JP2014144026A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit decline in performance effects of each of a particular game performance and a concealment performance.SOLUTION: A special game determination part 801 executes a special game determination of whether it is a win for a special game advantageous to a player to be executed, and a failure. On the basis of the result of the special game determination, a symbol control part 802 causes a symbol display part 803 to variably display symbols and to stationarily display determination symbols representing the result of the special game determination. During the variable display of the symbols by the symbol control part 802, a forenotice performance part 804 executes one or a plurality of forenotice game performances of a plurality of forenotice game performances on the basis of the result of the special game determination. During the forenotice game performance, a particular performance part 805 executes a particular game performance at a prescribed rate. During the forenotice game performance, a concealment performance part 806 executes a concealment performance for concealing the forenotice game performance from the player for a prescribed period. When the concealment performance is executed by the concealment performance part 806 and the particular game performance is concealed from the player, a notification performance part 807 notifies the player of the concealment.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces effects by displaying symbols in a variable manner.

  As a conventional gaming machine, for example, by winning at the start of a game ball, a random number is acquired at the timing of winning, and a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether or not the acquired random number matches a predetermined jackpot random number. Amusement machines are widely known. Such a pachinko gaming machine variably displays a special symbol in a predetermined variation manner, and stops and displays a special symbol indicating the result of the hit determination. When the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, the game is shifted to the jackpot gaming state.

  The pachinko gaming machine produces an effect on the image display unit or the like during the variation display of the special symbol by using the hit determination or the determination result of the special symbol. For example, the pachinko gaming machine produces effects by changing the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol in accordance with the change display of the special symbol. When a special symbol with a long fluctuation time changes, a reach effect is performed. Reach production means, for example, that the first decorative design and the second decorative design are made into a tempered state in which the same or related decorative designs are aligned on the active line, and then only the third decorative design is changed. This is an effect that is different from the effect mode and is designed to increase the expectation for the jackpot.

  In the case of performing a reach effect, the pachinko gaming machine is configured to increase the player's expectation by executing a notice game effect using a character image or the like before the reach effect. As a notice game effect, when the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are variably displayed, an effect consisting of a plurality of stages from the first stage to the fourth stage is successively developed. is there. Specifically, examples of such effects include a conversation notice effect, a step-up effect, and a cut-in notice (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  In the notice game production, for example, in the case of a variation with high reliability for the jackpot, it is easy to execute the one with the highest number of steps such as the fourth step, while in the case of a variation with low reliability for the jackpot, It makes it easy to execute a low-numbered game or does not execute the notice game effect itself.

  In addition, during the notice game effect, a special game effect with a low appearance frequency may be performed. The special game effect is an effect that elevates the player by appearance, and for example, the character appearing during the notice game effect is changed to a special mode different from the normal mode, suggesting that it is a highly reliable variable production. It is an effect to do.

  Also, in recent years, regardless of the content of the effect that is being executed, a secret effect that prevents the player from showing the content of the effect that is being executed for a predetermined period of time by performing a predetermined effect on the effect that is being executed is also performed. Is called.

JP 2005-287886 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, if the special game effect in the notice game effect is concealed when the concealment effect is performed, the player cannot be expected by the special game effect, and the special game effect and the concealment effect are performed. There is a problem that the production effect by each of these decreases.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress a reduction in the effects of special game effects and concealment effects in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Reference numerals in parentheses indicate correspondence with the embodiments in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  The gaming machine (100) according to the present invention includes a special game determination means (801) for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to a player is to be played by establishing a start condition, and the special game determination means (801). ) Is displayed in a variable manner on the symbol display unit (803), and the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means (801) is stopped and displayed. Based on the determination result of the special game determination by the symbol control means (802) and the special game determination means (801), the symbol control means (802) includes a plurality of notice game effects during the symbol variation display. The notice effect means (804) for performing one or a plurality of notice game effects, and during the notice game effect by the notice effect means (804) A special effect means (805) for performing a game effect, and a secret effect means (80) for performing a secret effect for concealing the notice game effect to the player for a predetermined period during the notice game effect performed by the notice effect means (804). 806), and when the concealment effect is performed by the concealment effect means (806), when the special game effect is concealed by the player, a notification effect means (807) that performs a notification effect to notify that effect. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the effect of each of the special game effect and the secret effect.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of an information display part. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the presentation control part of a pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an image and audio | voice control part. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a lamp control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example (the 1) of a fluctuation effect at the time of performing a notice game effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example (the 2) of a fluctuation effect at the time of performing a notice game effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the change production at the time of performing a concealment production. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the change effect at the time of the notice game effect and the zebra pattern small character being concealed by the concealment effect. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a start port switch process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of a pending | holding information storage area. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a prior determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a prior determination information storage area. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special symbol process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a determination result storage area. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a jackpot lottery process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hit determination table used in a low probability game state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hit determination table used in a high probability game state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the symbol determination table used with respect to the winning ball to a 1st start opening. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the symbol determination table used with respect to the winning ball to a 2nd start opening. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation pattern determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern determination table for normal loses used at the time of a loss in a normal game state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variation pattern determination table for time-loss loses used at the time of a loss in a time-short game state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern determination table for normal time big hits used at the time of big hit in a normal game state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variation pattern determination table for time-saving jackpot used at the time of jackpot in a time-saving gaming state. It is the flowchart (the 1) which showed the process during a stop which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart (the 2) which showed the process during a stop which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a big prize opening process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an operation pattern setting table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an ending process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of command reception processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production prior determination information storage area of a production supervision part. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the variation production pattern selection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a notice game effect pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a special game effect pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a concealment effect pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a concealment production pattern selection table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a patch log point table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an image display process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an advance game effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the layer data which an image and audio | voice control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example (the 1) of notice game effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example (the 2) of notice game effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation effect at the time of the concealment game effect and the zebra pattern conversation image being concealed by the concealment effect.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is an example in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (so-called “digital patch”) belonging to the former first type.

(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a game board 101. A launcher is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101.

  The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises along the rail 102 and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. A plurality of nails are provided in the game area 103, and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill and various winning openings (such as a start opening and a big winning opening) that change the falling direction of the gaming balls are arranged at positions in the middle of the falling of the gaming balls.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used. A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning.

  The second starting port 106 is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 107 that can be freely opened and closed. The ordinary electric accessory 107 is in a closed state (closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second start port 106 and in a state opened to the near side, and makes it easy to win the game ball to the second start port 106. It has an open state (open state). Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the ordinary electric accessory 107.

  The normal electric accessory 107 is released based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through one of the gates 108 arranged on the left and right sides of the image display unit 104. Further, an upper prize winning port 109 a is provided on the right side of the image display unit 104. In addition, a lower large winning opening 109b is provided below the upper large winning opening 109a. Each of the big winning holes 109a and 109b is a winning opening for releasing a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls by winning a game ball when the winning state is set to the big winning game state. .

  Below the image display unit 104, an ordinary winning opening 110 is provided. The normal winning opening 110 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by winning a game ball. The normal winning opening 110 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and may be arranged at an arbitrary position in the game area 103. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  In the lower left part of the game board 101, an information display unit 112 is provided for clearly showing game information such as special symbols to the player. The details of the information display unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, but the first special symbol representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the first starting port 105, and the game ball is the second A second special symbol representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed by winning the starting opening 106 is displayed.

  A frame member 113 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 113 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side.

  In the frame member 113, a speaker is incorporated above the game area 103. In addition, an effect light portion (frame lamp) 115 is provided on the upper portion of the game area 103 in the frame member 113.

  An operation handle 116 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 113. The operation handle 116 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 113, the operation handle 116 has a shape that protrudes from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 116 includes a firing instruction member 117 that drives the launching portion to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 117 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 116 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The operation handle 116 is provided with a sensor or the like that detects that the player is directly operating the firing instruction member 117. Thereby, the launching unit causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated by the player.

  In the frame member 113, an effect button 118 and a cross key 119 are provided in the lower part of the game area 103. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 receive an operation from the player. The effect button 118 performs a normal button effect that emits light and accepts an operation from the player, and performs a special button effect in which the amount of contraction (stroke) when pressed is increased by protruding upward.

  Further, in the frame member 113, a hitting ball supply tray (not shown) is provided at a lower portion of the game area 103, and the game balls are accommodated by the hitting ball supply tray and are sequentially sent out to the launching unit.

  In addition, on the game board 101, movable accessories 130a to 130d that are driven at the time of production are provided. For example, each of the movable combinations 130a to 130d advances to the front surface of the image display unit 104 during a corresponding predetermined effect, and retreats from the image display unit 104 as shown in the other cases.

(Basic operation of pachinko machines)
Next, an example of the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 100, when a game ball wins the first start port 105 or the second start port 106, performs a lottery lottery according to the start port that the game ball has won. When the game ball wins the first start opening 105 and performs a big hit lottery, the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 201a (see FIG. 2). Then, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  When the game ball wins the second starting port 106 and makes a big hit lottery, the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 201b (see FIG. 2) in a variable manner. Then, after the lapse of a predetermined period from the start of the variable display, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), three decorative symbols (for example, numerical symbols) are variably displayed on the image display unit 104 accordingly. Then, in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination indicating a jackpot (a so-called double eye such as “7, 7, 7”).

  When the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed with the combination indicating the jackpot, the pachinko gaming machine 100 shifts to the jackpot gaming state, the round corresponding to the winning jackpot, the winning prize opening corresponding to the winning jackpot (upper winning prize opening 109a Alternatively, the lower grand prize opening 109b) is opened. For example, one round is a period until there is 10 balls entered into the opened upper grand prize winning hole 109a or lower major prize winning hole 109b or a period until a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) elapses. A total of 16 rounds are performed. When the game ball wins the open upper prize opening 109a or the lower big prize opening 109b, the pachinko gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls.

  Here, the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not perform the jackpot lottery in the jackpot gaming state. In the big hit gaming state, the game ends when the winning of the upper winning prize opening 109a or lower winning prize opening 109b for the winning round is completed. In the jackpot game state, a game is played by right-handed hitting a game ball in the right area of the game area 103, and a prize is placed in the upper big prize winning hole 109a or the lower big prize winning hole 109b arranged in the right area. A game is performed.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 ends the jackpot gaming state, the pachinko gaming machine 100 returns to the gaming state in which the jackpot lottery is performed again. After the jackpot gaming state is ended, the game state is shifted to a specific gaming state (for example, a short-time gaming state).

(Game state of pachinko machine)
The pachinko gaming machine 100 has three gaming states, a low probability non-short-time gaming state (a so-called normal gaming state), a high probability short-time gaming state, and a low probability short-time gaming state, except for the jackpot gaming state during the jackpot. Of these, one of the gaming states is taken. It is also possible to take a high probability non-short game state.

  The short-time gaming state is a gaming state to which the support function of the ordinary electric accessory 107 is given, and details will be described later. When in the low-probability gaming state (the normal gaming state or the low-probability short-time gaming state), the pachinko gaming machine 100 determines the low-probability per-probability determination table for the low-probability gaming state that is difficult to win the jackpot (see symbol At1 in FIG. ) Is used to draw a big hit. Specifically, for example, a jackpot lottery for winning a jackpot with a probability of 1/250 is performed.

  When in the high probability gaming state (high probability short-time gaming state), the pachinko gaming machine 100 uses the hit determination table for the high probability gaming state (see reference numeral At2 in FIG. 17-2) that is easy to win. I do. Specifically, for example, a jackpot lottery for winning a jackpot with a probability of 1/36 is performed. Thus, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot is won with a higher probability than in the low probability gaming state.

  Further, in the high probability short game state or the low probability short game state, a game support function is provided by opening and closing the ordinary electric accessory 107. Specific contents of the game support function include, for example, shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, improving the winning probability per normal symbol (increasing the opening frequency of the ordinary electric actor 107), and the ordinary electric actor 107 For example, the opening time of the

  In the present embodiment, in the short-time gaming state, the game is played by right-handed hitting a game ball in the right-side area of the game area 103, and the game is progressed mainly by winning at the second starting port 106.

  In the non-short-time game state (normal game state), the game is played by left-handed hitting a game ball in the left-side area of the game area 103, and the game is progressed mainly by winning at the first starting port 105. The

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 shifts the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game, and shifts to the next gaming state when a predetermined number of lottery lotteries are performed after the gaming state is shifted by the jackpot game. Here, the transition of the gaming state will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can typically take a promiscuous jackpot or a normal jackpot. When winning a promising jackpot, after the jackpot ends, a high probability short-time gaming state is set until 10,000 fluctuations are completed. In other words, in the present embodiment, when a winning jackpot is won, a high-probability short-time gaming state is set until the next jackpot is actually won.

  In the case of a normal jackpot, a low-probability short-time gaming state is set until the end of 30 fluctuations after the jackpot. When the 30 fluctuations have elapsed, a normal gaming state (low probability non-short gaming state) is set. In addition, it is good also as a structure which can take the jackpot to which it transfers to the high probability game state (high probability non-short-time game state) to which the support function of the normal electric actor 107 is not provided. Further, when a big hit (so-called latent big hit) for shifting to the high probability non-short-time gaming state can be taken, a small hit may be taken. Small hits are specific loses represented by symbols (special symbols) that are different from normal loses (other than small hits), and there is no change in the gaming state after winning.

  In the small hit game state, for example, the lower big prize opening 109b is opened in the same manner as the latent big hit game state. In this case, the opening mode of the lower big prize opening 109b in the small hit gaming state and the opening mode of the lower big prize opening 109b in the big hit gaming state of the latent hit big game are similar opening modes, and the productions are also similar. And

  In this way, it is possible to take a big win and a small win, and by performing similar effects at the time of each win game and after the win game, a high probability game state is set or a low probability game state is set It is possible to make the player not know what is being done. Thereby, it is possible to make the player guess which game state is set, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(Details of information display section)
Next, details of the information display unit 112 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the information display unit. In FIG. 2, the information display unit 112 includes a special symbol display unit 201, a normal symbol display unit 202, a hold display unit 203, a round display unit 204, and a right-handed display unit 205. Each of the display units 201 to 205 employs an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

  The first special symbol display unit 201a represents a lottery result of a jackpot lottery performed when a game ball wins the first starting port 105, and includes, for example, eight LEDs. The second special symbol display unit 201b represents a lottery result of a jackpot lottery performed when a game ball wins the second starting port 106. For example, the second special symbol display unit 201b has eight LEDs as in the first special symbol display unit 201a. It has.

  During the change of each special symbol, for example, each LED is sequentially turned on and off so as to flow from left to right in the drawing. Note that during the change of the special symbol, the image display unit 104 performs a changing effect using the decorative symbol. When the variation of the special symbol is stopped, the lottery result of the big hit lottery is represented by the lighting mode of the LED. The variation time of the special symbol varies depending on the gaming state and the number of stored hold information. For example, a shorter variation time is more easily selected in the short-time gaming state than in the non-short-time gaming state, and a shorter variation time is more easily selected in the non-short-time gaming state when the number of pieces of pending information is four. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, there are, for example, five types of jackpots. Specifically, there are 16 round (R) launching probability variation jackpots (hereinafter referred to as “16R probability variation jackpot”), 8R launching probability variation jackpots (hereinafter “ 8R probability variation jackpot), RUSH probability variation jackpot, 2R launch without probability variation jackpot (hereinafter referred to as "2R sudden probability jackpot"), 8R launch with normal jackpot (hereinafter referred to as "8R regular jackpot"). (See FIG. 18-1). In the RUSH probability variation jackpot, the upper big prize opening 109a is opened, for example, eight rounds, and in other big prizes, the lower big prize winning opening 109b is opened for a predetermined number of rounds.

  In the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b, for example, when only the rightmost LED is lit, a lost symbol is displayed. For example, when all the LEDs are lit, the 16R probability variation jackpot is indicated. The 16R probability variation jackpot is a jackpot that allows the player to win 16 rounds of play by opening the lower prize winning opening 109b. The gaming state after the 16R probability variable jackpot game is set until the high probability short-time gaming state until the next jackpot (until 10,000 fluctuations have elapsed).

  In the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b, for example, when the first, second, fourth, and seventh LEDs from the left are lit, the 8R probability variation big hit is As shown. In the 8R probability variation jackpot, the lower grand prize winning opening 109b is opened, and the player can obtain eight rounds of the ball. The gaming state after the 8R probability variable jackpot game is set until the high probability short-time gaming state is until the next jackpot (until 10,000 fluctuations have elapsed).

  In the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b, for example, when the first, fourth, and fifth LEDs from the left are lit, the RUSH probability variation jackpot is indicated. ing. In the RUSH probable jackpot, the upper prize winning opening 109a is opened, for example, 8 rounds, and the player can obtain 8 rounds of the ball. The gaming state after the RUSH probable big hit game is set until the high probability short-time gaming state is set to the next big hit (until 10,000 fluctuations have elapsed).

  Further, in the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b, for example, when the second, third, sixth, and seventh LEDs from the left are lit, a 2R sudden hit is made. As shown. In the 2R sudden winning big hit, the lower large winning opening 109b is, for example, a short opening with the opening time of one round being 0.1 seconds, so that the player cannot get a ball. The gaming state after the 2R sudden big hit game is set until the high probability short-time gaming state until the next big hit (until 10,000 fluctuations have elapsed).

  Also, for example, when the third, fourth, and seventh LEDs from the left are lit, the 8R normal jackpot is indicated. With an 8R regular jackpot, the player can win 8 rounds of the ball. The gaming state after the 8R normal jackpot game is set until 30 fluctuations of the low probability short gaming state elapses.

  In addition, the lighting mode of the LED indicating each jackpot may take a plurality of lighting modes for each jackpot as well as one mode.

  The decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the image display unit 104 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol (LED), and the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. When the special symbol stops at the lost symbol, the decorative symbol stops at the so-called “break” indicating the loss on the image display unit 104. The loose eye is to stop the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol at an irrelevant symbol, that is, a decorative symbol stop mode that does not develop to reach production.

  When the special symbol stops at the 16R probability variation jackpot symbol, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a red decorative symbol indicating the 16R probability variation jackpot (for example, “3, 3, 3” or “7, 7”). , 7 ”, stop at number slot. Further, when the special symbol stops at the 8R probability variation jackpot symbol, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a red decorative symbol indicating the 8R probability variation jackpot (for example, “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7”). , 7 ”except for odd-numbered symbols such as“ 1, 1, 1 ”.

  In addition, when the special symbol stops at the RUSH probability variation symbol, the decoration symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a predetermined symbol (for example, “Lucky, Lucky, Lucky”) indicating a RUSH probability variation jackpot. ) To stop.

  In addition, when the special symbol stops at the 2R random hit big symbol, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a predetermined decorative symbol indicating the 2R big hit big hit (for example, a character symbol such as “chance, chance, chance”) Stop at eye).

  Further, when the special symbol stops at the 8R normal jackpot symbol, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a blue decorative symbol indicating the 8R normal jackpot (for example, an even symbol such as “2, 2, 2”). Stop at the sloppy eyes).

  If the special symbol stops at the 16R probability variation jackpot symbol or stops at the 8R probability variation jackpot symbol, the decorative symbol (even number symbol) indicating the jackpot having a lower profit level than the stopped jackpot is stopped on the image display unit 104. Then, after that (after the jackpot game transition or after the jackpot game transition), there may be a promotion effect that clearly shows the winning jackpot.

  Above the special symbol display unit 201, a normal symbol display unit 202 that displays normal symbols is arranged. The normal symbol display unit 202 represents a normal symbol lottery performed when a game ball passes through the gate 108, and includes three LEDs indicating “◯”, “Δ”, and “×”. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the pachinko gaming machine 100 opens the ordinary electric accessory 107 for a predetermined period. During normal symbol fluctuation, the three LEDs are repeatedly turned on and off.

  When the variation of the normal symbol stops, the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is represented by the lighting state of the LED. For example, if the “○” LED is lit, it will be per normal symbol (per long open), if the “△” LED is lit, it will be per normal symbol (per short open), and if the “X” LED is lit, it will be lost. Become. In the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is shorter than in the non-short-time gaming state, and even when the “△” LED is lit, the opening time is shorter than in the non-short-time gaming state. Try to be long.

  On the left side of the normal symbol display unit 202, a hold display unit 203 that displays the number of pieces of determination information for the special symbol or the normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “the number of hold information”) is arranged. The hold display unit 203 includes a first special symbol hold display unit 203a, a second special symbol hold display unit 203b, and a normal symbol hold display unit 203c.

  The first special symbol hold display unit 203a displays the game ball won in the first starting port 105 as the hold information during the change of the special symbol. The second special symbol hold display unit 203b displays the game ball won to the second starting port 106 during the special symbol change as hold information. The number of special symbol hold information that can be stored has a predetermined number (for example, 4) as an upper limit.

  The normal symbol hold display section 203c displays the game ball that has passed through the gate 108 during the change of the normal symbol as hold information. In addition, the number of hold information of the normal symbol which can be memorize | stored makes a predetermined number (for example, 4) an upper limit. The round display unit 204 displays the maximum number of rounds when winning a jackpot.

  For example, an LED indicating “2” is lit when winning a 2R sudden probability big win, and an LED indicating “8” is lit when winning an 8R certainty big win, 8R normal big win or RUSH probable big win. When the 16R probability variation jackpot is won, the LED indicating “16” is lit. The right-handed display unit 205 is for illuminating an LED in a gaming state where a right-handed game is played (short-time gaming state and jackpot gaming state), and prompts the player to make a right-handed strike.

(Internal configuration of pachinko machine)
Next, the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 300 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 301 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 302 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect control that controls the contents of the effect. Part 303. Each control unit will be described in detail below.

(1. Main control unit)
The main control unit 301 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 312, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 313, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The The CPU 311 reads various programs related to the progress of the game from the ROM 312 and executes the read programs using the RAM 313 as a work area.

  In addition, various switches (hereinafter referred to as “SW”) for detecting a game ball are connected to the main control unit 301. For example, as shown in the figure, the main control unit 301 includes a first start port SW314a, a second start port SW314b, a gate SW315, an upper prize port SW316a, a lower prize port SW316b, and a normal prize port SW317. And are connected. The first start port SW314a detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105.

  The second start port SW314b detects a game ball that has won the second start port 106. The gate SW 315 detects the game ball that has passed through the gate 108. The upper university winning opening SW316a detects a game ball won in the upper university winning opening 109a. The lower major winning opening SW316b detects a game ball that has won the lower major winning opening 109b. The normal winning opening SW317 detects a game ball that has won the normal winning opening 110.

  Each of the various SWs 314 to 317 inputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 301. The main control unit 301 stores the hold information corresponding to the right to receive the big hit lottery based on the detection signals input from the first start port SW314a and the second start port SW314b, or uses the hold information to win the big hit lottery Or do. The main control unit 301 issues a prize ball payout instruction to the prize ball control unit 302 based on detection signals input from the upper prize winning opening SW316a, the lower prize winning opening SW316b, and the normal winning prize opening SW317. .

  As the first start opening SW314a, the second start opening SW314b, the gate SW315, the upper large prize opening SW316a, and the lower large prize opening SW316b, for example, a proximity switch or the like is used. Further, when a plurality of first start ports 105 are provided on the game board 101, a plurality of first start ports SW314a may be provided for each arrangement position of the first start ports 105. Further, even when a plurality of normal winning ports 110 are provided on the game board 101, a plurality of normal winning ports SW 317 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning ports 110.

  The main controller 301 is connected to various solenoids that drive the electric components such as the ordinary electric combination 107, the upper prize winning port 109a, and the lower major prize winning port 109b. For example, as shown in the figure, the main control unit 301 includes an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 318 for opening / closing the ordinary electric accessory 107, an upper prize winning solenoid 319a for opening / closing the upper prize winning opening 109a, and a lower large A lower large prize opening solenoid 319b that opens and closes the winning opening 109b is connected.

  Based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, the main control unit 301 inputs / blocks an electric signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 318, or based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery, the upper prize winning solenoid 319a or the lower prize winning solenoid 319b. Input / shut off electrical signals. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 318 opens and closes the ordinary electric accessory 107 based on the electric signal supplied from the main control unit 301. The upper prize winning solenoid 319a or the lower prize winning solenoid 319b opens or closes the upper prize winning port 109a or the lower major prize winning port 109b based on the electric signal supplied from the main control unit 301, respectively.

  In addition, the main control unit 301 includes a first special symbol display unit 201a that displays a first special symbol, a second special symbol display unit 201b that displays a second special symbol, and a normal symbol. Is connected to a normal symbol display unit 202 that displays the number of stored hold information, and a hold display unit 203 that displays the number of stored hold information.

  The main control unit 301 performs display control of the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery. In addition, the main control unit 301 performs display control of the normal symbol display unit 202 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Further, the main control unit 301 controls the display content of the hold display unit 203 based on the number of hold information.

  Here, an example of a program executed by the CPU 311 of the main control unit 301 and an example of information set in the RAM 313 by executing each program will be described. It should be noted that the programs described below are only representative ones, and many other programs (not shown) are stored. In addition to the storage areas described below, a large number of storage areas (not shown) are set in the RAM 313.

  The main processing program 351 causes initial setting of built-in devices such as a CTC (timer counter) of the main control unit 301 in accordance with the supply of power to the pachinko gaming machine 100, and sets setting information indicating setting contents to a setting storage area 371 is stored. For example, here, the setting information includes information indicating a cycle of executing the timer interrupt processing program 352 and the like.

  Further, the main processing program 351 monitors the power-off of the pachinko gaming machine 100, generates backup information when the power is cut-off, and stores this backup information in the backup storage area 372. The RAM 313 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off for a certain period (for example, one day). Therefore, the RAM 313 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 372 for a certain period even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is shut off.

  The RAM 313 may be a non-volatile RAM such as FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. In this case, the RAM 313 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 372 without a backup power source.

  The timer interrupt processing program 352 sequentially executes subprograms such as a random number update processing program 353, a switch processing program 354, a symbol processing program 360, an electric accessory control processing program 363, a prize ball processing program 367, and an output processing program 368. .

  The timer interrupt processing program 352 is interrupted and executed for the main processing program 351 at the cycle stored in the setting storage area 371 by the main processing program 351. The random number update processing program 353 updates the count values of various random number acquisition counters managed by the main control unit 301 such as hit random numbers, symbol random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers. For example, each time the random number update processing program 353 is executed once, “1” is added to each count value of each random number counter stored in the counter storage area 373.

  The counter storage area 373 stores count values of random number counters managed by the main control unit 301 such as a hit random number counter, a design random number counter, a variation pattern random number counter, and a normal design random number counter. Each time the random number update processing program 353 is executed, the random number update processing program 353 updates the counter storage area 373 so that a value obtained by adding “1” to the count value of each random number counter becomes a new count value.

  In addition, when the count value of each random number counter reaches a predetermined value, the random number update processing program 353 returns the count value to “0”, for example, and performs the same count-up again. For example, it is assumed that the winning random number is counted within a range of “0 to 249”. In addition, the design random number and the variation pattern random number are counted within the range of “0 to 99”.

  Further, the random number update processing program 353 may further count the initial value random number. The initial value random number is, for example, a random number for determining which value to return to the hit random number counter when the count value of the hit random number reaches a maximum value (for example, 249 counts). When the count value of the hit random number counter reaches the maximum value, the random number update processing program 353 sets the count value of the hit random number counter to a value determined by the initial value random number.

  The switch processing program 354 sequentially executes subprograms such as a start opening switch processing program 355, a gate switch processing program 357, a big winning opening switch processing program 358, and a normal winning opening switch processing program 359.

  The start port switch processing program 355 is a timing for detecting a winning ball, a design random number counter, and a variation pattern random number counter in the counter storage area 373 at the timing when the first start port SW 314a detects a game ball winning the first start port 105. The count value of the counter is acquired as the hold information, and the acquired hold information is stored in the hold information storage area 374 of the RAM 313.

  Similarly, when a game ball that has won the second starting port 106 is detected by the second starting port SW 314b, the starting port switch processing program 355 similarly receives a winning random number counter, a design random number counter, and a variation pattern in the counter storage area 373. The count value of each counter of the random number counter is acquired as hold information, and the acquired hold information is stored in the hold information storage area 374 of the RAM 313.

  The gate switch processing program 357 acquires the count value of the normal symbol random number counter in the counter storage area 373 as normal symbol hold information at the timing when the game ball that has passed through the gate 108 is detected by the gate SW 315, and the acquired normal symbol The hold information is stored in the normal symbol hold information storage area 379 of the RAM 313.

  The special winning opening switch processing program 358 detects a game ball that has won the upper major winning opening 109a or the lower major winning opening 109b by the upper large winning opening SW316a or the lower large winning opening SW316b. The normal winning opening switch processing program 359 detects a game ball won in the normal winning opening 110 by the normal winning opening SW317.

  The symbol processing program 360 causes the special symbol processing program 361 and the normal symbol processing program 362 to be executed sequentially. The special symbol processing program 361 uses the holding information stored in the holding information storage region 374 to sequentially perform a hit determination, a symbol determination, and a variation pattern determination, and stores these determination results in the determination result storage region 375. .

  The hit determination table At is used for the hit determination, the symbol determination table Zt is used for the symbol determination, and the variation pattern determination table Ht is used for the variation pattern determination. Based on these determination results, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 201 is displayed in a variable manner and stopped.

  The normal symbol processing program 362 uses the hold information stored in the normal symbol hold information storage area 379 to make a normal hit determination, and stores these determination results in the determination result storage area 375. Based on these determination results, the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display unit 202 is displayed in a variable manner and stopped.

  The electric accessory control processing program 363 sequentially executes subprograms such as a special prize opening processing program 364 and an ordinary electric accessory processing program 366. The special winning opening processing program 364 opens and closes the upper large winning opening 109a or the lower large winning opening 109b based on the processing result of the special symbol processing program 361 and the like.

  The special winning opening processing program 364 causes the game state setting processing program 365 to be executed as a subprogram. The gaming state setting processing program 365 causes the gaming flag storage area 376 to set gaming flags such as a high probability gaming flag and a short-time gaming flag in accordance with the winning jackpot. The ordinary electric accessory processing program 366 opens and closes the ordinary electric accessory 107 based on the processing result of the ordinary symbol processing program 362 and the like.

  The winning ball processing program 367 pays out a predetermined number of winning balls for winning at the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the upper large winning port 109a, the lower large winning port 109b, and the normal winning port 110. A payout instruction (prize ball command) is set in the prize ball information storage area 377.

  The output processing program 368 outputs information indicating the storage contents of each storage area set in the RAM 313 to each control unit (for example, the prize ball control unit 302 and the effect control unit 303) connected to the main control unit 301. Let

  Further, the above-described start port switch processing program 355 executes a pre-determination processing program 356 as a subprogram. The prior determination processing program 356 sequentially executes a hit determination, a symbol determination, and a variation pattern determination for each hold information stored in the hold information storage area 374, and stores these determination results in the advance determination information storage area 378.

  Further, the main control unit 301 is connected to the board external information terminal board 391, and can output information indicating the storage contents of each storage area set in the RAM 313 to the outside (for example, a hall computer in a game hall). it can. The main control unit 301 can realize its function by, for example, a main control board.

(2. Prize ball control unit)
The prize ball controller 302 includes a CPU 321, a ROM 322, a RAM 323, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. Based on a payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 301, the CPU 321 reads various programs related to payout control of the prize ball from the ROM 322, and executes the read program using the RAM 323 as a work area.

  The prize ball control unit 302 is connected to various SWs for detecting a game ball. For example, as shown in the figure, the prize ball control unit 302 includes a fixed position detection SW 324 for detecting a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW325 for detecting a paid game ball, and a hit ball provided on the front surface of the frame. A ball presence detection SW 326 that detects whether there is a game ball in the supply tray 120 and a full tank detection SW 327 that detects that the hitting ball supply tray 120 is filled with the game ball are connected.

  Each of the various SWs 324 to 327 inputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 302. The winning ball control unit 302 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 301 or detection signals input from various SWs 324 to 327. The prize ball control unit 302 may output detection signals input from the various SWs 324 to 327 to the main control unit 301.

  In addition, a launching unit 328 and a payout unit 329 are connected to the prize ball control unit 302. The prize ball control unit 302 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 328 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launching unit 328 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 302 detects a gaming operation by the sensor of the launching unit 328, the prize ball control unit 302 drives a solenoid or the like in response to the detected gaming operation to intermittently launch the gaming ball, thereby playing the game area 103 of the gaming board 101. Launch a game ball.

  The winning ball control unit 302 controls the paying unit 329 to pay out the number of winning balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 329 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number from a storage unit (not shown) that stores game balls. The winning ball control unit 302 drives the payout driving motor to each payout port (first start port 105, second start port 106, upper large winning port 109a, lower large winning port 109b, Control is performed to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the game balls won in the normal prize opening 110).

  The prize ball control unit 302 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 392, and outputs various types of information executed by the prize ball control unit 302 to the outside. For example, the prize ball control unit 302 realizes its function by a prize ball control board.

(3. Production control unit)
Next, the effect control unit 303 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.

(3-1. Director of Production)
First, the internal configuration of the effect control unit 303 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the effect control unit of the pachinko gaming machine. The effect control unit 303 includes an effect control unit 403a that controls the entire effect control unit 303, an image / sound control unit 403b that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 330, lamp lighting control, A lamp control unit 403c that performs drive control of the movable accessory is provided.

  The production control unit 403a includes a CPU 411, a ROM 412, a RAM 413, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 411 reads out various programs relating to the control of effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the ROM 412, and executes the read programs using the RAM 413 as a work area.

  In addition, an effect button 118 and a cross key 119 for receiving an operation from a player are connected to the effect control unit 403a. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 input a control signal corresponding to a key operated (for example, pressed) by the player to the effect control unit 403a. The effect supervision unit 403a sets an operation command indicating that an operation by the player is accepted in the RAM 413 based on a control signal input from the effect button 118 or the cross key 119.

  Here, an example of a program executed by the CPU 411 of the production control unit 403a and an example of information set in the RAM 413 by executing each program will be described. In addition, the program demonstrated below shows only a typical thing and many programs not shown are memorize | stored besides these. In addition to the storage areas described below, a large number of storage areas (not shown) are set in the RAM 413.

  The production main processing program 451 causes initial settings of built-in devices such as the CTC of the production control unit 403a to be stored in the setting storage area 471 in accordance with the supply of power to the production control unit 403a.

  The effect timer interrupt processing program 452 sequentially executes a command reception processing program 454, an operation reception processing program 460, and a command transmission processing program 461. The effect timer interrupt processing program 452 is interrupted and executed with respect to the effect main process program 451 at a predetermined cycle stored in the setting storage area 471 by executing the effect main process program 451.

  The effect random number update processing program 453 updates count values of various random number acquisition counters managed by the effect control unit 403a, such as a notice game effect pattern random number. For example, every time the effect random number update processing program 453 is executed, “1” is added to the count value of the notice game effect pattern random number counter stored in the effect counter storage area 472. In addition, when the count value of the notice game effect pattern random number counter reaches a predetermined value, the effect random number update processing program 453 returns the count value to “0”, for example, and causes the same count up again.

  The command reception processing program 454 is, for example, based on a command received from the main control unit 301 (for example, a change start command), a determination result storage area 375 of the main control unit 301, and a determination result storage area 473 of the production control unit 403a. Synchronize the memory content with. Further, the command reception processing program 454 is based on a command received from the main control unit 301 (for example, a prior determination command), and the advance determination information storage area 378 of the main control unit 301 and the effect advance determination information of the effect control unit 403a. The contents stored in the storage area 474 are synchronized.

  In addition, the command reception processing program 454 is based on the storage contents of the determination result storage area 473 and the effect advance determination information storage area 474, and the like. 459, the sign hold production effect pattern selection processing program 457 is executed.

  The variation effect pattern selection processing program 455 causes the variation effect pattern to be selected from the variation effect pattern table Et stored in the ROM 412 based on a command received from the main control unit 301 or the like.

  The variation effect pattern selection processing program 455 selects a variation effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern based on the information indicating the variation pattern in the determination result storage area 473 updated based on the received variation start command. Then, the variable effect start command including information indicating the selected variable effect pattern is stored in the transmission command storage area 475.

  Further, the variation effect pattern selection processing program 455 causes the notice game effect pattern to be selected from the notice game effect pattern table Yt stored in the ROM 412 based on the command received from the main control unit 301. The notice game effect pattern is executed in accordance with the fluctuating effect, for example, a conversation notice effect, a step-up effect, a cut-in notice effect, a character notice effect, etc. Is defined.

  Further, the variation effect pattern selection processing program 455 determines whether or not to execute the special game effect using the special game effect pattern table Tt stored in the ROM 412 based on the command received from the main control unit 301. The special game effect is an effect with a low appearance frequency, such as a zebra-pattern character that appears in the notice game effect.

  Further, the variation effect pattern selection processing program 455 determines whether or not to execute the secret effect from the secret effect pattern table Qt stored in the ROM 412 based on the command received from the main control unit 301. The concealment effect is an effect of concealing the notice game effect from the player, and is referred to as a so-called wipe notice.

  Furthermore, the variation effect pattern selection processing program 455 determines the patch log points to be assigned using the patch log point table Pt stored in the ROM 412 based on the command received from the main control unit 301. The pachilog points are generated as the game progresses and have a game value different from the game medium. For example, a pachilog point may be determined for each game content, or may be determined for each number of consecutive channels. In addition, for example, according to the total number of points given, it is possible to receive provision of a predetermined service, for example, an access right to a predetermined site on the Internet is given.

  When the predetermination command is received from the main control unit 301, the effect predetermination processing program 458 analyzes whether or not it is a big hit based on the predetermination command. Analyze variation production patterns. Further, the production prior determination processing program 458 may determine whether or not to perform a series of continuous productions over a plurality of variable productions based on the prior judgment command.

  The sign hold effect pattern selection processing program 457 selects a sign hold effect pattern from the sign hold effect pattern table St stored in the ROM 412 based on the advance determination information (hold information) stored in the effect advance determination information storage area 474. Let The sign hold production pattern defines production contents in which the display mode of the hold information is different from the normal display mode according to the reliability for the jackpot.

  The predictive hold effect pattern selection processing program 457 causes the hold display (for example, red display) to be different from the normal hold display (for example, white display) at a predetermined ratio based on the reliability of the change effect pattern Ep. Specifically, the sign hold production pattern selection processing program 457 has a high ratio when the hold information stored in the production advance determination information storage area 474 is, for example, hold information that becomes a highly reliable variable production pattern. Thus, the hold display is different from the normal hold display. In this way, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation for this change before the start of the change of the highly reliable change effect pattern.

  The winning effect pattern selection processing program 459 selects a winning effect pattern corresponding to the winning effect from the winning effect pattern table Xt stored in the ROM 412 based on the command received from the main control unit 301. Here, the winning effect pattern defines the effect contents of the jackpot effect performed during the jackpot, and is different for each of the 16R probability variation jackpot, 8R probability variation jackpot, RUSH probability variation jackpot, 2R sudden probability jackpot, and 8R normal jackpot.

  The effect mode setting processing program 462 sets the effect mode from the effect mode table Mt stored in the ROM 412 based on the command received from the main control unit 301. The effect modes include a normal mode that clearly indicates a normal gaming state, a probability change mode that clearly indicates a short gaming state with a high probability, and a short time mode that clearly indicates a short gaming state with a low probability.

  The effect mode setting processing program 462 uses the information indicating the determination result of the symbol determination in the determination result storage area 473 updated based on the change stop command received from the main control unit 301 as the determination result of the symbol determination. Set the corresponding mode flag.

  Specifically, the production mode setting processing program 462, for example, sets a mode flag indicating the normal mode by receiving the change stop command 10,000 times in the probability change mode, and receives the change stop command 30 times in the time reduction mode. As a result, the time reduction mode is ended and the mode flag indicating the normal mode is set. Then, the variable effect end command including information indicating the set effect mode is stored in the transmission command storage area 475.

  The operation reception processing program 460 receives an input signal from the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 and stores an operation command indicating that there is an operation from the player in the transmission command storage area 475. The command transmission processing program 461 causes various commands stored in the transmission command storage area 475 to be transmitted to the image / audio control unit 403b and the lamp control unit 403c.

(3-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image / sound controller. The image / sound controller 403b includes a CPU 511, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 511 reads out various programs for realizing the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 403a from the ROM 512, and executes the read program using the RAM 513 as a work area.

  The ROM 512 stores effect data ED. Here, the production data ED includes image data such as a background image, a decorative design image, a character image, a reserved image, a cut-in image, and a conversation image, and sound data such as sound effects and BGM.

  Here, each program stored in the ROM 512 and contents stored in each storage area of the RAM 513 by executing each program will be described. In addition, the program demonstrated below shows only a typical program and many programs not shown are memorize | stored besides these. In addition to the storage areas described below, a large number of storage areas (not shown) are set in the RAM 513.

  The image / sound control processing program 531 sequentially executes a display control processing program 532 for displaying the display content of the image display unit 104 and a sound output control processing program 533 for controlling sound output from the speaker 330.

  The display control processing program 532 reads the image data corresponding to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 403a from the effect data ED, generates an image to be displayed on the image display unit 104, and the like, and shows an image to be displayed. Display data is stored in a VRAM (Video RAM) 520.

  The display data stored in the VRAM 520 is output to the image display unit 104 and superimposed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. Further, for example, the display control processing program 532 sets a layer in which images are stacked in a hierarchical structure when the background image and the decorative design overlap at the same position on the display screen. For example, by setting a background image in the lower layer, setting a decorative pattern in the hierarchy above it, and setting a notice image in the hierarchy above it, the decorative pattern is set in front of the background image, The notice image is displayed so that it can be seen in front of the decorative pattern.

  The sound output control processing program 533 reads sound data corresponding to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 403a from the effect data ED, generates sound to be output from the speaker 330, and the like, and indicates the sound to be output. Audio output data is stored in the RAM 513. The audio output data stored in the RAM 513 is output to the speaker 330, and the audio represented by the audio output data is output from the speaker 330 at a predetermined timing.

(3-3. Lamp control unit)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the lamp control unit. The lamp control unit 403c includes a CPU 611, a ROM 612, a RAM 613, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 611 reads a program related to drive control of the movable accessory 130 and lighting control of various lamps performed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the ROM 612, and executes the read program using the RAM 613 as a work area.

  The ROM 612 stores control data Sd. The control data Sd includes drive control data Kα for driving and controlling each movable accessory 130a to 130d and lighting control data Tα for controlling lighting of the lamp.

  In addition, an accessory sensor 601 for detecting the position of each movable accessory 130a to 130d is connected to the lamp controller 403c. The accessory sensor 601 inputs a detection signal to the lamp controller 403c when the movable accessories 130a to 130d are at the reference position. The lamp control unit 403c returns the movable accessories 130a to 130d to the reference position based on the detection signal of the accessory sensor 601.

  Here, an example of a program executed by the CPU 611 of the lamp control unit 403c and an example of information set in the RAM 613 by executing each program will be described. The programs described below are only representative, and many other programs (not shown) are stored.

  The lamp control processing program 631 causes the movable accessory control processing program 632 and the lighting control processing program 633 to be executed sequentially. The movable accessory control processing program 632 outputs drive control data Kα corresponding to the command received from the production control unit 403a to each drive motor 602 included in each movable accessory 130a to 130d.

  The lighting control processing program 633 uses the lighting control data Tα corresponding to the command received from the production control unit 403a as the lamps (light emission control circuit) of the production light unit 115 and the lamps (light emission control circuit) of the panel lamp 401. The lamps (light emission control circuit) included in the movable combination 130a to 130d are input.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 303 includes a production control unit 403a, a lamp control unit 403c, and an image / sound control unit 403b that are provided as different board functions, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. It may be configured. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

(Example of fluctuating production)
Next, an example of a variation effect will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an example (part 1) of the variation effect when the notice game effect is performed. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the image display unit 104 displays a first step SP1 indicating a first stage among step-up effects that are notice game effects that develop in stages.

  The step-up effect is based on the lottery result of the notice lottery based on the determination result of the jackpot determination, and the upper limit is set to any one of the first step SP1, the second step SP2, the third step SP3, and the fourth step SP4. It is executed up to the step. When the variation is high in reliability, it is easy to select a step with a large number of steps, and when the variation is low in reliability, it is easy to select a variation with a small number of steps. In addition, when the fluctuation is low in reliability, the step-up effect itself may not be performed.

  In the first step SP1 of FIG. 7A, the image display unit 104 displays a symbol effect Ez indicating that each of the three decorative symbols is variably displayed. In the first step SP1, an animal 701 is displayed, which indicates to the player that the step-up effect has been started. When the upper limit step is the first step SP1, the step-up effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the first step SP1. When the upper limit step is equal to or greater than the second step SP2, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the first step SP1, the process proceeds to the second step SP2.

  In the second step SP2, an animal 701 and a first person 702 are displayed, and an image in which both have been encountered is shown. When the upper limit step is the second step SP2, the step-up effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the second step SP2. When the upper limit step is equal to or greater than the third step SP3, the process proceeds to the third step SP3 when a predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the second step SP2.

  In the third step SP3, an animal 701, a first person 702, a second person 703, and a white small character (small character) 704 are displayed, and the first person 702 escapes from the animal 701. An image in which the second person 703 and the small character 704 try to rescue the first person 702 is shown. When the upper limit step is the third step SP3, the step-up effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3. When the upper limit step is the fourth step SP4, when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3, the process proceeds to the fourth step SP4.

  In the fourth step SP4, an image in which the animal 701 is captured by the first person 702 and the second person 703 is shown. When the fourth step SP4 is performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, a reach effect is developed. The fourth step SP4 is the final stage of the step-up effect, and is the most reliable effect among the step-up effects.

  FIG. 7-2 is an explanatory diagram of an example (part 2) of the variation effect when the notice game effect is performed. In addition, in FIG. 7-2, about the point demonstrated using FIG. 7-1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In FIG. 7-2, a zebra-patterned small character 714 is displayed in the third step SP3.

  The zebra-patterned small character 714 has a low appearance frequency and indicates that the reliability for the big hit is higher than that of the white small character 704 in the third step SP3 of FIG. For example, the reliability with respect to the jackpot of the zebra-patterned small character 714 is equal to or higher than the reliability of the step-up effect executed up to the fourth step SP4. That is, for the player, the appearance of the zebra-patterned small character 714 is an effect that can provide a sense of expectation rather than the execution of the fourth step SP4.

  When the upper limit step is the third step SP3, the step-up effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3. In other words, even when the zebra-patterned small character 714 appears, the step-up effect may end at the third step SP3. When the upper limit step is the fourth step SP4, when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3, the process proceeds to the fourth step SP4.

  Since the zebra pattern small character 714 has appeared in the third step SP3, the step-up effect executed up to the fourth step SP4 is the most reliable effect in the step-up effect according to the present embodiment. It has become. In addition, the color (pattern) of the small character is not limited to two types of white and zebra pattern, and may be three or more types such as white, blue, yellow, red, zebra in order from the lowest reliability. Good.

  Further, a character other than the small character 714 (for example, the second person 703) may also appear in a zebra pattern, and the reliability in this case is lower than that in the case where the small character 714 has a zebra pattern. When the second person 703 appears with a zebra pattern, even when the upper limit step is the third step SP3, the reliability is higher than when the second person 703 is executed up to the fourth step SP4 without the zebra pattern appearing. Is high. In addition, the small character 714 and a character other than the small character 714 (for example, the second person 703) may both appear in a zebra pattern, and the reliability in this case is only the small character 714 or only the second person 703. Higher than when it appears in a zebra pattern.

  In the present embodiment, the zebra-patterned small character 714 can appear in the third step SP3. However, in steps other than the third step SP3 (for example, the fourth step SP4), for example, the first person The 702 or the second person 703 may have a zebra pattern. When a zebra pattern appears in the latter half of the step (for example, the fourth step SP4), the reliability for the jackpot is higher than when a zebra pattern appears in the preceding step (for example, the third step SP3). Shall.

  Further, in the fourth step SP4, it is assumed that the reliability is higher when the first person 702 has a zebra pattern than when the second person 703 has a zebra pattern. Further, both the first person 702 and the second person 703 may have a zebra pattern. In this case, the reliability is higher than when only the first person 702 or only the second person 703 appears in a zebra pattern. High.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the reliability varies depending on the type and number of characters displayed in zebra pattern, and the reliability also varies depending on which step the zebra pattern character appears in.

  FIG. 7-3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a variation effect when performing a concealment effect. As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the variation effect 731 indicates the symbol effect Ez and the background effect Bg immediately after the start of the change. In the fluctuation effect 731, when a predetermined time elapses, the process shifts to the fluctuation effect 732.

  The variation effect 732 shows a secret effect WP and a symbol effect ez. The concealment effect WP is an effect in which a concealed image having the character 730 and the design effect ez is superimposed on the display image (the design effect Ez and the background effect Bg) of the variation effect 731. Specifically, the display image of the variation effect 732 is set in a higher layer than the display image of the variation effect 731, and is thereby displayed in front of the display image of the variation effect 731. In other words, even during the execution of the variation effect 732 set in the upper layer, the variation effect 731 set in the lower layer is executed although it is not displayed on the image display unit 104.

  The concealment effect WP is an effect that prevents the player from showing the currently executed notice game effect. The concealment effect WP is an effect that improves the interest by not letting the player show the contents of the effect, causing the player to guess the content of the concealment from the contents before and after the effect.

  It should be noted that the concealment effect WP itself is an effect that appears without depending on, for example, reliability, that is, it appears with a variation with high reliability or a variation with low reliability. When the concealment effect WP is performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the process shifts to the change effect 733. The start timing and execution time at which the concealment effect WP is performed are selected by lottery. Specifically, one concealment effect pattern is selected by lottery from a plurality of concealment effect patterns indicating the start timing and execution time of the concealment effect WP, and the concealment effect WP is executed using this concealment effect pattern. The

  The variation effect 733 indicates the end of the concealment effect WP, and similarly to the variation effect 731, the pattern effect Ez immediately after the start of the change and the background effect Bg. When the variation effect 733 is performed and a predetermined time elapses, the decorative symbols are sequentially stopped at a break according to the variation pattern of the special symbol being varied, or developed into a reach effect.

  Here, the lottery for determining whether or not to perform the concealment effect WP and the lottery for the advance notice game effect (whether or not to execute the step-up effect and the number of stages) are drawn separately. Therefore, the concealment effect WP may be executed during the execution of the notice game effect. For example, in the step-up effect, when the zebra-patterned small character 714 appears, the secret effect WP may be performed.

  FIG. 7-4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a fluctuating effect when the notice game effect and the zebra-patterned small character are concealed by the concealment effect. In addition, in FIG. 7-4, about the point demonstrated using FIGS. 7-1 to 7-3, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. 7-4, the secret effect WP has image data set in a layer higher than the third step SP3 and the fourth step SP4, and conceals the third step SP3 and the fourth step SP4. The third step SP3 is an effect in which a zebra-patterned small character 714 is displayed (see FIG. 7-2).

  In the present embodiment, when the concealment effect WP is performed by the notification effect 741, it is notified that the zebra-patterned small character 714 or the second person 703 has appeared. Thereby, the player can know that the small character 714 of the zebra pattern or the second person 703 having a low appearance rate (high reliability) is concealed.

  Therefore, the player can know that the special game effect (display of the zebra pattern) is a highly reliable variation that is concealed, and the player gets a sense of expectation in the same way as when the special game effect is not concealed. Can do. That is, even if the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect WP, the interest of the special game effect can be prevented from being lowered.

  In the present embodiment, although the fact that the zebra-patterned small character 714 or the second person 703 has appeared is reported, whether the character that appeared in the zebra pattern is the small character 714 or the second person 703 Whether or not there is a small character 714 and a second person 703 is not notified. In other words, while notifying the player that the fluctuation is highly reliable due to the appearance of the zebra pattern, the player is not notified of the degree of reliability in the high reliability fluctuation. . Thereby, it is possible to make the player guess how much the reliability is among the fluctuations with high reliability, and it is possible to improve the interest of the secret effect.

  Moreover, the concealment effect WP is continuously performed while the fourth step SP4 is executed. For example, after the period for completing the fourth step SP4 has elapsed, the concealment effect WP also ends. As a result, the player becomes unclear whether the upper limit step was the third step SP3 or the fourth step SP4.

  In addition, the player is unclear whether a zebra pattern has appeared in the third step SP3 or whether a zebra pattern has appeared in the fourth step SP4. In this way, by concealing the upper limit step from the player, it is possible to make the player guess how many stages have been developed, and at what step the character appeared in the zebra pattern. It can be guessed and the interest of a secret production can be improved.

  Therefore, in the concealment effect, the player is informed of the appearance of a special game effect (zebra pattern) that can be expected by the player, and the upper limit of the notice game effect that makes it difficult for the player to obtain a sense of expectation compared to the special game effect. Regarding the stage (upper limit step), the secret state was maintained. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the effect of each of the concealment effect and the special game effect, that is, it is possible to retain the interest by the concealment effect and the interest by the special game effect.

(Functional configuration of pachinko machine)
Next, the functional configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. In FIG. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a special game determination unit 801, a symbol control unit 802, a symbol display unit 803, a notice effect unit 804, a special effect unit 805, a secret effect unit 806, and a notification effect unit. 807. The special game determination unit 801, the symbol control unit 802, and the symbol display unit 803 are provided in the main control unit 301. The notice effect unit 804, the special effect unit 805, the concealment effect unit 806, and the notification effect unit 807 are provided in the effect control unit 303.

  The special game determination unit 801 performs a special game determination as to whether a special game that is advantageous to the player due to the establishment of the start condition or whether the game is lost without performing a special game. Satisfaction of the starting condition is, for example, winning at the first starting port 105 or winning at the second starting port 106. Special games are jackpot games. The special game determination is a jackpot determination.

  Based on the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination unit 801, the symbol control unit 802 displays a determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination unit 801 while causing the symbol display unit 803 to variably display the symbol. Stop display. The symbol display unit 803 is realized by, for example, the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b. Note that the symbol display unit 803 may be the image display unit 104 on which decorative symbols are displayed.

  Based on the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination unit 801, the notice effect unit 804 displays one or a plurality of the notice game effects among the plurality of the notice game effects during the symbol change display by the symbol control unit 802. Do. The notice game effect is, for example, a conversation notice effect, a step-up effect, a cut-in notice effect, a character notice effect, etc., which are performed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. The higher the stage, the higher the stage. The notice game effect is not limited to the effect on the display screen, and may be an effect by sound or an effect by a lamp.

  Performing one or more notice game effects is, for example, performing one or more notice game effects among a conversation notice effect, a step-up effect, a cut-in notice effect, and a character notice effect. Note that the notice effect unit 804 may not perform the notice game effect at the time of a change with the lowest reliability, such as a normal loss change selected based on the determination result of the special game determination.

  The special effect unit 805 performs the special game effect at a predetermined rate during the notice game effect by the notice effect unit 804. The special game effect is a rare effect such as a zebra-patterned small character 714 (see FIG. 7-2), and is an effect that the player is uplifted by the appearance. Specifically, the special game effect is a highly reliable effect. The predetermined ratio is a ratio with a high probability when the determination result of the special game determination is a win rather than when it is lost. Therefore, the special game effect is more easily performed as the notice game effect that develops to a higher stage is performed.

  Note that the special game effect may be an effect with a low appearance frequency when it is an effect that does not depend on reliability. In this case, the predetermined ratio may be a constant ratio that does not depend on the reliability, for example, 1/1000.

  The special game effect may be a sound effect that enhances the player when the notice game effect is a sound effect. For example, the special game effect may be a special sound that emphasizes the special content or the content of the effect. It can be voice. Further, the special game effect may be a lamp effect that elevates the player when the notice game effect is an effect based on the light emission mode of the lamp, and may be a special light emission mode such as lighting in a rainbow color. .

  The concealment effect unit 806 performs a concealment effect for concealing the notice game effect from the player for a predetermined period during the notice game effect performed by the notice effect unit 804. The concealment effect unit 806 sets the concealment effect data higher in the layer than the notice game effect data so as not to output the notice game effect. Whether the concealment effecting unit 806 performs the concealment effect regardless of the lottery result indicating whether or not the notice effect unit 804 performs the notice game effect and the lottery result indicating whether or not the special effect unit 805 performs the special game effect. A lottery of no. That is, the concealment effect and the special game effect during the notice game effect or the notice game effect are performed independently of each other.

  When the notice game effect is an image effect performed on the display screen of the image display unit 104, the concealment effect unit 806 sets the concealment effect image higher in the layer than the image of the notice game effect. The notice game effect is not displayed. The concealment effect is, for example, the concealment effect WP shown in FIG.

  In the case where the notice game effect is a sound effect, the concealment effect unit 806 sets the sound data of the concealment effect (for example, silence data) higher in the layer than the sound data of the notice game effect, It is only necessary that the audio data of the notice game effect is not output.

  Further, when the notice game effect is an effect by light emission of the lamp, the concealment effect unit 806 places the lighting data of the concealment effect (for example, all the lamps are lit in blue) higher in the layer than the lighting data of the notice game effect. By setting, the lighting data of the notice game effect may be prevented from being output.

  When the concealment effect is performed by the concealment effect unit 806, the notification effect unit 807 performs a notification effect that informs the player that the special game effect is concealed by the player. The notification effect may be any effect that can notify the player that the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect, and any one of an image, a sound, and a lamp is used. Specifically, the notification effect is an image notification as shown in the notification effect 741 in FIG.

  Further, the concealment production unit 806 performs the concealment effect by selecting one of the predetermined time periods (for example, concealment effect patterns) having different start timings or end timings for performing the concealment effect. That is, the concealment effect is not related to the notice game effect, and the timing at which the notice game effect is concealed varies.

  Therefore, the notification effect unit 807 determines whether or not the concealment effect unit 806 has concealed both the final stage of the advance notice game effect that develops in stages and the special game effect, and in the case of a positive determination result, A notification effect may be performed. This makes it possible for the player to notify the player that the special game effect has been concealed while the upper limit level is unknown, and to indicate to the player that the variation is highly reliable. It is possible to make the player guess whether it has been developed.

  The special game determination unit 801, the symbol control unit 802, and the symbol display unit 803 described above are realized by the CPU 311 of the main control unit 301. That is, the main control unit 301 executes various programs (for example, a special symbol processing program 361) to realize the functions of the respective units.

  Further, the notice effect unit 804, the special effect unit 805, the concealment effect unit 806, and the notification effect unit 807 are realized by, for example, the CPU 411 of the effect control unit 403a. That is, the production control unit 403a executes various programs (for example, a variation production pattern selection processing program 455, a notice game production pattern selection processing program, etc.), thereby realizing the function of each unit.

(Processing performed by pachinko machines)
Next, the contents of the process performed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 to realize the above-described operation will be described.

(1. Processing performed by the main control unit)
First, processing performed by the main control unit 301 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 301 described below is performed by the CPU 311 of the main control unit 301 executing a program stored in the ROM 312.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, a timer interrupt process performed by the main control unit 301 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing. When the supply of power is started, the main control unit 301 starts executing a main control process (not shown) including a startup process, a power-off monitoring process, and the like. The main control unit 301 continuously executes this main control process while power is supplied. The main control unit 301 interrupts and executes a timer interrupt process at a predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) with respect to the main control process.

  In the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 301 first executes a random number update process for updating random numbers used in various lotteries performed by the main control unit 301 (step S901). In this random number update process, the main control unit 301 updates a winning random number, a design random number, a variation pattern random number, and the like.

  Then, the main control unit 301 executes switch processing for detecting by various switches (step S902). In this switch process, the main control unit 301 starts the start port switch process (see FIG. 10) for detecting a game ball won in the start port (first start port 105, second start port 106), and the game passed through the gate 108. Gate switch processing for detecting a ball, large winning port switch processing for detecting a gaming ball won in the upper winning port 109a or the lower winning port 109b, and normal winning port switch processing for detecting a game ball winning in the normal winning port 110 And so on.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 301 executes a symbol process related to the special symbol and the normal symbol (step S903). Here, the symbol process includes a special symbol process related to the special symbol and a normal symbol process related to the normal symbol. In the special symbol process, the main control unit 301 performs a jackpot lottery to display the special symbol in a variable manner and a stop manner (see FIG. 14). In the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 301 performs a normal symbol lottery and displays the normal symbol in a variable display and a stop display. In addition, illustration and detailed description of normal symbol processing are omitted.

  When the symbol process is executed, the main control unit 301 executes an electric accessory control process related to operation control of various electric accessories (step S904). The electric accessory control process includes an electric tulip control process (not shown) that controls the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 107, and a big prize opening process that controls the operation of the upper big prize opening 109a or the lower big prize opening 109b (FIG. 22-). 1) and the like.

  Then, the main control unit 301 executes a prize ball process related to a prize ball (step S905). In the prize ball process, the main control unit 301 instructs a prize ball to give out a predetermined number of prize balls to, for example, game balls won in the upper prize hole 109a, the lower prize hall 109b, or the normal prize opening 110. A command is set in the RAM 313. Then, the main control unit 301 executes an output process for outputting the command set in the RAM 313 to each of the effect control unit 303 and the like by the processes of steps S901 to S905 (step S906), and ends the timer interrupt process. . When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 301 returns to the main process.

(Start-up switch processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the processing contents of the start port switch process included in the switch process (see step S902 in FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process. In the start port switch process, the main control unit 301 first determines whether or not the first start port SW 314a is turned on (step S1001). If the first starter SW 314a is not ON (step S1001: No), the process proceeds to step S1006.

  If the first start port SW314a is ON (step S1001: Yes), whether or not the number of hold information U1 for the game ball won in the first start port 105 in the hold information storage area 374 is less than 4 (U1 <4). Is determined (step S1002). If the number of held information U1 is not less than 4 (step S1002: No), that is, if the number of held information U1 is 4 or more, the process proceeds to step S1006.

  If the number of held information U1 is less than 4 (step S1002: Yes), a value obtained by adding “1” to the number of held information U1 is set as a new number of held information U1 (step S1003), and the counter storage area 373 is referred to. The count value of each random number counter is acquired as hold information and stored in the hold information storage area 374 (step S1004).

  When the hold information is acquired and stored, the main control unit 301 performs a preliminary determination process (see FIG. 12) based on the stored hold information (step S1005). When the prior determination process is performed, the main control unit 301 subsequently determines whether or not the second starter SW 314b is turned on (step S1006). If the second start port SW 314b is not ON (step S1006: No), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the second start port SW314b is ON (step S1006: Yes), whether or not the number of hold information U2 for the game ball won in the second start port 106 in the hold information storage area 374 is less than 4 (U2 <4). Is determined (step S1007). If the number of on-hold information U2 is not less than 4 (step S1007: No), that is, if the number of on-hold information U2 is 4 or more, the start port switch process is terminated as it is.

  If the number of held information U2 is less than 4 (step S1007: Yes), a value obtained by adding “1” to the number of held information U2 is set as a new number of held information U2 (step S1008), and the counter storage area 373 is referred to. The count value of each random number counter is acquired as hold information and stored in the hold information storage area 374 (step S1009). An example of the stored contents of the hold information storage area 374 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  At this time, the main control unit 301 stores the hold information in the hold information storage area 374 that has a higher priority than the hold information acquired in response to the winning at the first start port 105. In this case, the hold information acquired in response to the winning at the first start port 105 is shifted to the hold information storage area H where the priority is lowered one by one. An example of the stored contents of the hold information storage area 374 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When acquiring and storing the hold information, the main control unit 301 performs a pre-determination process (see FIG. 12) using the stored hold information (step S1010), and ends the start-up switch process.

(Example of stored information in the hold information storage area)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the hold information storage area. The hold information storage area 374 has hold information storage areas H1 to H8, and indicates that a maximum of 8 hold information can be stored. In the holding information storage areas H1 to H8, the counts of the counters such as the winning random number counter, the symbol random number counter, and the variation pattern random number counter acquired at the timing when the game ball is won at the first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106 are stored. The value is stored in association with the hold information.

  Also, in the hold information storage areas H1 to H8, it is stored whether each winning start port is through the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. In the holding information storage areas H1 to H8, up to four pieces of holding information are stored, with the upper limit being four for each of the first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106.

  In addition, in the hold information storage areas H1 to H8, priorities for receiving a hit determination are set. In the example shown in the figure, the hold information stored in the hold information storage area H having a smaller number, such as the hold information storage area H1, the hold information storage area H2, the hold information storage area H3,. The priority for receiving the hit determination is set high.

  In the holding information storage area 374, the holding information acquired by winning first is stored in the holding information storage area H having a smaller number in time series. In the hold information storage area 374, the hold information acquired by winning the second start port 106 is smaller than the hold information acquired by winning the first start port 105. Stored in H.

(Preliminary judgment processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the processing content of the pre-determination process shown in steps S1005 and S1010 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the prior determination processing. In the prior determination process, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not a high probability game flag indicating that the current game state is a high probability game state is ON (step S1201). The high probability game flag is a flag set in a game state setting process which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the high probability game flag is ON (step S1201: Yes), that is, when the current game state is the high probability game state, the main control unit 301 determines the high probability per determination table At2 (see FIG. 17-2). Is selected (step S1202), and the process proceeds to step S1204. When the high-probability game flag is OFF (step S1201: No), that is, when the low-probability game state is set, the main control unit 301 selects the low-probability determination table At1 (see FIG. 17-1) (step 17-1). S1203).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 301 compares the hit determination table selected in step S1202 or step S1203 with the hit random number of the hold information to be determined in advance, and the hit random number corresponds to the jackpot in the hit determination table. A hit determination is made to determine whether or not the predetermined value matches (step S1204).

  If the result of the hit determination in step S1204 is a big win (step S1205: Yes), the symbol determination table Zt1 or the symbol determination table Zt2 (FIG. 18-) depending on the start opening 105, 106 where the game ball has won. 1 and FIG. 18-2), the winning symbol determination is performed (step S1206). In the winning symbol determination, the symbol determination table Zt1 or the symbol determination table Zt2 is compared with the symbol random number of the hold information to be pre-determined, and the symbol random number in the symbol determination table Zt1 or the symbol determination table Zt2 It is determined whether it corresponds to.

  Then, the jackpot variation pattern determination tables Ht3 and Ht4 (see FIGS. 20-3 and 20-4) are selected according to the gaming state (step S1207), and the process proceeds to step S1209. In step S1205, if it is not a big hit (step S1205: No), that is, if it is a loss, the variation pattern determination tables Ht1 and Ht2 for loss (see FIGS. 20-1 and 20-2) depending on the gaming state. Among them, one variation pattern determination table for loss is selected (step S1208).

  Then, the main control unit 301 compares the variation pattern determination table selected in either step S1207 or step S1208 with the variation pattern random number of the hold information to be determined in advance, and the variation pattern random number is determined as the variation pattern determination. A variation pattern is determined to determine which variation pattern corresponds to the table (step S1209).

  Then, a preliminary determination result (preliminary determination information) including the hit determination result in step S1204 and the variation pattern determination result in step S1209 is set in the preliminary determination information storage area 378 of the RAM 313 (step S1210), and the preliminary determination process is terminated. To do. An example of the advance determination information storage area 378 will be described later with reference to FIG. The preliminary determination result set in step S1210 is output to the effect control unit 303 as a preliminary determination command when the output process shown in step S906 of FIG. 9 is executed.

(Example of pre-determined information storage area)
Here, an example of the prior determination information storage area 378 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the prior determination information storage area. In FIG. 13, the prior determination information storage area 378 stores determination results of hit determination, symbol determination, and variation pattern determination for the hold information stored in each of the hold information storage areas H1 to H8 of the hold information storage area 374. Is done.

  In addition, the prior determination information storage area 378 may store information indicating symbols representing both the determination result of the hit determination and the determination result of the symbol determination. Specifically, for example, the 16R probability variation jackpot stores the symbol "A", the 8R probability variation jackpot stores the symbol "B", the RUSH probability variation jackpot stores the symbol "C", and the 2R sudden variation jackpot The symbol “D” may be stored, the symbol “E” may be stored in the 8R normal jackpot, and the symbol “−” may be stored in the loss.

(Special symbol processing)
Next, the processing content of the special symbol process included in the symbol process (see step S903 in FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol processing. In the special symbol process shown in FIG. 14, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1401). The jackpot game flag is, for example, a flag that is set to ON when the jackpot is won, and indicates that the current gaming state is a jackpot gaming state (see step S2111 in FIG. 21-2).

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1401: Yes), the special symbol process is terminated without changing the special symbol. When the big hit game flag is OFF (step S1401: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed (step S1402). When the special symbol is being variably displayed (step S1402: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1409.

  When the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S1402: No), it is determined whether or not the number of held information U for the game ball won at the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 is “1” or more. (Step S1403). When the number of held information U is “1” or more (U ≧ 1) (step S1403: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the number of held information U is set as a new number of held information U (step S1404). When the number U of pending information is “0” (U = 0) (step S1403: No), the special symbol process is terminated as it is.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the hold information storage area 374 of FIG. 11, the hold information due to winning at the second start port 106 is more numbered than the hold information due to winning at the first start port 105. Since the information is stored in the small holding information storage area H, the holding information by winning to the second starting port 106 is first changed, and so-called preferential digestion is performed. This is because the jackpot symbol determination for the hold information won in the second start port 106 is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot symbol determination for the hold information won in the first start port 105 (16R probability variation jackpot). This is because it makes it easier to win (see FIGS. 18-1 and 18-2).

  Then, the main control unit 301 performs a jackpot lottery process (see FIG. 16) (step S1405) and executes a variation pattern determination process (see FIG. 19) (step S1406). Each determination result in the big hit lottery process and the variation pattern determination process is stored in the determination result storage area 375 of the RAM 313 in each process. An example of the determination result storage area 375 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Based on the determined variation pattern, the variation display of the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 201 is started (step S1407). When the special symbol indicating the lottery result of the second big hit lottery by winning at the second starting port 106 is variably displayed, the second special symbol of the second special symbol display unit 201b is variably displayed. When the special symbol indicating the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery is variably displayed, the first special symbol of the first special symbol display unit 201a is variably displayed.

  Then, the main control unit 301 sets a change start command in the RAM 313 in accordance with the start of change display of the special symbol (step S1408). The variation start command set in step S1408 includes the lottery result of the jackpot lottery process in step S1405, information indicating the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern determination process in step S1406, and the like. Further, the change start command set in step S1408 is output to the effect control unit 303 when the output process shown in step S906 of FIG. 9 is executed.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not a predetermined variation time (a variation time defined by the variation pattern selected immediately before the variation display) has elapsed since the start of the variation display of the special symbol (step S1409). ). If the predetermined fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S1409: No), the special symbol process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (step S1409: Yes), the special symbol that is being variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 201 is stopped (step S1410), and a fluctuation stop command is set in the RAM 313 (step S1411). The change stop command set in step S1411 is output to the effect control unit 303 when the output process shown in step S906 of FIG. 9 is executed.

  After setting the variable stop command in the RAM 313, a stop process described later with reference to FIGS. 21-1 and 21-2 is executed (step S1412), and the special symbol process is terminated.

(Example of judgment result storage area)
Here, an example of the determination result storage area 375 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the determination result storage area. As shown in FIG. 15, the determination result storage area 375 stores the determination result of the hit determination, the determination result of the symbol determination, and the determination result of the variation pattern determination in association with each other.

  The determination result storage area 375 may store information indicating symbols representing both the determination result of the hit determination and the determination result of the symbol determination. Specifically, for example, the 16R probability variation jackpot stores the symbol "A", the 8R probability variation jackpot stores the symbol "B", the RUSH probability variation jackpot stores the symbol "C", and the 2R sudden variation jackpot The symbol “D” may be stored, the symbol “E” may be stored in the 8R normal jackpot, and the symbol “−” may be stored in the loss.

(Large lottery processing)
Next, the contents of the big hit lottery process shown in step S1405 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big hit lottery process. In the jackpot lottery process, the main control unit 301 first determines whether or not a high probability game flag indicating that the current game state is a high probability game state is ON (step S1601).

  When the high-probability game flag is ON (step S1601: Yes), the high-probability determination table At2 (see FIG. 17-2) is selected (step S1602), and the process proceeds to step S1604. When the high probability game flag is OFF (step S1601: No), the low probability per determination table At1 (see FIG. 17-1) is selected (step S1603).

  Then, the main control unit 301 compares the hit determination table At selected in step S1602 or step S1603 with the hit random number of the hold information (hold information set with the highest priority) to be hit. A hit determination is performed to determine whether the hit random number matches a predetermined value corresponding to each hit in the hit determination table At (step S1604).

  Then, the result of the hit determination is set in the determination result storage area 375 (see FIG. 15) of the RAM 313 (step S1605). If the result of the hit determination is a big win (step S1606: Yes), the symbol random number of the hold information is used by using the symbol determination table Zt1 or Zt2 (see FIGS. 18-1 and 18-2) corresponding to the winning start port. And the symbol determination table, the symbol random number is a predetermined value corresponding to any type of jackpot (16R probability variation jackpot, 8R probability variation jackpot, RUSH probability variation jackpot, 2R sudden probability jackpot, 8R normal jackpot) in the symbol judgment table Zt. Symbol determination is performed to determine whether they match (step S1607).

  In the symbol determination, the first symbol determination table Zt1 is used for the winning ball to the first starting port 105, and the second symbol determination table Zt2 is used for the winning ball to the second starting port 106. Then, the jackpot symbol representing the symbol determination result is set in the determination result storage area 375 (see FIG. 15) of the RAM 313 (step S1608), and the jackpot lottery process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S1606, when the determination result of the winning determination is not a big win (step S1606: No), the symbol indicating the loss is set in the determination result storage area 375 (see FIG. 15) of the RAM 313 (step S1609), and the big hit lottery End the process.

(Example of winning judgment table)
Here, an example of the hit determination table At stored in the ROM 312 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a hit determination table used in the low probability gaming state. FIG. 17-2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a hit determination table used in the high probability gaming state.

  The low probability per determination table At1 and the high probability per determination table At2 are configured by associating a predetermined determination value with a big hit. In the winning determination, the winning probability for the jackpot is determined by the number of determination values associated with each. In the low probability per determination table At1, a determination value “7 (one)” is assigned to the big hit. On the other hand, the determination value “0 to 6 (seven)” is assigned to the big hit in the high probability hit determination table At2.

  When the high probability game flag indicating the high probability gaming state is set to OFF at the time of winning determination (when the low probability gaming state), the winning determination is performed using the low probability hit determination table At1. Is called. On the other hand, if the high-probability gaming flag is set to ON at the time of winning determination (when the gaming state is high-probability), the winning determination is performed using the high-probability winning determination table At2. When the winning random number acquired at the time of winning the start matches the determination value, it is determined that the jackpot is won, and when the winning determination random number does not match the determination value, it is determined to be lost.

  The possible range of the winning random number acquired at the time of starting winning is any value from “0 to 249”. For this reason, when the hit determination is performed using the low probability hit determination table At1, the winning probability (big hit probability) is 1/250. On the other hand, when the hit determination is performed using the high probability hit determination table At2, the winning probability (big hit probability) is 1/36 (7/250).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 100, in the jackpot lottery when the high probability game flag is set to ON, it is easier to win the jackpot than when the high probability game flag is set to OFF.

(Example of symbol determination table)
Next, the symbol determination table Zt stored in the ROM 312 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18-1 and 18-2. FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a symbol determination table used for winning balls to the first start opening. FIG. 18-2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a symbol determination table used for winning balls to the second starting port.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the first symbol determination table Zt1 and the second symbol determination table Zt2 are configured by associating a predetermined determination value with each jackpot type. The first symbol determination table Zt1 is used for symbol determination of a game ball won in the first starting port 105. On the other hand, the second symbol determination table Zt2 is used for symbol determination of a game ball that has won the second starting port 106.

  More specifically, in the first symbol determination table Zt1 and the second symbol determination table Zt2, “big hit symbol” indicates the type of jackpot, and the stop mode (lighting mode) of the special symbol display unit 201 made of LEDs. ). That is, the special symbol (LED stop mode) to be stopped is different for each jackpot type.

  Further, in the first symbol determination table Zt1 and the second symbol determination table Zt2, for the sake of convenience of explanation, “big hit type” and “number of time reductions” are described. The “bonus type” indicates the contents of the jackpot, and is represented by the number of rounds that open the upper jackpot 109a or the lower jackpot 109b and the game state after the jackpot game. For example, in the case of “16R probability change”, the opening period of one round is 10 balls or 29.5 seconds elapses, and the lower round winning hole 109b is opened for 16 rounds, and the probability change gaming state is set after the big hit game. Is shown. “Time saving time count” indicates the number of fluctuations to which the time saving gaming state is given. The winning probability of each jackpot type is determined by the number of determination values associated with each.

  In the first symbol determination table Zt1 shown in FIG. 18A, the determination value “0-9 (10 pieces)” is assigned to the 16R probability variation big hit out of the range “0-99”. The ratio of 16R probability variation is 10% (= 10/100).

  Further, in the first symbol determination table Zt1, the determination value “10 to 24 (15 pieces)” is assigned to the 8R probability variation jackpot, and the ratio of the jackpot to the 8R probability variation jackpot is 15% (= 15 / 100). Similarly, the ratio for the RUSH probability big hit is 15%, the percentage for the 2R sudden big hit is 30%, and the ratio for the 8R normal big hit is 30%.

  In the second symbol determination table Zt2 shown in FIG. 18-2, the ratio for 16R probability variation is 30%, the ratio for 8R probability variation is 15%, the ratio for RUSH probability variation is 20%, and the ratio for 2R probability variation is 20%. Is 5%, and the probability of 8R normal jackpot is 30%. In the second symbol determination table Zt2, the probability of a 16R probability variation jackpot advantageous to the player is higher than that in the first symbol determination table Zt1 of FIG. The probability is lower than that of the first symbol determination table Zt1. That is, the symbol determination based on the winning at the second starting port 106 is more advantageous for the player than the symbol determination based on the winning at the first starting port 105.

  In the short-time gaming state, in most cases, symbol determination using the second symbol determination table Zt2 is performed by the support function of the ordinary electric accessory 107. In the short-time gaming state, when there is no holding information due to winning at the second starting port 106 and only holding information due to winning at the first starting port 105 is stored, the first symbol determination Symbol determination using the table Zt1 is performed.

(Fluctuation pattern judgment processing)
Next, processing contents of the variation pattern determination process shown in step S1406 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern determination process. In the variation pattern determination process shown in FIG. 19, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not the determination result of the winning determination in the big hit lottery process (see FIG. 16) is a big win (step S1901).

  If it is not a big hit (step S1901: No), it is determined whether or not a short time game flag indicating ON is in a short time game state (step S1902). When the time-short game flag is OFF (step S1902: No), the normal-time variation pattern determination table Ht1 (described as “normal-time loss table” in the drawing) is selected (step S1903), and the process proceeds to step S1908.

  In step S1902, if the short-time game flag is ON (step S1902: Yes), the short-time loss variation pattern determination table Ht2 (described as “short-time loss table” in the figure) is selected (step S1904), and step S1908. Migrate to

  In step S1901, if it is a big hit (step S1901: Yes), it is determined whether or not the time-short game flag indicating that the time-short game state is ON (step S1905). When the hour / short game flag is OFF (step S1905: No), that is, when in the normal game state, the normal time big hit variation pattern determination table Ht3 (described as “normal time big hit table” in the figure) is selected (step S1906), the process proceeds to step S1908.

  In step S1905, when the time-saving game flag is ON (step S1905: Yes), the time-saving time jackpot variation pattern determination table Ht4 (described as “time-saving jackpot table” in the figure) is selected (step S1907), and step S1908. Migrate to

  In step S1908, the selected variation pattern determination table Ht is compared with the variation pattern random number of the current hold information to determine which variation pattern corresponds to the variation pattern random number in the variation pattern determination table. A determination is made (step S1908). Then, this determination result is set in the determination result storage area 375 (see FIG. 15) of the RAM 313 (step S1909), and the variation pattern determination process is ended.

(Example of variation pattern determination table)
Here, an example of the variation pattern determination table Ht will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a normal-time variation pattern determination table used for a loss in a normal gaming state. As shown in FIG. 20A, in the normal-time variation pattern determination table Ht1, predetermined determination values are associated with the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp5.

  The variation patterns Hp11 to Hp5 define the variation mode of the special symbol, and define, for example, a period during which the special symbol is varied (hereinafter referred to as “variation time”). In FIG. 20-1 to FIG. 20-4, for the convenience of explanation, the effect contents are written in parentheses in each variation pattern. The winning ratio is determined for each of the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp5 in the variation pattern determination. Specifically, in the variation pattern determination, the winning probabilities of the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp5 are determined by the number of determination values associated with each.

  The variation patterns Hp11 to Hp13 are variation patterns in which a normal loss effect is performed. Among the determination values in the range of “0 to 99”, the determination value acquired at the time of starting winning is “0 to 84 (85 pieces)”. Is selected depending on the number of hold information.

  When the number of the hold information is “2 or less”, the change pattern Hp11 having a change time of 13 seconds is selected. When the number of the hold information is “3”, the change pattern Hp12 having a change time of 8 seconds is selected. When the number of information is “4 or more”, the fluctuation pattern Hp13 having a fluctuation time of 3 seconds is selected. By adopting such a configuration, when a large number of hold information is stored ("3" or more), a quick game is possible and a lottery opportunities can be given to the player. .

  The fluctuation patterns Hp2 to Hp5 are fluctuation patterns in which a reach effect is performed. In the variation patterns Hp2 to Hp5, the variation time becomes longer and the reliability with respect to the jackpot is higher in order, and in the variation pattern determination table Ht1 for normal-time loss, the higher the reliability, the harder it is to select. .

  FIG. 20B is an explanatory diagram of an example of a short-time loss variation pattern determination table used when lost in a short-time gaming state. As shown in FIG. 20B, the short-time loss variation pattern determination table Ht2 is associated with determination values so that any one of the variation patterns Hp11, Hp14, Hp3, Hp4, and Hp5 is selected. ing. The variation patterns Hp11 and Hp14 are for performing a normal loss effect.

  In the short-time loss variation pattern determination table Ht2, the ratio of selection of normal loss is higher than that in the normal loss variation pattern determination table Ht1 (see FIG. 20A). Specifically, the normal loss selection ratio is “85/100” in the normal-time fluctuation pattern determination table Ht1, whereas “94/100” in the short-time fluctuation pattern determination table Ht2. "It has become.

  Further, one of the variation patterns Hp11 and Hp14 is selected according to the number of second hold information (described as “special 2 hold” in the figure). Specifically, when the number of second pending information is 2 or more, the variation pattern Hp14 with a variation time of 1 second is selected. In the short-time gaming state, since the support function of the ordinary electric accessory 107 is given, the number of the second hold information is often 2 or more. As described above, in the short-time game state, it is difficult to perform the reach effect, and the variation time is shortened, thereby enabling a quick game and making many lotteries.

  On the other hand, when the number of second hold information is 1 or less, the change pattern Hp11 having a change time of 13 seconds is selected regardless of the number of first hold information. Here, assuming that the variation of the fluctuation pattern Hp11 due to the second hold is finished in a state where there is no second hold, the hold information (first hold) that is disadvantageous for the player due to winning at the first start port 105 is stored. If so, the variation due to jackpot symbol determination that is disadvantageous to the player due to the first hold is started.

  Specifically, the jackpot symbol determination by the first hold information having a lower winning ratio for the 16R probability variation jackpot is performed than the jackpot symbol determination by the second hold information. In order to make it difficult to perform such an unfavorable lottery, a variation of 13 seconds is performed by the variation pattern Hp11 so as to earn time for winning the second start port 106. From the viewpoint of earning time for winning the prize to the second starting port 106, when the number of second hold information is 1 or less, the fluctuation time may be longer than 13 seconds.

  Further, in the fluctuation pattern determination table Ht2 for short / short time loss, the change patterns for reach effects that can be selected are the change patterns Hp3, Hp4, and Hp5, and only a specific reach effect with a certain degree of reliability can be selected. . As a result, the reach effect in the short-time game state can be made more reliable than the reach effect in the normal game state, and the player can be raised when the reach effect is performed in the short-time game state. .

  FIG. 20C is an explanatory diagram of an example of a normal-time big hit variation pattern determination table used for a big hit in a normal gaming state. As shown in FIG. 20C, in the normal big hit variation pattern determination table Ht3, predetermined determination values are associated with the variation patterns Hp2 to Hp5.

  In the normal big hit variation pattern determination table Ht3, the variation pattern Hp4 in which the high-reliability reach effect is performed is selected at the highest rate (50/100).

  FIG. 20-4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a time-hit jackpot variation pattern determination table used for a jackpot in a time-saving gaming state. As shown in FIG. 20-4, in the time-saving jackpot variation pattern determination table Ht4, predetermined determination values are associated with the variation patterns Hp3, Hp4, and Hp5.

  The change pattern determination table Ht4 for the time-saving jackpot variation pattern Hp3, Hp4, and Hp5 that can be selected are the same as the change pattern determination table Ht2 for the time-shortage loss (see FIG. 20-2), and have high reliability to some extent It is supposed to be. In this way, by limiting the reach production that can be selected in the short-time game state to a specific reach production that has a certain degree of reliability, it is possible to achieve a quick game, and at the time of the reach production, a higher expectation than the normal game state. Can be given to the player.

(Processing during stoppage)
Next, the processing contents of the stop process will be described with reference to FIGS. 21-1 and 21-2. FIG. 21A is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the in-stop process performed by the main control unit. FIG. 21B is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the in-stop process performed by the main control unit.

  In the stop process, the CPU 311 of the main control unit 301 determines whether or not the hourly gaming flag indicating the hourly gaming state is ON (step S2101). The short-time game flag is a flag set in a game state setting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. If the time-saving game flag is not ON (step S2101: No), the process proceeds to step S2106.

  If the short-time game flag is ON (step S2101: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the short-time game counter J indicating the remaining number of times in the short-time game state is set as a new short-time game counter J (step S2102). The short-time game counter J indicates the remaining number of games in the short-time game state, and is a numerical value set to 10,000 times or 30 times according to the type of jackpot after the jackpot. The setting of the short-time game counter J will be described later in the game state setting process (see FIG. 24). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the time-saving game counter J is “0” (step S2103).

  When the time-short game counter J is “0” (step S2103: Yes), that is, after the end of the jackpot, if the time-short duration 10000 fluctuation or 30 fluctuations have elapsed, the time-short game flag is turned OFF (step S2104). Then, a right-handed notification end process for turning off the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S2105), and the process proceeds to step S2106. On the other hand, when the time-saving game counter J is not “0” (step S2103: No), the process proceeds to step S2106. In step S2106, it is determined whether or not a high probability game flag indicating a high probability game state is ON (step S2106).

  In step S2106, when the high probability game flag is OFF (step S2106: No), the process proceeds to step S2110. When the high probability game flag is ON (step S2106: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the high probability game counter X indicating the remaining number of times of the high probability game state is set as a new high probability game counter X (step S2107). ).

  Specifically, the high-probability game counter X indicates the remaining number of games in the high-probability game state, and is a numerical value set to, for example, 10,000 times after the jackpot. The setting of the high probability game counter X will be described later in the game state setting process (FIG. 24).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the high probability game counter X is “0” (step S2108). If the high probability game counter X is “0” (step S2108: Yes), that is, after the jackpot ends, If 10,000 fluctuations have elapsed, the high-probability game flag is turned off (step S2109), and the process proceeds to step S2110. When the high probability game counter X is not “0” (step S2108: No), the process proceeds to step S2110. It should be noted that the 10000 fluctuation after the jackpot is almost impossible in actual games.

  In step S2110, it is determined whether or not the stopped special symbol is a jackpot (step S2110). If the stopped special symbol is not a big hit (step S2110: No), the in-stop process is terminated as it is. When the stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S2110: Yes), the jackpot game flag is turned ON (step S2111), and a right-handed notification start process for lighting the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S2112). .

  Then, the time-shortage game counter J and the high probability game counter X are set to “0” (step S2113). Thereafter, the short-time game flag and the high-probability game flag are turned off (step S2114), and the jackpot opening is started (step S2115). Thereafter, an opening command is set in the RAM 313 (step S2116), and the process ends.

(Large winnings processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 22-1, processing contents of the special prize opening process included in the electric accessory control process (see step S904 in FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 22-1 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special prize opening process. In the big prize opening process shown in FIG. 22-1, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not the big hit game flag is set to ON (step S2201). When the big hit game flag is OFF (step S2201: No), the big prize opening process is finished as it is.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S2201: Yes), it is determined whether or not opening is in progress (step S2202). Specifically, in step S2202, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening operation pattern selected when the jackpot game flag is set to ON is being opened. Note that the term “opening” refers to a predetermined period before the upper prize winning opening 109a or the lower prize winning opening 109b is opened.

  If the opening is not in progress (step S2202: NO), the process proceeds to step S2203, and it is determined whether or not the opening has already been completed (step S2203). If the opening has already ended (step S2203: YES), the process proceeds to step S2206. If the opening is not completed (step S2203: No), the operation pattern of the upper prize winning port 109a or the lower major prize winning port 109b is set (step S2204), and the process proceeds to step S2206. When setting the operation pattern of the upper large winning opening 109a or the lower large winning opening 109b, an operation pattern setting table described later with reference to FIG. 22-2 is used.

  In step S2202, when opening is in progress (step S2202: Yes), an opening process is performed to wait for the opening period to elapse (step S2205), and the process proceeds to step S2206.

  Then, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not the upper major prize opening 109a or the lower major prize opening 109b is being opened (step S2206). If the upper prize winning port 109a or the lower major prize winning port 109b is being opened (step S2206: Yes), an opening process for measuring the number of winning prizes or measuring the opening period is performed (step S2207), and the process proceeds to step S2208. Transition. When the upper large winning opening 109a or the lower large winning opening 109b is not being opened (step S2206: No), the process proceeds to step S2208.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not it is during the interval (step S2208). If it is during the interval (step S2208: YES), an interval process for adding “1” to the number of rounds is performed (step S2209), and the process proceeds to step S2210. If it is not during the interval (step S2208: NO), the process proceeds to step S2210.

  Then, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step S2210). If it is during ending (step S2210: Yes), an ending process is performed (step S2211), and the big prize opening process is terminated. The processing contents of the ending process will be described later with reference to FIG. If the ending is not in progress (step S2210: NO), the special winning opening process is terminated as it is.

(Example of operation pattern setting table)
Next, with reference to FIG. 22-2, an operation pattern setting table used when setting the operation pattern of the upper large winning opening 109a or the lower large winning opening 109b will be described. FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation pattern setting table. In FIG. 22-2, the operation pattern setting table 2220 shows the opening pattern of the top big prize opening 109a or the lower big prize opening 109b for each jackpot type.

  For example, in the case of 16R probability variation jackpot, the opening time per round is set to 29.5 seconds, and the lower round winning opening 109b is opened for 16 rounds. In each round, for each 29.5 seconds, the upper prize winning port 109a or the lower major prize winning port 109b is not opened, but if there is a prescribed number (for example, 10) of winnings in one round, The round ends.

  Further, in the case of 8R probability variation big win, the opening time per round is set to 29.5 seconds, and the lower big winning opening 109b is opened for 8 rounds. In the case of RUSH probable big hit, the opening time per round is set to 29.5 seconds, and the upper prize winning opening 109a is opened for 8 rounds. In the case of 2R sudden big hit, the opening time per round is 0.1 seconds, and the lower big prize opening 109b is opened for 2 rounds. In the case of 8R normal big win, the opening time per round is set to 29.5 seconds, and the lower big prize opening 109b is opened for 8 rounds.

  In the 2R sudden win, the opening time of the lower grand prize opening 109b is as short as 0.1 seconds, and there is virtually no gaming ball winning at the lower big prize opening 109b, and the player may win the ball. I can't do it. In other words, the 2R probability big hit is a big hit for changing the game state from the normal game state to the high probability short-time game state.

(Ending process)
Next, the ending process shown in step S2211 of FIG. 22-1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the ending process. In the ending process shown in FIG. 23, the main control unit 301 determines whether or not a predetermined ending period has elapsed (step S2301). If the ending period has not elapsed (step S2301: No), the ending process is terminated as it is.

  When the ending period has elapsed (step S2301: Yes), the main control unit 301 ends the ending (step S2302), and resets the count value R of the round number counter to “0” (step S2303). And the game state setting process (refer FIG. 24) which sets the game state after this big hit game is performed (step S2304). Then, the jackpot game flag is set to OFF (step S2305), a right-handed notification end process for turning off the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S2306), and the ending process is ended.

(Game state setting process)
Next, the game state setting process shown in step S2304 of FIG. 23 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the game state setting process. In the gaming state setting process shown in FIG. 24, the main control unit 301 sets a short time gaming flag indicating ON in a short time gaming state (step S2401).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the running jackpot is an 8R normal jackpot (step S2402). If it is not an 8R normal big hit (step S2402: No), the hourly game flag indicating the hourly game state is turned ON (step S2403), and the hourly game counter J is set to “10000” (step S2404).

  Then, the high probability game flag indicating the high probability game state is turned ON (step S2405), and the high probability game counter X is set to “10000” (step S2406). Then, a right-handed notification start process for lighting the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S2407), and the gaming state setting process is ended.

  In step S2402, if the 8R normal jackpot is true (step S2402: Yes), the short time game flag indicating the short time game state is turned ON (step S2408), and the short time game counter J is set to “30” (step S2409). The process proceeds to step S2407.

(2. Processing performed by the Director of Production)
Next, processing performed by the effect supervising unit 403a of the effect control unit 303 will be described. Each process performed by the effect control unit 403a described below is performed, for example, when the CPU 411 of the effect control unit 403a executes a program stored in the ROM 412.

(Production timer interrupt processing)
First, the processing content of the effect timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect timer interrupt process. The production supervising unit 403a continuously performs a predetermined main production control process (not shown) during activation, and performs the production timer interruption process shown in FIG. For example, an interrupt is executed at 4 ms).

  In the effect timer interrupt process, the effect control unit 403a performs an operation reception process for setting a command indicating that the effect button 118 and the cross key 119 have received an operation from the player (step S2501). Then, command reception processing (see FIG. 26) is performed (step S2502).

  And the production supervision part 403a performs a command transmission process (step S2503), and complete | finishes an effect timer interruption process. When the effect timer interruption process is completed, the effect control unit 403a returns to the main effect control process. In the command transmission process, a process for outputting a command indicating information set in each storage area of the RAM 413 by a command reception process or an operation reception process to the image / sound control unit 403b or the lamp control unit 403c is performed.

(Command reception processing)
Next, processing contents of the command reception processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the command reception processing.

  In the command receiving process shown in FIG. 26, the effect supervising unit 403a first determines whether or not a change start command has been received from the main control unit 301 (step S2601). The variation start command is a command set in the special symbol process of the main control unit 301 (see step S1408 in FIG. 14). When the fluctuation start command has not been received (step S2601: No), the process proceeds to step S2603.

  When the change start command is received (step S2601: Yes), the effect supervising unit 403a performs effect determination processing for determining the effect content of the effect to be executed (step S2602), and the process proceeds to step S2603. Details of the effect determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2603, it is determined whether a change stop command has been received from the main control unit 301 (step S2603). The change stop command is a command set in the special symbol process of the main control unit 301 (see step S1411 in FIG. 14).

  When the fluctuation stop command has not been received (step S2603: NO), the process proceeds to step S2605. When the change stop command is received (step S2603: Yes), the effect supervision unit 403a performs an effect end process for ending the effect being executed (step S2604), and proceeds to step S2605.

  In step S2605, it is determined whether an opening command has been received from the main control unit 301 (step S2605). The opening command is a command set in the stop process of the main control unit 301 (see step S2116 in FIG. 21-2). When the opening command has not been received (step S2605: NO), the process proceeds to step S2607.

  When the opening command is received (step S2605: Yes), a jackpot effect selection process for selecting a jackpot effect performed during the jackpot is performed (step S2606), and the process proceeds to step S2607. For example, when the 16R probability variation jackpot is won, the effect supervision unit 403a selects the 16R probability variation jackpot winning effect in the jackpot effect selection process.

  In step S2607, it is determined whether an ending command has been received from the main control unit 301 (step S2607). The ending command is a command that is set at the start of ending in the releasing process of the main control unit 301. If an ending command has not been received (step S2607: NO), the process proceeds to step S2609.

  In step S2607, when an ending command is received (step S2607: Yes), an ending effect selection process for selecting an ending effect to be performed at the end of the jackpot effect is performed (step S2608). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a prior determination command has been received from the main control unit 301 (step S2609). The advance determination command is a command set in the advance determination process of the main control unit 301 (see step S1210 in FIG. 12).

  If a prior determination command has not been received (step S2609: NO), the command reception process is terminated as it is. When the prior determination command is received (step S2609: Yes), the production prior determination process is performed (step S2610), and the command reception process is terminated. In the effect advance determination process, the determined effect advance determination result is set in the effect advance determination information storage area 474 of the RAM 413. An example of the effect prior determination information storage area 474 will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Example of production pre-determined information storage area)
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the effect prior determination information storage area of the effect supervising unit. In FIG. 27, in the production advance determination information storage area 474, each hold information storage corresponding to each hold information storage area H1 to H8 stored in the advance determination information storage area 378 (see FIG. 13) of the main control unit 301 is stored. In areas h1 to h8, a hit determination result, a symbol determination result, and a variation effect pattern determination result are stored.

  For example, in FIG. 27, the variation information pattern Ep2 for the low-reliability reach effect is stored in the hold information storage area h1, the change effect pattern Ep11 for the normal lose effect is stored in the hold information storage area h2, and the hold information storage area A variation effect pattern Ep5 for high-reliability reach effect is stored in h3. The hold information of the variation effect pattern Ep5 is hold information per 16R probability variation big hit.

  By using such hold information, it is possible to perform a hold effect for a hold display and a continuous effect that associates a plurality of variable effects. Specifically, it is possible to display the hold information in the hold information storage area h3 differently from the normal display mode, or to perform a related continuous effect from the change due to the hold information storage area h1 to the change in the hold information storage area h3. It has become.

(Production decision processing)
Next, the effect determination process shown in step S2602 of FIG. 26 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect determination process. In the effect determining process shown in FIG. 28, the effect supervising unit 403a analyzes the change start command (see step S2601 in FIG. 26) received in the command receiving process (step S2801), and determines the lottery result of the big hit lottery, Information indicating special symbol variation time), gaming state, etc. is acquired.

  Then, the effect supervising unit 403a refers to a mode flag indicating the current effect mode set using the effect mode table Mt (step S2802). Then, a hold information count subtraction process is performed to subtract “1” from the current hold information count (step S2803).

  Then, a variation effect pattern selection process is performed (step S2804). Details of the variation effect pattern selection processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, a change effect start command is set in the RAM 413 (step S2805), and the effect determination process ends.

(Variation effect pattern selection process)
Next, the variation effect pattern selection process shown in step S2804 of FIG. 28 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation effect pattern selection process. In the variation effect pattern selection process shown in FIG. 29, the effect control unit 403a uses the analysis result of the change start command in the effect determination process (see step S2801 in FIG. 28) and the variation effect pattern table Et (see FIG. 30). Fluctuation effect pattern determination is performed (step S2901).

  Then, the effect supervising unit 403a sets the change effect pattern determined by the change effect pattern determination in the RAM 413 (step S2902). Next, the notice game effect determination is performed using the notice game effect pattern table Yt (see FIG. 31) (step S2903). The notice game effect is an effect that develops in stages, such as a conversation notice effect, a step-up effect, a cut-in notice effect, a character notice effect, and the like.

  Then, the production supervision unit 403a determines whether or not to perform the advance game production (step S2904). When it determines with not performing a notice game effect (step S2904: No), the production control part 403a makes it transfer to step S2907.

  When it determines with performing a notice game effect (step S2904: Yes), the production control part 403a performs special game effect determination using the special game effect pattern table Tt (refer FIG. 32-1) (step S2905). The special game effect is, for example, an effect that is more reliable than the effect in the case of reaching the final stage of the advance notice game effect that develops in stages, for example, a zebra-patterned small character 714 (see FIG. 7-2). And the like.

  If it is determined in the special game effect determination that the special game effect is to be performed, the effect supervising unit 403a sets the notice game effect together with the special game effect in the RAM 413 (step S2906). Then, the effect supervision unit 403a performs the concealment effect determination using the concealment effect pattern table Qt1 (see FIG. 32-2) and the concealment effect pattern selection table Qt2 (see FIG. 32-3) (step S2907). Then, the production supervising unit 403a determines whether or not to perform the confidential production (step S2908). When it determines with not performing a secret production (step S2908: No), the production control part 403a makes it transfer to step S2910.

  When it determines with performing a secrecy effect (step S2908: Yes), the production supervision part 403a sets a secrecy effect in RAM413 (step S2909). Then, the production supervising unit 403a determines whether or not the concealed production is content corresponding to the provision of a pachilog point (step S2910).

  If the content does not correspond to the assignment of the patch log points (step S2910: No), the effect supervision unit 403a ends the variation effect pattern selection process as it is. If the contents correspond to the addition of the patch log points (step S2910: Yes), the patch log points are set in the RAM 413 with reference to the patch log point table Pt (see FIG. 33) (step S2911), and the variation effect pattern is selected. End the process.

(Example of variation production pattern table)
Next, the variation effect pattern table Et will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation effect pattern table. As shown in FIG. 30, the variation effect pattern table Et is obtained by associating the variation effect patterns Ep11 to Ep5 with the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp5. The variation effect patterns Ep11 to Ep5 define the effect contents of the variation effect such as the normal loss effect and the reach effect.

  The variation effect patterns Ep11 to Ep13 are variation effect patterns for performing a loss variation effect in the normal gaming state. The variation effect pattern Ep14 is a variation effect pattern for performing a loss variation effect in the short-time gaming state. The variation effect pattern Ep11 is also selected when the second reserved information number is 1 or less in the short-time gaming state.

  For example, in the case of changing the three decorative symbols (first decorative symbol to third decorative symbol), the reach effect is obtained by aligning the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol on the effective line, and then the third decorative symbol. This is an effect in which only the symbol is changed and the effect time is made longer than usual to increase the player's expectation for the jackpot.

  The reach effects include a low-reliability reach effect of the variation effect pattern Ep2, a medium-reliability reach effect of the variation effect pattern Ep3, a high-reliability reach effect of the variation effect pattern Ep4, and a fierce arch reach effect of the variation effect pattern Ep5. In the order of the fluctuation production patterns Ep2 to Ep5, the production is highly reliable for the jackpot.

  Thus, in the variation effect pattern table Et, the variation pattern Hp and the variation effect pattern Ep are associated with each other in a one-to-one relationship. The variation pattern Hp and the variation effect pattern Ep are not limited to one-to-one correspondence, but a plurality of variation effect patterns Ep are associated with one variation pattern Hp. The variation effect pattern Ep may be selected.

(An example of a notice game effect pattern table)
Next, the notice game effect pattern table Yt will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the notice game effect pattern table. As shown in FIG. 31, the notice game effect pattern table Yt shows the selection ratio of the upper limit number of steps including whether or not the step-up effect can be executed for each of the variable effect patterns Ep11, Ep2 to Ep5.

  In the notice game effect pattern table Yt, “0” as the number of steps of the step-up effect indicates that the step-up effect is not executed. As shown in the notice game effect pattern table Yt, the step-up effect is executed at a higher rate as the reliability increases as in the variable effect patterns Ep11, Ep2, Ep3, Ep4, and Ep5. A large number is easy to select. Note that the step-up effect is not performed because the effect time is short and the effect time cannot be secured in the 1 second change of the change pattern Hp14 (see FIG. 20-2) in the short-time gaming state.

(Example of special game effect pattern table)
Next, the special game effect pattern table Tt will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32-1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a special game effect pattern table. As shown in FIG. 32-1, the special game effect pattern table Tt indicates whether or not the zebra effect can be executed for each of the variable effect patterns Ep11, Ep2 to Ep5. As shown in the special game effect pattern table Tt, the rate of executing the zebra effect increases as the reliability increases, as in the variable effect patterns Ep11, Ep2, Ep3, Ep4, and Ep5.

(Example of concealment effect pattern table)
Next, the concealment effect pattern table Qt1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32-2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a concealment effect pattern table. As shown in FIG. 32-2, the concealment effect pattern table Qt1 indicates whether or not the concealment effect can be executed for each of the variable effect patterns Ep11, Ep2 to Ep5. As shown in the concealment effect pattern table Qt, as the reliability effect increases, the ratio of execution of the concealment effect increases as the variation effect patterns Ep11, Ep2, Ep3, Ep4, and Ep5.

(Example of concealment effect pattern selection table)
Next, the concealment effect pattern selection table Qt2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32-3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a concealment effect pattern selection table. As illustrated in FIG. 32-3, the concealment effect pattern selection table Qt2 stores a plurality of concealment effect patterns Eh1 to Eh5. Each of the concealment effect patterns Eh1 to Eh5 has a start time and an end timing different from each other, and the execution time of the concealment effect is determined. Each of the secret performance patterns Eh1 to Eh5 is selected at a ratio of 20/100.

(An example of a patch log point table)
Next, the patch log point table Pt will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a patch log point table. As shown in FIG. 33, in the pachilog point table Pt, game contents and points are associated with each other. For example, when a zebra pattern effect appears, 20 points are awarded to the player. Also, 10 points will be awarded if the jackpot is executed 5 times. Each time the game content shown in the pachilog point table Pt is executed, a corresponding pachilog point is given to the player.

  In addition, the granted pachilog points are output together with a password by, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), and the player reads the QR code with an information terminal device such as a smartphone possessed, and the QR code and password at the next game. By inputting “”, it is possible to take over the pachilog points in the next and subsequent games.

  In addition, pachilog points can be accumulated, and when a predetermined point is reached, the player is given various benefits such as customization of pachinko gaming machine 100 and downloading of videos and ringtones (registered trademark) using information terminal devices. Can do. The customization of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is, for example, changing the appearance ratio of a predetermined effect according to a pachilog point.

(3. Processing performed by the image / sound controller)
Next, processing performed by the image / sound controller 403b will be described. Each process performed by the image / sound control unit 403b described below is performed, for example, when the CPU 511 of the image / sound control unit 403b executes a program stored in the ROM 512. Each process performed by the image / sound controller 403b is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 33 msec), for example.

(Image display processing)
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the image display processing. In FIG. 34, the image / audio control unit 403b determines whether or not a variation production start command is received from the production control unit 403a (step S3401). The change effect start command is a command set in the effect determination process of the effect control unit 403a (see step S2805 in FIG. 28).

  If the image / sound control unit 403b does not receive the change effect start command (step S3401: NO), the image / sound control unit 403b proceeds to step S3405. On the other hand, when the change effect start command is received (step S3401: YES), the change effect start command is analyzed (step S3402). Then, the image / sound control unit 403b executes a notice game effect process (step S3403). Details of the notice game effect process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the image / audio control unit 403b sets layer data (step S3404). The setting of the layer data will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the image / audio control unit 403b determines whether it is the layer switching timing (step S3405). If it is not the layer switching timing (step S3405: NO), the image / sound control unit 403b ends the series of processes according to this flowchart. If it is the layer switching timing (step S3405: Yes), the layer data is set (step S3406), and the series of processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

  Next, the notice game effect process shown in step S3403 of FIG. 34 will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the notice game effect processing. In FIG. 35, the image / audio control unit 403b determines whether or not a notice game effect (for example, a step-up effect) is performed in the current variation effect (step S3501). When the notice game effect is not performed (step S3501: No), a series of processes according to this flowchart is ended. When the notice game effect is performed (step S3501: Yes), it is determined whether or not a special game effect (for example, appearance of a zebra-patterned small character) is performed during the notice game effect (step S3502).

  When the special game effect is not performed during the notice game effect (step S3502: No), the series of processes according to this flowchart is ended. When performing the special game effect during the advance game effect (step S3502: Yes), the image / sound control unit 403b determines whether or not the secret effect is performed during the advance game effect (step S3503). When the concealment effect is not performed during the notice game effect (step S3503: No), the series of processes according to this flowchart is terminated. When performing the concealment effect during the advance game effect (step S3503: Yes), the image / sound control unit 403b determines whether the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect (step S3504).

  When the special game effect is not concealed by the concealment effect (step S3504: No), the series of processes according to this flowchart is terminated. When the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect (step S3504: Yes), a notification effect image for notifying that the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect is set in the RAM 513 (step S3505). Terminate the process.

(Example of layer data settings)
Next, an example of layer data setting performed by the image / sound control unit 403b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of layer data setting performed by the image / sound controller. In FIG. 36, a timing chart 3600 shows the timing for setting the layer data 3601, 3602, 3603. Each of the layer data 3601, 3602, 3603 includes a layer and image data.

  The layers are, for example, 8 levels from “0” to “7”, with the highest layer being “7” and the lowest layer being “0”. The image data set in the uppermost layer “7” is displayed superimposed on the image data of the lower layer. That is, when the image data of the lower layer and the image data of the upper layer overlap, the image data of the upper layer is displayed and the image data of the lower layer is not displayed.

  When receiving the change effect start command, the image / sound control unit 403b sets the layer data 3601 using the analysis result of the change effect start command. The layer data 3601 indicates a case where a notice game effect is performed, for example. In the layer data 3601, the image data of the hold frame indicating the hold display is set in the layer “7”, the image data of the pachilogometer indicating the number of points of the patch log is set in the layer “6”, and the layer “5” is set in the layer “5”. Preliminary game effect image data is set, decorative pattern image data is set for layer “4”, background image data is set for layer “3”, and layers “2”, “1”, “0” are set. "Is not set to image data. With such layer data 3601, for example, the effects of the first step SP1 and the second step SP2 shown in FIG. 7-4 are performed.

  Then, at the first layer switching timing for performing the concealment effect, layer data 3602 is set. The layer data 3602 will be described while referring to differences from the layer data 3601. In the layer data 3602, the image data for performing the notification effect indicating the appearance of the special game effect is set in the layer “5”, the image data for performing the secret effect is set in the layer “4”, and the layer “ The image data of the notice game effect is set in “3”, the decorative pattern image data is set in the layer “2”, the background image data is set in the layer “1”, and the layer “0” is set in the layer “0”. Image data is not set. With such layer data 3602, the notice effect and the secret effect are displayed without displaying the notice game effect (see, for example, the third step SP3 and the fourth step SP4 in FIG. 7-4).

  When the concealment effect and the notice game effect are finished and the next layer switching timing is reached, layer data 3603 is set. In the layer data 3603, points different from the layer data 3602 will be described. In the layer data 3603, decorative pattern image data is set for the layer “5”, background image data is set for the layer “4”, and the layers “3”, “2”, “1”, “0” are set. No image data is set in. By such layer data 3603, for example, a reach effect after the concealment effect and the notice game effect is performed.

  As described above, the layer data 3601, 3602, 3603 is appropriately set at the predetermined layer switching timing, and the higher-order image data is preferentially displayed and output according to the contents of the effect. Yes.

(Another example of notice game production)
Another example of the notice game effect (conversation notice effect) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (part 1) of the notice game effect. In FIG. 37, the image display unit 104 displays a symbol effect Ez, a hold frame 3701, and a pachilog meter 3702. Similar to the step-up effect, the conversation notice effect can take a plurality of stages.

  In the first stage SP1, a character 3711 is displayed, which indicates to the player that the conversation notice effect has been started. When the upper limit stage is the first step SP1, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the first step SP1, the conversation notice effect ends. When the upper limit stage is equal to or greater than the second step SP2, when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the first step SP1, the process proceeds to the second step SP2.

  In the second step SP2, an image in which the character 3711 speaks the content of the conversation image 3721 is shown. The background image of the conversation image 3721 is white. When the upper limit stage is the second step SP2, the step-up effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the second step SP2. When the upper limit stage is equal to or greater than the third step SP3, the process proceeds to the third step SP3 when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the second step SP2.

  In the third step SP3, a character 3712 is displayed. When the upper limit stage is the third step SP3, the step-up effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3. When the upper limit stage is the fourth step SP4, when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3, the process proceeds to the fourth step SP4.

  In the fourth step SP4, an image in which the character 3712 speaks the conversation image 3722 is shown. When the fourth step SP4 is performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, a reach effect is developed. The fourth step SP4 is the final stage of the conversation notice effect, and is the most reliable effect among the conversation notice effects.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (part 2) of the notice game effect. In FIG. 38, the points described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 38, in the second step SP2, the background image of the conversation image 3801 is displayed in a zebra pattern. The zebra pattern conversation image 3801 indicates that the reliability for the jackpot is higher than the white conversation image 3721 of the second step SP2 of FIG.

  For example, the reliability for the jackpot of the zebra pattern conversation image 3801 is assumed to be equal to or higher than the reliability of the conversation notice effect executed up to the fourth step SP4. That is, for the player, the appearance of the zebra pattern conversation image 3801 is an effect that can provide a sense of expectation rather than the execution of the fourth step SP4.

  For example, the zebra pattern conversation image 3801 is displayed in the second step SP2 and the third step SP3. When the upper limit step is the second step SP2 or the third step SP3, the conversation announcement effect ends when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the second step SP2 or the third step SP3, respectively. In other words, even when a zebra pattern conversation image 3801 appears, the step-up effect may end at the second step SP2 or the third step SP3.

  When the upper limit stage is the fourth step SP4, when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the third step SP3, the process proceeds to the fourth step SP4. Since the zebra-patterned small character 714 appears in the second step SP2 and the third step SP3, the conversation notice effect executed up to the fourth step SP4 is the most reliable effect among the conversation notice effects. Yes. Note that the background colors (patterns) of the conversation images 3721 and 3801 are not limited to the two types of white and zebra patterns. For example, white, blue, yellow, red, zebra, etc., in descending order of reliability. It is good also as three or more types.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation effect when the notice game effect and the zebra pattern conversation image are concealed by the concealment effect. In FIG. 39, the points described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 39, the images of the conversation notice effects in the second step SP2 to the fourth step SP4 are not displayed by the secret effect WP. The second step SP2 and the third step SP3 are effects in which a zebra pattern conversation image 3801 is displayed (see FIG. 38).

  In the present embodiment, notification effect 3901 notifies that zebra pattern conversation image 3801 is concealed by concealment effect WP. Thereby, the player can know that the zebra pattern conversation image 3801 with high reliability is a highly reliable variation in which it is concealed.

  Moreover, the concealment effect WP is continuously performed while the fourth step SP4 is executed. For example, after the period for completing the fourth step SP4 has elapsed, the concealment effect WP also ends. As a result, the player becomes unclear whether the upper limit stage was the second step SP2, the third step SP3, or the fourth step SP4. Thus, by concealing the upper limit level from the player, it is possible to cause the player to guess how many levels have been developed and to improve the interest of the conversation notice effect.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the special game effect is concealed due to the execution of the concealment effect, the notification effect for notifying that effect is performed. Specifically, in the concealment effect, the player is informed about the appearance of a special game effect that can make the player expect, and the upper limit of the advance notice game effect that makes it difficult for the player to get an expectation compared to the special game effect. About the stage, it kept secret state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the effect of each of the concealment effect and the special game effect, that is, it is possible to retain the interest by the concealment effect and the interest by the special game effect.

  Further, since the concealment effect is performed until the upper limit stage of the notice game effect has elapsed, the player can be made unaware of the upper limit stage of the notice game effect. In this way, while informing the player that the fluctuation is highly reliable by the notification effect, by concealing the upper limit level from the player, the player can guess how many levels have been developed. It is possible to improve the interest of the notice game production.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect, and the notification effect is performed when the special game effect is concealed. Thereby, when the special game effect is not concealed, the notification effect can be prevented from being performed, and unnecessary notification for the player can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the notification effect may be always performed when the concealment effect is performed in the variation in which the special game effect is performed without determining whether or not the special game effect is concealed by the concealment effect. . As a result, the control load by determining whether or not the special game effect is concealed can be reduced, and when the special game effect is not concealed, not only the appearance of the special game effect but also the notification effect Can be uplifted.

  In the present embodiment, when a pachilog point is given during the concealment effect, the reason why the pachilog point is given can be suggested, and the reason why the pachilog point is given is a special game effect ( In the case of the appearance of a zebra pattern), it can be suggested that the current variation is a highly reliable variation. In other words, if a pachilog point is given due to the appearance of a special game effect during the concealment effect, it simultaneously suggests that the pachilog point is given and that the current fluctuation is a highly reliable fluctuation. can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko game machine 104 Image display part 105 1st starting opening 106 2nd starting opening 201a 1st special symbol display part 201b 2nd special symbol display part 301 Main control part 303 Production control part 311 CPU
312 ROM
313 RAM
403a Production control unit 403b Image / sound control unit 403c Lamp control unit 411 CPU
412 ROM
413 RAM
511 CPU
512 ROM
513 RAM
801 Special game determination unit 802 Symbol control unit 803 Symbol display unit 804 Notice effect unit 805 Special effect unit 806 Concealment effect unit 807 Notification effect unit

  In the case of performing a reach effect, the pachinko gaming machine is configured to increase the player's expectation by displaying a character image or the like before the reach effect. Examples of such effects include a conversation notice effect, a step-up effect, and a cut-in notice (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that the effect of the production is reduced when the secret effect is performed.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress a decline in the effect of a production due to a secret effect in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the related art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a start condition, Based on the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means, the symbol control that displays the symbols in a variable manner on the symbol display unit and stops the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means Means image display means for displaying a predetermined effect image, and the effect image display during the symbol variation display by the symbol control means based on the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means. Notice means for displaying one or more of the plurality of notice effect images on the means, and a table of the notice effect images by the notice effect means A concealment effect means for concealing the notice effect image to the player by being developed higher than the notice effect image for a predetermined period, and a specific notice effect image of the notice effect image. When the display is performed, when the specific notice effect image is concealed by the player by the concealment effect means, the notification effect means performs a notification effect for notifying that the specific notice effect image is displayed. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress a reduction in the effect of the production due to the secret effect.

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing the start condition;
Based on the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means, the symbol control that displays the symbols in a variable manner on the symbol display unit and stops the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means Means,
Based on the determination result of the special game determination by the special game determination means, a notice effect means for performing one or a plurality of the notice game effects among the plurality of notice game effects during the symbol variation display by the symbol control means; ,
Special effect means for performing a special game effect at a predetermined rate during the notice game effect by the notice effect means;
A concealment effect means for performing a concealment effect for concealing the notice game effect to the player for a predetermined period during the notice game effect performed by the notice effect means;
When the concealment effect is performed by the concealment effect unit, when the special game effect is concealed by the player, a notification effect unit that performs a notification effect to notify that effect;
A gaming machine comprising:

Images