the screen, a general memory number marker FM is newly displayed to express that the number of working memories of the normal symbol has changed to four. In addition, the female character in the center of the screen poses at the end of the variable display effect, and is displayed in a manner that indicates that the current variable display has ended in a non-winning position for the effect.

  Similarly, when the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed during the normal game, the variation display effect and the result display effect using the effect symbol are executed correspondingly.

[Directions per map]
FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are continuous diagrams showing a flow of an effect example using an image that is executed at the time of hit variation during a normal game.

  FIG. 34 (I): In this example, the left effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle of the variable display effect, and the notice effect is executed after that. In this way, the notice effect is executed at a timing delayed from the normal time, so that the player can have some sense of incongruity and pay attention to subsequent changes in the effect.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 34 (II): In this example, the right effect design is stopped and displayed in the middle and late stages of the variable display effect, and a reach state is generated on the effect. That is, the reach state is generated in the production because both the left production symbol and the right production symbol are stopped and displayed in a mode representing the number “7”. The medium effect symbol is still being displayed in a variable manner.

  In addition, the post-reach notice effect is executed by the item appearing in the previous notice effect changing at the center position of the screen. In this example, the state that a lid of the present box is opened and some object appears in the lid is expressed in a stunning manner. By performing such a post-reach notice effect, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that “this reach may be a hit” and to attract interest to the outcome of the effect until the end. it can.

[Reach production]
In FIG. 34 (III): After the reach state has occurred, for example, the medium effect symbol is enlarged and displayed at the center position of the screen, and the change is made into a slow motion, whereby the reach effect is executed. In this example, the state in which the medium effect design slowly changes from the number “6” to “7” is expressed in an effect. By executing such reach production, it is possible to give the player a feeling of tension that “it may finally be a hit”.

[Figure 35: Winning effect]
In FIG. 35, (IV): If the current variation is a win (winning in the operation lottery) (however, in the case of “winning A”), a win effect is executed correspondingly. In the present embodiment, when “winning A” corresponds to normal, such a winning effect is executed (“winning B” is non-winning in terms of performance). In this example, the medium effect symbol enlarged and displayed at the center position of the screen is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the number “7”, so that the final hit from the reach state is expressed on the effect. Yes. The fourth symbol FZ4 is variably displayed until the stop display is actually performed on the normal symbol display device 33.

  In FIG. 35, (V): The three effect symbols are displayed in a fixed stop manner in synchronization with the normal symbol stop display. In this example, the three effect symbols are stopped and displayed at the original size at the upper position of the screen, and the same combination of numbers (“7”-“7”-“7”) is displayed. In this case, the player is informed that the current fluctuation has been won ("Winning A"). The fourth symbol FZ4 is also stopped and displayed in a winning manner (for example, red). In addition, at the center position of the screen, the female character utters some kind of dialogue (for example, “I did it”), so that the player can feel the hit.

[Directed after a normal map]
In FIG. 35 (VI): Subsequently, a post-hit effect is executed at the center position of the screen. In this example, the female character utters the line “Put it to the left.” And a large left-pointing arrow is displayed in a balloon that represents the line. Such a post-winning effect reminds the player that “the next time the variable start winning device 26 on the left side of the board needs to be awarded”, and can promote the progress of the game thereafter. .

[Direction when special symbol is won]
FIG. 36 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the special symbol winning effect accompanying the special symbol variation display. As described above, in the present embodiment, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner when the variable start winning device 26 (start winning port 26a) is won. The winning probability (small hit probability) is 1/1. Therefore, the effect using the effect symbol or the like is not performed for the special symbol, and the following special symbol winning effect is executed.

[Directions during special symbol display]
In FIG. 36 (VII): When the special game progress status transitions to the above (2) “special symbol variation display state”, for example, at the center position of the screen, the female character will say “Next will open!” The production is performed. By such an effect, it is possible to make the player aware that “the upper prize winning opening 28b is opened”. At this time, since the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 34, the special effect symbol TZ1 is variably displayed accordingly. Further, for the normal symbol, the next change is performed by the end of the operation of the variable start winning device 26, so that the effect of decreasing the common figure memory number marker FM is performed at the lower right position of the screen.

[Special effects during stop display]
In FIG. 36 (VIII): When the special game progress status shifts to the above (3) “special symbol stop symbol display state”, for example, the above-mentioned female character produces a statement such as “Aim for the top!” Is called. With such an effect, the player can be aware that “the player needs to win the upper open prize opening 28b being opened” and can promote the smooth progress of the game thereafter. At this time, since the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol in the special symbol display device 34, the special effect symbol TZ1 is also stopped and displayed in the winning mode (for example, light blue).

[Activity equipment operation start effect]
In FIG. 36, (IX): When the special game progress status shifts to the above (4) “actual device operation start effecting state”, for example, the above-mentioned female character produces an effect such as “Let ’s go.” Is called. By such an effect, the player is made aware that “the game by the sorting operation is started in the movable ball-and-ball accessory device 28”, and the game is actually performed with respect to the subsequent game ball sorting operation. Can attract the attention of a person.

