JP2014204911A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of facilitating synchronous performance control.SOLUTION: A CPU in a synchronous performance execution unit obtains information of the number of machines that is information to specify the number of synchronous performance execution machines by input operations (S3701). The CPU specifies performance elements whose number corresponds to the obtained information of the number of machines (S3702), then obtains information to specify performance elements to which its own machine should attend by input operations (S3703). The information thus obtained is stored in a RAM of the synchronous performance execution unit by the CPU (S3704). Performance elements which is to be attended are allocated per every synchronous performance execution machine, and by determining the height of sound and the output time of sound regarding the performance elements, after shifting to a synchronous performance mode, a performance which makes a game player feel, by the interaction of these performance elements that are different from each other, that the performance is one synchronous performance is to be executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that displays a lottery result when a plurality of reels are stopped in a combination of symbols when a pachinko gaming machine that wins a jackpot by winning a game ball or a game medium is inserted.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins a prize such as a start opening. When the jackpot is won, the gaming machine is put into a jackpot gaming state in which the jackpot is opened and many winning balls can be obtained. In the gaming machine, various effects such as display on the image display unit, lighting of various lamps, and sound by a speaker are performed in accordance with the game of the game ball by the player.

  Conventionally, various configurations and modes have been proposed as various effects associated with such game balls (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 includes game control means for controlling the progress of a game and effect control means for controlling the effect device based on a command transmitted by the game control means. The effect control means is a real-time function as a time measuring means. A display mode changing means for changing the display mode in the game effect when the clock and the data corresponding to the timing of the time measuring unit satisfy a predetermined condition, and a display for notifying the change of the display mode in the game effect by the display mode changing unit A configuration including a notice effect execution means for executing an aspect notice effect is disclosed.

JP 2013-31690 A

Here, the gaming machine can entertain the player by performing a synchronized effect that is consistent with other adjacent gaming machines. For this reason, it is preferable to develop a gaming machine that executes a synchronous effect that makes the player feel interesting. However, since it is difficult to adopt a configuration in which gaming machines communicate with each other, the control for executing an attractive synchronized production that attracts the player's interest becomes complicated, and development performed by model development There is a risk that the burden on the person in charge increases, resulting in an increase in development costs and manufacturing costs.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of facilitating synchronous performance control.

The gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is a gaming machine 100 that controls the production in accordance with the control of the game, and includes providing means 304 that provides time information, and time information provided by the providing means 304. The number of gaming machines equipped with an effect control means 300 for controlling a specific effect to determine whether or not execution is permitted, and a function that is installed in the island facilities S and T and enables the specific effect to be executed. The input operation means 161, 162, 301 for performing the input of the installed number information to be indicated by the input operation, and the input operation means for the pitch and the sound output time of the sound output in the specific effect by the effect control means 300 161, 162, 301, and determining means 301 for determining based on the installed number information.
Here, it can be characterized by further comprising storage means 305 for storing the number of installed units which is supplied with power from the backup power supply 306 and inputted by the input operation means 161, 162, 301. In this case, it is possible to save the trouble of re-inputting the installed number information.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the synchronization effect control.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a partial plane enlarged view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control unit of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a random number. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect selection processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of a fluctuation production. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a synchronous production execution part. It is a top view which shows the schematic structural example of the island installation in a hall store. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the input setting process for synchronous production which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part by the input setting process for synchronous productions. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part by the input setting process for synchronous productions. It is a figure explaining the creation table created by the input setting process for synchronous productions. It is a figure explaining the creation table created by the input setting process for synchronous productions. It is a figure explaining the creation table created by the input setting process for synchronous productions. It is a table | surface which shows the example of control data of a synchronous effect. It is a figure explaining the specific example of the synchronous production by a synchronous production execution part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the input setting process for synchronous productions concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part by the input setting process for synchronous productions. It is a figure explaining allocation of the member with respect to each of a synchronous production execution stand.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine according to the present embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has, on the front, a game area 111 for playing with a game ball, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible by the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 that win when a game ball enters and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts, The game board 110 is provided with a gate 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) when it passes. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port related to winning a game ball that activates one predetermined special symbol display.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 100, when the jackpot probability of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition (from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30)) Variation). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. It may be shortened, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be extended, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be opened.

In the present embodiment, the other prize-winning and lottery items include a special prize winning hole 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if a game ball wins. A normal winning opening 126 that is not to be played is provided on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. Further, in the present embodiment, one big prize opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big prize openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with the hitting force according to the operation angle And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. A plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on the pattern and light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate 159 for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the pachinko gaming machine 100, (a) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110, and (b) is a pachinko game. 2 is a partial plan view of the machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Each of the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 is composed of an LED display device, and a symbol representing each lottery result is displayed according to its lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. Each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is configured by an LED display device, and the number of holds is displayed by its lighting mode.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball during the fluctuation display operation of special symbols or normal symbols (while the fluctuation display for one win is being performed), the symbol fluctuation display operation for the winning game ball will be A predetermined number (for example, four) is held until the variation display operation for the game ball won in is completed. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and can select the selected image by operating the center key. Can be entered as information.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 controls the extension of the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, the setting of the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. In addition, when a game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game ball is suspended until the limit number (for example, four) for the undrawn lots, or the game ball continuously passes through the gate 124. The suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots.
In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control to repeat. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 for displaying the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning, a normal symbol display 223 for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery, and a status indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 , Is connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out winning balls acquired from the payout control unit 400, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. .

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using an effect button or the like (the effect button 161 and the effect key 162), the contents of the effect corresponding to the operation input may be set. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using an effect button or the like, the contents of the effect according to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as an effect button, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect. In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, an instruction to set a screen display for waiting for a customer is given as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Furthermore, various kinds of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles are stored. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of the payout ball, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
When a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol according to the lottery result.

The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “a type of jackpot when a big winner is won”, “not a big winner It is determined whether or not it is a small hit or not.
Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by a combination of the presence / absence of a short-time gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the presence / absence of a probability-changing gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot varies with high probability. In other words, the types of jackpots include jackpots in which both a short-time gaming state and a probability variable gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends, a jackpot in which only a short-time gaming state occurs, a jackpot in which only a probability-changing gaming state occurs, a short-time gaming state and There can be a jackpot where none of the probable gaming states occur. Hereinafter, when distinguishing these jackpots, they are distinguished by describing as “with time reduction”, “without time reduction”, “with certainty change”, “without certainty change”, etc., based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “hit” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of game balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to be paid out. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the “short win”, a round in which the big prize opening 125 is opened for a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times. Usually, a jackpot where a short-time gaming state occurs (with time saving) after the jackpot game ends is a long win, and a jackpot where no short-time gaming state occurs (no time saving) is a short win.

  Note that a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state occurs (with probability change) after the jackpot game ends is also called “probability jackpot”, and a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state does not occur (without probability change) is also called “normal jackpot”. Also, depending on the game mode, only a probable gaming state occurs after the jackpot game ends, and a short-time gaming state does not occur (with certain change + no short-time) jackpots are "latent probability change jackpot", "sudden probability change jackpot" Also called etc. In addition, “probability jackpot” may be distinguished as “15 round (15R) probability jackpot”, “2 round (2R) probability jackpot” or the like based on the number of rounds in which the winning prize opening 125 is open. is there.

In addition, the “small winning” in the case where the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game in which the opening and closing of the big winning opening 125 is performed a predetermined number of times is performed, and the gaming state at the time of winning the small winning is continued even after the winning. It is a hit. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a normal gaming state (normal gaming state) in which neither probability fluctuation nor time reduction is made, the normal gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hitting game, The gaming state does not transition.
Further, in the “out of game”, neither “big hit” nor “small win” is set, and none of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 displays the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Select. Further, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is to be performed. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is high when there is a winning support (so-called electric chew support) to the second start port 122 by opening the electric tulip 123, which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state.
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. During the above winning support (electrical chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time increase. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the management of the number of prizes received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Then, under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to the figure, random number update processing, switch processing, symbol processing, electric accessory processing, prize ball processing, and output processing are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit and the sub control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. Processing for symbol lottery is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3 and executes a process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation. Done.
In the normal symbol processing, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs normal symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the prize ball processing (step 505), the prize ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 controls the management of the number of winning prizes and the payout of prize balls according to the winning prize.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value. Random value here is a jackpot random value that determines jackpot, jackpot or lose, jackpot type (whether there is a short-time gaming state after the jackpot game, whether there is a promiscuous gaming state, per jackpot, short hit) A design random number value to be determined (a jackpot symbol random number value), a variation pattern random number for specifying a variation pattern in symbol variation, a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform a reachable effect, and the like are included.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 605). This pre-determination process is performed when the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605), and for acquiring information to be used for the effect on the image display unit 114. It is. In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result, this prior determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U1 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U1 in Step 603 in the RAM 203 (Step 606), and wins a prize at the first start port 121. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (Step 609). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) is acquired as in step 604 above. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This pre-determination process may also be omitted in the pachinko gaming machine 100 that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U2 for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and wins a prize at the second starting port 122. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process among the switch processes shown in step 502 of FIG.
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.
After that, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a retention number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the retention number G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705), The process ends.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Depending on the hit type, one of the long hit game flag, the short hit game flag, and the small hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a gaming state due to some kind of hitting (a state where the special symbol is selected and stopped), the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation. (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . When the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) for the undrawn special symbol (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process.

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information (symbol, gaming state, change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first stops the variation of the special symbols in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (step 813), a change stop command is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made. (Steps 902 and 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired at step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot. It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (any of probability variation + time reduction, probability variation + no time shortage, no probability variation + time shortage, no probability variation + no time shortage) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 17B )reference).
After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  When the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next displays a symbol indicating a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). ) As setting information in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 indicates that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is the same as steps 901 and 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination result of step 902 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random number using the variation pattern random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006 ( Step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Checks whether or not the probability variation flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1105). The probability variation flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation game. When both the probability change flag and the previous time reduction flag are ON, generally, the game state has a probability change and time reduction as performed after a long hit, and the probability change flag is ON and the time reduction flag is OFF. In some cases, the game is generally in a gaming state where the probability change is made after a short win but the time is not short.

  When the probability change flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the probability variation game state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X is set to 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), then the game progress control unit 236 Determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 next determines whether or not the type of big hit is a long win (Step 1110).

  These determinations can be made based on the type of symbol set in the setting information in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, when the normal symbol A or the probability variation symbol A is set among symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B described later, it is determined that the jackpot type is long hit. Further, when the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol B or the latent probability symbol is set, it is determined that the type of jackpot is short hit. Therefore, if the normal symbol A or the probable variation symbol A is set in the setting information, “Yes” in both steps 1109 and 1110. If the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol B, or the latent probability symbol is set, Yes in step 1109 and No in step 1110. If the off symbol or the small hit symbol is set, No in step 1109. Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. Here, the presence / absence of probability fluctuation is not distinguished in the per unit length. The presence / absence of the probability change is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the gaming state setting process (FIG. 15) in the special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit.

  After the winning game flag is turned ON in step 1111 or step 1112, the game progress control unit 236 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). That is, since the special symbol lottery was a big win (step 1109), the lottery times J and X are reset to 0 and newly counted again. Further, the game progress control unit 236 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step). 1115). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the small hit game flag (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113 and turning on the small hit game flag in step 1116, the game progress control unit 236 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111, 1112, and 1116 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game, the short winning game, and the small winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game progress control unit 236 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later, and the second start port 122 is easily won (assisted).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in Step 1301), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1302). When the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the holding number G (see FIG. 7) for the undrawn of the normal symbol is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether or not the game is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the normal symbol in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents of Step 1307 (Step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol control unit 237 stops the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of long hit game, short hit game, and small hit game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in Step 1417), the special winning opening operation unit 238 next performs the game state setting process (Step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag to make a big prize. The mouth process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

  On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
As shown in FIG. 15, first of all, since the winning game flag is ON in step 1401 of FIG. 14, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines the type of winning (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If the win type is a small win (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
If the winning type is a big hit with no positive change + a short time (No at step 1501, Yes at steps 1502 and 1503), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 turns on the short flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. Further, the special winning opening operation controller 238 sets an initial value of the lottery number J (step 1505) and ends the gaming state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with no probability change + no time reduction (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 does not set both the time reduction flag and the probability change flag to ON. The process ends. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not result in a short-time game state or a probabilistic game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit with certain change + short time (No at Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes at Step 1506), the winning prize opening operation control unit 238 turns on the hourly flag (Step 1507), and the number of lottery times J Is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets the probability variation flag to ON (step 1509) and sets the initial value of the lottery number X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a time-varying probability changing gaming state. If the lottery is performed 10,000 times in the time-varying probability variation game state, the time-variable probability variation game state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with probability variation + no time reduction (No in steps 1501, 1502, and step 1506), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 turns on only the probability variation flag (step 1509), and the number of lotteries An initial value of X (10000 times) is set (step 1510). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to a probabilistic gaming state in which time is not set. If the lottery in the timeless probability change game state is performed 10,000 times, the timeless probability change game state ends.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether time has passed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number.
17A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 17C shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), the jackpot random number is set to two types, that is, a jackpot at normal time when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not change, a jackpot at the time of probability change, and a jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) during normal times, only one winning value is set and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol lottery at the time of probability change, ten winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). In other words, in the example shown in the figure, if the special symbol lottery is performed by winning at the start ports 121 and 122 at the time of the probability change, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed at the normal time. In addition, three winning values are set regardless of whether or not the probability changes, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17B, there are five types of jackpot symbols: normal symbol A, normal symbol B, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B are symbols representing a big hit without any probability change. Among them, the normal symbol A has a long hit (with a short time), and the normal symbol B has a short hit (without a short time). Represent. The probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot with certain probability variation. Of these symbols, the probability variation symbol A represents a long winning (with time reduction), and the probability variation symbol B represents a short winning (without time shortening). The latent pattern is a pattern that represents a jackpot with certainty + short time. Therefore, the probability variation symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is provided separately from the probability variation symbol B in order to make it a condition for performing the probability variation latent effect. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the normal symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A (no change in probability + short time) is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the normal symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning a jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B (no probability change + no time reduction) is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the probability variation symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 25/250 (= 1/1 /) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121. 10).
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 175/250 (= 7 / 10).

In the probability variation symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3 / 10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the probability variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1 / 10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol (with certainty + no time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2 / 5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 is highly likely to be a jackpot (probability variation symbol B, latent probability symbol) with probability variation + no time reduction, There is a high probability that the jackpot when winning at the second start port 122 will be a jackpot with probability variation + short time (probability variation symbol A). In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

  Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10.

  These random number values start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 18B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting operations such as an effect button by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 transmits a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 18B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is a command for increasing the number of holds (Yes in Step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (Step 1902), and the number of holds after the addition Is set in the RAM 303 (step 1903).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in step 1901), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in step 1903, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. Is determined (step 1904). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in Step 1904), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (Step 1905). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in 1901 and step 1904), or when a command is received after the execution selection process in step 1905 is performed, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change stop command. Is determined (step 1906). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in Step 1906), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (Step 1907). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in Step 1901, Step 1904, and Step 1906), or when the command is received after the execution of the changing effect end process in Step 1907, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (step 1908). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (step 1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in Step 1908), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (Step 1909). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a change start command, change stop command, or opening command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, and step 1908), or if a command is received after the hit effect selection process in step 1909, Control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (step 1910). This ending command is set in the big prize opening process shown in FIG. 14 (step 1413), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
If the received command is an ending command (Yes in Step 1910), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (Step 1911). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command, or ending command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, step 1908, and step 1910), or after the end of the ending effect selection process in step 1911 Next, the effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (step 1912). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the operation mode set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. This operation mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3). In the example shown in FIG. 20, five types of modes from A mode to E mode are set, and mode flag values 0 to 4 are assigned to each mode. The B mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol A, the C mode is a bonus symbol of normal symbol A, the D mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol B and normal symbol B, and the E mode is a jackpot of small probability probability symbol Each win is assigned. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No hit is assigned to the A mode. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (step 2102). 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the variation start command and the operation mode determined by the mode flag. Then, a design variation effect pattern (variation effect pattern) is selected based on the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the operation mode (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 20 according to the type of hit (Step 2204).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in Step 2203), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (Step 2205). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in Step 2205), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (Step 2206), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (Step 2207). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in Step 2207), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (Step 2208).

  If the mode flag is 0 in Step 2205 (Yes in Step 2205), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in Step 2207 (No in Step 2207), or the mode flag is set to 0 in Step 2208 After or after changing the mode flag in step 2204, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM 303, and ends the process during the end of the change effect ( Step 2209). Here, referring to FIG. 20, when the mode flag is changed in step 2204, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is an operation mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in step 2205 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in step 2208, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is the A mode. On the other hand, if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in step 2207, the operation mode so far is continued.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (step 1909) of FIG.
In this winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (step 2301), and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the opening operation obtained from the analysis result. (Step 2302). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302 and, together with these data, a hit effect start command for instructing the selected effect to the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3). The winning effect selection process is completed (step 2303). This winning effect is also called an opening effect.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (step 1911) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (step 2401), and refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (step 2402). ). Next, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the content of the ending operation obtained from the analysis result of the ending command (step 2403). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2404).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (step 1912) of FIG.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (step 2501). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in Step 2501), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (Step 2502), and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (Step 2503). On the other hand, if the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in step 2501), it is determined whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (step 2504). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in step 2504), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in step 2504 or after being turned ON in step 2503), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time ( Step 2505). If the time is not up (No in step 2505), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in Step 2505), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (Step 2506), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303. Then, the customer waiting command reception process ends (step 2507).

  When the customer waiting command reception process is completed as described above, the RAM 303 is set with any one of a variation effect start command, a variation effect end command, a winning effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer wait effect command. .

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 18B).
In the process during the end of the variation effect, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an effect button or the like by the player has been operated (step 2601). Here, the operation of the effect button or the like includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key or the surrounding key of the effect key 162 is pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If an effect button or the like is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the effect button or the like in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3), and effects button processing is performed. Is finished (step 2602).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (step 1813) of FIG. 18B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the above-described command reception process and effect button process is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 310 and Transmit to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Synchronous production mode]
Next, a synchronous effect mode in which the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a predetermined effect (synchronous effect) in synchronization with other pachinko gaming machines 100 will be described. Such a synchronous performance mode is for executing a consistent synchronous performance among a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100. More specifically, the synchronized performance mode shifts when a predetermined time or time arrives, regardless of the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball or a normal symbol lottery started by passing a game ball. Is.
In this way, the synchronized production by the transition to the synchronized production mode is performed when a predetermined time arrives, and the transition to the synchronized production mode is performed at the same time as another pachinko gaming machine 100 having the synchronized production mode. Will do.
The synchronous effect is an effect in which it is determined whether or not execution is permitted based on time information provided by the RTC 304, and is an example of a specific effect.
Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 100 may be referred to as a gaming table. A game machine that executes a synchronized effect or a game machine that has a synchronized effect mode is sometimes called a synchronized effect execution table, and a game machine that does not execute a synchronized effect or a game machine that does not have a synchronized effect mode is called Sometimes called a non-execution stand.

[About the synchronized performance execution unit 10]
The structure of the synchronous production execution part 10 which bears the function which performs a synchronous production in the pachinko machine 100 is demonstrated.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the synchronization effect execution unit 10.
As shown in FIG. 27, the synchronization effect execution unit 10 stores the above-described CPU 301 that can be said to be a system control CPU as an arithmetic device of the effect control unit 300, a program for controlling the synchronization effect by the CPU 301, and various data. The above-described ROM 302 is sent to the CPU 301 in response to a request.
It should be noted that the CPU 301 of the synchronization effect execution unit 10 reads the program stored in the ROM 302 and realizes the function by adding a not-illustrated substrate, an unillustrated ASIC (Application Specific IC). Variations to be realized are also conceivable. Such a function is, for example, a board or an ASIC that performs a later-described synchronous effect input setting process (see FIG. 29).

The synchronization effect execution unit 10 also includes the image display unit 114 described above that displays an image executed as the synchronization effect, the speaker 156 described above that outputs sound, and the time information provided to the CPU 301 upon request. And the RTC 304 described above.
The image display unit 114 and the speaker 156 are controlled via the image / sound control unit 310 (see FIG. 3).

Here, the RTC 304 that constitutes a part of the synchronization effect execution unit 10 will be described in detail.
The RTC 304 includes an oscillation unit (not shown) that amplifies and outputs a signal output from the vibrator, a time measuring unit (not shown) that generates date and time information based on the signal output from the oscillation unit, and an external An input / output unit (not shown) that functions as an input / output interface that performs input and output to the outside.

The RTC 304 includes a RAM 305 that retains data or information by receiving power supply (backup power supply), and a battery (BATT) 306 that constantly supplies power to each part inside the RTC including the RAM 305. For this reason, in the RTC 304, for example, even when the main power switch is turned off or during a power failure, the oscillation unit (not shown) and the timekeeping unit (not shown) operate, and the RAM 305 can continue to hold data or information.
Further, when the RTC 304 detects an event detection signal input from the outside via an input / output unit (not shown), a control unit (not shown) stores the date and time information generated by the time measuring unit (not shown) at the time of detection in the RAM 305. ) And. This control unit outputs to the outside through an input / output unit (not shown), or performs time adjustment according to an instruction given from the outside through the input / output unit.

Date and time information output to the outside of the RTC 304 is transmitted to the CPU 301 via the command line. That is, the RTC 304 provides the CPU 301 with “year”, “month”, “day”, “hour”, “minute”, and “second” as time information, time information, or date and time information in response to a request. Further, the RTC 304 provides the CPU 301 with “day of the week” as date information.
Note that when the power is turned on, the RTC 304 reads the current time, reads the management area, reads the general-purpose area (RAM 305), and combines them.

  In the synchronized performance execution unit 10, the CPU 301 determines that a predetermined time or time has arrived based on time information from the RTC 304, and shifts to the synchronized performance mode when it is determined that it has arrived. By arranging a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 equipped with such a synchronous effect execution unit 10 side by side, the transition to the synchronous effect mode is performed at the same time when a predetermined time or time arrives. That is, a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 operate simultaneously with respect to the effect control and shift to the synchronous effect mode.

In the synchronized performance mode, each of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 does not exchange information with each other, but performs an effect of receiving an impression as if the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 are linked.
More specifically, when the mode is shifted to the synchronous effect mode, the CPU 301 provided in each of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 controls the synchronous effect based on individually preset contents. That is, the control after the transition to the synchronous performance mode is performed based on the setting content created from the previously input information before the transition to the synchronous performance mode. It is not based on an external signal input in the state. In other words, such a configuration that obtains an external signal and controls the production is not permitted by the rules that restrict the specifications of the gaming machine and is difficult to realize. For this reason, in this embodiment, the control of the synchronized performance is performed by the single pachinko gaming machine 100.
More specifically, the setting content created in advance is used in the control for starting or ending the predetermined synchronized effect content at a predetermined timing based on the position in the other pachinko gaming machine 100, for example.

The information input in advance before the transition to the synchronous production mode is not acquired from the outside by communication (non-communication), but is sent to the pachinko gaming machine 100 itself via the input operation unit provided in the synchronous production execution unit 10. It gets by being input to. In the present embodiment, the input operation unit included in the synchronized effect execution unit 10 includes the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 described above.
It is conceivable that input via the input operation unit is performed at the hall store after delivery of the product or at the manufacturer before product shipment. In addition, it is conceivable that the input operation at the hall store is performed by, for example, a hall-related person, a maker person in charge, or a player.
In addition, the modification comprised including the touchscreen (not shown) used for an input setting as an input operation part is also considered.

The pre-input information here includes the number information that is information for specifying the number of synchronized performance execution stands arranged on the island facility (amusement island) of the hall store. In addition, as other information, arrangement information indicating the arrangement (arrangement) of pachinko gaming machines 100 in an island facility (amusement island) where a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 are arranged in a hall store (whole position information, layout information, island facilities) Layout information) and position information (own relative position information, installation position information) indicating its own position in the island facility on which it is arranged can be included. Such arrangement information and position information can be collectively referred to as installation location information.
More specifically, the line-up information may include information on a plurality of island facilities at the hall store. That is, the arrangement information may include information about the island facilities where the objects are arranged and information about other island facilities where the objects are not arranged. In addition, the arrangement information may include only information on island facilities where the objects are arranged, and may not include information about other island facilities where the objects are not arranged.

  The transition timing to the synchronous production mode by the synchronous production execution unit 10 will be described. Such timing is a case where it is determined whether or not a time condition that triggers the transition to the synchronous performance mode is satisfied, and a determination result that it is satisfied is performed. And as such time conditions, in addition to the fact that a predetermined time has arrived based on the time information provided from the RTC 304 (RTC mode), the elapsed time from the start of power supply to the synchronized performance execution stand is preliminarily determined. It can be mentioned that a predetermined time has been reached (power supply time mode).

More specifically, in the former, even if the power switch of one gaming machine is turned off due to a machine trouble or the like, the time information is provided regardless of the power supply voltage of the gaming machine. Time can be measured by timing. On the other hand, there is a risk of time lag due to individual differences in the RTC 304.
In the latter case, by adopting a power feeding structure that simultaneously starts power supply to a plurality of game machines, it is possible to measure a specific time at the same timing on the plurality of game machines. On the other hand, if the power supply to one gaming machine is stopped due to a machine trouble or the like, for example, there is a risk that the time measurement result on the gaming machine will be shifted.
Therefore, a configuration example is possible in which either one can be selected according to the situation of each hall store.
Note that, in the case of the jackpot producing stage where the jackpot is being made, in order to prioritize the jackpot stage over the execution of the grouping stage, a control example may be considered in which the transition to the synchronized stage mode is not made even if the time condition is satisfied.

[About island facilities]
Next, the outline of the island facilities in the hall store will be described.
FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of island facilities S and T in the hall store.
In the schematic configuration example shown in FIG. 28, an island facility S and an island facility T are installed across a passage (island passage) R in the hall store, and each of the island facility S and the island facility T Can be installed in two rows back to back. The island facilities S and T are adjacent to each other with a passage R therebetween.

A plurality of game machines A1 to An (illustrated by broken lines) that are pachinko gaming machines 100 are installed in the row A on the passage R side of the island facility S, and the row B on the passage R side of the island facility T Are installed with a plurality of game machines B1 to Bn (illustrated by broken lines) which are pachinko gaming machines 100. That is, each of the row A of the island facility S and the row B of the island facility T is composed of n units.
More specifically, in the row A of the island equipment S, the game machines A1 to An are arranged in order from one direction (the lower side in FIG. 28) to the other direction (the upper side in the same figure). In B, the game tables B1 to Bn are arranged in order from one direction (the lower side in the figure) to the other direction (the upper side in the figure).

That is, the game machine A1 of the island facility S and the game machine B1 of the island facility T are installed so as to face each other across the passage R, and the game stand An of the island facility S and the game stand Bn of the island facility T are connected to the passage R. It is installed to face each other across the.
The game machine A1 of the island equipment S and the game machine Bn of the island equipment T are installed so as to face each other, and the game machine An of the island equipment S and the game machine B1 of the island equipment T are installed so as to face each other. Variations are also conceivable.

More specifically, the island facilities S and T in the hall store are provided with a power supply system K (illustrated by a solid line) which is a facility for supplying power to each of the game machines A1 to An and B1 to Bn arranged. ing. The power supply system K includes a switch KS capable of collectively operating start and stop of power supply to the game machines A1 to An and B1 to Bn arranged in the island facilities S and T, and a power supply facility (non- And an outlet KK connected to the outlet. That is, when the switch KS is turned on, power supply to the game machines A1 to An and B1 to Bn is started all at once, and when the switch KS is turned off, the power supply is stopped all at once.
A configuration example in which the switch KS is arranged for each of the island facilities S and T and the power supply operation is performed in units of the island facilities is also conceivable. A configuration example in which a power supply operation is performed in units of columns is also conceivable.

In addition, the island facilities S and T in the hall store include a supply system (not shown) that is a facility for supplying, collecting, and polishing the collected game balls for each of the game tables A1 to An and B1 to Bn. A facility (not shown) for a game such as a game ball lending machine or a bill transport machine is installed.
In addition, in the replenishment system, the game balls in the upper tanks installed above the island facilities S and T, respectively, are transported and supplied to the game tables A1 to An and B1 to Bn via the replenishment cages. It is said that the number of units arranged in a row in the island facilities S and T is generally 20 units, but a larger number (for example, 24 units / column) may be considered.

  In FIG. 28, the island facilities S and T in the hall store are illustrated as having a configuration in which game machines A1 to An and B1 to Bn are arranged linearly in rows A and B, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present embodiment can be applied to a configuration in which game tables are arranged side by side in a curved manner.

[About input setting processing for synchronized production]
Next, in the synchronous effect mode, such information is acquired by inputting information necessary for specifying the timing for displaying the synchronous effect such as image display on the image display unit 114 and sound output from the speaker 156. The synchronous effect input setting process for performing a predetermined setting will be described.
In such a synchronous effect input setting process, a menu image is displayed on the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 1) under the control of the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27), and the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 (FIG. 1) are displayed accordingly. The CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) obtains information necessary for specifying the timing for expressing the synchronized performance.
By adopting such an information input method via a menu screen, it is possible to prevent input errors and reduce the burden on the input operator by guiding the input operation. In addition, when mounting a touch panel (not shown), the example of control input-set via a touch panel is also considered.

The input setting process for the synchronized effect is performed for all of the game tables that execute the synchronized effect or the game tables having the synchronized effect mode (synchronized effect execution table) among the game tables A1 to An and B1 to Bn (see FIG. 28). It is what is said. In other words, the information input operation by the synchronized effect input setting process is individually performed on each of the synchronized effect execution bases. As described above, the information required for specifying the timing for expressing the synchronized performance, specifying the content of the display, etc. is not acquired from the outside by online or the like.
For this reason, for example, when all of the game machines A1 to An arranged in the column A and all of the game machines B1 to Bn arranged in the column B are synchronous production execution tables, n synchronous production execution tables arranged in the column A And, for the n synchronized production execution tables arranged in the row B, the synchronized production input setting process is performed respectively.
Of the plurality of gaming machines arranged in the island facilities S and T (see FIG. 28), the gaming machines other than the synchronous production execution table are gaming machines that do not execute the synchronous production or game machines that do not have the synchronous production mode (synchronous production mode). Non-execution stand).

  In addition, as described above, the scene setting for the synchronized production input setting process is performed before the product is shipped by the manufacturer that acquired the island facility information of the hall store, or at the hall store where the product was delivered. It may be performed by the manufacturer or manufacturer. In addition, there may be a situation in which a hall-related person or a manufacturer performs a product once delivered in a hall store.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment described above will be described. Hereinafter, after describing the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described. The modified examples will be described as appropriate.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the synchronous effect input setting process according to the first embodiment.
In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 includes a synchronous effect execution stand including the synchronous effect execution unit 10 (see FIG. 27) and sandwiches the passage R (see FIG. 28). It is determined whether or not they are arranged in a row (step 2901).
Such a determination is performed according to the input content by operating the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 in response to displaying an image shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) acquires array information indicating whether or not the synchronized performance execution stand is in a two-row arrangement (parallel arrangement) as part of the arrangement information.

When it is input that the arrangement is two-row (Yes in Step 2901), the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) turns on the two-row flag (Step 2902). If it is input that the arrangement is not two-row (No in step 2901), the two-row flag is turned off (step 2903).
As described above, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) constituting a part of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 sets the two-row flag according to the operation contents of the effect button 161 and the effect key 162. The set two-row flag is stored in the RAM 305 (see the same figure) of the RTC 304 that constitutes a part of the synchronous effect execution unit 10.

Thereafter, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) obtains the column arrangement information of the synchronization effect execution stand as a part of the arrangement information through the input by operating the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 (step 2904). That is, it is determined how many synchronized performance execution tables are included in the game machines A1 to An and B1 to Bn installed in the island facilities S and T. The number of such synchronized production execution bases is an example of the installed number information.
When the synchronized performance execution stand is arranged in a single row, it is sufficient to obtain the stand arrangement information for that row. However, in the case of the double row arrangement, the stand arrangement for each row (row A and row B) is sufficient. Need to get information.

  In other words, the synchronized performance execution bases are usually arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the row. Further, when the synchronization effect execution bases are arranged in two rows, the synchronization effect executions located on different island facilities across the passage R are usually arranged so as to face each other as much as possible.

In the two-row arrangement, there are cases where the number of synchronized performance execution bases in the row A of the island facility S and the row B of the island facility T are the same or different from each other. And when the number of synchronous production execution stands is the same in row A and row B, both of the plurality of gaming tables that execute the synchronous production in row A and the plurality of gaming tables that execute the synchronous production in row B are It is usual that the so-called box arrangements face each other across the passage R.
Further, when the number of synchronized performance execution stands is different between row A and row B, the difference between the numbers is usually 1. More specifically, when the number of synchronized performance execution tables is, for example, 10 in column A and 9 in column B, the number of synchronized performance execution tables is one more in column A than in column B. And the synchronous production execution stand located in any one end (the left end or right end toward the row A) of the row of the synchronous production execution stands arranged side by side in the column A is a synchronous production non-execution stand arranged in the row B. Usually, the arrangement is such that the passage R faces each other (non-box arrangement).

In the synchronous effect input setting process shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) specifies information indicating its position in a row of a plurality of synchronized effect execution bases through an input by operating the effect button 161 and the effect key 162. Own position information is acquired (step 2905).
Explaining in more detail, the CPU 301 obtains arrangement information indicating the arrangement of a plurality of synchronized production execution stands on the island facilities S and T by an input in the synchronized production input setting process (see steps 2901 to 2904). In addition, the arrangement of a plurality of synchronization effect execution bases (arrangement configuration of the synchronization effect execution bases) has already been grasped. After grasping the overall arrangement configuration (installation layout) of such a synchronized performance execution stand group, the relative position (installation position) of the game stand on which it is mounted in the synchronous effect execution stand group is grasped (step) 2905).

Next, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) displays information for specifying which of the plurality of synchronized performance execution tables arranged in the island facilities S and T is to be used as the reference platform, the effect button 161. Or by operating the production key 162. In other words, the position information of the synchronized performance execution base used as the reference base is acquired as the alignment information (step 2906).
Here, the reference stand refers to a synchronization effect execution stand as a reference position in the case of the synchronization effect, and any one of a plurality of synchronization effect execution stands arranged on the island facilities S and T is designated as the reference stand. . That is, in the case of the two-row arrangement, the position information of the reference table is not set for each row of the two-row arrangement.
Note that a column including the reference table may be referred to as a reference column.

The synchronization effect that requires the position information of the reference table will be described in more detail. Such a synchronized effect is mainly in the case of a two-row arrangement (when the two-row flag is ON). That is, as a synchronized effect in the case of the two-row arrangement, for example, the effect is started from the synchronized effect execution stand of one row among the multiple synchronized effect execution stands of the row A and the row B, and the other is performed at a predetermined timing thereafter. The content that the synchronous production execution stand of a line starts production can be considered.
In the case of such a synchronous effect, it is necessary to specify in advance which of the two columns the column from which the effect is to be started first. In other words, by determining the reference table in advance, the reference column, which is a column including the reference table, is determined, and each of the synchronized performance execution tables can uniformly determine the performance order or the contents of the synchronized performance in two columns. Can do.

Also, as a synchronized effect in the case of the two-row arrangement, each of the plurality of synchronized effect execution bases executes different effect parts at a predetermined timing, and these effect parts are integrated into one effect. The content is considered.
In the case of such a synchronized effect, it is necessary to assign in advance which effect part is responsible for which synchronized effect execution stand. That is, by determining the reference table, it is possible to uniformly determine the production portion in charge according to the position with respect to the reference table.

As described above, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) arranges information on the island facilities S and T (refer to steps 2901 to 2904 and 2906) and its own in order to perform the pre-setting necessary before the execution of the synchronization effect. Position information (see step 2905) is acquired.
And CPU301 (refer FIG. 27) creates the table used in order to perform a synchronous production | presentation based on the alignment information in the acquired island facilities S and T and own position information (step 2907). The table created in this way is stored in the RAM 305 (see the figure) of the RTC 304 (step 2908).
The table here is for specifying the output timing and the output content for the image output to the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 as the synchronous effect executed after the transition to the synchronous effect mode. Such output timing and output contents differ depending on the arrangement information on the island facilities S and T and the own position information, and also differ depending on the contents of the synchronized performance. For this reason, the input contents by the operation of the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 are collected in advance as a table and stored. Thereby, it becomes possible to contribute to the simplification of the control at the time of shifting to the synchronous performance mode.

Note that the creation table stored in the RAM 305 (see FIG. 27) of the RTC 304 is only used to control its own synchronized performance, and is not transmitted to other synchronized performance execution stands or the like. Is not output to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 100).
More specifically, the information (alignment information on the island facilities S and T and its own position information) input to itself by the operation of the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 in the input setting process for synchronous effect is the table of the table by itself. It is only used for creation, and is not transmitted to other synchronized performance execution stands or the like, and is not output to the outside of the own device.

[About the display contents in the input setting process for synchronized production]
Next, the display on the image display unit 114 accompanying the input setting process for synchronous effects will be described.
30 and 31 are diagrams showing examples of images displayed on the image display unit 114 in the synchronous effect input setting process. 30 to 31 show menu screens prepared in advance for executing the flowchart of FIG. 29, other menu screens may be considered.
(A) of FIG. 30 is displayed on the image display unit 114 in the scene of step 2901 (see FIG. 29) in the input setting process for synchronous effect. Referring to (a) of FIG. 30, the image display unit 114 includes a question area 21 indicating the contents of a question and an option area 22 indicating options as answer contents for the question. In the question area 21, the characters “is a game machine that executes a synchronized effect” are displayed.

By operating the effect key 162 to select the “two-row arrangement” icon 31 a or the “one-row arrangement” icon 31 b in the option area 22, and pressing the effect button 161, one of the selected icons 31 a, The contents of 31b are input.
In addition, when the “two-row arrangement” icon 31a is selected, the two-row flag is set to ON (see step 2902), and when the “one-row arrangement” icon 31b is selected, the two-row flag is set to OFF. (See step 2903). That is, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) sets the two-row flag according to the operation contents of the effect button 161 and the effect key 162.

(B), (c) in FIG. 30 and (a) in FIG. 31 are displayed on the image display unit 114 in the scene of step 2904 (see FIG. 29) in the input setting process for synchronization effect.
More specifically, FIGS. 30B and 30C are sequentially displayed when the two-row flag is ON, and FIG. 31A is displayed when the two-row flag is OFF. .

  The game stand (synchronous effect execution stand) that executes the synchronous effect is the CPU 301 of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 that executes the synchronous effect input setting process (see FIG. 29) and acquires information necessary for the synchronous effect. This refers to the pachinko gaming machine 100 on which (see FIG. 27) is mounted. As described above, the synchronization effect input setting process (see FIG. 29) is performed for each of the game machines that execute the synchronization effect.

When the two-row flag is ON (see step 2902 in FIG. 29), that is, when the synchronized performance execution stand is arranged in two rows, as shown in FIG. In the two-row arrangement, the characters “The number of game machines that execute the synchronized effect in their own row” are displayed.
The option area 22 includes an icon 32a in which numbers 1 to 0 are sequentially displayed in a line, a display area 32b in which numbers input by the icon 34a are displayed, and a next input screen. An icon 32c indicating “next” is displayed for instructing to proceed.

When the number input in the display shown in FIG. 30B is, for example, “13”, the effect key 162 is operated, “1” is selected from the numbers of the icon 32a, and the effect button 161 is operated, Subsequently, “3” is selected from the numbers of the icon 32a and the effect button 161 is operated, thereby performing an input operation.
Two digits can be displayed in the display area 32b and input by an input operation. “13” input in this way is set as the number of executions p1 of the column in which it is arranged.

When the icon 32c indicating “next” shown in FIG. 30B is pressed, it is determined that the input operation is completed, and the display is switched to the display shown in FIG. 30C, which is the next menu screen. It is done.
Referring to (c) of FIG. 30, the text “The number of game machines that execute a synchronized effect in a row that is not its own row in a two-row arrangement” is displayed in the question area 21 of the image display unit 114. Further, the same contents as in the case of FIG. 30B are displayed in the option area 22. That is, the option area 22 corresponds to the icon 33a corresponding to the icon 32a (see FIG. 30B), the display area 33b corresponding to the display area 32b (see FIG. 30B), and the icon 32c. Icon 33c to be displayed.

The “own column” here refers to a column in which the game tables themselves on which the synchronization effect input setting processing is actually executed are arranged in a two-row arrangement, and the “non-own column” This refers to another row in which the gaming machines for which the synchronized effect input setting processing is currently being executed are not arranged in a two-row arrangement.
For example, when the synchronization effect input setting process is performed on the gaming table A4 in the column A (see FIG. 28), the “own column” becomes the column A (see the same figure), and the “non-own column” "Becomes column B (see the same figure). In addition, when the input setting process for the synchronized effect is performed on the gaming table B4 (see FIG. 28) in the column B, the “own column” becomes the column B (see the same figure), and the “non-own column” "Becomes column A (see the figure).

When the number input in the display shown in FIG. 30C is, for example, “14”, the effect key 162 is operated, “1” is selected from the numbers of the icon 32a, and the effect button 161 is operated, Subsequently, an input operation is executed by selecting “4” from among the numbers of the icon 32 a and operating the effect button 161.
Two digits can be displayed in the display area 32b and input by an input operation. “14” input in this way is set as the number of executions p2 of a column that is not a column in which it is arranged.

  When the icon 33c indicating “next” shown in FIG. 30C is pressed, it is determined that the input operation is completed, and the display is switched to the display shown in FIG. 31B, which is the next menu screen. It is done.

Here, when the synchronized performance execution stand is arranged in one row, that is, when the two-row flag is OFF (see step 2903 in FIG. 29), as shown in FIG. 31A, the question area 21 of the image display unit 114 is displayed. Is displayed with the characters “the number of game machines for which a synchronized effect is executed in a single line arrangement”, and an icon 34a, a display area 34b, and an icon 34c are displayed in the option area 22.
The icons 34a and 34c shown in (a) of FIG. 31 are the same as the icons 32a and 32c shown in (b) of FIG. 30, and the display area 34b shown in (a) of FIG. This is the same as the display area 32b shown in FIG.

As described above, in the input setting process for the synchronized effect (see FIG. 29), the CPU 301 acquires the number information of the synchronized effect execution stand among the n gaming machines arranged in a row (see step 2904). ).
In addition, when acquiring the number information of the row unit (refer to step 2904), a modified example of acquiring the number information n of the game machines constituting the unit row of the island facilities S and T is conceivable.

(B) of FIG. 31 is displayed on the image display unit 114 in the scene of step 2905 in the input setting process for synchronous effect (see FIG. 29).
Referring to (b) of FIG. 31, a question character “What position is it from the game stand located at the left end of the column?” Is displayed in the question area 21 of the image display unit 114. The option area 22 includes icons 35a and 35c having the same contents as the icons 32a and 32c (see FIG. 30B), a display area 35b same as the display area 32b (see FIG. 30B), Is displayed.

When the “next” icon 35c shown in FIG. 31B is pressed, it is determined that the input operation has been completed, and the display is switched to the next menu screen shown in FIG. 31C. It is done.
Referring to (c) of FIG. 31, the characters “A game table serving as a reference for the synchronization effect” is displayed in the question area 21 of the image display unit 114. Referring to (c) in the figure, on the left side of the character “no” in the option area 22, an icon 36 a “own column” and an icon 36 b “other column” are displayed vertically. In addition, an icon 36c “left end” and an icon 36d “right end” are displayed side by side on the right side of the character “no” in the option area 22. Further, in the option area 22, an icon 36 e of “End” is displayed for instructing to finish the input setting process for synchronous effect upon completion of input.
When “end” of the icon 36e is input, the CPU 301 determines that the input by the menu method is completed, and creates a table based on the acquired alignment information on the island facilities S and T and its own position information (see step 2907). )I do.

  In the first embodiment, menu-type control that prompts input through display on the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 27) that constitutes a part of the synchronized performance execution unit 10 is employed. Not limited. For example, instead of the display of the image display unit 114 or together with the display of the image display unit 114, a voice guidance system that prompts input by an acoustic output from a speaker 156 (see FIG. 27) that constitutes a part of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 It is possible to adopt a control example.

[About the creation table based on the input information by the input setting process for synchronized production]
Each of FIG. 32, FIG. 33, and FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a creation table created by the synchronization effect input setting process. This creation table is an example created in step 2907 of FIG. Each of (a) of FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 shows an example of the creation table, and (b) of each figure is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the synchronized performance execution stand in the island facilities S and T. . 32 and 33 show the case of the two-row arrangement, and FIG. 34 shows the case of the one-row arrangement.
For convenience of explanation, the table shown in FIG. 32A is referred to as creation table 1, the table shown in FIG. 33A is referred to as creation table 2, and the table shown in FIG. 34A is created. Table 3 is assumed. Further, in the plan view shown in (b) of each figure, the outline of the synchronized performance execution stand is shown by a solid line, the outline of the synchronization effect non-execution stand is shown by a broken line, and the area where the own game stand is located Parallel diagonal lines (hatching) are attached. In addition, FIG. 32 (b), FIG. 33 (b), and FIG. 34 (b) correspond to FIG.

[Create table 1]
Referring to (a) of FIG. 32, in the creation table 1, “two rows” is set in the item of the arrangement of the synchronization effect execution bases.
This is input corresponding to the display shown in FIG. 30A and is due to the setting contents of the above-described two-row flag.
Therefore, the row (the row A of the island equipment S shown in FIG. 33B) in which the own row, that is, the synchronous production execution stand (self) performing the input operation in the synchronous production input setting process is arranged. )), There is a column that is not its own column, that is, another column in which the synchronized performance execution stand is arranged (see column B of island facility T shown in FIG. 5B).

In addition, since the creation table 1 is for a two-row arrangement, “11” is set in the item “total number of execution stages (p1 + p2) of synchronized production execution”, and “5” is set in the item “execution number (p1) of its own row”. "Is set, and" 6 "is set in the item of the number of executions (p2) in the other columns.
The setting of the three items of the total number (p1 + p2) of the synchronized production execution tables, the number of executions in its own column (p1), and the number of executions in other columns (p2) is shown in (b) of FIG. 30 and (c) of FIG. ) Depending on what was entered corresponding to the display shown in More specifically, the execution number (p1) is based on the input in FIG. 30B, and the execution number (p2) is based on the input in FIG. 30C. The total number (p1 + p2) is a result of an operation (addition) obtained by adding the execution number (p1) and the execution number (p2) to each other.

Further, in the creation table 1, “2/5” is set in the item “own position” and “left end” is set in the item “reference table position” for the number of executions (p1) in its own column. . Note that “1/5” may be set instead of “left end” in the item of the position of the reference table.
Describing the contents of such setting, the position of itself is the second position from the leftmost synchronization effect execution stand in the own row in which five synchronization effect execution stands are arranged side by side. In addition, a synchronization effect execution stand as a reference stand is arranged in its own column, and the position of the reference stand is the left end toward its own row.

  The setting of the item of its own position in the creation table 1 is based on the input in (b) of FIG. The setting of the item of the position of the reference table is based on the input in (c) of FIG.

In addition, “−” is set in the item of the position of the reference table in the execution number (p2) of the other column. Of course, there is no item of own position.
The contents of such setting will be described. In other columns, the synchronization effect execution stand as the reference stand is not arranged.
The setting of the item of the position of the reference table is based on the input in (c) of FIG.

Here, the creation table created in each of the other synchronized performance execution stands arranged in the column A is different only in the setting contents of the item of its own position in the creation table 1 shown in FIG. The other items are the same as the setting contents of the creation table 1 shown in FIG. The difference in the setting contents in the creation table 1 is the same for the creation table 2 and the creation table 3 described later.
In addition, in the creation table created in each of the other synchronized performance execution stands arranged in column B, the setting contents of the items (execution number (p1) and reference stand position) relating to the own column correspond to this. It becomes the setting contents of items related to other columns. Further, the setting contents of the items related to the other columns (the number of executed units (p2) and the position of the reference table) become the setting contents of the items related to the own column. Note that the difference in setting contents in the creation table 1 is the same for the creation table 2 described later in the case of the two-row arrangement.

Visualizing the installation of the synchronized performance execution stand according to the contents of the creation table 1 shown in FIG. 32A is as shown in FIG.
More specifically, as is apparent from FIG. 32B, the column A which is its own column becomes a reference column which is a column including the reference table. In addition, the synchronous production execution stand group of row A is composed of 5 units, and the synchronous production execution stand group of row B is composed of 6 units.
In addition, when allocating to either the even-numbered group or the odd-numbered group according to its own position counted from the left end of the column, the item “own position” is set to “2/5”, which is the second. Sorted into even groups.
Further, in the case of allocating to either the even group or the odd group according to its own position counted clockwise (CW) in plan view from the reference table, the second position (2/11 ), It is distributed to an even number group. In addition, when allocating to either the even number group or the odd number group according to its own position counted counterclockwise (CCW) in plan view from the reference table, the odd number group is the eleventh position (11/11). It is distributed to.
Such information as to whether or not the own column is a reference column may be used for control of the synchronized effect in each of the synchronized effect execution bases. Also, information on whether it is an even group or an odd group in its own column, information on whether it is an even group or an odd group in the case of clockwise rotation (CW) with respect to the reference table, and counterclockwise rotation with respect to the reference table In the case of (CCW), information regarding whether the group is an even group or an odd group may be used for controlling the synchronization effect in each of the synchronization effect execution bases. The same applies to the creation tables 2 and 3 described later.

In addition, as apparent from FIG. 32 (b), the creation table 1 reflects the overall arrangement state of the plurality of synchronized performance execution tables in its own column and other columns, but does not execute the synchronized performance. There is no information as to whether the stand is located at the left end or the right end of the group of synchronized performance execution stands. Therefore, if such information is necessary for the synchronized performance, a modification in which a menu screen that prompts an input operation is displayed and the input content is set in the creation table 1 is also conceivable.
In addition, when the synchronization effect execution stand is moved (the stand movement) in the hall store, the above-described synchronization effect input setting process (see FIG. 29) is executed. As a result, the creation table 1 stored in the RAM 305 (see FIG. 27) of the RTC 304 is updated. The update accompanying such a table movement is the same for the creation table 2 (see FIG. 34) and the creation table 3 (see FIG. 35), which will be described later.

[Create Table 2]
Next, referring to (a) of FIG. 33, in the creation table 2, “two rows” is set in the item of the arrangement of the synchronization effect execution tables, “12” is set in the item of the total number of the synchronization effect execution tables (p1 + p2), “6” is set in the item “executed number (p1)” of the column, and “6” is set in the item “executed number (p2)” of the other column.
In addition, in the number of executions (p1) in its own column, “3/6” is set in the item of its own position, and “−” is set in the item of the position of the reference table.
In the number of executions (p2) in the other column, “right end” is set in the item of the position of the reference table. In addition, instead of “right end”, “1/6” is set when counting from the right in other columns, or “6/6” is set when counting from the left in the item of reference base position. Is also possible.

Then, when the installation of the synchronized performance execution stand according to the contents of the creation table 2 shown in FIG. 33A is visualized, it is as shown in FIG.
More specifically, as is apparent from FIG. 33B, the column A, which is its own column, is not a reference column that is a column including the reference table. Note that the group A synchronization effect execution stand group is composed of six units, and the column B synchronization effect execution stand group is also composed of six units.
In addition, when allocating to either the even number group or the odd number group according to its own position counted from the left end of the column, the item “own position” is set to “3/6”, which is the third. Sorted into odd groups.
In addition, when allocating to either the even-numbered group or the odd-numbered group according to its own position counted clockwise (CW) in plan view from the reference table, it is the fourth position (4/12). Sorted. In addition, when allocating to either the even-numbered group or the odd-numbered group according to its own position counted counterclockwise (CCW) in plan view from the reference table, the even-numbered group is the tenth position (10/12). It is distributed to.

  As shown in FIG. 33 (b), the number of executions in row A (p1) and the number of executions in row B (p2) are the same value, and the synchronized performance execution tables face each other. is there. In the case shown in (b) of FIG. 32, the non-box arrangement is used.

[Create Table 3]
Referring to (a) of FIG. 34, in the creation table 3, “one row” is set in the item of the arrangement of the synchronized performance execution bases, and “7” is set in the item of the number of executions (p1) in its own row. “5/7” is set in the item of the position of “5”, and “right end” is set in the item of the position of the reference table. Note that “7/7” may be set instead of “right end” in the item of the position of the reference table.
Unlike the creation tables 1 and 2 (see FIG. 32 (a) and FIG. 33 (a)) in the two-row arrangement, the creation table 3 having the one-row arrangement has information on the number of executions (p2) in the other columns. There are no items. In addition, the creation table 3 does not have an item of the total number (p1 + p2) of synchronized production execution stands.

Visualizing the installation of the synchronized performance execution stand according to the contents of the creation table 3 shown in FIG. 34 (a) is as shown in FIG. 34 (b). In addition, the synchronized production execution stand group of row A is composed of seven.
To explain further, as is clear from FIG. 34 (b), in the case of allocating to either the even number group or the odd number group according to its own position counted from the leftmost game stand in the column A, the item of its own position is set. Since “5/7” is set as the fifth item, it is assigned to the odd group. In addition, when allocating to either the even number group or the odd number group according to its own position counted from the rightmost game stand in the row A as the reference stand, it is the third position (3/7). Sorted.

[About control data for synchronized production]
Next, control data used for the synchronization effect by the synchronization effect execution unit 10 will be described.
FIG. 35 is a table showing an example of control data for a synchronous effect. The control data shown in FIG. 35 is stored in the ROM 302 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronous effect execution unit 10.
Then, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 stores the control data shown in FIG. In combination with the information contained in the reference), the execution of the synchronous effect in the synchronous effect mode is controlled.

FIG. 35 shows an example of the control data (a), (b), (c), and (d). The control data shown in each of (a) to (d) of FIG. 35 is for a synchronous effect by a set of effect elements.
Here, the synchronized effect by the set of effect elements refers to an effect that makes the player feel that it is one synchronized effect due to the interaction of different effect elements set for each synchronized effect execution stand.

Each of the control data shown in (a) to (d) of FIG. 35 is for assigning an effect element in charge. For example, a synchronous effect as in the case of a synchronous effect that has directionality or a synchronous effect that is performed alternately. It does not control timing.
As an effect element here, what subdivided the image used for a synchronous effect, for example, an image, an image, sound, etc. can be mentioned. For example, it is a screen portion that divides a horizontally long screen on which an image is displayed into a plurality of portions in the length direction. In the case of such a production element, a production mode is conceivable in which each of a plurality of synchronized production execution stands shares the display of images of a plurality of divided screen portions. Also, the synchronized effect means that a predetermined image is output to the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 27) or sound is output from the speaker 156 (see FIG. 27), and from the speaker 156 (see FIG. 27). This includes the case where only the sound outputs are synchronized with each other.
Note that the synchronized performance with the direction mentioned here is a motion that makes the player feel a movement in which the contents of the synchronized performance on each of the synchronized performance execution tables constituting the group of synchronized performance execution tables move in one direction. A directing. In addition, the alternate synchronized production here refers to each of the synchronized production execution bases constituting the synchronous production execution base group corresponding to any one of a plurality of production units performing the same production according to the installation position. An effect in which the effect times of each effect unit are different from each other.

  The allocation of the screen portion shared by each of the synchronization effect execution bases is determined by the arrangement order of the plurality of synchronization effect execution bases. Such sharing makes it possible to perform a synchronized effect on a screen image that exceeds the size of the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 27) included in each gaming table. Examples of effects displayed in this case include effects using live video of concerts by singer groups and effects of roulette lottery.

  In the production of the roulette lottery here, for example, it is conceivable to use the column arrangement information (see step 2905 in FIG. 29) in units of columns of the synchronous production execution platform. That is, a control example in which the winning probability of the roulette lottery is set from the acquired number information can be considered. For example, if there are six synchronized performance execution stands, the winning probability is set to 1/6. In the case of winning, an effect to provide a player with added value such as notification or suggestion of latent probability change, display of a premium image, display of a QR code, etc. is performed.

As another example of the production element, a plurality of singers of a singer group who sings a music piece in the music of the singer group that is output at the time of the synchronous production can be cited. In the case of such an effect element, there is an effect mode in which each synchronized effect execution stand is associated with any one of the singers of the singer group, and a single tune is produced by singing different singers outputted from the plural synchronized effect execution stands. Conceivable. That is, from one synchronized performance execution stand, a singing voice (including solo (singing)) sung by one associated singer is acoustically output.
As for the allocation of the singer associated with each of the synchronized performance execution bases, a configuration example that is manually set for each synchronization performance execution base is conceivable, but a configuration example that is automatically set is also conceivable. In the configuration example of the automatic setting, for example, a singer in the singer group is numbered and automatically assigned in the order of numbers according to the order of arrangement of the plurality of synchronized performance execution stands. By such sharing, it is possible to execute the synchronized performance with powerful sound.

Another example of the effect element is a sound (sound pitch, sound frequency, etc.) that is output as a sound. In the case of such an effect element, an effect mode may be considered in which sounds (such as Doremi) are associated with each of the synchronized effect execution bases, and an acoustic effect is performed with different sounds output from the multiple synchronous effect execution bases. That is, only one sound (for example, a sound) is acoustically output from one synchronized performance execution stand.
As such a sound effect, in addition to outputting a specific music that is not normally output, it is also possible to output a chord or a so-called harmony that is a sound in which a plurality of sounds having different heights overlap.

More specifically, the pitch of the sound as a production element is set to, for example, all sounds (C), Les (D), Mi (E), Fa (F), So (G), La (A), Shi ( B) The five sounds of semitone do # (C #), Les # (D #), Fah # (F #), So # (G #), and La # (A #) are put in the seven tones in total. Twelve sounds are associated with each of the synchronized performance execution bases.
Also, a plurality of chords as production elements are set, and each chord is associated with each of the synchronous production execution bases. The chord referred to here is a triad composed of the lowest sound (root sound) and the third and fifth sounds above the root sound, and a four chord including a sound seven degrees above the root sound.
For such association, it is conceivable to employ the manual setting or automatic setting described above. In the case of automatic setting, they are automatically associated in numerical order according to the order of arrangement of the plurality of synchronized performance execution bases.

In other words, when a song is output as an acoustic effect, since the necessary sound differs for each song, information indicating the one-to-one relationship between the number of necessary sounds and the song is stored in the ROM 302 (see FIG. 27) can be considered. And the control example which CPU301 (refer FIG. 27) selects automatically the music used for a synchronous production according to the number of the synchronous production execution bases input by input operation can be considered.
A control example that allows one sound to be associated with a plurality of synchronized performance execution stands is also conceivable.

  In this way, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronized performance execution unit 10 shares the screen portion, display image, singer group singer, sound based on the alignment information including the number information and its own position information. The control content of the synchronous production such as the allocation of production elements such as is determined.

Each control data shown to (a)-(d) of FIG. 35 is used in the case of the automatic setting mentioned above. That is, referring to (a) of FIG. 35, if the e-th element is counted in the right direction from the leftmost game stand in the group of synchronous effect execution bases arranged in a line, the directing element in charge is the e-th element. The second stage element. Referring to (b) of FIG. 35, if it is the fth when counted in the left direction from the rightmost game stand in the synchronous production execution base group, the production element that it is in charge of is the fth production element. And
In addition, referring to (c) of FIG. 35, in the case of the two-row arrangement, if it is gth when counted clockwise (CW) from the reference base, the directing element that it is in charge of is the gth A production element. Referring to FIG. 35 (d), if the counter element is h-th when counted counterclockwise (CCW) from the reference base, the effect element that it is in charge of is the h-th effect element.

Here, any one of the control data shown in each of (a) to (d) of FIG. 35 is stored in the ROM 302 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronized effect execution unit 10. As a result, the synchronized effects performed by the plurality of synchronized effect execution bases become uniform, and the synchronized effects as scheduled can be executed in the synchronized effect mode.
To explain further, a configuration example in which all the control data shown in each of (a) to (d) of FIG. 35 is stored in the ROM 302 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 is also conceivable. In this case, as control of which control data shown in (a) to (d) of FIG. 35 is used, there is a control example in which the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) determines according to the condition for shifting to the synchronous effect mode. Conceivable.
For example, in the example of control using the control data shown in FIG. 35 (a) when shifting to the synchronous effect mode for the first time, the structure for counting the number of times of transition to the synchronous effect mode after the opening time of the hall store is provided. is there. In such a control example, the control data shown in (b) of the figure is used when shifting to the synchronous effect mode for the second time, and shown in (c) of the figure when shifting to the synchronous effect mode for the third time. By using the control data, when shifting to the synchronous production mode for the fourth time, it is possible to use various control data by determining in advance which control data is used, such as using the control data shown in (d) of FIG. It is possible to realize a synchronized production.
The selection of the control data is an example of the control content of the synchronized effect.

35 (a) and 35 (b) are production modes that are completed in one row, and are arranged in a single row (see FIG. 34 (b)) and in a two-row arrangement (FIG. 32 (b) or FIG. Any of (b) can be executed. On the other hand, it can be said that (c) and (d) in FIG. 35 can be executed only in a two-row arrangement (see (b) in FIG. 32 or (b) in FIG. 33).
Therefore, in the case of the one-row arrangement, it is conceivable to perform a prohibition process so that the control data shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 35 is not selected.

Here, in the gaming machines of a specific model (between the same model), the same data is mounted as the control data for the synchronization effect and the effect data such as the image information and the sound information used for the synchronization effect. That is, between the gaming machine of a specific model and a gaming machine of a model other than the specific model (between different models), it is normal that different control data and production data for the synchronized production are mounted.
However, it is conceivable that the same synchronization effect control data and effect data are installed so that the same effect of synchronization effect is performed between different models. In other words, in the case of a gaming machine developed and shipped by a specific gaming machine maker (specific maker), the same characteristic synchronized effect is executed regardless of the model.

By adopting such a configuration example, it can be expected that a value will be generated in terms of whether or not the game machine can execute a characteristic synchronized effect regardless of the model. In other words, when the same synchronous production control data and production data are installed for a specific manufacturer's advance model and late model, the starter model (preceding model) and the subsequent model (following model, By arranging the next model) side by side, it is expected that the player will be interested in performing similar synchronized effects even between different models, and this will increase the product value of the gaming machine of a specific manufacturer. .
Therefore, if it is a gaming machine of a specific manufacturer, even if it is a different model, it will be attractive to the hall store, and it will be possible to differentiate it from other gaming machine manufacturers at the hall store. .

[Specific examples of effects of synchronized effects]
Next, the aspect of a synchronous effect will be specifically described. In the control for executing the synchronous effect, each of the synchronous effect execution bases performs the synchronous effect input setting process (see FIGS. 29 to 31) as described above, and the CPU 301 of the synchronous effect executing unit 10 (see FIG. 27). It is executed by. Thus, the table is created and the created table (see creation table 1 in FIG. 32, creation table 2 in FIG. 33 or creation table 3 in FIG. 34) is stored in the RAM 305 (see FIG. 27) of the RTC 304. And since the control data (refer FIG. 35) and effect data corresponding to the synchronous effect to perform are stored in ROM302 (refer FIG. 27), CPU301 uses the control data and effect data of ROM302, and the table of RAM305. Thus, an effect mode of a synchronized effect is realized.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the synchronization effect by the synchronization effect execution unit 10, and shows a specific example of the synchronization effect (according to the control data of FIG. 35) by the set of effect elements.
In addition, in FIG. 35, although the example of the synchronous effect which specifies the number is shown, this is only an example, and the number of executing the synchronous effect is not limited to this.

The effect mode shown in FIG. 36 is a specific example in which a synchronized effect by a set of effect elements is executed by each of the synchronized effect execution bases 101 to 105 arranged side by side. More specifically, a predetermined tune is an acoustic synchronous effect in which sound is output from the speakers of the synchronous effect execution bases 101 to 105 (see FIG. 27), and different sounds are produced with respect to the synchronous effect execution bases 101 to 105. Allocated.
In other words, in the specific example shown in FIG. 36, “do” is allocated to the synchronized performance execution base 101, “re” is allocated to the synchronous performance execution base 102, and “mi” is allocated to the synchronous performance execution base 103. Yes. In addition, “F” and “SO” are allocated to the synchronized performance execution bases 104 and 105, respectively.
In FIG. 36, for convenience of explanation, the image display unit 114 of the synchronization effect execution bases 101 to 105 displays the image of the pitch of the assigned sound and the image represented by the quarter note on the staff. However, a control example in which display of such an image is omitted is also conceivable.

In this way, it is possible to play a song that can be played with only the five sounds of “do-so” assigned to the synchronized performance execution bases 101-105 (for example, Beethoven's “joy song”). Become. Note that the music data of such performance music is stored in the ROM 302 to the ROM 312 (see FIG. 3).
More specifically, each of the synchronized performance execution bases 101 to 105 shown in FIG. 36 performs sound output of the performance music in accordance with the start timing of the performance music after the transition to the synchronous performance mode. In other words, each of the synchronized production execution bases 101 to 105 outputs the assigned sound at an output timing corresponding to the assigned sound (acoustic sound depending on the assigned pitch), so that the synchronized production execution bases 101 to 105 as a whole. A single song is completed. Such output timing information is included in the music data of the performance song.
Information about the allocated sound that has been allocated is stored in the RAM 305 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronization effect execution unit 10.

In addition, with such a sound production of the sound, images related to the sound being outputted or unrelated to the sound are displayed on each of the image display units 114 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronization production execution bases 101 to 105. Variations to be displayed are possible.
In addition to a control example in which the images displayed on the image display units 114 of the synchronization effect execution bases 101 to 105 are the same as each other, a control example in which different images are displayed can be considered. The latter will be further explained. