JP2014113451A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine transmitting a command corresponding to diversification of a performance in a normal state and shortening of variation time of a pattern in a variation time shortening state between control units.SOLUTION: In a normal state (YES in S304), a prior determination information designation command is set, and retention number designation commands of a special pattern 1 and a special pattern 2 and the prior determination information designation command are set to an in-holding-occurrence command before transmission (S306-S318). In a time-shortening state (NO in S304), retention number designation commands of the special pattern 1 and the special pattern 2 are set to the in-holding-occurrence command before transmission without setting the prior determination information designation command (S320, S318). In the time-shortening state, the number of commands to be transmitted is made smaller than that in a normal state, thus coping with diversification of a performance in a normal state and shortening of variation time of a pattern in a time-shortening state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball-type game machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball machine.

Conventionally, this type of gaming machine has been proposed that includes a plurality of display devices and a control unit, and transmits a display control command from the control unit to each display device (for example, Patent Documents). 1). In this gaming machine, a common power failure recovery command is transmitted from the control unit to each display device when returning from the power-off state where the power is shut off. In this way, by sharing a command to be transmitted to different transmission targets (display devices), it is possible to reduce a burden on transmission processing at the time of return.

Also, main control is performed based on the fact that a game ball has entered the starting port, performs a symbol variation game that variably displays a determination symbol indicating the result of the determination, and transmits a command based on the result of the determination. And a sub-control unit that controls the variation display of the effect symbol in accordance with the symbol variation game based on the command received from the main control unit has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this gaming machine, when the main control unit transmits a pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern (variation time) of the production symbol at the production start timing to the sub-control unit, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the pattern designation command A design designation command for designating the stop symbol of the effect design is transmitted to the station, and a stop command for stopping the effect design at the effect stop timing is transmitted. Three design symbols are used as the design symbols. By designating the stop symbols of these three symbols with 4 bits each, the symbol designation command can be transmitted in 2 bytes as with other pattern designation commands and stop commands. Consists of. In this way, the number of command transmissions can be reduced by embedding stop symbol information of a plurality of symbols in one symbol designation command.

JP 2006-346121 A JP 2004-113554 A

By the way, in these gaming machines, when a game ball enters the start port during the symbol variation game, a predetermined number is stored as an upper limit and stored. However, when the hold reaches the upper limit of the predetermined number, even if a game ball enters the start port, the hold is not stored, so the player may temporarily interrupt (so-called stop) the game ball launching operation. is there. In order to prevent such interruption of the game and increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, it is required to quickly digest the hold while increasing the entrance rate of the game ball to the starting port per unit time. Since the suspension of the suspension involves the execution of the symbol variation game, it is necessary to shorten the time required for the symbol variation game (the total of the actual symbol variation time and the processing time such as command transmission required for the symbol variation game). . In particular, in the variable time shortening state in which the symbol variation time is shortened more than usual, it is often controlled to increase the rate of game balls entering the starting port per unit time, so the processing time such as command transmission is also shortened. Therefore, it is strongly required to shorten the time required for the symbol variation game.
However, as described above, even if command transmission efficiency is improved by sharing commands to be transmitted to different transmission targets or embedding a plurality of information in one command, there is a limit to these responses. . In particular, in recent gaming machines, various effects performed in accordance with symbol variation games are complicated and diversified in order to excite the game entertainment, and accordingly, commands transmitted between control units during symbol variation games. The number of people tends to increase. For this reason, since it takes a lot of time for command transmission, it may be difficult to shorten the time required for the symbol variation game. On the other hand, if the number of commands is uniformly reduced, the aspect of the production becomes monotonous and there is a risk that the game entertainment will be lowered.

The main purpose of the gaming machine of the present invention is to make commands transmitted between the control units correspond to diversification of effects in the normal state and shortening of the symbol variation time in the variation time shortening state.

  The gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
In the normal state, the symbol display unit displays the symbol in a variable manner with a predetermined variation time. In the variation time shortened state, the symbol is variably displayed in a variation time shorter than the normal state, and the game is accompanied with the variation display of the symbol. A game machine that advances
Determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information when a predetermined condition is satisfied, correct / incorrect determination means for performing determination using the acquired determination information, and acquisition of the determination information during the variation display of the symbol Then, a holding storage means for storing as holding information and a fluctuation time setting means for setting a fluctuation time for variably displaying the symbol are provided, and before the variation display of the symbol based on the result of the success / failure determination, the determination A main control unit capable of transmitting a command indicating specific information based on the information;
A sub-control unit that sets an effect mode to be executed in the effect display unit based on a command received from the main control unit, and can set a pre-reading effect as the effect mode when receiving a command indicating the specific information When,
With
The number of commands transmitted from the main control unit to the sub-control unit is less in the variable time reduction state than in the normal state,
In the normal state, the main control unit is
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a command indicating at least the hold information related to the hold stored in the hold storage unit and the specific information is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
When displaying the symbol in a variable manner, a command indicating at least information on the determination of the success / failure and information on the set variation time is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit
In the normal state, the display control of the symbol indicating the number of holds displayed on the effect display unit is executed based on the received hold information, and the prefetching displayed on the effect display unit based on the specific information Perform display control of production,
In the variation time shortening state, the pre-reading effect is not displayed on the effect display unit.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the first control unit transmits a command to the second control unit with a smaller number of commands than in the normal state in the variable time reduction state. The time required for sending the command related to the progress can be made shorter than the normal state.
Thereby, the command transmitted between the control units can correspond to the shortening of the symbol variation time in the variation time shortening state while corresponding to the diversification of effects in the normal state.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the main control unit acquires the determination information in the normal state, the main control unit generates the specific information based on the acquired determination information, and in the variable time reduction state, Even if the information for determination is acquired, the specific information may not be generated.

In this way, in the variable time reduction state, unnecessary information (specific information) that is not transmitted is not generated, so that the processing efficiency (processing time can be reduced) can be achieved.

Other gaming machines
In the normal state, the symbol display unit displays the symbol in a variable manner with a predetermined variation time. In the variation time shortened state, the symbol is variably displayed in a variation time shorter than the normal state, and the game is accompanied with the variation display of the symbol. A game machine that advances
A first control unit that performs various controls including transmission of commands related to the progress of the game;
A second control unit that receives a command transmitted from the first control unit and executes processing based on the received command;
With
The gist of the invention is that the number of commands transmitted from the first control unit to the second control unit is smaller in the variable time reduction state than in the normal state.

In this gaming machine, the first control unit transmits a command to the second control unit with a smaller number of commands than in the normal state in the variable time shortened state. The time required for transmission can be made shorter than the normal state.
Thereby, the command transmitted between the control units can correspond to the shortening of the symbol variation time in the variation time shortening state while corresponding to the diversification of effects in the normal state.
Here, as the variation time shortening state, for example, a plurality of variation time shortening states such as a first variation time shortening state and a second variation time shortening state are defined, and the number of commands is reduced according to each state. Also good. In other words, the first control unit transmits a command to the second control unit with a smaller number of commands than in the normal state in the first variation time shortened state and the second variation time shortened state. In the variation time shortening state, the command may be transmitted to the second control unit with a smaller number of commands than in the second variation time shortening state. For example, in a gaming machine in which the probability of success / failure determination can be set to a high probability or a low probability, the first variable time reduced state is set to the first variable time reduced state with the high probability and the variable time reduced state is set to the second. The fluctuation time shortened state can be set to the first variation time shortened state with a low probability and the fluctuation time shortened state,
The state with a high probability and a shortened variation time can be set as the second variation time shortened state. In addition, when the first variation time shortening state and the second variation time shortening state are provided as the variation time shortening state for shortening the variation time as compared with the normal state, there is a state in which at least one of the commands to be transmitted is reduced. If there is enough. That is, in both the first variation time shortening state and the second variation time shortening state, the variation time is shortened, but the number of commands to be transmitted is set to the first variation time shortening state (for example, In the second state with a high probability and a shortened variation time, the second variation time shortened state (for example, the low probability and the variation time shortened state) may be the same as the normal state. Here, as "commands related to game progress"
For example, a command related to the determination result, a command related to the change time, a command related to the effect mode, a command related to the start or end of change, a command related to so-called prefetch effect (preliminary determination), and the like are included.

In other gaming machines,
The first controller is
Determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A determination unit for determining whether or not using the acquired determination information;
With
A main control unit capable of transmitting a command indicating specific information based on the determination information before the symbol variation display based on the determination result;
The second controller is
A sub-control unit that sets an aspect of an effect to be executed by the effect display unit based on a command received from the main control unit, and can set a specific aspect as the aspect of the effect when a command indicating the specific information is received And
The main control unit
In the normal state, a command indicating the specific information is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
In the variable time reduction state, a command indicating the specific information may not be transmitted to the sub-control unit.

In this way, in a normal state, by transmitting a command indicating the specific information to the sub-control unit, it is possible to execute a specific aspect of the effect based on the specific information on the effect display unit, thereby diversifying the effect. it can. Also, in the variable time shortening state, the command indicating the specific information is not transmitted, so that the specific aspect based on the specific information is not executed, but the time required for transmitting the command can be shortened compared to the normal state.

Here, as the specific information (command indicating), before starting the variable display of the symbol (for example, at the time of entering the ball), the first control unit (main control unit) performs a prior determination of the validity based on the determination information. When performing, prior determination information (prefetch determination information) indicating the result of the previous determination of success or failure corresponds to the specific information. The prior determination information may be transmitted every time the determination information is acquired (regardless of the content), or a specific advance such as specific hit information or specific out-of-order information in the prior determination information. It is good also as a structure which transmits only determination information. In addition, in the case where the prior success / failure determination is performed by the second control unit (sub-control unit), the information related to the determination information transmitted to perform the prior success / failure determination is specified information (command indicating ). Information indicating the determination information itself may be specified information. The command indicating specific information may be a command indicating only specific information, or a command indicating other information in addition to the specific information. In addition, as the effect of the specific mode, it is possible to set the effect of the mode that suggests the result of the previous determination of the success / failure (the performance mode that suggests the result in advance before starting the variable display of the symbol, so-called pre-reading effect). .

In other gaming machines of these aspects,
The main control unit
When the determination information is acquired during the variation display of the symbol, the storage unit for storing the acquired determination information as a hold,
Fluctuation time setting means for setting a fluctuation time for variably displaying the symbol;
With
In the normal state,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a command indicating the hold information related to the hold stored in the hold storage unit and the specific information is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
When the symbol is displayed in a variable manner, a command indicating information related to the success / failure determination and information related to the set variation time is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
In the variable time reduction state, a command indicating at least the specific information among commands transmitted in the normal state may not be transmitted.

In this way, in a normal state, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when a ball is entered), an effect based on the hold information and the specific information can be executed on the effect display unit, and when the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. The effect display unit can execute an effect based on the information on the determination of success / failure and the information on the set variation time. In the variable time shortening state, the number of commands to be transmitted can be reduced by at least the number of commands indicating specific information.

Here, the hold information may be information indicating the number of holds stored in the hold storage means, information indicating that a new hold is stored, or information for determination being held. It is good also as information which shows the contents of. Further, the information regarding the determination of success / failure may be information indicating the result of the determination of success / failure or information indicating the information for determination. Further, the information regarding the fluctuation time may be information on the fluctuation time itself, information for selecting a fluctuation mode determined in association with the fluctuation time (fluctuation pattern signal), or setting the fluctuation time. Therefore, it is possible to use a change start command signal to be transmitted (to instruct the start timing of change). Note that “send the command indicating the hold information and the specific information” means that the command indicating the hold information and the command indicating the specific information may be transmitted as separate commands, respectively, Information may be stored in one command and transmitted. Similarly, “send a command indicating information on whether or not it is correct and information on the variation time” transmits a command indicating information on whether or not it is correct and a command indicating information regarding the variation time as separate commands. Alternatively, the information regarding the determination of success / failure and the information regarding the variation time may be stored and transmitted in one command. Here, “when a predetermined condition is satisfied” can be satisfied by entering a ball.

Furthermore, in another gaming machine according to this aspect, the main control unit does not transmit a command indicating the hold information and the specific information among commands transmitted in the normal state in the variable time reduction state. You can also

In this way, in the variable time reduction state, the number of commands indicating the hold information and the specific information,
The number of commands to be transmitted can be reduced. Further, in the variation time shortened state, the variation time is extremely short and a new ball is generated in a short time. That is, since the increase / decrease of the hold information frequently occurs in a short time (changes rapidly), even if the hold information (the number of holds) is displayed on the effect display unit, it is difficult for the player to accurately grasp the increase / decrease mode. It is. Accordingly, even when the hold information (the number of holds) is not displayed on the effect display unit, the player is not excessively disadvantaged.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, commands transmitted between the control units can be made compatible with diversification of effects in the normal state and shortening of the symbol variation time in the variation time shortening state.

1 is an external perspective view showing an external appearance of a pachinko machine 10 that is one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the special symbol display apparatus 42 at the time of big hit. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 34. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a sub control board 90. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a command transmission process at the time of occurrence of suspension executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a reserve number designation | designated command table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the prior determination information designation | designated command table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command at the time of holding | maintenance generation | occurrence | production. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display related process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the big hit symbol determination table of a 1st special symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the big hit symbol determination table of a 2nd special symbol. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a symbol variation start command transmission process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variation pattern table for jackpots at the time of normal (non-short-time). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation pattern table for deviation | separation at the time of normal (non-short-time). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the symbol change start command at the normal time (non-short time). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variation pattern table for big hits at the time of time reduction. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation pattern table for deviation | shift at the time reduction. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command at the time of the symbol change start at the time reduction. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a big hit game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a big hit game end process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an effect control process executed by a CPU 90a of a sub control board 90. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a production process at the time of occurrence of holding executed by a CPU 90a of a sub control board 90. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a prefetch effect pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command at the time of a hold production start. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the pending | holding effect display control process performed by CPU91a of the effect display control board 91. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the symbol fluctuation effect process performed by CPU90a of the sub-control board 90. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the command transmission process at the time of the symbol effect start performed by CPU90a of the sub control board 90. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the symbol production | presentation pattern table at the time of normal (non-short-time). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the symbol production start time command at the normal time (non-short time). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the design effect pattern table at the time of time reduction. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command effect start command at the time of time reduction. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a pseudo-continuous symbol effect start command transmission process executed by a CPU 90a of a sub-control board 90. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the symbol effect display control process performed by CPU91a of the effect display control board 91. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the command at the time of the pending | holding generation | occurrence | production at the time short time of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the symbol change start command at the time of time reduction of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command at the time of the symbol effect start at the time of high probability time of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the command transmission aspect at the normal time (non-short time). It is explanatory drawing which shows the command transmission mode at the time shortening of a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the command transmission mode at the time shortening of a modification.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine of a type (so-called seven machine type) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this will be described. To do.

First, the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an external appearance of a pachinko machine 10 (game machine), FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a control circuit of the pachinko machine 10. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a structure.

[Overall configuration of pachinko machine 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment includes a glass plate 1 fitted in a front frame 11.
Game board 30 (see FIG. 2) in which the board surface is visibly arranged via 2 (transparent plate), upper tray 14 and lower tray 16 for storing game balls, and game balls stored in upper tray 14 And a launch handle 18 for launching to the game board 30.

The front frame 11 is fitted into the main body frame 21 and can be rotated with respect to the main body frame 21 with the left side as a rotation axis. The main body frame 21 is fitted into the outer frame 22 so that it can be rotated with respect to the outer frame 22 with the left side as a rotation axis. The front frame 11 and the main body frame 2
1 is configured as a substantially rectangular plastic frame. The outer frame 22 is
It is configured as a substantially rectangular wooden frame and is fixed to the island frame of the pachinko hall island facility.

In addition, speakers 28a and 28b are provided on the upper left and upper right of the front frame 11 for sounding various sound effects as the game progresses and for notifying the player of the game state.
A locking device 29 for locking the front frame 11 to the main body frame 21 is provided at the right end. In addition, a prepaid card type ball lending device (CR unit) (not shown) is provided on the left side of the front frame 11.

The upper tray 14 is inserted into the CR unit on the upper surface portion thereof, and a ball lending button 24a for instructing lending of game balls within the range of the value balance (valuable balance) of the card inserted into the CR unit. A return button 24b for instructing the return of the card is provided. The upper tray 14 is provided with an effect button 26 for performing various effects in accordance with the player's operation at the center of the upper surface.

The launch handle 18 is provided at the lower right portion of the front frame 11, and includes a touch sensor 18a (see FIG. 3) that detects that the player is touching the handle and a launch stop that temporarily stops launch of the game ball. A switch 18b (see FIG. 3) is provided. A launching device (not shown) for launching game balls stored in the upper tray 14 one by one is connected to the rotation shaft of the launching handle 18, and the launching device is provided when the launching handle 18 is rotated. The firing motor 19 (see FIG. 3) rotates, and accordingly, a game ball is launched with a striking force having a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the firing handle 18.

[Composition of game board 30]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 has a game area 31 surrounded by an outer rail 31a and an inner rail 31b. The game board 30 is a normal symbol operation gate 3 having a gate switch 32a (see FIG. 3) which is disposed on the left side of the game area 31 and detects the passage of a game ball.
2, a symbol display device 40 arranged in the lower right part of the game area 31, an effect display device 34 arranged in the center of the game area 31, and a center role arranged so as to surround the effect display device 34. An object 50, a first start port 36 having a first start port switch 36 a (see FIG. 3) that is arranged below the center role 50 and detects a winning of a game ball, and formed on the left part of the center role 50 And a second start port 3 having a second start port switch 38a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the winning of a game ball.
8, a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 39 that can be opened and closed attached to the second start opening 38, and a large winning opening switch 44a (detectable for winning a game ball that is arranged to be opened and closed in the lower right portion of the game area 31) 3) and a general winning opening 45 having a general winning opening switch 45a (see FIG. 3) disposed in the lower left part of the gaming area 31, and a game that has not entered any winning opening. And an outlet 46 for collecting the sphere. In addition to this, the game board 30 is provided with a windmill 47 below the normal symbol operating gate 32, and a number of nails (not shown) for guiding and playing game balls around the above-described winning holes. Is provided.

The ordinary electric accessory 39 includes a wing piece portion 39a provided at the second start port 38, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3) that operates the wing piece portion 39a. This ordinary electric accessory 3
9, when the wing piece portion 39a is upright, the possibility of winning a game ball to the second starting port 38 is relatively low (see the dotted line in FIG. 2), and the wing piece portion 39a opens to the left. When it is, the possibility of winning the game ball to the second starting port 38 becomes an open state higher than the normal state (see the solid line in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, in a normal state in which the wing piece 39a is upright, it is configured such that it is impossible to enter a game ball into the second start port 38.

The special winning opening 44 is normally in a closed state that does not accept game balls (closed state), and in the big hit game (special game), it is easy to receive the game balls by the special winning opening solenoid 44b (see FIG. 3). It is driven to be in an open state (open state). A large winning opening switch 44a (see FIG. 3) for detecting winning of a game ball and counting the number of winning is attached to the large winning opening 44. In the present embodiment, as a process for the big hit game, one big round is taken until a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds) elapses before the big winning opening switch 44a counts ten game balls or counts ten. The winning opening 44 is opened, and the opening operation of the large winning opening 44 is repeated until the prescribed round. In addition, between each round, a predetermined time (for example, 2
The grand prize winning port 44 is closed only for a second).

As illustrated in the configuration diagram of FIG. 4, the symbol display device 40 includes a normal symbol display device 41 that can display and stop displaying a normal symbol, and a special symbol display device that can display and stop displaying a special symbol. 42, and a round display device 43 that displays a symbol indicating the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) of the jackpot game. The normal symbol display device 41 is a light emitting diode (L
Left normal symbol display part 41a and right normal symbol display part 41b comprised using ED). The normal symbol display device 41 includes a display mode in which both the left normal symbol display unit 41a and the right normal symbol display unit 41b are turned off, and a display mode in which the left normal symbol display unit 41a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 41b is turned off. There are four display modes: a display mode in which the left normal symbol display unit 41a is turned off and a right normal symbol display unit 41b is lit, and a display mode in which both the left normal symbol display unit 41a and the right normal symbol display unit 41b are lit. is there. In the normal symbol display device 41, the game ball is a normal symbol operating gate 32.
The normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by sequentially switching the four display modes when passing through is detected, and when the execution time of the variable display has elapsed, the normal symbol is displayed in any one of the above display modes. To stop display. At this time, when the display mode of the stopped normal symbol is a specific display mode (for example, the display mode in which both the left normal symbol display unit 41a and the right normal symbol display unit 41b are lit), The accessory 39 is kept for a certain time (for example, 0.5
For 2 seconds). In addition, while the normal symbol variation display, the game ball is the normal symbol operation gate 3
When passing 2, the normal symbol variation display is suspended up to four times, and when the current variation display is completed, the suspended variation display is sequentially digested.

As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 42 includes a first special symbol display unit 42 a and a second special symbol display unit 42 b configured using a seven-segment display. A plurality of display modes (up to 128) are expressed by combinations with light extinction. The special symbol display device 42 corresponds to either the first special symbol display unit 42a or the second special symbol display unit 42b when a winning of either the first starting port 36 or the second starting port 38 is detected. The special symbol is variably displayed by sequentially switching the display state of the special symbol display unit, and when the execution time of the variable display has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in one of the display modes that can be expressed. At this time, when the display mode of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a specific display mode (winning special symbol), it is a big hit. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display unit 42a corresponds to the display unit for the first start opening winning that displays the special symbol when the game ball is won in the first starting port 36, and the second special symbol display. The part 42b corresponds to a second start opening winning display section that displays a special symbol in a variable manner when a game ball wins the second start opening 38. Hereinafter, in particular, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 42a for the first start opening winning prize is also referred to as the first special symbol (special drawing 1), and the second special symbol for the second starting opening winning prize is shown. The special symbol displayed on the display unit 42b is also referred to as a second special symbol (special symbol 2).

In FIG. 5, an example of the display mode of the special symbol display device 42 at the time of big hit is shown. As shown in the drawing, the special symbol (the first normal big hit symbol) that becomes the first normal big hit is the display mode in which the upper right, lower right, and lower left vertical bar segments in the first special symbol display section 42a are lit. 2 There is a display mode in which the middle horizontal bar segment and the upper right and lower left vertical bar segments in the special symbol display section 42b are lit (see the first row from the top in FIG. 5). In addition, the special symbol (first probability variable big hit symbol) that becomes the first probability variation big hit is a display mode in which the upper horizontal bar segment and the lower right and lower left vertical bar segments in the first special symbol display section 42a are lit. Second special symbol display part 4
There is a display mode in which the upper horizontal bar segment and the upper left and lower left vertical bar segments in 2b are lit (see the second row from the top in FIG. 5). In addition, the special symbol (second probability variation big hit symbol) that becomes the second probability variation big hit is a display mode in which the upper horizontal bar segment and the lower right vertical bar segment in the first special symbol display unit 42a are lit, 2 There is a display mode in which the upper and lower horizontal bar segments and the lower left vertical bar segment in the special symbol display section 42b are lit (FIG. 5).
(See the third row from the top). In addition, the display mode of the special symbol at the time of the big hit is not limited to the above mode, and may be displayed in any manner, and the type of the display mode of the special symbol at the time of the big hit is not limited to one type. It is good also as what prepares a kind. When the game ball wins either the first start port 36 or the second start port 38 during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation display is suspended for a maximum of four times for each start aperture. When the change display of is finished, the change display of the special symbol that is put on hold is sequentially digested. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a special figure 1 hold display device 48 that displays the number of hold of the first special symbol and a special figure 2 hold display device 49 that displays the number of hold of the second special symbol. Prepare.

The special figure 1 hold | maintenance display apparatus 48 is provided with the left hold | maintenance display part 48a and the right hold | maintain display part 48b comprised using the light emitting diode (LED). The special figure 1 hold display device 48 displays the number of holds by switching five display modes according to the number of holds of the first special symbol. Specifically, when the hold number is 0, both the left hold display part 48a and the right hold display part 48b are turned off. When the hold number is 1, the left hold display part 48a is turned off and the right hold display part 48b is turned off. When the hold number is 2, the left hold display unit 48a and the right hold display unit 48b are both turned on when the hold number is 2, and when the hold number is 3, the left hold display. The display mode is such that the part 48a blinks and the right hold display part 48b is lit, and when the number of holds is 4, the left hold display part 48a and the right hold display part 48b are both blinked. In addition, the special figure 2 hold display device 49 is also a left hold display section 4 constituted by using a light emitting diode (LED).
9a and the right hold display part 49b are provided, and the hold number of the second special symbol is displayed by switching the display mode in the same manner as the special figure 1 hold display device 48. As will be described later, the number of holds is also displayed on the effect display device 34.

Here, in the first normal jackpot, the opening operation of the big winning opening 44 is a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 1
The big hit game is repeated over 5 rounds, and after the big hit game is over, the change time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is changed until the special symbol change display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). This is a big hit mode in which when the normal symbol is shortened and the normal electric symbol 39 is stopped and displayed, the opening time of the normal electric accessory 39 is extended (so-called short time state).
Note that, after the big hit game related to the first normal big hit, the low probability state (also referred to as a normal state) in which the probability of the big hit determination is low is a low probability. As in the first normal jackpot, the first winning jackpot game is a jackpot game in which the opening operation of the jackpot 44 is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds), and after the jackpot game ends. This is a big hit mode in which the probability of the big hit determination becomes a high probability state (also called a probability variation state) in which the probability of the big hit determination becomes higher than the low probability state and the short-time state until the next big hit is drawn. In addition, in the second probability variation jackpot, a jackpot game in which the opening of the big winning opening 44 is repeated over a smaller number of rounds (for example, two rounds) than the first normal jackpot is performed, and after the jackpot game is over ,
Next, it is a big hit mode in which a probable change state and a short time state are obtained until the big hit is drawn.

The effect display device 34 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and various effect displays such as a change display of effect symbols, a reach effect, and a notice effect are performed on the display screen. As shown in the screen configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, the effect display device 34 according to the present embodiment is arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and is composed of characters and numbers (for example, value 1 to value 7). The three effect symbols (pseudo special symbols) 34L, 34M, and 34R, and a background symbol (not shown). The effect display device 34 variably displays the three effect symbols 34L, 34M, and 34R when the game ball wins the first start port 36 and when the game ball wins the second start port 38.
The production symbols 34L, 34M, and 34R are variably displayed so as to scroll at a high speed from the top to the bottom when the variation display is started. When the execution time of the variation display elapses, the production symbols 34L, right on the left The effect symbols 34R and the middle effect symbol 34M are stopped and displayed in this order. At this time, when the left effect symbol 34L and the right effect symbol 34R do not coincide with each other, a simple disengagement without reach is reached, and when the left effect symbol 34L and the right effect symbol 34R coincide with each other, reach is reached. And when the production design 34M in the middle is stopped with a predetermined reach production,
When the middle production symbol 34M and the left and right production symbols 34L and 34R do not match, the reach is out of reach, and when the middle production symbol 34M and the left and right production symbols 34L and 34R coincide, a big hit is obtained. The result of success / failure of the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device 34 is basically the result of the success / failure of the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) displayed by the special symbol display device 42 described above. Matches.

In addition, the effect display device 34 displays a first reserved symbol 35 a indicating the number of reserved first special symbols and a second reserved symbol 35 b indicating the number of reserved second special symbols in the display screen. The first reserved symbols 35a are displayed one by one in order from the left whenever a game ball wins at the first starting port 36,
Each time the first special symbol variation display is started, it is erased in the reverse order to that at the time of start winning. The second reserved symbols 35b are also displayed one by one from the left each time a game ball wins at the second starting port 38, and every time the second special symbol variable display is started, the order is the reverse of that at the time of starting winning. Erased.

In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment configured as described above, the first start port 36 is provided with the effect display device 34.
It is arranged on the lower side of the (center accessory 50), and in a normal game that is not a big hit game, the player launches the game ball to flow down to the left side of the game area 31 (left side area of the effect display device 34). By rotating the handle 18 (so-called “left-handed”), the game ball can be won at the first start port 36. Further, the normal symbol operating gate 32 and the second starting port 38 are arranged on the left side of the effect display device 34, and the player can pass the game ball through the normal symbol operating gate 32 by left-handed. When the normal symbol hits and the ordinary electric accessory 39 opens the second start port 38, the player can make a game ball win the second start port 38 by continuing left-handed. Furthermore, the big winning opening 44 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 31, and when the big hit game is started, the player turns the firing handle 18 to the right as much as possible so as to fire the game ball. As a result, the game ball can flow down to the right side of the game area 31 (the right area of the effect display device 34) and enter the big winning opening 44.

[Configuration of control circuit]
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control board 70 (main control unit) that controls the basic progress of the game and a payout control board that controls the payout of prize balls and balls. 80, a sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit, first sub-control unit) that controls the overall control of various effects performed as the game progresses, and a launch control board 1 that controls control related to the launch of the game ball
It is constituted by a control board such as 00. These control boards are a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, and an R that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU.
OM, RAM for temporarily storing data during program execution, timer (system timer) for measuring time required for various controls, peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, CPU Various peripheral LSIs such as an oscillator that outputs a clock for performing calculations, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates interrupt signals are connected to each other via a bus. Has been. In FIG. 3, only the CPU 70 a, ROM 70 b, and RAM 70 c of the main control board 70 among the various devices mounted on each control board are shown, and the other parts are not shown. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the sub-control board 90 that forms part of the control circuit.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 70 receives signals from the first start port switch 36a and wins from the second start port switch 38a as signals necessary for controlling the basic progress of the game. A signal is directly input, and a passing signal from the gate switch 32a, a winning signal from the big winning opening switch 44a, a winning signal from the general winning opening switch 45a, and the like are input through the relay terminal plate 72. From the main control board 70, a control signal to the symbol display board 40 a that controls display of the symbol display device 40, a drive signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 39 b, a drive signal to the big prize opening solenoid 44 b, etc. are relay terminal boards 72 is output. The main control board 70 communicates with the payout control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the launch control board 100 (communication via the payout control board 80), and various command signals (commands, drive signals, etc.) and data. We are exchanging.

As shown in FIG. 3, the payout control board 80 directly receives a detection signal from a frame opening switch 81 for detecting the opening of the front frame 11 as a signal necessary for performing control related to payout of award balls and ball rentals. An input operation signal from the ball lending button 24a and the return button 24b is input via the ball lending display board 82 and the relay terminal board 83, and a pre-payout switch 84 for detecting the payout of the prize ball.
A detection signal from the switch 85 after the payout is input via the relay terminal board 87. From the payout control board 80, a drive signal to the payout motor 86 for paying out the prize balls is output via the relay terminal board 87. The payout control board 80 communicates with the main control board 70 and the launch control board 100, and exchanges various command signals and data.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 90 includes a CPU 90a, ROM 90b, and RAM 90c.
Etc., and various command signals are received from the main control board 70, and the game is rendered according to the commands. The sub-control board 90 is an effect display control board 91 that controls the effect display device 34.
(Second sub-control unit), amplifier board 92 for driving various speakers 28a, 28b, various LEs
A decoration drive board 93 for driving the D lamp 93a or driving a decoration motor 93b for operating a movable decoration member, an effect button board 94 for inputting an operation signal from the effect button 26, and the like are connected. .

As shown in FIG. 7, the effect display control board 91 includes a CPU 91a, ROM 91b, and RAM 9 as shown in FIG.
1c, etc., and when receiving a command signal (a hold effect start command or a design effect start command to be described later) from the sub-control board 90, the ROM 91b displays an effect image corresponding to the command.
Control is performed so that the read effect image is displayed on the effect display device 34. In addition, the effect display control board 91 transmits a feedback signal (feedback (FB) command described later) for feeding back information related to the display control state of the effect image to the sub-control board 90. The sub-control board 90 that has received this feedback signal outputs various sounds according to the display state of the effect image according to the content of the feedback signal.
, 28b, a driving signal is output to the amplifier board 92, various LED lamps 93a emit light in a manner corresponding to the display state of the effect image, and a decorative decorative member is activated by driving the decorative motor 93b. For example, a process of outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 93 is performed.

The firing control board 100 can detect a detection signal from the touch sensor 18a or a firing stop switch 18b.
Operation signal, a detection signal from the lower tray full tank switch 102 that detects that the game ball is full in the lower tray 16 are input, and a driving pulse signal is output to the firing motor 19 doing. In the firing control board 100, the firing handle 18 is rotated, the touch sensor 18a is turned on, the firing stop switch 18b is turned off, and the lower tray full switch 102 is turned on.
When the sensor is off, the launch motor 19 is driven to launch a game ball. The drive of 19 is stopped and the launch of the game ball is stopped. Further, the launch control board 100 communicates with the main control board 70 via the payout control board 80, and data regarding the operation state of the launch handle 18 such as a detection signal from the touch sensor 18 a is sent via the payout control board 80. Transmit to the main control board 70.

[Main control processing]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment thus configured will be described. FIG.
4 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. This process is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. The main control process executes a power-on process necessary for power-on such as an initialization process (S100), a game start process (S110), a normal symbol game process (S120), and a normal symbol-based game process (S1).
30), the special symbol game process (S140), and the big hit game process (S150) are repeatedly executed. In the present embodiment, since the time required for the processes of S110 to S150 is about 4 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed at intervals of about 4 msec. The main control board 70 advances the entire game of the pachinko machine 10 by transmitting various commands to the control board in charge and executing the processes according to the commands in accordance with the execution of these processes.

[Game start processing]
In the game start process of S110, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first detects various sensors (
The state of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 36a, the second start port switch 38a, the big winning port switch 44a, the general winning port switch 45a, etc.) are detected and stored in a predetermined state storage area of the RAM 70c. Random number values (such as jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol determination random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc., which will be described later) are updated. Subsequently, a switch related to winning a game ball (a first start port switch 36a, a second start port switch 38a,
It is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by a large winning opening switch 44a, a general winning opening switch 45a, and the like. The prize ball information is stored in the prize ball information storage area. When the prize ball information is not 0, a prize ball number designation command (prize ball information) is transmitted to the payout control board 80, and the game start process is terminated. When the payout control board 80 receives the award ball number designation command, the payout motor 86 is driven to pay out the game balls one by one, and the game balls paid out by the pre-payout switch 84 and the post-payout switch 85 are detected. Each time a prize ball payout process is performed to decrement the prize ball information (the number of unpaid game balls) by one value. This award ball payout process is repeatedly executed until the award ball information reaches a value of 0, but when a winning game ball is detected and a new award ball number designation command is received from the main control board 70, the award ball information is received. The process is repeated until the value becomes zero. When the game start process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next normal symbol game process of S120.

[Normal design game processing]
In the normal symbol game process of S120, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first determines whether or not the normal symbol hold is not the value 0, that is, the value 1 or more. The normal symbol is determined by decrementing only, and the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined based on the result of the determination. The normal symbol success / failure determination is performed using a normal symbol per symbol determination table for low probability when the time probability is not short (for example, about 0.8%), and when the time is short, the probability is high ( For example, about 99.2%) is performed using a normal symbol determination table for high probability. Further, when the result of the determination is successful, the symbol is determined as a symbol for stopping and displaying the winning symbol, and when the result of determining whether or not the result is incorrect, the symbol is determined as a symbol for stopping and displaying any of the symbols that are lost. Then, the variation time of the normal symbol is set, the variation display of the normal symbol is started, and waiting for the variation time to elapse. The variable time is set to a long time (for example, 30 seconds) when not in the short time state, and is shortened to a short time (for example, 1 second) when in the short time state. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol, and when the stopped and displayed symbol is a winning symbol, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 39 is set, and the opening of the ordinary electric accessory 39 is started. The normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated, and when the stopped and displayed symbol is out of the symbol, the normal symbol game process is terminated without doing anything. The opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 39 is set to a short time (for example, 0.5 seconds) when not in the short time state, and is extended to a long time (for example, 5 seconds) when in the short time state. Further, as described above, the normal electric accessory 39 is opened by driving and controlling the normal electric accessory solenoid 39b.
Open by opening left. When the normal symbol game process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next normal symbol game process of S130. As described above, in the short time state, the fluctuation time shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is operated, the probability fluctuation function for improving the winning probability of the normal symbol is operated, and the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 39 is also activated. Activate the open extension function to extend the. For this reason, the short time state of the present embodiment is also referred to as an open extension function operating state or a probable change state. Moreover, although only the form which operates these three functions simultaneously was illustrated, it can also be set as the form which operates any one function or any two functions.

[Game processing per normal symbol]
In the normal symbol game processing of S130, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 has reached the set time set in the normal symbol game processing for the elapsed time (open elapsed time) after the normal electric accessory 39 starts to open. It is determined whether or not a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls have won the second start opening 38. If it is determined that the opening elapsed time has not reached the set time and the specified number of game balls have not won the second starting port 38, the normal electric game 39 is temporarily released while the normal electric accessory 39 is kept open. finish. On the other hand, if it is determined that the elapsed elapsed time has reached the set time, or if it is determined that a specified number of game balls have already won the second start opening 38 even before the elapsed elapsed time has reached the set time. Then, the driving of the ordinary electric accessory 39 is stopped, and the game process per ordinary symbol is finished. When the game process per normal symbol is finished, the process returns to the main control process and the next S
Proceed to 140 special symbol game processing.

[Special design game processing]
The special symbol game process of S140 is executed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. When the special symbol game process is executed, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first determines whether or not the game ball has won the first start port 36 by inputting a detection signal from the first start port switch 36a. (S200). If it is determined that a game ball has won the first start port 36, the current first
It is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is less than the upper limit (value 4 in this embodiment) (
S202). When it is determined that the number of reserved special symbols is less than the upper limit value, the number of reserved special symbols is incremented by 1 (S204), and determination information is obtained to obtain a predetermined random number for determination in the RAM 70c. The information is stored in the information area (S206). Here, as the determination information acquired in S206, the big hit determination random number used in the big hit determination performed by winning the game ball to the first start port 36, or the big hit determination result is the big hit A jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display section 42a;
A random number for determining a variation pattern for determining the variation pattern of the first special symbol may be used. Subsequently, a first special symbol hold occurrence command (indicating that the first special symbol hold has occurred)
A special figure 1 hold occurrence command transmission process (S208), which will be described later, is sent to the sub-control board 90 (S208), and the number of hold of the first special symbol on the special figure 1 hold display device 48 is displayed. Is updated (S210), and the process proceeds to the next process. The display of the holding number is updated by transmitting a control signal to the symbol display board 40a so that the display of the special figure 1 holding display device 48 corresponds to the current holding number of the first special symbol. If it is determined in S200 that no game ball has been won in the first starting port 36, or if it is determined in S202 that the number of reserved first special symbols has reached the upper limit value, the processing of S204 to S210 is performed. Skip to the next process.

Next, a detection signal from the second start port switch 38a is input to determine whether or not a game ball has won the second start port 38 for variably displaying the second special symbol (S212). If it is determined that a game ball has won the second starting port 38, it is determined whether or not the current number of reserved second special symbols is less than the upper limit value (value 4 in this embodiment) (S214). When it is determined that the number of second special symbols held is less than the upper limit, the number of second special symbols held is incremented by 1 (S216), and determination information is acquired to obtain predetermined determination information in the RAM 70c. Store in the storage area (S218). Here, as the determination information acquired in S218, the big hit determination random number used in the big hit determination performed by winning the game ball to the second starting port 38, or the big hit determination result is the big hit. Examples include a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display means 42b, a variation pattern determining random number for determining a variation pattern of the second special symbol, and the like. Subsequently, a second special symbol hold occurrence command (special figure 2 hold occurrence command) indicating that the second special symbol hold has occurred is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. Processing is performed (S220)
The display of the number of second special symbols held in the special figure 2 hold display device 49 is updated (S222).
The process proceeds to the next process. The update of the display of the number of holds is performed by displaying the special display 2 on the display device 49.
This is done by transmitting a control signal to the symbol display board 40a so as to correspond to the number of special symbols held. In S212, it is determined that a game ball has not won the second starting port 38,
If it is determined in S214 that the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit, S216 ~
The process of S222 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next process of S224. Hereinafter, the details of the command transmission process at the time of occurrence of the special figure 1 hold in S208 and the command transmission process at the time of the special figure 2 hold in S220 will be described. Since these processes execute a common process, a common flowchart (FIG. 1).
2).

In the pending command transmission process of FIG. 12, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first
A special figure 1 hold number designation command for designating the number of holds of the first special symbol is set (S300).
), A special figure 2 hold number designation command for designating the hold number of the second special symbol is set (S302).
. These settings are made using the hold number designation command table shown in FIG. In the hold number designation command table, as shown in the drawing, the special figure 1 hold number designation command and the special figure 2 hold number designation command are associated with the special symbol hold number, respectively, and stored in the ROM 70b. Here, each command used in the present embodiment is composed of an upper command for identification indicating the type of command and a lower command for specifying contents indicating the content of the command. "Indicates a hexadecimal number. In the case of the hold number designation command, the upper command “210H” indicates that the first special symbol hold number designation command, and the upper command “220H” indicates the second special symbol hold number designation command. Indicates. Also, the lower commands “000H” to “004H” indicate that the number of holds is 0 to 4, respectively. Therefore, for example, when the number of holds in the first special symbol is 2, the special figure 1 hold number designation command “2” in which the upper command is “210H” and the lower command is “002H”.
10H002H ".

When the pending number designation command is thus set, it is subsequently determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is off (S304). When it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is off, that is, the current gaming state is the normal state ( In a non-time-short state (also referred to as normal time), it is further determined whether or not the probability variation flag is off (S306). When it is determined that the probability variation flag is off, that is, when the current gaming state is in a low probability state, a low probability prior determination information designation command table is set (S308), and the probability variation flag is on rather than off. When the determination is made, that is, when the current gaming state is a high probability state, a prior determination information designation command table for high probability is set (S310). Then, the determination information stored (stored) in S206 and S218 of the special symbol game process of FIG. 9 (the jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number) is read (S312), and the read determination A prior determination information designation command is set using the prior information and the set prior decision information designation command table (S314).

Here, an example of the prior determination information designation command table is shown in FIG. Note that FIG.
) Shows a prior decision information designation command table for low probability, and FIG. 14B shows a prior decision information designation command table for high probability. As shown in the figure, the prior determination information designation command table is a table in which a prior determination information designation command is associated with a combination of determination information (a jackpot determination random number, a big hit symbol determination random number, and a variation pattern determination random number). It has been created and stored in the ROM 70b. As described above, in the prior determination information designation command, the combination of determination information related to the hold that has occurred this time corresponds to any one of “normal big hit”, “probability big hit”, “out of reach” or “out of reach”. Information (hereinafter referred to as advance judgment information)
It is a command which shows. This prior determination information designation command is also composed of a higher order command and a lower order command. The higher order command “310H” indicates the prior decision information designation command, and the lower order commands “000H” to “003H” are the prior decision information. Show the contents. FIG.
In the low probability prior determination information designation table, the jackpot determination random numbers (values 60 and 61) determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination process described later, and the first normal jackpot symbol in the first row in FIG. The prior determination information designation command “310H000H” is associated with a combination with a jackpot symbol determining random number (value 0 to 101) to be selected (a combination with “normal jackpot”). Further, a big hit determination random number (value 60, 61) determined to be a big hit and a big hit symbol determination random number for selecting the first and second probability variation big hit symbols in the second and third stages in FIG. (
The prior determination information designation command “310H001H” is associated with the combination (value 102 to 255) (the combination that becomes “probability big hit”). Further, a combination of a jackpot determination random number (values 0 to 59, 62 to 796) determined to be off and a variation pattern determination random number (value 0 to 120) for selecting a variation pattern without reach (“0 to 120”). The prior determination information designation command “310H002H” is associated with the “combination of“ no reach ””. Then, the jackpot determination random number (values 0 to 59, 62 to 796) determined to be off
And a variation pattern determining random number (value 121) for selecting a variation pattern with reach.
To 255) is associated with the prior determination information designation command “310H003H”. Also in the prior determination information designation table for high probability in FIG. 14B, the correspondence is made in the same manner except that the range of random numbers associated with each command is different.

When the prior judgment information designation command is set in this way, the special figure 1 hold number designation command, the special figure 2 hold number designation command, and the prior judgment information designation command are set as a hold occurrence command (normal hold occurrence command). Then, the set on-hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (S318), and the on-hold occurrence command transmission process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S304 that the fluctuation shortening flag is on rather than off, that is, when the current gaming state is a short-time state (also referred to as a short-time state), a special determination information designation command is not set. FIG. 1 Hold number designation command and Special figure 2 Hold number designation command are set in the command at the time of hold occurrence (command at the time of hold occurrence at short time) (S320), and the set hold time occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. Then, the command transmission process at the time of the occurrence of the hold is terminated.

Here, FIG. 15 shows an example of a command when a hold occurs. FIG. 15A shows a command at the time of holding during normal time (non-short time), and FIG. 15B shows a command at the time of holding at short time. 15A has three commands: a special figure 1 hold number designation command, a special figure 2 hold number designation command, and a prior determination information designation command.
The command at the time of a hold occurrence at the time of (b) has two commands: a special figure 1 hold number designation command and a special figure 2 hold number designation command. As described above, since the prior determination information designation command is not transmitted in the time reduction state, in the time reduction state, the number of commands transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 90 can be reduced by one compared to the normal state. . Although each command is expressed in hexadecimal, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 actually transmits each command in binary. In addition, the sub control board 90 that has received the hold occurrence command
The command transmitted in binary number is analyzed 4 bits at a time (1 digit in hexadecimal number), and the contents are discriminated. Then, the display of the first hold symbol 35a of the effect display device 34 is updated according to the special figure 1 hold number designation command, or the display of the second hold symbol 35b of the effect display device 34 is updated according to the special figure 2 hold number designation command. Or, in accordance with the prior determination information designation command, an effect (so-called hold pre-reading effect) for notifying the expected degree of occurrence of a big hit for the hold or the expected degree of execution of the reach effect is executed. The command transmission process at the time of occurrence of hold has been described above. Hereinafter, the description returns to the special symbol game process of FIGS.

In the special symbol game process, next, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S224), whether one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is being variably displayed (S226), and the first special symbol. It is determined whether or not any of the second special symbols is in the stop display time (S228). If it is determined that the big hit game is in progress, the special symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the main control process to proceed to the next big hit game process of S150. On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is in the variable display, and neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is in the stop display time, it is not in the big hit game. 2. It is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 0 (S230). If it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not 0, the oldest determination information of the second special symbol determination information (big hit determination random number) stored in the determination information storage area (RAM 70c) is determined. Reading (S232), the second special symbol variation display related process is executed (S234), and the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is 0, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is 0 (S236). If it is determined that the number of holds of the first special symbol is not 0, the oldest determination information among the determination information (big hit determination random number) of the first special symbol stored in the determination information storage area (RAM 70c) Reading (S238), the first special symbol variation display related process is executed (S240), and the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the number of holds for the first special symbol is also 0, the special symbol game process is terminated. In S230 to S240,
When the number of reserved special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols are not 0, the second special symbol change display (holding digestion) is preferentially executed. Details of the variable display related process will be described below. The first special symbol variation display related process and the second special symbol variation display related process are both executed in common, and will be described with reference to a common flowchart (the flowchart of FIG. 16).

[Change display related processing]
In the variation display related process, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S330). When the probability variation flag is off, that is, when the current gaming state is a low probability state, S232 or S23
The jackpot determination is performed using the jackpot determination random number and the low probability jackpot determination table read in step 8 (S332). When the probability variation flag is on, that is, when the current gaming state is in a high probability state, the jackpot determination is read. A jackpot determination is performed using the random numbers and the high probability jackpot determination table (S334), and it is determined whether the determination result is a jackpot (S336). An example of the big hit determination table is shown in FIG. FIG. 17A shows a low probability jackpot determination table, and FIG. 17B shows a high probability jackpot determination table. In the low-probability jackpot determination table, when the jackpot determination random number is a value 60 or 61 out of the values 0 to 796, a jackpot is determined (1/398.
In the high probability big hit determination table, the big hit determination random number is assumed to be a big hit when the random number for big hit determination has a value of 60 to 79 out of values 0 to 796 (a big hit probability of 1 / 39.85). In the prior determination information designation command table of FIG. 14 described above, the distribution of the big hit determination random numbers in the low probability prior determination information designation command table is the assignment of the success or failure of the big hit determination random numbers in the low probability big hit determination table. The distribution of the big hit determination random numbers in the high probability prior determination information designation command table follows the determination of whether the big hit determination random numbers in the high probability big hit determination table are correct.

If it is determined in S336 that the big hit determination result is a big hit, the determination information storage area (RA
The jackpot symbol determining random number is read from M70c) (S338), and the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed is selected and determined based on the read jackpot symbol determining random number (S340). Here, the first special symbol jackpot symbol determination table illustrated in FIG. 18 is used to determine the first special symbol jackpot symbol, and the second special symbol jackpot symbol determination table is illustrated in FIG. The big special symbol determination table of the second special symbol is used.

In the jackpot symbol determination table of the first special symbol, as shown in FIG. 18, when the jackpot symbol determination random number is a value 0 to 101 among the values 0 to 255, the symbol on the first stage on the left side of FIG. "
"First normal jackpot" (appearance probability of about 40%), the jackpot symbol determination random number is a value of 102 ~
At 203, the second symbol on the left side of FIG. 5 is selected and becomes the “first probability variation big hit” (about 4
When the random number for determining the big hit symbol is 204 to 255, the third symbol on the left side of FIG. 5 is selected and becomes the “second probability variation big hit” (appearance probability of about 20%). . Further, in the jackpot symbol determination table for the second special symbol, as shown in FIG. 19, when the jackpot symbol determination random number is a value 0 to 101 among the values 0 to 255, the symbol on the first right side of FIG. When selected, it becomes the “first normal jackpot” (appearance probability of about 40%), and the jackpot symbol determination random number has a value of 102 to 229.
5 is selected as the second stage symbol on the right side of FIG. 5 and becomes “first probability variation big hit” (appearance probability of about 50%), and when the big hit symbol determining random number is 230 to 255, the right side of FIG. The third stage symbol is selected and becomes the “second probable big hit” (appearance probability of about 10%). Note that FIG.
In the pre-determination information designation command table 4, the distribution of the random numbers for determining the jackpot symbol is “first normal jackpot”, “first probability variation jackpot”, and “second probability variation jackpot” in the jackpot symbol determination table. According to the distribution.

Also, if it is determined in S336 that the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit, it is out of the game, so the out symbol is determined (S346). In addition, although detailed explanation is omitted for the off symbol, for example,
It can be set using a jackpot symbol determination random number and a not-shown out symbol determination table. Of course, if a losing symbol determining random number is acquired separately from the jackpot symbol determining random number, it can be set using the losing symbol determining random number and the losing symbol determining table.

When the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined in this way, a special symbol designating command (special symbol 1, special symbol 2 symbol designating command) for designating the determined special symbol (big win symbol or off symbol symbol) is set (S
342). The special symbol designation command is used when the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol is determined.
Among the special figure 1 symbol designation commands shown in the jackpot symbol determination table of the first special symbol in FIG.
When the command corresponding to the determined jackpot symbol is set and the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol is determined, among the special figure 2 symbol designation commands shown in the jackpot symbol determination table of the second special symbol of FIG. A command corresponding to the determined jackpot symbol is set. These commands indicate that the upper command “883H” is the designated command for the first special symbol,
The upper command “884H” indicates the designation command of the second special symbol, and the lower commands “000H” to “002H” indicate the contents of the big hit. Although not shown, the first
When a special symbol out symbol is determined, the upper command is “883H”, the lower command is out, the special symbol 1 symbol designating command corresponding to the type of symbol is set, and the second special symbol out symbol is If it is determined, the special command 2 designating command of the command corresponding to the type of design is set because the upper command is “884H” and the lower command is removed. Here, in the present embodiment, the special figure 1 symbol designation command and the special figure 2 symbol designation command are set regardless of whether the determined special symbol is the first special symbol or the second special symbol. That is, the determined first
“07FH” indicating that there is no symbol (undesignated) because there is no symbol to be determined as the second special symbol when the special symbol 1 symbol designating command is set by setting a lower command corresponding to the special symbol.
Is set as a lower command and a special figure 2 designating command is set. Similarly, when a lower command corresponding to the determined second special symbol is determined and a special symbol 2 symbol designation command is set, the first command
Since there is no symbol to be determined as a special symbol, unspecified “07FH” is set as the lower command,
Special figure 1 design designation command is set.

Subsequently, a transmission process for transmitting a symbol variation start command to the sub-control board 90 is performed (S3).
44) The special symbol variation display is started (S346). The sub control board 90 that has received the symbol variation start command transmits the symbol effect start command to the effect display control board 91 to start the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 34. Then, the reserved number of special symbols is decremented by 1 (S348), the display of the reserved number in the special symbol hold display device is updated (S350), and the variable display related processing is terminated. If the current variable display related processing is for the first special symbol, in S346 to S350, the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the number of holdings of the first special symbol is decremented by the value 1, and the special symbol is displayed. The display of the number of hold of the first special symbol in the 1 hold display device 48 is updated. Also, if the current variation display related process is for the second special symbol, in S346 to S350, the variation display of the second special symbol is started, the hold number of the second special symbol is decremented by 1 and the special symbol is displayed. 2 The display of the number of reserved symbols of the second special symbol on the display device 49 is updated. Details of the symbol change start command transmission process in S344 will be described below. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the command variation start command transmission process.

[Command transmission process at the start of symbol variation]
In the symbol variation start command transmission process, first, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening flag is off (S
360), whether or not the result of the jackpot determination in S332 and S334 of the variable display related process of FIG. 16 is a jackpot (S362, S380) is determined. When it is determined in S360 that the fluctuation shortening flag is off, that is, when the current gaming state is a normal state (non-time-short state), if it is determined that a big hit is made in S362, it is normal to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. A big hit variation pattern table for the hour (non-short-time) is set (S364), and if it is determined that the big hit is not big hit in S362, the normal fluctuation pattern table is set (S
366).

Here, FIG. 21 shows an example of a normal big hit variation pattern table, and FIG. 22 shows an example of a normal deviation variation pattern table. In the normal variation pattern table of this embodiment, a variation pattern for defining a variation time, a variation pattern determination random number, and a variation pattern designation command are created in association with each other and stored in the ROM 70b. In this normal variation pattern table, since 95 types of variation patterns 0 to 94 are defined, there are also 95 types of variation pattern designation commands. Like the other commands, the fluctuation pattern designation command is composed of a higher order command and a lower order command.
"Indicates a change pattern designation command, and the lower order command indicates the contents of the change pattern. 21 and 22 are generated in the same manner except that the distribution of the random numbers for determining the variation pattern associated with the variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) is different.
As will be described in detail later, as the variation pattern has a longer variation time, a special effect that excites the game entertainment such as various reach effects and pseudo-ream effects is performed during the pattern variation. In the deviation variation pattern table of FIG. 22, the variation pattern determination random numbers with values 0 to 120 are associated with variation patterns without reach production that do not perform such reach production. The random pattern for determining the variation pattern is associated with a variation pattern with a reach effect in which a reach effect is performed. In the above-described prior determination information designation command table of FIG. 14, the random number for determining the variation pattern is divided into “variation pattern without reach effect” and “variation pattern with reach effect” in the variation pattern table for detachment in FIG. ”.

When the variation pattern table is set, the variation pattern determination random number is read to determine the variation pattern (S368), and a variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern is set (S370). Next, a gaming machine designation command for designating identification information of the gaming machine and a gaming state designation command for designating the current gaming state are set (S372). Here, the gaming machine designation command is “8” indicating that the gaming machine designation command is a gaming machine designation command.
86H "is set, and the device-specific identification command stored in the ROM 70b is set as the lower command. The gaming machine designation command is used for confirming whether or not it is a legitimate command on the sub-control board 90 that has received the command. Also, the gaming state designation command sets “885H” indicating that it is a gaming state designation command to the upper command,
Of the commands (“000H” to “*** H”) determined for each gaming state, a command indicating the current gaming state (the state of the variation shortening flag and the state of the probability variation flag) is set as the lower command. The gaming state includes a high-probability state and a high-probability time-short state in a short-time state, a low-probability state and a low-probability state in a short-time state, a high-probability state and a normal state (non-short-time state). , A low-probability state and a low-probability normal state in a normal state. Since the process of S372 is performed when the fluctuation shortening flag is OFF in S360, a command indicating a high probability normal state, a low probability normal state, or the like is set as the gaming state designation command.

Subsequently, a time reduction number designation command for designating the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set (S374).
). Here, the fluctuation shortening counter indicates an upper limit value of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol that maintains the short-time state, and a value corresponding to the big hit mode is set at the end of the big hit game. S37
Since the process of No. 4 is performed when the fluctuation shortening flag is OFF in S360, since the fluctuation shortening counter has a value of 0, a time reduction number designation command indicating a value of 0 is set. For the time reduction command, set “8A6H” indicating that it is a time reduction specification command to the upper command,
“000H” indicating the number of time reductions (0 in this case) is set in the lower command. In the setting of the time reduction number designation command in the time reduction state, a value corresponding to the fluctuation reduction counter is set in the lower order command of the time reduction number designation command. In the present embodiment, the maximum value of the fluctuation shortening counter (the number of time reductions) is set to 1,000 times, and therefore, “3E8H” is set at the maximum in the lower command. The sub-control board 90 and the like can set the production contents according to the number of time reductions by receiving the time reduction number designation command.

Then, a variation pattern designation command, a gaming machine designation command, a gaming state designation command, a special figure 1, special figure 2 design designation command (special design design designation command) set in S342 of FIG. The designated command is set as a symbol variation start command (normal symbol variation start command) (S376), and the set symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (S378). The command transmission process ends. FIG. 23 shows an example of a normal symbol variation start command. As shown in the drawing, a total of six commands are transmitted in the order of transmission. As described above, S342 of the variable display related process in FIG.
Then, when the specified low-level command is set in the special figure 1 designating command, “no designation (07FH)” is set in the low order command of the special figure 2 designating command, and conversely, in the special figure 2 designating command. When a designated lower command is set, “undesignated (07FH)” is set in the lower command of the special figure 1 designating command. In addition, the symbol change start command is also transmitted in binary as in the case of the hold occurrence command. The sub-control board 90 that has received the symbol variation start command analyzes the command transmitted in binary number four bits at a time (one digit in hexadecimal number), and on the screen of the effect display device 34 based on the analysis result. The contents of the effect to be performed are determined, and a control signal (effect command) according to the determination is output to the effect display control board 91 to produce the effect display device 34.
Control.

Further, when it is determined in S360 that the variation shortening flag is on rather than off, that is, when the current gaming state is in the state of short time, if it is determined in S380 that it is a big hit, the time reduction in order to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol Set the big hit fluctuation pattern table (S382),
If it is determined in S380 that it is not a big hit but a loss, the fluctuation pattern table for loss of time is set (S384).

Here, FIG. 24 shows an example of the fluctuation pattern table for big hits at the time reduction, and FIG. 25 shows an example of the fluctuation pattern table for loss at the time reduction. Similarly to the normal fluctuation pattern table, the fluctuation pattern table for the time reduction is also created by associating the fluctuation pattern for determining the fluctuation time, the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation pattern designation command, respectively.
It is stored in 0b. 24, five types of variation patterns 95 to 99 are defined, and there are also five types of variation pattern designation commands. 25, three types of variation patterns 95 to 97 are defined, and there are also three types of variation pattern designation commands. Fluctuation patterns 95 to 99 defined in the fluctuation pattern table for jackpots at time reduction
The variation time is 0.5 to 7 seconds, and the average time (weighted average) is about 5.7 seconds. Further, the fluctuation patterns 95 to 97 defined in the deviation fluctuation pattern table for the time reduction are as follows:
The variation time is 0.5 second to 2 seconds, and the average time (weighted average) is about 0.6 seconds. In the normal variation pattern table described above, 95 types of variation patterns are defined.
Although the variation time is wide from short (10 seconds) to long (about 130 seconds), the short time variation pattern table only defines several types of variation patterns. The average is also much shorter than usual.

When the variation pattern table is set, the variation pattern determination random number is read to determine the variation pattern (S386), and a variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern is set (S388). Next, without setting a gaming machine designation command or a gaming state designation command, a time reduction number designation command indicating the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set (S3).
90). Then, the fluctuation pattern designation command and the special figure 1 set in S342 of FIG.
The special symbol 2 symbol designating command and the time reduction number designating command are set in the symbol variation start command (the symbol variation start command at the time shortening) (S392), and the set symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. Then, the symbol variation start command transmission process is terminated (S378). Here, FIG. 26 shows a symbol change start command when the time is short. As shown in the drawing, four commands are transmitted in the order of transmission in the command change start command at the time of time reduction. Unlike the normal time, the symbol change start command at the time reduction does not set (send) a gaming machine designation command or a game state designation command. Therefore, in the time reduction state, the main control board 70 is at the time of symbol change start than the normal state. Thus, the number of commands transmitted to the sub control board 90 can be reduced by two.

Returning to the special symbol game process of FIGS. 9 to 11, when the special symbol game process is executed after the variation display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is started, the first special game process is performed in S226. In order to determine that either the symbol or the second special symbol is in a variable display, the CP of the main control board 70
U70a determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S242). Since the variation time is determined according to the variation pattern of the special symbol, whether the variation time has elapsed or not is compared with the variation time that has been determined since the variation display of the special symbol is started. Can be done. If it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. If it is determined that the variation time has elapsed, the variation display of the special symbol being varied is stopped (S24).
4) A symbol stop command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (S246). Receiving this symbol stop command, the sub control board 90 transmits a symbol effect stop command to the effect display control board 91 to end the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 34. Then, a stop display time is set (S248), and it is determined whether or not the stop display time has passed (S250). Here, the stop display time is an interval from when the special symbol variation display is stopped until the next variation display is started, and is set to 0.6 seconds, for example. If it is determined that the stop display time has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the special symbol game process is executed after the special symbol stop display is made, it is determined in S228 that the stop display time is in progress. If it is determined that has passed, it is determined whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol (S252).

If it is determined that the jackpot symbol is determined in S252, the jackpot game flag is turned on (S254).
), A jackpot game start designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (S256). As a result, a big hit game start effect or the like is executed in the big hit game effect process described later. In addition, during the big hit game, in order to stop the probability variation function, the time reduction function, and the release extension function, the probability variation flag is turned off when the probability variation flag is on (S258, S260), and the variation shortening flag is set when the variation shortening flag is on. It is turned off and the release extension flag is turned off (S262).
To S266), the special symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the main control process to proceed to the next big hit game process of S150.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S252 that the symbol is not a big hit symbol, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening flag is on (S268). If the variation shortening flag is not on, the special symbol game process is terminated as it is. When the variation shortening flag is on, the variation shortening counter is decremented by 1 (S270), and it is determined whether or not the variation shortening counter is 0 (S272). When the fluctuation shortening counter is not 0, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated while maintaining the time shortening state. When the fluctuation shortening counter is 0, the variation shortening flag is turned off in order to terminate the time shortening state ( In step S274, the release extension flag is turned off (S276), the above-described gaming state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (S278), and the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. Thereby, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 is changed from the short-time state to the non-short-time state. The sub control board 90 that has received the game state designation command, for example,
An effect command indicating a gaming state is transmitted to the effect display control board 91, and a process such as changing the display of the background screen of the effect display device 34 from the short time to the non-short time is performed.

[Big hit game processing]
The big hit game process of S150 is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG.
When the jackpot game process No. 7 is executed, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first determines whether or not the jackpot game flag is on, that is, whether or not the jackpot game is in progress (step 40).
0). If it is determined that the big hit game flag is OFF, the big hit game process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit game flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 44 is open (S402), and if it is determined that the big winning opening 44 is closed (not open),
It is determined whether or not it is the opening timing of the special winning opening 44 (S404). This determination is performed by determining whether or not a prescribed closing time (2 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. If it is determined that it is the opening timing of the big prize opening 44, the big prize opening solenoid 44b is driven and controlled so that the big prize opening 44 is opened (S406), and the big hit game processing is once ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that it is not the opening timing of the big winning opening 44, the big hit game processing is once ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 44 is open, it is determined whether or not it is the closing timing of the special winning opening 44 (S408). This determination is based on a specified opening time (in this embodiment, 2
5 seconds), or the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 44 is a specified number (in this embodiment, 10
This is done by determining whether any of the above has been reached. If it is determined that it is not the closing timing of the big prize opening 44, the big hit game process is temporarily ended while the big prize opening 44 is kept open. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the closing timing of the big prize opening 44, the big prize opening solenoid 44b is driven and controlled so that the big prize opening 44 is closed (S410), and it is judged whether or not the big winning game end condition is satisfied. (S412). This determination is performed by determining whether or not the special winning opening 44 is opened according to the specified number of rounds. The prescribed number of rounds is 15 rounds for the first normal jackpot or the first probability variation jackpot, and is 2 rounds for the second probability variation jackpot. If it is determined in S412 that the big hit game end condition is not satisfied, the big hit game processing is once ended. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit game end condition is satisfied, the big hit game end process illustrated in FIG. 28 is executed (S414), and the big hit game process is ended.

In the big hit game end process of FIG. 28, first, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 turns the big hit game flag from on to off (S450), and the big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol, that is, the current big hit is “first probability variation big hit”. And “second probability variation big hit” are determined (S
452). If it is determined that it is not a probability variation symbol, that is, the current big hit is the “first normal big hit”, the probability variation flag is kept off and the fluctuation shortening counter is set to 100 (S454).
If it is determined that the probability variation symbol, the probability variation flag is turned on (S456), and the fluctuation shortening counter is set to 1,000 times (S458). When the fluctuation shortening counter is set in this way, the fluctuation shortening flag is turned on (S460), and the release extension flag is turned on (S46).
2) A jackpot game end designation command and a game state designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (S464), and the jackpot game end processing is terminated. By transmitting the jackpot game end designation command, the jackpot game end effect is executed in the jackpot game effect process described later. The sub control board 90 that has received the game state designation command is, for example, the effect display control board 9.
Processing for setting the background screen of the effect display device 34 as a probability change or time reduction background by transmitting an effect command indicating the gaming state to 1 is performed.

[Production control processing]
Next, operations performed by the sub control board 90 will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process executed by the CPU 90 a of the sub control board 90. The effect control process includes an on-holding effect process (S500) and a symbol variation effect process (S510).
) And the big hit game effect process (S520). In the big hit game effect process of S520, when the big hit game start designation command transmitted by the main control board 70 in S256 of the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 is received, the big hit game start effect (big hit fanfare effect) is executed. When the big hit game end designation command transmitted by the main control board 70 is received in S464 of the big hit game end process of FIG. 28, the big hit game end effect (hit hit ending effect) is executed. Hereinafter, the on-holding production process at S500 and the symbol variation production process at S510 will be described.

[Direction processing when a hold occurs]
The production process at the time of occurrence of the hold in S500 is executed according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. In the on-holding production process in FIG. 30, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90 first performs FIG.
It is determined whether or not the hold occurrence command transmitted by the main control board 70 is received in S318 of the hold occurrence command transmission process 2 (S600). When it is determined that the on-hold occurrence command has not been received, the on-occurrence on-stage presentation process is ended. If it is determined that the on-hold occurrence command has been received, it is determined whether or not the on-hold occurrence command includes a prior determination information designation command (S602). As described above, in the hold occurrence command transmission process of FIG. 12, when the fluctuation shortening flag is off, that is, in the normal time (non-short time), the prior determination information designation command is set and included in the hold occurrence command. Send. For this reason, the determination of S602 is processing for determining the current gaming state. In place of the determination in S602, it is determined whether the current gaming state is the normal state or the short-time state based on the gaming state designation command transmitted in S278 of the special symbol game processing or S464 of the big hit game end processing. It is good. When it is determined in S602 that the pre-determination information designation command is included, that is, when the current gaming state is the normal state, the prefetch effect pattern table is read (S604), and a prefetch effect pattern determination random number is acquired (S606). A prefetch effect pattern is determined using the pre-determination information designation command, a prefetch effect pattern determination random number, and a prefetch effect pattern table (S608).
).

FIG. 31 shows an example of the prefetch effect pattern table. In the prefetch effect pattern table, as shown in the drawing, a prefetch effect pattern (each effect executed in the effect pattern) is associated with a prior determination information designation command (lower command) and a prefetch effect pattern determination random number. . The upper command (“310H”) of the prior determination information designation command is the same for all commands, and is not shown. Also, in this embodiment, which shows the upper command among the effect designation commands for each effect executed in the pre-reading effect pattern, a total of 16 effects are prepared as effects to be executed in the pre-read effect pattern. Each directing command is defined. These effects include, for example, a logo appearance effect that causes a logo display to appear, a mini character effect A and B that causes a pre-read-only mini character to appear, a background change effect A and B that changes the background color of the screen to red, etc. There are on-hold change effects A, B, etc., in which the color is changed to gold or flashing. The prefetch effect pattern is a pattern in which one or more effects are combined among these 16 kinds of effects.

When the prefetch effect pattern is determined in this way, an effect designation command for designating an effect to be executed with the determined effect pattern and an effect not to be executed are set (S610). Here, in the present embodiment, for an effect to be executed with the determined effect pattern, a command indicating execution (execution instruction) is set as an effect designation command, and an effect that is not executed with the determined effect pattern is not executed. A command indicating the effect is set as an effect designation command. For this reason, for the effect to be executed, an upper command (see FIG. 31) indicating the type of the effect and a designated lower command “000H” indicating that the effect is to be executed are determined. An effect designation command is set by determining an upper command indicating the type of effect and an unspecified lower command “07FH” indicating that the effect is not executed. As a result, the data length (number of bits) of each command is always constant (command delimitation is constant), so that command analysis processing on the command receiving side becomes easy. Next, a hold production start command (a normal hold production start time) is added to the hold number designation command and the advance determination information designation command included in the hold occurrence command, the production designation command set in S610, and the transmission end designation command. Command) (S612), the set on-hold effect start time command is transmitted to the effect display control board 91 (S614), and the on-hold occurrence time effect process ends. The transmission end designation command is a command in which an upper command “4FFH” and a lower command “7FFH” indicating that transmission of the hold effect start time command is to be ended are determined.

When it is determined in step S602 that the on-hold occurrence command does not include the advance determination information designation command, that is, when the current gaming state is the short time state, the on-hold number designation command included in the on-hold occurrence command, the transmission end designation command, Is set to a command for starting a holding effect (command for starting a holding effect for a short time) (S616), the set command for starting a holding effect is transmitted to the effect display control board 91 (S614), and the effect processing when a holding event occurs is performed. finish. Here, an example of the command at the start of the hold effect is shown in FIG. FIG. 32 (a) shows a command for starting a holding effect at normal time (non-short time), and FIG. 32 (b) shows a command for starting a holding effect in time saving. As shown in FIG. 32 (a), the normal hold production start time command includes three commands included in the hold occurrence command (a special figure 1 hold number designation command, a special figure 2 hold number designation command, and a prior determination. Information designation command), 16 effect designation commands, and one transmission end designation command, which are 20 commands in total, which are transmitted in the order of transmission. In normal times, as described above, even if the effect is not performed, “07FH” is specified as the lower-order command.
"Is set every time, all the production designation commands (16) are transmitted each time. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), since the pre-decision production start command at the time reduction does not transmit the prior determination information designation command or the production designation command, two commands included in the hold occurrence command (special figure) (1 hold number designation command, special figure 2 hold number designation command) and one transmission end designation command, which are transmitted in the order of transmission. Thus, in the short time state, the number of commands transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the effect display control board 91 when the hold occurs (when the hold occurrence command is received) can be reduced by 17 compared to the normal state.

[Holding effect display control processing]
Here, the hold effect display control process executed by the effect display control board 91 that has received the hold display designation command will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed by the CPU 91a of the effect display control board 91 when a hold effect start command is received. When the hold effect display control process is executed, the CPU 91a of the effect display control board 91 firstly executes the first hold symbol 3 based on the special figure 1 hold number designation command included in the received hold effect start time command.
The hold display of 5a is updated (S650), and the hold display of the second hold symbol 35b is updated based on the special figure 2 hold number designation command included in the received hold production start time command (S652). These are the same as the number of holds specified by the special figure 1 hold number designation command (lower command) and the number of hold indications of the first hold symbol 35a, and the special figure 2 hold number designation command (lower command). This is done by setting the designated number of holdings and the number of holdings of the second holding symbol 35b to the same number. Next, it is determined whether or not the received hold start start command includes a prior determination information designation command (S654). As described above, the hold presentation start time command transmitted from the sub control board 90 includes a prior determination information designation command in the normal state, and does not include a prior determination information designation command in the short time state. The determination is processing for determining the current gaming state. When it is determined in S654 that a prior determination information designation command is included, that is, when the current gaming state is a normal state, an effect designation command is also included, so that an effect image corresponding to those effect designation commands (present designation effect designation command) (Reading effect image) is read from the ROM 91b and displayed (S656), the hold prefetching effect is executed, and the hold effect display control process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S654 that the command for starting the holding effect does not include the advance determination information designation command, that is, when the current gaming state is the short time state, the effect specifying command is not included, so the holding effect display control process is performed as it is. finish. In this way, the effect display control board 91 executes the hold prefetch effect in the normal state, and does not execute the hold prefetch effect in the short time state.

[Design variation effect processing]
The symbol variation effect process in S510 is executed according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 34, first, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90 is transmitted by the main control board 70 in S344 of the fluctuation display related process of FIG. 16 (S378 of the command fluctuation start command transmission process of FIG. 20). It is determined whether or not a symbol variation start command is received (S
700), when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a pseudo continuous variation effect (pseudo continuous effect) described later is being executed (S702). When it is determined in S700 that the symbol variation start command has been received, a symbol effect start command transmission process is executed in which a symbol effect start command is set and transmitted to the effect display control board 91 (S7).
04) Proceed to the next process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S700 that the symbol variation start command has not been received and it is determined in S702 that the pseudo-continuous effect is being executed, a pseudo-continuous symbol effect start command is set and the effect display control board 91 is set. The command transmission process at the time of starting the pseudo-design symbol effect to be transmitted is executed (S706), and the process proceeds to the next process. If it is determined in S700 that the symbol variation start command has not been received and it is determined in S702 that the pseudo-continuous effect is not being executed, the process proceeds directly to the next process.

Next, a feedback command (FB command) transmitted from the effect display control board 91
Is determined (S708), and when it is determined that the FB command has been received,
An FB command reception process is executed (S710), and the process proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the FB command has not been received, the process of S710 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next process.
Here, in the present embodiment, as the FB command, an FB command for effect synchronization for synchronizing the timing of various effects and an FB command for confirming symbols for confirming various effect symbols are transmitted from the effect display control board 91. Is done. As the effect-synchronizing FB command, a command indicating the lighting / flashing timing of the LED lamp 93a, the audio output timing from the speakers 28a, 28b, and the like are transmitted. In addition, as the FB command for symbol confirmation, a command indicating information on the effect symbol set by the effect display control board 91 in the reach symbol, the pseudo-continuous symbol, the final stop symbol, or the like is transmitted. As processing at the time of receiving the FB command, if an FB command for effect synchronization is received, a drive signal is output to the decorative drive board 93 so that the LED lamp 93a is turned on or blinks, and audio is output from the speakers 28a and 28b. A drive signal is output to the amplifier substrate 92 so that is output. If the FB command for symbol confirmation is received, the symbol designated by the FB command is the command transmission process at the time of symbol effect start in S704 or S7.
The symbol production start command (06 transmitted in the command transmission process at the time of the symbol production start command for pseudo-continuation 06)
It is determined whether or not it matches the symbol specified by the symbol specifying command). If it is determined that the symbol does not match, a symbol correction command for specifying the symbol specifying command is transmitted to the effect display control board 91 again. Subsequently, in S246 of the special symbol game process of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command transmitted by the main control board 70 has been received (S712), and when it is determined that it has been received, a symbol effect stop is instructed. A design effect stop command is transmitted to the effect display control board 91 (
S714), the symbol variation effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S712 that the symbol stop command has not been received, the symbol variation effect process is terminated. Details of the symbol effect start command transmission process and the pseudo effect symbol effect start command transmission process will be described below.

[Command transmission process at the start of symbol production]
First, the symbol effect start command transmission process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this symbol effect start command transmission process, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90
First, it is determined whether or not the symbol change start command determined to have been received in S700 includes a gaming state designation command (S730). As described above, the symbol variation start command transmitted from the sub-control board 90 includes the gaming state designation command in the normal state and does not include the gaming state designation command in the time reduction state. This is a process for determining the current gaming state. Instead of the determination in S730, it is determined whether the current gaming state is the normal state or the short-time state based on the gaming state designation command transmitted in S278 of the special symbol game processing or S464 of the processing at the end of the big hit game It is good. When it is determined that the game state designation command is included in the symbol variation start command, that is, when the current game state is the normal state,
The symbol effect pattern table at the normal time is set (S732), and the symbol effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designation command (lower command) is determined (S734).

Here, FIG. 36 shows an example of a normal design effect pattern table. As shown,
The symbol effect pattern is associated with the variation pattern designation command (lower command). In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, there are 95 types of variation patterns (variation pattern commands), and 95 types of symbol effect patterns corresponding to the respective variation patterns (variation pattern commands) are prepared. ing. Since the upper command (“880H”) of the variation pattern designation command is the same for all commands, the illustration is omitted. In addition, the upper command is shown among the effect designation commands of each effect executed in the design effect pattern.
In the symbol effect pattern of the present embodiment, a series of effects (effect patterns) from the start of change of the effect symbol to the stop of the change are mainly composed of a plurality of effects (some are composed of a single effect). These effects are a variation effect indicating the variation display mode of the effect symbol, and a notice that the variation effect to be executed is a special effect such as a reach effect or a pseudo-continuous effect, which will be described later, or the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. Can be divided into notice effects. As the fluctuation production, the normal fluctuation production (variation A, fluctuation B,...) That displays the production pattern in a variable manner without the reach production,
Normal reach fluctuation production (NM reach A, which displays the production pattern fluctuating with the reach production)
NM reach B,...), And super reach variation effects (SP reach A, SP reach B,...) , Story reach fluctuation production that displays the production pattern with the development of the story using characters etc. so that the expectation per hit is higher than the normal reach fluctuation (
ST reach A, ST reach B,...), And making the variation display of the production symbol special during the reach production, temporarily stops the reach mid-range production and the variation display of the production symbol. In addition, there are re-lottery variation effects (re-lottery A, re-lottery B) for restarting the variable display by lottery. In addition, during a single variation effect, a pseudo-variation effect (pseudo-variation) that makes it appear that a plurality of variation effects are executed by repeating a pseudo stop (temporary stop) and a re-variation effect of the effect symbol. Rendition). In addition, the symbol effect pattern that executes the pseudo-ream effect is
As shown in the remarks column, since information indicating that is stored in the symbol effect pattern table, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a pseudo-continuous pattern from the variation pattern designation command (lower command). In addition, as a notice effect, character notices A and B for making a character appear
Line notices A and B for displaying lines and lines, step up notices for stepping up the production step by step, group notices for making characters appear in groups, movie notices A, B and C for displaying reminiscence movies, mini games, etc. There are various notice effects such as mini-game notices A and B for performing the title, title notice for displaying the title, and continuous notices A and B for notifying the pseudo-continuous effect. FIG.
In the symbol effect pattern table, a symbol effect pattern combining these fluctuation effects and notice effects is defined, and an effect designation command is defined for each effect.
Further, in the pseudo-continuous pattern, a symbol effect pattern in which a change effect to be executed and a notice effect are combined is determined for each change of the pseudo continuous change (first time, second time,...).

When the symbol effect pattern is determined in this manner, it is determined whether or not the determined symbol effect pattern is a pseudo-continuous pattern (S736). This is executed (S738), and the symbol effect start time command transmission process is terminated. If it is determined in S736 that the pattern is not a pseudo-continuous pattern, an effect design symbol designating command is set (S740). In S740, a symbol designation command for a stop symbol (final stop symbol) corresponding to a symbol designation command for a special symbol (a command for which designation is specified among the symbol designation symbol design command or the symbol designation symbol 2 command) is set. . The setting of the symbol designating command for the stop symbol is the three effect symbols 34L and 34M of left, middle and right shown in FIG.
, 34R by setting a stop symbol command. For the left stop symbol (production symbol 34L), “900H” indicating the designation of the left stop symbol is set in the upper command, and “000H” to “006H” corresponding to the numbers 1 to 7 are respectively set in the lower command. Either one is set according to the designation of the symbol designation command (big hit or miss). Further, the middle stop symbol (production symbol 34M) indicates “9” indicating the designation of the middle stop symbol in the upper command.
“01H” is defined, the right stop symbol (effect symbol 34R) is defined as “902H” indicating the designation of the right stop symbol in the upper command, and the lower command is determined in the same manner as the left stop symbol. In the present embodiment, the symbol designating commands for these stop symbols are always set. S
When the symbol effect pattern determined in 734 is an effect pattern with reach, etc., S74.
At 0, a design designation command of an effect design corresponding to a stop design (reach design) at the time of reach is also set. The reach symbol designating command defines “903H” indicating that the reach symbol is designated as the upper command, and “000H” to “006H” corresponding to the numbers from 1 to 7, respectively, as the lower command. Set by deciding either It should be noted that in the reach symbol designating command, the left and right effect symbols 34L and 34R are collectively designated with one command.

Next, an effect designation command for designating an effect to be executed and an effect not to be executed with the symbol effect pattern determined in S734 is set (S742). Here, in the present embodiment, a command indicating execution (execution instruction) of an effect to be executed is also performed for the effect designation command of the design effect pattern, as in the case of the pre-effect effect start command for the reserved effect. For an effect that is set as an effect designation command and is not executed, a command indicating that it is not executed is set as an effect designation command. Therefore, for an effect to be executed, a higher command (see FIG. 36) indicating the type of the effect and a designated lower command “000H” are defined, and for an effect not to be executed, an upper command indicating the type of the effect. Then, an unspecified low-level command “07FH” is determined to set an effect specifying command. Then, each command included in the symbol variation start command, the symbol designation command, the effect designation command, and the transmission end designation command indicating the end of transmission are used as the symbol effect start command (ordinary symbol effect start command). It sets (S744), transmits the set symbol effect start command to the effect display control board 91 (S746), and ends the symbol effect start command transmission process. An example of the normal symbol effect start command is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the normal design presentation start command, six commands included in the design change start command, ten design designation commands, 53 presentation designation commands, and one transmission end. Total 70 with specified commands
These commands are transmitted according to the transmission order. The normal symbol production start command is set by setting an undesignated lower command for the production designation command for the production that is not executed, and therefore all of these 70 commands are transmitted each time.

Further, when it is determined in S730 that the symbol variation start command does not include a gaming state designation command, that is, when the current gaming state is a short-time state, a short-time symbol effect pattern table is set (S748), and the variation pattern The symbol effect pattern corresponding to the designated command (lower command) is determined (S750). Here, FIG. 38 shows an example of the symbol effect pattern table at the time reduction. In the symbol effect pattern table at the time reduction, as shown in the drawing, the fluctuation pattern designation command at the time reduction (in this embodiment, five commands for designating the five types of variation patterns shown in FIGS. 24 and 25) Symbol effect patterns are associated with each other. As shown in the drawing, in the symbol effect pattern at the time reduction, the change effect (normal changes C to E, NM reach C) is executed, but the notice effect is not executed. As in the case of the normal design effect pattern table, the upper command (“880H”) of the variation pattern designation command is omitted, and the higher command is shown among the effect designation commands for each effect executed in the design effect pattern. Then, in the same manner as S740, a design symbol design command corresponding to the special symbol design command (special symbol design command or special symbol 2 command designation command with specified designation) is set (S752). ), An effect designation command for designating an effect to be executed with the symbol effect pattern determined in S750 is set (S754). In S754, unlike the normal time, only the effect designation command that designates the effect to be executed with the determined symbol effect pattern is set, and the setting of the effect designation command for the effect that is not executed is omitted. Subsequently, the symbol designating command, the effect designating command, and the transmission end designating command are set to the symbol rendering start command (design rendering command at the time of shortening) (S756). In S756, unlike the normal time, the setting in the symbol effect start command is omitted for the commands included in the symbol change start command transmitted from the main control board 70. Then, the set symbol effect start time command is transmitted to the effect display control board 91 (S746), and the symbol effect start time command transmission processing is terminated.

FIG. 39 shows an example of the symbol effect start command at this time. As an example of the big hit in FIG. 39A, when the lower order command of the variation pattern designation command is “062H” (
FIG. 39 (b) shows a command at the start of a symbol effect when the symbol effect pattern is a pattern in which the pattern effect pattern is a normal variation D and NM reach C). FIG. 39 (b) shows a case where the lower command of the variation pattern designation command is “05FH”. The symbol effect start command of the symbol effect pattern is a pattern in which the symbol effect pattern has a normal variation C). In the example of the big hit in FIG. 39 (a), four symbol designating commands including the designation of reach symbols, two rendering designating commands including reach variation, and one transmission end as symbol rendering start commands at the time of shortening A total of seven commands, including commands, are transmitted according to the transmission order. In addition, in the example at the time of departure from FIG. 39 (b), as the symbol production start command at the time of shortening, only the stop symbol designation (not including the reach symbol) and the normal variation designation are included. A total of five commands including one production designation command including one (including no designation of reach production) and one transmission end command are transmitted in the order of transmission. As described above, in the time reduction, the number of commands of the symbol production start command is remarkably smaller than the number of commands transmitted in the normal time. This is different from the normal time in the time reduction, and only the production designation command for the production to be executed in the design production pattern is set (all the lower commands are given designation and not designated) Sending only the commands necessary for instructions, and there are no notice effects in the effects executed in the pattern effect pattern, and there are fewer types of variation effects compared to normal times. Because it is not set in the hour command. As described above, in the time reduction state, the number of commands transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the effect display control board 91 at the start of the symbol effect can be reduced by 60 or more than in the normal state. If the low order command of the variation pattern designation command is “05FH”, “060H”, or “061H” at the time of big hit, at the start of symbol production without setting of reach symbol designation or reach variation designation as in the case of losing A command is transmitted, and the number of commands is five.

[Command transmission process at the start of pseudo-drawing symbol production]
Next, the pseudo-continuous symbol effect start command transmission process executed in S706 of FIG. 34 or S738 of FIG. 35 will be described. FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command transmission process at the start of pseudo-design symbol effect. In the pseudo-continuous symbol effect start command transmission process of FIG. 40, first, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90 has transmitted the first (first) symbol effect start command among a plurality of variable effects. Is determined (S760).
When it is determined that the first symbol effect start command has not been transmitted, a value 1 is set in the variation counter K (S762), and the Kth (here, the first) variation of the determined symbol effect pattern is simulated. The pseudo continuous symbol designation command corresponding to is set (S764). This pseudo-continuous symbol designating command has different upper commands depending on how many times before the last variation times. For example, when the last variation time is 3 (pseudo-continuation 3 times), the first variation If there is, the upper command “905H” indicating that it is the last two times before (the previous two changes) is set, and if it is the second change, the upper command “905” indicating that it is the last one time (the previous one change). 904H ". The lower commands include the types of effect symbols (left, middle and right effect symbols 34L,
Commands (“000H” to “006” for designating 34M, 34R pseudo stop symbols)
H "). When a reach effect is performed with the Kth fluctuation, a reach symbol designation command corresponding to the reach effect is also set. In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, since the stop design designation command is always set, the stop design designation command is set even if it is not the last variation. However, if it is not the last fluctuation time, the setting of the symbol designating command for the stop symbol may be omitted (the one in which “07FH” is set unspecified in the lower command).

Subsequently, an effect designation command for designating an effect to be executed and an effect not to be executed in the Kth variation effect of the symbol effect pattern determined in S734 described above is set (S766). For example,
In the symbol effect pattern table shown in FIG. 36, the change pattern designation command (lower command)
Consider a case where a pseudo-triple pseudo-continuous pattern is determined because is “05AH”.
In this case, since the first variation effect is composed of the normal variation B and the continuous notice A, the lower commands of the normal change B and the continuous notice A are set to “000H”, and the lower commands of the other effect commands are set. Set to “07FH”. Then, each command included in the symbol variation start command, the symbol designation command, the effect designation command, and the transmission end designation command are set as the K-th symbol effect start command (S768), and the set K-th symbol is set. An effect start time command is transmitted to the effect display control board 91 (S770), and the pseudo continuous symbol effect start time command transmission processing is terminated. The K-th symbol effect start command has the same number of commands as the normal symbol effect start command shown in FIG.

When the symbol effect start command is transmitted in this way, it is determined in S702 in FIG. 34 that the pseudo-continuous effect is being executed, and in subsequent S706, the pseudo-effect symbol effect start time command transmission process is executed. In this case, it is determined in S760 that the first symbol effect start time command has been transmitted, and it is determined whether or not the Kth variation effect time has elapsed (S772). The K-th variation production time is set in advance for each pseudo-continuous production pattern. In addition, the sub control board 90 measures the elapsed time since the transmission of the K-th symbol effect start command, and compares the measured elapsed time with the K-th variation effect time in S772. Make a decision. If it is determined in S772 that the K-th variation time has not elapsed, the pseudo-continuous symbol effect start command transmission process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S772 that the Kth fluctuation time has elapsed, the fluctuation counter K is incremented by 1 (
S774), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation counter K is the last fluctuation time (S776). S77
If it is determined in step 6 that it is not the last fluctuation time, the processing from S764 is performed. This
Every time the K-th variation effect time elapses, a (K + 1) -th symbol effect start command is transmitted to the effect display control board 91. When it is determined in S776 that the number of times of final variation has occurred, an effect design symbol designating command is set (S778). In S778, the symbol design command for the design corresponding to the symbol design command for the special symbol (the command for which the designation of the special symbol 1 design command or the special symbol 2 design command is specified) or the reach effect of the last change A design symbol designating command for a production symbol corresponding to a reach symbol or the like is set, and since it is the last change, a pseudo continuous symbol designating command is not set. And the process after S766 is performed,
The command transmission process at the start of the pseudo-continuous symbol effect is ended. In the present embodiment, when the K-th variation effect time has elapsed, the next ((K + 1) th) symbol effect start command is set and transmitted. Set the hour command in advance,
When the Kth variation effect time has elapsed, the next ((K + 1) th) symbol effect start command may be transmitted.

[Design effect display control processing]
Here, symbol production start command (including the first symbol production start command for pseudo-continuous use)
The symbol effect display control process executed by the effect display control board 91 that has received
Based on This process is executed by the CPU 91a of the effect display control board 91 when a symbol effect start command is received. When the symbol effect display control process is executed, the CPU 91a of the effect display control board 91 first determines whether or not the received symbol effect start command includes a game state designation command (S800). As described above, the sub-control board 9
Since the symbol effect start command transmitted from 0 includes a gaming state designation command in the normal state and does not include a gaming state designation command in the short time state, the determination in S800 is a process of determining the current gaming state. It becomes. When it is determined in S800 that the game state designation command is included, that is, when the current gaming state is the normal state, an effect symbol corresponding to the symbol designation command included in the normal symbol effect start time command is set (S802). Here, the symbol design start command at the normal time includes a design symbol command, a reach symbol designation command, and a pseudo-continuous symbol designation command for the stop symbol (final stop symbol). set. Subsequently, an effect image corresponding to the effect designation command (effect image corresponding to the designated effect designation command) is read from the ROM 91b and displayed (S
804), the execution of the symbol effect is started. Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the effect elapsed time is measured by a timer from the start of the symbol effect. And when multiple variation effects are specified by the design effect start command, when the effect time of the previous variation effect has elapsed, the effect image of the next variation effect is read and the execution of the next variation effect is started. To do. In addition, when a notice effect is designated by the effect designation command, it is determined whether or not a predetermined execution timing determined for each notice effect has arrived based on the effect elapsed time. The notice effect is executed by reading and displaying the effect image.

When the symbol effect is thus started, it is determined whether or not the transmission timing of the FB command (feedback command) has arrived (S806). It is assumed that the transmission timing is predetermined for each FB command. When it is determined that the transmission timing has arrived, F
A B command is set (S808), the set FB command is transmitted to the sub control board 90 (S810), and the process proceeds to the next process. As described above, as described above, the FB command for effect synchronization for synchronizing the timings of various effects and the FB command for confirming symbols for confirming various effect symbols are transmitted. Here, when a symbol confirmation command is transmitted as the FB command, it may be determined that the symbols do not match in the FB command reception process of the sub-control board 90 and a symbol correction command may be transmitted. In that case, processing such as resetting the effect symbol and transmitting the FB command again is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S806 that it is not the FB command transmission timing, the processing of S808 and 810 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next process.

Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo-continuous symbol has been set in the process of S802, that is, whether or not the pseudo-continuous symbol has been set (S812). It is determined whether or not the production time of the variation production (pseudo variation production) has passed (S814).
If it is determined that the performance time has not elapsed, the process returns to S806 and the process is repeated. on the other hand,
When it is determined that the effect time has elapsed, the display control of the effect image is terminated, the effect symbol is pseudo-stopped with the pseudo-continuous symbol set in S802 (S816), and the next symbol effect start command (Kth symbol) It waits for reception of a command at the time of production start (S818). When the next symbol effect start command is received in S818, the process returns to S802 and the process is repeated. That is, by setting an effect symbol corresponding to the symbol designation command included in the newly received symbol effect start command, reading the effect image corresponding to the effect designation command, and executing the effect display process, the following pseudo Start fluctuating production. As described above, since the pseudo-design symbol designating command is not set in the final design effect start command, the pseudo-continuous design is not set in the final variation rendering (the final stop symbol or Set reach design if necessary).

During variation production that is not a pseudo-continuous pattern or during the last variation production of the pseudo-continuous pattern, S8
12, it is determined that the pseudo-continuous symbols have not been set, and S71 of the symbol variation effect process in FIG.
4, it is determined whether or not the symbol effect stop command transmitted by the sub-control board 90 has been received (S820). When it is determined that the symbol effect stop command has not been received, S806
Return to and repeat the process. When it is determined in S820 that the symbol effect stop command has been received, the display control of the effect image is terminated and the stop symbol set in S802 is displayed (S822).
Then, the symbol effect display control process is terminated. It should be noted that it is determined whether or not the current production time of the fluctuating effect has elapsed before S820, and the effect symbol is temporarily stopped at the stop symbol set in S802 when it is determined that the effect time has elapsed. Further, it may be a process of confirming the temporarily stopped effect symbol when the symbol effect stop command is received.

When it is determined in S800 that the gaming state designation command is not included, that is, when the current gaming state is a short time state, an effect symbol corresponding to the symbol designation command included in the symbol effect start time command is set (S824). The effect image corresponding to the effect designation command is stored in the ROM 9
By reading and displaying from 1b (S826), execution of the symbol effect is started. These processes are performed in the same manner as S802 and S804. When the execution of the symbol effect is started, processing related to setting and transmission of the FB command (S806 to S810) and processing related to pseudo continuous variation (S8)
12 to 818) without waiting to receive a symbol effect stop command (S828)
. When the symbol effect stop command is received, the effect image display control is terminated and S
The stop symbol set at 824 is displayed (S822), and the symbol effect display control process is terminated. As described above, the effect display control board 91 executes the effect of the pseudo continuous pattern or transmits the FB command in the normal state, but does not execute the effect of the pseudo continuous pattern and transmits the FB command in the short time state. Will not.

According to the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment described above, the main control board 70 has a smaller number of commands in the short time state than in the normal state (non-time-short state), and the sub-control board 90 has a pending command or symbol variation. Since the start time commands are transmitted, the time required for transmitting these commands can be made shorter than in the normal state in the short time state. Also, in the normal state, by including the advance determination information command in the on-hold occurrence command and transmitting it to the sub-control board 90, the hold display effect based on the advance determination information command is executed by the effect display device 34, thereby diversifying the effect. Can be achieved. On the other hand, in the short-time state, since the prior determination information command is not transmitted in the on-hold occurrence command, the command transmission time reduction can be prioritized over the on-hold notice effect. Thereby, the command transmitted between the main control board 70 and the sub control board 90 is
While responding to diversification of effects in the normal state, it is possible to cope with shortening of the symbol variation time in the short time state. Furthermore, since the setting process for the prior determination information command is not performed in the short time state, unnecessary information that is not transmitted is not set, and the processing efficiency can be improved.

Further, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the sub control board 90, in the short time state, reduces the number of commands from the normal state, and sends a hold effect start command or a design effect start command to the effect display control board 91. Since it is transmitted, the time required for transmitting these commands can be made shorter in the short time state than in the normal state. Further, in the normal state, the effect display control board 91
Transmits the FB command, the sub control board 90 performs the FB command reception processing in
The speakers 28a, 28b and the LED lamp 93a can be controlled at an appropriate timing according to the effect being performed by the effect display device 34, and the effect symbol can be reliably stopped and displayed at the designated symbol. On the other hand, in the short-time state, the effect display control board 91 does not transmit the FB command, and therefore priority can be given to reducing the command transmission time over the processing using the FB command. Furthermore, in the normal state, the production of the pseudo-continuous pattern can be diversified by executing the production of the pseudo-continuous pattern on the production display device 34, and in the short time state, the production of the pseudo-continuous pattern is not executed, Since there is no need to send a command at the start of production every fluctuating time, reduction in command transmission time can be prioritized over diversification of production modes.

Thus, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the number of commands transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 90 and the number of commands from the sub control board 90 are shorter in the short time state than in the normal state (non-time short state). The number of commands transmitted to the effect display control board 91 is reduced.
For this reason, in the short time state, it is possible to prevent the time required for the symbol variation game (total of the actual symbol variation time and the processing time for command transmission, etc.) from being shortened due to the command transmission time. be able to. On the other hand, in the normal state, the production using each command can be reliably executed by transmitting each command.

Here, the relationship between the winning ball for entering the second start port 38 and the variation time of the symbol variation game in the short-time state will be considered. For example, it is assumed that the launching device can launch 100 game balls per minute by the player's launch operation, and that there are four prize balls for entering the second start port 38. In order to prevent the profits of the game store side and the player side from being biased in a short time state, if the base (ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of game balls launched) is about 100%, 25
A state in which a sphere or the like enters the second start port 38 is preferable. In order to digest the hold so that the number of holds does not exceed the upper limit when there are 25 balls in one minute, the time required for the symbol change game for one hold (actual symbol change time and command transmission, etc.) The average time of the total processing time) may be about 2.4 seconds (60 seconds / 25 balls) or less. In this embodiment, in the short time state, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is 0.5 second to 2 seconds, and the average time is about 0.6 seconds. Moreover, even if 70 commands are transmitted from the sub-control board 90 to the presentation display control board 91 as a production start command as in the normal state, the command transmission time is about 0.3 seconds (about 200 to 30).
0 msec). For this reason, when it is assumed that about 25 balls are entered in one minute, the number of pending calls is not limited even if the command transmission time is not reduced by reducing the number of commands (even in the normal command transmission mode). It is possible not to exceed.

On the other hand, in recent years, since a pachinko machine that has one prize ball for entering the starting port has appeared, it is considered that there is one prize ball for entering the second starting port 38. 10 bases as much as possible
To get close to 0%, most of the 100 game balls fired per minute (eg 90
It is necessary to enter the ball. When 90 balls enter in one minute (90 holds are generated), 90 symbol variation games are performed per minute, so the time required for the symbol variation game for one hold is about 0.0. It must be 67 seconds (60 seconds / 90 balls) or less. As described above, when the variation time of the symbol variation game is set to less than 1 second, all commands are sent from the main control board 70 regardless of the game state (even in the time-short state) as in the conventional case. If the sub-control board 90 or the sub-control board 90 transmits to the effect display control board 91, the ratio of the command transmission time during the symbol variation game becomes large, and the time required for the symbol variation game cannot be shortened. There is. In that case, the number of holds will often be maintained at the upper limit, so the player will temporarily stop firing the game ball (so-called stop) until the hold is digested, Problems such as a decrease in the availability of pachinko machines will occur. As described above, when 70 commands are transmitted as the symbol production start command, 0 is used.
. A transmission time of about 3 seconds is required. In addition to the symbol effect start command, a transmission time is required for transmitting each command such as a hold occurrence command, a symbol variation start command, and a hold effect start command. Furthermore, it is necessary to secure a time of at least about 0.2 seconds as the symbol fixed stop time. For this reason, in order to reduce the time required for the symbol variation game to about 0.67 seconds or less, it is possible to secure only a little over 0.1 seconds as the variation time for the symbol to actually vary. There is a risk that it will be difficult for the player to recognize whether or not this is being done. Therefore, in this embodiment, the command transmission time is shortened by reducing the number of commands to be transmitted in a shorter time than in the normal time. For example, the symbol production start command is reduced from 70 at the normal time to 10 or less at the time reduction, and the command transmission time is about 30 to 40 msec, which is about 1/7 or less. In addition to the symbol production start command, the on hold occurrence command is reduced from 3 at normal time to 2 at time reduction, and the command at start of symbol change is reduced from 6 at normal time to 4 at time reduction, The command transmission time is shortened by reducing the number of commands at the start of the holding effect from 20 at normal time to 3 at short time. For these reasons, with the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the time required for the symbol variation game can be shortened as intended even if there is only one winning ball for entering the starting opening. It is.

In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the command transmission number (transmission mode) is different between the normal state (non-time reduction state) and the time reduction state, but the time reduction state is further divided into a plurality of states (for example, the first time reduction state). And the second short time state), the number of command transmissions may be different in the normal state, the first short time state, and the second short time state. That is, in the first short time state and the second short time state, the number of command transmissions is smaller than that in the normal state, and in the first short time state, the number of command transmissions is smaller than that in the second short time state. It is good. By doing this,
By subdividing the time reduction state, it is possible to more appropriately cope with the shortening of the symbol variation time in the time reduction state. Here, the time-short state may be divided by the probability state. For example, the first time-short state is a high-probability state and a time-short state (high-probability time-short state), and the second time-short state is a low-probability state and the time-short state. Alternatively, the first short time state may be a low probability short time state and the second short time state may be a high probability short time state. Alternatively, the time-short state may be divided according to the number of reserved second special symbols, for example, the first time-short state is a time-short state in which the number of second special symbols held is relatively large (for example, 3 or 4). Alternatively, the second short time state may be a short time state in which the number of reserved second symbol symbols is relatively small (for example, two or less). Hereinafter, an example of a command when the number of command transmissions is different between the first time-short state and the second time-short state will be described. In the following description, the first time-short state is a high-probability time-short state, and the second time-short state is a low-probability time-short state.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram of a hold occurrence command according to a modification. As shown in the figure, in the low-probability short-time state (second short-time state), the same hold occurrence command at the time of low-probability short-time in the embodiment is set as the hold-occurrence command at the low-probability short time (FIG. 42A). ). In addition, high probability short-time state (
In the first short time state), nothing is set in the hold occurrence command (FIG. 42B), and the hold occurrence command is not transmitted. Thus, in the modified example, since the command at the time of the occurrence of the hold is not transmitted in the high probability short time state (first short time state), the normal state and the second short time state,
Command transmission time can be further reduced. If the command at the time of the occurrence of holding is not transmitted, the display process of the first holding symbol 35a and the second holding symbol 35b of the effect display device 34 is not updated because the sub-control board 90 does not perform the processing at the time of holding occurrence. Become. However, in the short-time state, since the symbol variation time is extremely short and the game ball is easy to enter the second starting port 38 because of the open extended state, the change in the number of holdings is severe. Production display device 34
Since the display of the reserved symbols of the game changes rapidly, it is difficult for the player to check the current number of held even if the display of the number of held on the effect display device 34 is updated. In addition, even in the high probability short-time state, the special symbol game processing of S210 and S222 of FIG. 9 is not omitted, so the hold display of the special figure 1 hold display device 48 and the special figure 2 hold display device 49 is updated. The current number of holds is not displayed at all. For these reasons, there is no particular problem even if the command at the time of holding occurrence is not transmitted in the high probability time short state. In the high-probability short-time state, the command at the time of holding occurrence is not set, but the command at the time of holding occurrence is set in the same manner as in the low-probability time-short state, but transmission may be omitted.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a symbol variation start command according to a modification. As shown in the figure, in the low-probability short-time state (second short-time state), the same hold occurrence command at the time of low-probability short-time in the embodiment is set as the hold-occurrence command at the low-probability short time (FIG. 43 (a)). ). Further, in the high-probability short-time state (first short-time state), only two commands of the special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 symbol designation commands are set as the symbol variation start command (FIG. 43 (b)). Here, in the high-probability time-short state, the illustration of the fluctuation pattern table is omitted, but only one fluctuation pattern is determined for each of the big hit and the off-time, and the fluctuation pattern determination random number is used. First, one variation pattern is determined according to whether or not it is correct (for example, if the big hit, the variation pattern 97 of the embodiment, if it is off, the variation pattern 95 of the embodiment, etc.). For this reason, if the symbol information is set by using the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 designating command, the variation pattern is determined according to the success or failure. Therefore, in the high-probability time-short state, the variation pattern designating command is omitted. Set the start command. As a result, it is possible to transmit special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 symbol designating commands including symbol information and variation pattern information, thereby reducing the number of commands. Also, in the high-probability time-short state, transmission of a time-short time designation command is also omitted. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of commands, although it is not possible to set the production contents according to the number of time reductions.

The sub control board 90 that has received the symbol variation start command of the modification shown in FIG. 43, in the symbol effect start command transmission process of FIG. 35, first, in S730, the gaming state designation command is added to the symbol variation start command. Whether or not is included. When a game state designation command is included, it is a normal symbol variation start command, so the processing of S732 to S746 is performed to set and transmit a normal symbol effect start command. On the other hand, when the game state designation command is not included, it is further determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command is included.
When the change pattern designation command is included, since it is a command change start command at the time of low probability, the process of S748 to S756 is performed to set and transmit a command effect start command at the time of low probability (see FIG. 39). A command similar to the command at the time of symbol production start at the time of the short time is transmitted). On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command is not included, since it is a command variation start command at the time of high probability time and short, the symbol of the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 symbol designation command included in the symbol variation start command A designated command is set, and it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 and special figure 2 symbol designation commands are jackpot designations. When it is determined to be a big hit, an effect designation command for designating a predetermined effect for big hit (an effect corresponding to one variation pattern for big hit, for example, normal fluctuation E) is set, and it is not a big hit. Is determined, an effect designating command for designating one predetermined effect for deviating (the effect corresponding to one deviating variation pattern, for example, normal variation C) is set. Then, the design designation command of the production design and the production designation command are set as a design production start command with a high probability and short time and transmitted to the production display control board 91. FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol effect start command in a modified example. As shown in the figure, a symbol effect start command for a big hit at a high probability short time (FIG. 44 (a)) and a symbol effect start command for an off at a high probability short time (FIG. 44 (
Both of b)) transmit five commands according to the transmission order. Here, since the normal variation E without the reach effect is determined in advance as the effect for the big hit at the high probability time and short time, FIG.
In the case of the symbol effect start command for the big hit at the time of high probability short time of 4 (a), the reach symbol designation command is compared with the command at the time of the symbol effect start at the time of short time shown in FIG. The number of commands to be transmitted can be reduced as much as is not set.

Each command transmitted in the high probability time-short state (first time-short state) is not limited to the high probability time-short state, and may be transmitted as a time-short state command in the above-described embodiment. . In other words, in the time saving state of the embodiment, nothing may be set to the hold occurrence command without transmitting the hold occurrence command, and the symbol change start command may be a special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 designating command. Only two commands may be set, or the setting of the time reduction number designation command may be omitted to transmit the command.

In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, a command expressed in hexadecimal is transmitted in binary. However, the command is not limited to this, and is normally transmitted in binary as it is in normal times. It is good also as what is transmitted by a binary number with a process (it transmits by filling the empty bit of a binary number). Here, explanatory diagrams for explaining the command transmission mode are shown in FIGS.
For comparison, FIG. 45 shows a command transmission mode at normal time (non-time reduction) of the above-described embodiment, and FIG. 46 shows a command transmission mode at time reduction of a modification. FIGS. 45 and 46 show a case in which the character designation B for “917H000H” and the line notice A for “918H000H” (both are designated) are sequentially transmitted as the production designation command, and “B” in the figure. Indicates a binary number. In the normal state, as shown in FIG.
“917H” (□ indicates that there is no designation (empty)), binary data indicating “□ 9” is transmitted (first byte), and binary data indicating “17” is transmitted ( 2nd byte).
Also, in the lower command “□ 000H”, binary data indicating “□ 0” is transmitted (
3rd byte), binary data indicating “00” is transmitted (4th byte). Similarly, binary data indicating the upper command “□ 918H” and the lower command “□ 000H” of the line notice A is transmitted (5th to 8th bytes). As described above, in order to transmit two effect designation commands in normal times, it is necessary to transmit a total of 8 bytes of data.

On the other hand, FIG. 46 shows a mode in which hexadecimal vacancy is transmitted as one mode of command transmission at the time reduction. In this case, first of all, in the upper command “□ 917H” of the character notice B, binary data indicating the first two digits “91” after filling the space (□) is transmitted (first byte).
. Next, “7” in the third digit from the beginning after filling in empty (□) and the lower command “□ 000H”
”, The binary data indicating“ 70 ”with“ 0 ”in the first digit from the beginning after filling in empty (□) (second byte), and the binary number indicating“ 00 ”that follows. Is transmitted (3rd byte). Similarly, in the upper command of the dialogue notice A, binary data indicating the first two digits “91” after filling in empty (□) is transmitted (fourth byte), and “8” in the third digit , Of the low-order commands, the binary data indicating “80” with “0” in the first digit after filling the empty (□) is transmitted (5th byte), followed by 2 indicating “00” Sends the decimal data (6th byte). For this reason, in the example of FIG. 46, transmission of 8 bytes of data at normal time can be performed by transmission of 6 bytes of data. In this way, the hexadecimal space is filled (2
By transmitting (filled with vacant bits of a decimal number), the amount of data when transmitting a command can be reduced. For this reason, while transmitting a required command, as a result, the same effect as when the number of command transmissions is reduced is obtained. The sub-control board 90 that has received the command in this mode needs to add a hexadecimal space (□) at a predetermined interval when analyzing the binary number by 4 bits (1 digit of hexadecimal number). is there. For example, empty at the beginning (□
), And after that, every time 12 bits of data are analyzed, a special analysis process such as adding a space (□) may be performed. In addition, when sending a command, if a special command indicating that such special analysis processing is necessary is added before the first effect designation command and sent, it depends on the presence of the special command. The normal analysis process and the special analysis process can be switched. Even if such a special command is added, the effect of filling the empty space is not impaired because the number of transmission of the effect designation command is large.

In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, for the effect executed at the time reduction, the specified designation lower command is determined and the effect specification command is transmitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lower command is determined for the effect executed at the time reduction. Instead, only the upper command may be determined as an effect designation command and transmitted. As an aspect of command transmission at the time reduction, FIG. 47 shows an aspect in which only the higher order command of the effect designation command to be executed is transmitted. In this case, the upper command “□ 917H” of the character notice B and the upper command “□ 918H” of the line notice A are sent. Specifically, among the upper commands of character notice B, binary data indicating “□ 9” is transmitted (first byte), and binary data indicating “17” is transmitted (second byte). .
In addition, among the upper commands of the dialogue notice A, binary data indicating “□ 9” is transmitted (3
Byte)), binary data indicating “18” is transmitted (fourth byte). In this way, by transmitting only the higher order command of the effect designation command to be executed, the data amount when transmitting the command can be reduced. In this aspect as well, a special command indicating that only the higher order command of the effect designation command is transmitted may be added before the first effect designation command and transmitted. In this mode, a mode in which the above-described hexadecimal space (□) is filled and transmitted may be adopted. In this way, the amount of data for command transmission can be further reduced.

In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the preliminary determination information is generated (setting the preliminary determination information designation command) on the main control board 70, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the preliminary determination information is generated on the sub control board 90. It is good. In this case, the main control board 70 includes a command indicating determination information such as a big hit determination random number, a big hit symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, or the like, in place of the prior determination information designation command, in the on-hold occurrence command. May be transmitted.
In the embodiment, it is assumed that the advance determination information is not generated in a short time state (the advance determination information designation command is not set). However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a thing.

In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, the prior determination information designation command is transmitted by being included in the hold occurrence command. However, the advance determination information designation command may be transmitted separately from the hold occurrence command. In addition, the special figure 1 and 2 symbol designating commands related to the determination of success / failure are included in the symbol change start command, and the special figure 1 and 2 symbol designating commands are sent separately from the symbol change start command. Also good.

In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, only the effect designation command to be executed is set in the symbol effect start command at the time reduction as shown in FIG. 39. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Among the effects (normal fluctuations C to E, NM reach C in the embodiment) for setting the effect to be executed and the effect not to be executed (set to either designated or undesignated)
It is good. Even in this case, the number of commands that can be executed in a short time is less than that in the normal time, so that the number of commands can be reduced as compared with the normal time.

In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, the pseudo-continuous pattern effect is not executed in the short-time state. Alternatively, in the short time state, the execution frequency of the pseudo-continuous pattern effect may be reduced.

In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the presentation display control board 91 does not transmit the FB command in the time-short state, but is not limited thereto, and may transmit the FB command. Alternatively, it is not limited to the one that does not transmit all the FB commands uniformly, and the FB command for symbol confirmation is transmitted without transmitting the FB command for effect synchronization, or the FB command for symbol confirmation is not transmitted. It is also possible to transmit an FB command for effect synchronization.

In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, the sub-control board 90 (first sub-control unit) and the effect display control board 91 (second sub-control unit) are configured as separate boards. Two sub-control units may be provided on the same substrate. Further, the main control board 70 (main control section), the sub control board 90 (first sub control section), and the effect display control board 91 (second sub control section) each have one CPU. , Not limited to this, each control board (each control unit)
May have two or more CPUs. The effect display control board 91 (second sub-control unit) may be configured to control the effect display device 34 by VDP, or may be configured to control the effect display device 34 by the CPU and VDP.

Further, in the embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port, second start port) provided on the game board are used. The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that gives a player a gaming profit (game value) by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the number of game balls that enter the winning prize opening, etc. However, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives a gaming profit in a form different from the “payout of prize ball”. For example, when a game ball is entered into various winning openings, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the ball is stored in the RAM (game value) of the main control unit or the payout control unit. The present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives a player a gaming profit (game value) by storing it in the management control unit. An effect can be obtained. Of course, as the game value managed by the game value management control unit, the game value obtained as a result of the game and the game value obtained by inserting cash or the like may be managed separately (displayed separately). , May be managed together (displayed by addition / subtraction) (both separate display and addition / subtraction display may be performed). As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again.

The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems will be described. In the embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 corresponds to a “gaming machine”, the main control board 70 is a “first control unit (main control unit)”, and the sub control board 90 is a “second control unit (sub control unit)”. Is equivalent to. If the sub control board 90 corresponds to the “first control unit”, the effect display control board 91 corresponds to the “second control unit”. Also, the special symbol game process S in FIG.
The CPU 70a of the main control board 70 that executes the processes of 206 and S218 corresponds to the “determination information acquisition means”. Corresponds to “win / fail judgment means”. Furthermore, the RAM 70c in which the random numbers for determination acquired in the processing of S206 and S218 of the special symbol game processing of FIG.
The CPU 70a of the main control board 70 that executes the process corresponds to “variable time setting means”. The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problem is the same as that of the embodiment described in the column of means for solving the problem. Therefore, the elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems are not limited. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems should be made based on the description of the column, and the examples are those of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems. It is only a specific example.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you get.

10 Pachinko machine, 11 Front frame, 12 Glass plate, 14 Upper tray, 16 Lower tray, 18 Launch handle, 18a Touch sensor, 18b Launch stop switch, 19 Launch motor, 21 Body frame, 22 Outer frame, 24a Ball rental button, 24b Return button, 26
Production button, 28a, 28b Speaker, 29 Locking device, 30 Game board, 31a Outer rail, 31b Inner rail, 32 Normal symbol operation gate, 32a Gate switch, 34
Production display device, 34L, 34M, 34R Production symbol, 35a First reserved symbol, 35b Second reserved symbol, 36 First start port, 36a First start port switch, 38 Second start port, 38
a second start-up switch, 39 ordinary electric accessory, 39a wing piece, 39b ordinary electric accessory solenoid, 40 symbol display device, 40a symbol display board, 41 ordinary symbol display device, 4
1a Left normal symbol display unit, 41b Right normal symbol display unit, 42 Special symbol display device, 42a
1st special symbol display section, 42b 2nd special symbol display section, 44 grand prize opening, 44a large prize opening switch, 44b large prize opening solenoid, 45 general prize opening, 45a general prize opening switch, 46 out opening, 47 windmill, 48 Special figure 1 hold display device, 48a, 49a Left hold display unit, 48b, 49b Right hold display unit, 49 Special figure 2 hold display device, 50 Center accessory, 70 Main control board, 70a CPU, 70b ROM, 70c RAM 72 relay terminal board, 80 payout control board, 81 frame opening switch, 82 ball lending display board, 83 relay terminal board, 84 pre-payout switch, 85 post-payout switch, 86 payout motor, 87 relay terminal board, 90 sub control board , 90a CPU, 90b ROM, 90c RAM, 9
0d timer, 91 effect display control board, 91a CPU, 91b ROM, 91c R
AM, 92 amplifier board, 93 decoration drive board, 93a LED lamp, 93b decoration motor, 94 stage button board, 100 launch control board, 102 bottom tray full switch.

Claims (2)

In the normal state, the symbol display unit displays the symbol in a variable manner with a predetermined variation time. In the variation time shortened state, the symbol is variably displayed in a variation time shorter than the normal state, and the game is accompanied with the variation display of the symbol. A game machine that advances
Determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information when a predetermined condition is satisfied, correct / incorrect determination means for performing determination using the acquired determination information, and acquisition of the determination information during the variation display of the symbol Then, a holding storage means for storing as holding information and a fluctuation time setting means for setting a fluctuation time for variably displaying the symbol are provided, and before the variation display of the symbol based on the result of the success / failure determination, the determination A main control unit capable of transmitting a command indicating specific information based on the information;
A sub-control unit that sets an effect mode to be executed in the effect display unit based on a command received from the main control unit, and can set a pre-reading effect as the effect mode when receiving a command indicating the specific information When,
With
The number of commands transmitted from the main control unit to the sub-control unit is less in the variable time reduction state than in the normal state,
In the normal state, the main control unit is
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a command indicating at least the hold information related to the hold stored in the hold storage unit and the specific information is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
When displaying the symbol in a variable manner, a command indicating at least information on the determination of the success / failure and information on the set variation time is transmitted to the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit
In the normal state, the display control of the symbol indicating the number of holds displayed on the effect display unit is executed based on the received hold information, and the prefetching displayed on the effect display unit based on the specific information Perform display control of production,
The gaming machine, wherein the pre-reading effect is not displayed on the effect display unit in the variation time shortened state. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The main control unit
In the normal state, when the determination information is acquired, the specific information is generated based on the acquired determination information,
In the variation time shortening state, even if the determination information is acquired, the specific information is not generated.

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