[Directing during sorting]
FIG. 37 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of effects performed during the sorting operation in the movable ball accessory device 28. Such an effect is executed, for example, when the special game progress status transitions after (6) “Closed state after opening of the accessory device”.

  In FIG. 37 (A): In the initial stage of the performance during the sorting operation, images of female characters (right side) and enemy characters (left side) are displayed side by side, and they rub each other, sparking in the middle. The state of being 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). The “expected degree” can be derived from, for example, a relative relationship between the timing at which the first stopper 190 is released and the rotation angle of the first rotating body 440 at that time.

  Further, at this time, the normal symbol variation display is performed, so that the common figure memory number marker FM is decreased at the lower right position of the screen, and the other remaining characters are moved in a forward direction.

  In FIG. 37 (B): From the middle stage to the final stage of the distribution operation effect, the two characters disappear from the display screen and the character information “Janken” is displayed largely. As a result, the player is reminded of the notion that “characters are fighting against each other”, and attention is paid to, for example, the operation of releasing the first stopper 190 in the movable pitching accessory 28. Can do. In addition, a mode in which a shout, sound effect, BGM, etc., such as “Janken defeat” is also output at this time.

[Direction when passing a specific area]
Thereafter, when a distribution operation is actually performed and, as a result, the passage of a specific area (V winning) occurs, for example, the following effects are executed.

  In FIG. 37 (C): In this case, a moving image with the contents of “Take out the hand of Janken” is displayed by the two characters. In this example, a series of situations from the right side of the screen to the appearance of a friendly character's hand “Choki” and the appearance of the enemy character's hand “par” from the left 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.

  (D) in FIG. 37: As a result of the game, it is displayed that the ally character has won 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 have won “Janken”, “As a result of the sorting operation, It is possible to teach that “V winning) has occurred”.

[Directing during a big hit]
Next, FIG. 38 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of the effect executed during the jackpot game after passing through the specific area. Such an effect is executed, for example, when the special game progress state transitions after the above (9) “Big winning opening opening / closing state”.

[At the start of 2nd round]
FIG. 38 (A): As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit game is started from the second round. In this case, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND2” is displayed on the screen, and a unique effect image (for example, a female character) is displayed during the big hit game. In the lower right position of the screen, the fourth symbol FZ4, the common symbol memory number marker FM, the special effect symbol TZ1, etc. are continuously displayed.

[16 rounds]
(B) in FIG. 38: After this, the big hit game proceeds smoothly and shifts to the final 16 rounds. At this time, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND16” is displayed on the screen, and a unique effect image is displayed during the big hit game.

[Big hit ending production]
In FIG. 38 (C): At the timing when the big hit game is ended (variable winning device operation end processing), the big hit ending effect of the contents teaching the “time shortening state” and the number of times to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, information indicating the remaining number of fluctuations “6 times” is displayed along with character information “Chance mode rush!” On the screen. By executing such a big hit ending effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the “time reduction state” as a privilege after the big hit game ends, and at the same time, the number of short times.

[Time short and middle production]
After the big hit game is finished, when the state is actually shifted to the “time reduction state”, for example, a short time effect is executed. In the “time reduction state”, even if the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol corresponds to “winning B”, the operation time of the variable start winning device 26 is extended from the normal time, and the variable start winning port 26a is opened. Winning is easier. For this reason, in the “time shortening state”, “no win in production” hardly occurs, and thus the above-described variable display effects (FIGS. 32 to 33) are not executed.

  In FIG. 38 (D): For example, as a short-and-short-time production, an effect is produced in which a female character utters a line such as “You can save up to four!”. Here, the symbol mark “☆” represents the special symbol operation memory marker TM as shown in the lower left position of the screen. Therefore, by performing such an effect that emits a dialogue, the player is made aware that “it is better to save up to four special symbols of working memory during the time,” and then a smooth game Can be promoted. In addition, although not specifically illustrated here, it is good also as a short time medium effect being performed by another aspect.

[Direction during time-sorting operation]
Next, FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the distribution operation effect that is executed when the time-shifted state is entered. In this example, as a result of the distribution by the first rotating body 440 in the movable entrance ball apparatus 28, the game balls are distributed to the above-described reverse route distribution unit, and further distributed by the second rotating body 442 to a region other than the specific area. This shows the effects that are executed when Further, in the following example, a case is assumed in which the “time reduction state” ends when the operation of the current movable ball accessory device 28 ends.

[After winning the movable pitching equipment unit]
In FIG. 39 (A): After winning the movable ball winning device 28 (upper large winning opening 28b) as described above, the game ball is swung in the reverse route by the first rotating body 440 after the first stopper 190 is released. When the signals are distributed to the minutes, a detection signal is output from the reverse rotation detection switch 205. In response to this, for example, the hand of Janken becomes “Aiko” and changes to a mode (re-challenge production) indicating that the game was not successful at this point.

[Re-challenge production]
39 (B): In this case, the female character of the ally becomes a close-up on the screen, and for example, an effect is produced in which a speech such as “still more!” Is emitted. With such an effect, the player can recognize that the reverse rotation by the reverse route distribution unit has occurred, and can pay attention to the subsequent game ball distribution operation.

  In FIG. 39 (C): In the re-challenge production, for example, images of female characters (right side) and enemy characters (left side) are displayed side by side, and they rub each other and scatter sparks in the middle. The state is expressed stunningly by moving images.

[Refer to FIG. 40]
In FIG. 40 (D): Two characters disappear once again from the display screen, and the character information “Janken” is displayed large. As a result, the player is reminded of the idea that “the characters will play together and play again”, and the third stopper 194 is released in the movable entrance ball accessory device 28 (second rotation). The action of the game ball being released toward the body 442 can be noted.

  Thereafter, when the game ball is discharged without actually passing through the specific area (V winning) as a result, for example, the following discharge detection effect is executed.

[Discharge detection effect]
In FIG. 40 (E): In this case, two characters display a moving image with the content “Janken hands each”, but from the right side of the screen, a friend's character hand “Par” appears. Also, the enemy character's hand “Choki” appears from the left of the screen, which produces an effect that means “unfortunately I lost to Janken”. Thereby, it is transmitted to the player that “the passing of the specific area (V winning) has not occurred” and the player can recognize that the hand game in the movable pitching equipment 28 has ended. it can.

  At this time, in the control by the main control CPU 72, the time shortening function is turned off when the discharge of the game ball is completed. Then, when the special game progress status transitions to the above (7) “actual device operation end effecting state”, for example, the following ending effects are executed. The ending effect is executed using the ending time counted down in the accessory device operation end process (step S4502 in FIG. 22) as described above.

[Ending production]
In FIG. 40 (F): In the initial stage of the ending production, it is displayed that, as a result of the previous game, the ally's character has lost. In this example, a friendly character who has lost the game becomes a close-up in the center of the display screen, and a state of disappointment is expressed. In addition, the character “Lose ...” is displayed in the display screen, which reminds the player that he could n’t win Janken. It is possible to teach that “pass (V winning) has not occurred”.

  In FIG. 40 (G): At the end of the ending production, the female character of the ally is displayed in a different position on the screen, and for example, the production of the content that utters the phrase “See you again!” Is executed. With such an effect, it is possible to change the player's feelings and motivate the next sorting operation. At this time, a character (for example, “10 battles”) representing the number of wins in the production so far is displayed at the upper left position of the screen. This number indicates the number of big hits (including the initial hit) that has been generated continuously.

  At this time, the common figure memory number marker FM is decreased by one at the lower right position of the screen, but since the time shortening function has already been turned off, the fluctuation of the normal symbol this time is “non-time shortened state”. Done. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the variable start winning device 26 from being opened across the end time of the ending time, and to prevent the number of special symbol fluctuations from being added inadvertently.

  In addition, if the special symbol working memory remains at this point in time as the special symbol working memory marker TM is displayed at the lower left position of the screen, the memory can be digested and the next special symbol can be displayed. As has already been explained.

Next, the details of the shortened variation display effect described above will be described.
41 to 43 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of effects during the sorting operation and the shortened variation display effects. The shortened variation display effect is executed, for example, when the special game progress status transitions after the above (6) “closed state after opening of the accessory device” and returns to (1) “special symbol variation waiting state”. .

  In FIG. 41 (A): In the initial stage of the performance during the sorting operation, images of female characters on the right side (right side) and enemy characters (left side) are displayed side by side, and they rub each other, sparking in the middle. The state of being 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 normal symbol variation display is performed, so that the common figure memory number marker FM is decreased at the lower right position of the screen, and the other remaining characters are moved in a forward direction.

In FIG. 41 (B): From the middle stage to the final stage of the performance during the sorting operation, the two characters disappear from the display screen and the character information “Janken” is displayed largely. As a result, the player is reminded of the notion that “characters are fighting against each other”, and attention is paid to, for example, the operation of releasing the first stopper 190 in the movable pitching accessory 28. Can do.
Thereafter, when the game ball is discharged without actually passing through the specific area (V winning) as a result, for example, the following effects are executed.

  In FIG. 41 (C): In this case, the two characters display a moving image with the contents “Janken hands each”, but from the right side of the screen, the friend's character hand “Par” appears. Also, the enemy character's hand “Choki” appears from the left of the screen, which produces an effect that means “unfortunately I lost to Janken”. Thereby, it is transmitted to the player that “the passing of the specific area (V winning) has not occurred” and the player can recognize that the hand game in the movable pitching equipment 28 has ended. it can.

  Then, when the special game progress status transitions to the above (7) “actual device operation end effecting state”, for example, the following ending effects are executed. The ending effect is executed using the ending time counted down in the accessory device operation end process (step S4502 in FIG. 22) as described above.

[Ending production]
In FIG. 41 (D): At the initial stage of the ending production, it is displayed that the ally character has unfortunately lost as a result of the previous game. In this example, a friendly character who has lost the game becomes a close-up in the center of the display screen, and a state of disappointment is expressed. In addition, the character “Lose ...” is displayed in the display screen, which reminds the player that he could n’t win Janken. It is possible to teach that “pass (V winning) has not occurred”.

  In FIG. 42 (E): At the end of the ending production, the female character of the ally is displayed in a different position on the screen, and for example, the production of the content that utters the line “See you again!” Is executed. With such an effect, it is possible to change the player's feelings and motivate the next sorting operation.

[Shortened variation display effect]
Further, at this time, the common memory number marker FM is decreased by one at the lower right position of the screen, and at this time, a shortened variation display effect is performed. This time, it is assumed that the fluctuation time of a relatively long time has been determined for the fluctuation of the normal symbol. In this case, if the normal display effect is performed without performing the shortened variation display effect, the normal symbol effect has already started, and immediately after the ending effect is finished, the normal symbol effect is started halfway. The player will feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, if a special display effect is performed immediately after the ending effect is finished, a normal expectation cannot be given to the player. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following shortened variation display effect is performed, and the normal symbol variation effect is performed without a sense of incongruity.

  In FIG. 42 (F): In the example shown, three effect symbols are displayed in the upper area of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The three effect symbols are, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, and “2”, “4”, and “6” are stopped and displayed.

  Further, a fourth symbol FZ4 corresponding to the normal symbol display mode is displayed at the lower right position in the screen. Here, the 4th symbol FZ4 is not a stop display but a variable display. The three effects of the left effect, middle effect, and right effect are temporarily stopped to produce a smoother (no sense of incongruity) effect. Since the normal symbol is fluctuating to the last, the fourth symbol FZ4 is displayed in a variable manner. In addition, since the normal symbol is already changing, the display number of the common memory number marker FM does not decrease.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 42 (G): A variation display effect using three effect symbols is executed in accordance with the variation of the normal symbol. At this time, the variation display of the three effect symbols is expressed, for example, in such a manner that the reel of one line display is rotating. At this time, the variable display is continued for the fourth symbol FZ4.

[Left effect design stop]
In FIG. 42 (H): When the middle stage of the variable display effect is reached, first, the left effect symbol is stopped and displayed. In this example, the stop display of the left effect symbol is performed in a mode representing the number “4”. Other medium effect symbols and right effect symbols are still being displayed in a variable manner. Similarly, the variation display is continued for the fourth symbol FZ4.
At this time, for example, a notice effect is performed in a manner in which the female character at the center of the screen shows some action (for example, “open one eye”). Such a notice effect suggests that there is a possibility that the current fluctuation display may develop to reach, or eventually win.

[Figure 43: Right effect design stopped]
In FIG. 43 (I): When the middle stage of the variable display effect is reached, the right effect symbol is subsequently stopped and displayed. In this example, the stop display of the right effect symbol is performed in a mode representing the number “5”. The remaining medium production symbols are still being displayed in a variable manner. The variation display is also continued for the fourth symbol FZ4.

  Further, the mode of the notice effect has changed to a mode in which the female character at the center of the screen shows an additional action (for example, “opens the other eye and looks surprised”). With such a notice effect mode, the player can be reminded that “there is no significant change in the current fluctuation”.

[Intermediate design stop]
In FIG. 43 (J): When the end of the variable display effect is reached, the medium effect symbol is finally stopped and displayed. In this example, the medium effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the number “1”. Further, the fourth symbol FZ4 is finally stopped and displayed. At this time, the result display effect corresponding to the stop display of the normal symbol is obtained by stopping the display in a combination of three numbers (for example, “4”-“1”-“5”) in which the three effect symbols are not uniform. Has been done. With such a result display effect mode, it is possible to transmit to the player that the normal symbol has been stopped and displayed in a non-winning mode in the current variation.

  In addition, the female character in the center of the screen poses in accordance with the end of the variable display effect, and is displayed in a manner indicating that the current variable display has been completed without winning.

  Similarly, when the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed during the normal game, the variation display effect and the result display effect using the effect symbol are executed correspondingly.

  In this way, even when the bonus game is over and the normal symbol is changing, the shortened variation display effect can be performed and the normal symbol effect can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

Next, the details of the shortened variation display effect in the normal symbol effect at the time of winning will be described.
44 and 45 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of effects during the sorting operation and shortened variation display effects. Here, a description will be given from the end of the ending effect when the sorting operation is performed and as a result the game ball is discharged without passing through the specific area (V winning).
In FIG. 44 (A): At the end of the ending production, the female character of the ally is displayed in a different position on the screen, and for example, the production of the content that utters the line “See you again!” Is executed.

44B: For example, three effect symbols are displayed in the upper area of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The three effect symbols are, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol. In the illustrated example, “7”, “1”, and “7” are stopped and displayed.
Further, a fourth symbol FZ4 corresponding to the normal symbol display mode is displayed at the lower right position in the screen. Here, the fourth symbol FZ4 is not the stop display, but the variable display is the same as the effect at the time of the above-mentioned deviation.

  44 (C): In this example, the left effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle of the variable display effect, and the notice effect is executed after that. In this way, the notice effect is executed at a timing delayed from the normal time, so that the player can have some sense of incongruity and pay attention to subsequent changes in the effect. At this time, for example, a certain item (for example, a present box) appears from the left side of the screen, and a notice effect is performed in a manner in which the female character exhibits some reaction (for example, “small surprise”). Moreover, the present gift box is colored in color, indicating that it is a notice effect with a higher degree of expectation than a normal notice effect. Such a notice effect suggests that the current fluctuation display is a hit with a very high probability.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 45 (D): In this example, the right effect design is stopped and displayed in the middle and late stages of the variable display effect, and a reach state is generated on the effect. That is, the reach state is generated in the production because both the left production symbol and the right production symbol are stopped and displayed in a mode representing the number “7”. The medium effect symbol is still being displayed in a variable manner.

  In addition, the post-reach notice effect is executed by the item appearing in the previous notice effect changing at the center position of the screen. In this example, the appearance of the appearance of a star object on which the letter “V” is displayed from which the lid of the present box is opened is displayed. By executing such a post-reach notice effect, the player can have a great expectation that “this reach will be a hit”.

  (E) in FIG. 45: Three effect symbols are displayed in a fixed stop in synchronization with the normal symbol stop display. In this example, three effect symbols are stopped and displayed at the upper position of the screen, and the same combination of numbers (“7”-“7”-“7”) is displayed, so that the current variation on the effect is It tells the player that it was a hit. The fourth symbol FZ4 is also stopped and displayed in a winning manner (for example, red). In addition, at the center position of the screen, the female character utters some kind of dialogue (for example, “I did it”), so that the player can feel the hit.

  In this way, even if the bonus game is over, the normal symbol is changing, and the change leads to a win, the shortened change display effect can be executed without a sense of incongruity.

Next, an effect example of the shortened variation display effect when the variation time of the normal symbol is short will be described.
FIGS. 46 and 47 are diagrams for explaining an example of the effect of the shortened variation display effect when the variation time of the normal symbol is short.
FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of an effect in the case where the variation time of the normal symbol is short and is off.
In FIG. 46 (A): At the end of the ending production, the female character of the ally is displayed in a different position on the screen, and for example, the production of content that utters the line “See you again!” Is executed. This effect is similar to the case described above.
In FIG. 46 (B): In this case, since the variation time of the normal symbol is short, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are already stopped and displayed. In the illustrated example, “3”, “2”, and “5” are stopped and displayed. However, in order to adjust the variation time, the middle effect symbol is adjusted to the time by shaking left and right, and when the variation time becomes zero, the oscillation stops and all the effect symbols are stopped and displayed. means). Note that such an effect that the symbol is shaken can also be applied to each of the above-described shortened variation display effects.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of an effect in the case where a normal symbol variation time is short and it is a win.
In FIG. 47 (A): At the end of the ending production, the female character of the ally is displayed in a different position on the screen, and for example, the production of the content that utters the phrase “See you again!” Is executed. This effect is similar to the case described above.
FIG. 47B: In this case, since the variation time of the normal symbol is short, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are already stopped and displayed. In the illustrated example, “7”, “7”, and “7” are stopped and displayed. If there is no need to adjust the variation time, the medium effect symbol can be stopped and displayed from the beginning without shaking the right and left.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The various effects described above are all controlled through the following control process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 48 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 period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), an effect symbol management process (step S402), a 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 model designation command, a special symbol state designation command, a production command when the number of working memories increases, a production command when the number of working memories decreases, a number-of-times counter remaining command, Normal symbol passing start sound control command, start opening winning tone control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol designation command, symbol stop command, accessory stop command, jackpot status designation There are a command, a jackpot type command, a jackpot state transition command, a round number command, an error notification command, a shortened variation display effect execution command, and the like.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and result display effect (FIGS. 32, 33, etc.) using the effect symbol. The details of the specific process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S404: In the after-spot effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect (FIGS. 36 to 40, etc.) after winning in the normal symbol lottery. The details of the specific process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  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 the normal symbol and the special symbol, the variable effect pattern). Number, notice production number, mode 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 (first symbol effect executing means).

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

  Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the effect control CPU 126 gives effect details to the sound drive circuit 134 (for example, during a variable display effect or reach effect, during a sorting operation within the movable ball accessory device 28, a big hit effect) Middle BGM, voice data, etc.). 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 number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice.

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

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

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes a subroutine group of an execution selection process (step S300), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S302), an effect symbol change process (step S304), and an effect symbol stop display process (step S306). It is. Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S300: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S302 to S306). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the change display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol change pre-process (step S302) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-process has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation process (step S304) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation process has been completed, the next process is performed. As the jump destination, the effect symbol stop display process (step S306) is selected.

  Step S302: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting a variable display effect using the effect symbol. The specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S304: In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. When performing the above-described shortened variation display effect, the control process is performed in this effect symbol variation process. The specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S306: In the effect symbol stop display processing, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the result display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the result display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the result display effect. As a result, a result display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the normal symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (first symbol). Production execution means).

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 sets and counts the time until the transition to the standby demonstration screen, and executes control for actually shifting to the standby demonstration screen.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and executes a subsequent effect management process (step S404 in FIG. 48) that follows the normal symbol.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604. The processing in this case is not for shifting to the standby demonstration screen, but for executing the change display effect and the result display effect in response to the change of the normal symbol every time.

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on the variation pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the outlier normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier.

  If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (out of step) (step S604: No), the winning control CPU 1 executes step S610 next because it is a win.

Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “A1H01H” or the like) received from the main control CPU 72. The types of effect symbols determined here include the above-mentioned “hit combination”, for example, one that forms a triple of numbers such as “7-7-7”.
At this time, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a variation effect pattern table (variation effect pattern defining means) (not shown) and selects an effect pattern number corresponding to the change pattern command at that time.

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

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes an off-effect effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern command (for example, “A0H01H”, etc.) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. Note that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control CPU 126 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of losing is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a change effect pattern table (not shown), and the effect design change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, reach occurrence) In this case, the reach type and reach occurrence timing) and the stop display mode (for example, “4”-“1”-“5”, etc.) are determined. It should be noted that during the bonus game, such a change of the symbol is not performed, for example, only a decrease of the holding mark (slide display of the heart symbol) and a change display of the fourth symbol are performed.

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

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

[Processing during production design variation]
FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation processing. In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs a shortened variation display effect. In the effect symbol variation processing, an effect using the effect switching button 45 is also controlled. Here, the shortened variation display effect will be mainly described. When performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The production is performed by instructing the display control CPU 146 of the control information of the contents (button production). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not it is the first activation (calling) during one fluctuation of the normal symbol. If it is the first activation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes Step S702, and if it is not the first activation (No), it executes Step S704. The determination as to whether or not it is the first activation is performed by the above-described effect symbol variation process flag of the RAM 130. If the effect symbol variation processing flag is not set, it is determined that the activation is the first time, and the effect symbol variation processing flag is set. If the production symbol variation processing flag is set, it is determined that the activation is not the first time.

  Step S702: In the case of the first activation, the effect control CPU 126 stores the normal symbol variation time. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can obtain the fluctuation time of the normal symbol by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and referring to the fluctuation pattern command.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 sets the normal symbol variation time stored in step S702 in the timer, and counts down the timer to thereby count down the normal symbol variation time. In addition, when the countdown of the variation time of the normal symbol is started and the timer count becomes 0, the effect symbol changing process is not called, so the effect control CPU 126 does not perform any particular process.

  Step S706: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a shortened variation display effect execution command has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the shortened variation display effect execution command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the shortened variation display effect execution command is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S708. When it is confirmed that the shortened variation display effect execution command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 49).

Step S708: The effect control CPU 126 calculates the remaining variation time (residual variation time calculation means). Here, the remaining fluctuation time is a case where the end effect (ending effect) is ended in response to the game ball being discharged without passing through the V winning path as a result of the sorting action by the accessory game, And, when the variation time of the normal symbol is determined across the end effect, it is the remaining variation time of the normal symbol after the end effect ends (see T2 in FIGS. 29 to 31).
Specifically, it can be calculated by referring to the fluctuation time of the current normal symbol that is counted down in step S704. Here, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the effect symbol variation processing flag.

  Step S710: The effect control CPU 126 performs effect pattern selection processing based on the remaining fluctuation time calculated in step S708. Details of the selection process will be described later.

Step S712: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, time reduction state). The notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or notifying that there is a possibility that the player will eventually win. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning. This content is the same processing as step S614 in FIG.
When these processes are finished, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 49).

[Abbreviated variation display effect based on remaining performance time]
Next, the conversion table used for the shortened variation display effect based on the remaining variation time will be described.
FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table for calculating the MODE value-EVENT value from the remaining fluctuation time. With this conversion table, the MODE value-EVENT value can be calculated from the remaining variation time, and the variation pattern can be determined from the MODE value-EVENT value with reference to a variation effect pattern table (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 52, the conversion table is broadly divided into a left off time (MODE; A0H) in the drawing and a right time (MODE; A1H) in the drawing. The left column shows the number of remaining seconds of the normal symbol (remaining fluctuation time) in the left column, the middle column shows the display style of the effect symbol corresponding to the normal symbol, and the right column shows the change in the right column. The pattern is shown.

  Regarding the remaining number of seconds (residual fluctuation time) in the left column, the value is defined with a certain range such as 0 to 2.5 seconds, 2.5 to 5.0 seconds, ... 71.5 seconds or more. . In some cases, the same value (for example, 2.5 seconds) is displayed across two columns, but in this case, whether to use the value in the upper column or the value in the lower column is determined in advance. It is necessary to decide.

  For the normal symbol of the middle column (the production symbol corresponding to the normal symbol, for example, the symbol reel, etc.), the left and right symbols are stopped and the middle symbol is displayed for the top row at the time of losing, and the top row and the second column at the time of hitting. The fluctuation mode is specifically determined in advance such as shaking (fixed effect). This is because when the remaining number of seconds (residual fluctuation time) is extremely short (for example, about 0 to 8.5 seconds), even if a lottery of a variation pattern or a lottery for a notice effect is performed from there, a stop display is eventually performed. In many cases, only a certain amount of time remains. In such a case, if the variable effect is selected, the processing is wasted.

With respect to the fluctuation pattern in the right column, EVENT values are defined for the first column at the time of loss and the first column at the time of hitting and other than the second column. For example, the EVENT value is “01H” in the second column at the time of disconnection, and the EVENT value is “02H” in the third column at the time of disconnection. In the third column of the hit hour, the EVENT value is “01H”, and in the fourth column of the hit hour, the EVENT value is “02H”.
In addition, if it is necessary to set an event value for "the first upper stage at the time of disconnection and the first upper stage and the second at the time of hit" due to the control process, “1st top and 2nd” is set to an event value specific to the shortened variation display (only when selected based on the remaining performance time). Other than the “th”, the selected variation pattern may be used in common.

An example of selecting a variation effect pattern using this table will be described below.
For example, when the remaining number of seconds is off at 1.0 second, the normal symbol effect symbol is selected as the left and right symbol stop and the middle symbol shaking, and the fluctuation pattern is selected as the stop pattern stop from the beginning (fixed effect) ).
If the remaining number of seconds is not 19.0 seconds, the MODE value-EVENT value is selected as “A0H18H”.

On the other hand, when the remaining number of seconds is 2.0 seconds, the normal symbol effect symbol is selected as the left and right symbol stop and the middle symbol shaking, and the variation pattern is selected to display a specific screen from the beginning (fixed) Production).
Further, when the remaining number of seconds is 50.0 seconds, the MODE value-EVENT value is selected as “A1H25H”.

  Here, if the remaining number of seconds is a value between 18.0 and 21.5 seconds and is out of sync, the MODE value-EVENT value is selected as “A0H18H”, but “A0H18H” is changed. The actual performance time performed by the selection is set to a performance time with a margin (for example, about 17.5 seconds) that is slightly larger than the lowest value (18.0 seconds) in the range. Then, the remaining number of seconds slightly exceeds the actual performance time. At that time, the performance time is adjusted by the shaking of the symbol (see FIG. 46).

  Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects a variable effect pattern number corresponding to the “MODE value” and “EVENT value” determined in this conversion table from a variable effect pattern table (not shown), and displays a shortened variable display effect (FIGS. 42 to 47). Etc.). Specifically, when the effect control CPU 126 selects a change effect pattern number, the effect control CPU 126 acquires “change time” and “reach effect time” corresponding to the change effect pattern number. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 refers to, for example, an effect table (not shown) and the like, the change schedule of the effect symbol corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, the presence / absence of the notice effect, and the stop display mode (for example, “1”-“ 5 ”-“ 4 ”, etc.), the sound schedule, the content of the warning sound, etc. are set in detail.

[Normal presentation management processing per symbol]
FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the after-effects management process for normal symbols. For example, the after-effect presentation management process for the normal symbol is, for example, an execution selection process (step S500), a variable start winning device operating process (step S502), an accessory apparatus operating process (step S504), or an accessory winning process (step S506). The variable winning device operating time process (step S508) includes a subroutine group. 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 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 has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the accessory device operation process (step S504) as the next jump destination, and the accessory device operation process has been completed. Then, the winning combination winning process (step S506) is selected as the next jump destination. Note that the variable winning device activation process (step S508) is selected as the subsequent jump destination only when the variable winning device activation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 18) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the variable start winning device operating process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect (such as (VI) in FIG. 35) when the variable start winning device 26 is operated. 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 S504: In the processing at the time of operating the accessory device, the effect control CPU 126 can execute the special symbol winning effect (FIG. 36).

  Step S506: In the prize winning process, the effect control CPU 126 performs the image effect (FIGS. 37, 39, and 40) executed in accordance with the progress of the game flow in the movable pitched accessory device 28 as described above. Etc.) (distribution effect execution means). Thereby, it is possible to appeal the player to the flow of the game in the movable ball accessory device 28.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operating process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the big hit. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects a dedicated effect pattern during the big hit as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs this to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). In addition, when the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern in accordance with the progress status (for example, the progress status of the round) of the big hit game, it appropriately instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). As a result, a dedicated effect image (see FIG. 38) is displayed during the big hit on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses.

  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 effects are merely examples, and these can be modified as appropriate.

  Various conditions such as the probability of the lottery and the variation time of the symbols, the opening time of the variable start winning device 26, the opening time of the movable ball winning device 28, the opening time of the variable winning device 30 and the like mentioned in the embodiment are merely examples. These may be appropriately modified. In addition, the configuration of the game area 8 and the specific configuration in the movable entrance ball apparatus 28 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 Start gate 26 Variable start winning device 28 Movable ball winning device 30 Variable winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 34a Special symbol operation memory lamp 42 Liquid Crystal Display 70 Main Controller 72 Main Control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (7)

An operation lottery execution means for executing an operation lottery when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery execution means, the first symbol is displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the operation lottery after the first symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. Means,
First symbol variation time determining means for determining a variation time of the first symbol based on the result of the operation lottery;
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 of the first symbol by the first symbol display means,
A variable start winning device that performs an operation that enables a winning to be generated over a predetermined operating time based on a predetermined operating condition when winning in the operating lottery by the operating lottery executing means;
An internal lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery when a prize is generated by the variable start winning device;
When the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery execution means, the second symbol is displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the second symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. Means,
A movable pitching device for performing an opening / closing operation for changing the winning opening from the closed state to the open state over a predetermined opening period, triggered by at least the second symbol display being stopped and displayed by the second symbol display means;
The game ball that has won a prize opening in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the movable pitching apparatus is discharged after passing through a specific area provided in the movable pitching apparatus, or is allowed to pass through the specific area. Sorting operation means for performing any sort operation of discharging without
A distribution effect executing means for executing a distribution effect according to the distribution operation, at least while the distribution operation means is performing the distribution operation;
A case where the distribution effect executed by the distribution effect execution unit is completed in response to the game ball being discharged without passing through the specific area as a result of the distribution operation by the distribution operation unit; And when the variation time of the first symbol is determined by the first symbol variation time determining means across the end of the distribution effect, the remaining of the first symbol after the distribution effect is ended A remaining fluctuation time calculating means for calculating a remaining fluctuation time which is a fluctuation time of
After the variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the first symbol is executed using the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means, the first symbol display means stops the first symbol. A game machine comprising: a remaining variation time effect executing means for executing a variable display effect corresponding to a display mode. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
Special game execution means for executing a special game to which a special condition different from normal is applied when a game ball passes through the specific area as a result of the distribution operation by the distribution operation means;
When the special game executed by the special game execution means is completed, the operation condition is set to a content advantageous to the player compared to the normal state from the normal state where the operation condition is set to the normal content. By shifting to the specified game state, the operation time for performing the operation that allows the variable start winning device to generate a prize when winning in the operation lottery performed during the specified game state is performed. A specific game state transition means that is set longer than the normal state;
When the specific gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state by the specific gaming state transition means, the specific gaming state is ended based on the number of times of the variable display and stop display of the first symbol performed by the first symbol display means during that time. End determination means for determining whether or not to be,
While the transition to the specific game state is made, a winning in the variable start winning device occurs in a state where the end determination means determines that the specific game state should be ended, and an opening / closing operation of the movable pitching device When the game ball is won at the winning opening, the specific game is triggered by the fact that the game ball is discharged without passing through the specific area as a result of at least the sorting operation by the sorting operation means. A normal state return means for returning from the state to the normal state,
The remaining fluctuation time calculating means includes
The normal state is maintained in response to the game ball being discharged without passing through the specific area as a result of the sorting operation by the sorting operation means in a normal state where the operation condition is set to a normal content. Alternatively, the remaining variation time is calculated when the specific game state is returned to the normal state by the normal state return means. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
For the variation display effect of the first symbol by the first symbol effect execution means, further comprising a variation effect pattern defining means for defining a plurality of variation effect patterns prepared in advance.
The remaining variation time effect execution means includes:
A game machine, wherein a variation effect pattern having a variation time closest to the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation unit is selected from the variation effect pattern defining unit and a variation display effect is executed. The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The remaining variation time effect execution means includes:
A variation effect pattern having a variation time closest to the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means, and having a variation time less than the remaining variation time from the variation effect pattern defining means. A game machine characterized by selecting and executing the variable display effect. In the gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4,
If the variation time of the variation effect pattern selected by the remaining variation time effect execution means is shorter than the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means, the auxiliary effect execution is performed to execute the auxiliary effect that compensates for the short time. A gaming machine, further comprising means. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The remaining variation time effect execution means includes:
When the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means is smaller than a predetermined value, a fixed effect fixed to a predetermined effect regardless of the remaining variation time calculated by the remaining variation time calculation means A game machine characterized by executing The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
A lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for the internal lottery when a winning in the variable start winning device occurs;
Lottery element storage means for storing the lottery elements acquired by the lottery element acquisition means in the order of acquisition;
Lottery element acquisition limiting means for limiting acquisition of the lottery element by the lottery element acquisition means when the number of lottery elements stored by the lottery element storage means reaches a predetermined upper limit number,
The internal lottery execution means
After returning from the specific gaming state to the normal state by the normal state return means, the lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage means are consumed in the order of acquisition and the internal lottery is executed.
The remaining fluctuation time calculating means includes
Calculating the remaining variation time after all the lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage means are consumed,
The remaining variation time effect execution means includes:
A gaming machine, wherein the variation display effect is executed based on the remaining variation time calculated after all the lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage unit are consumed.

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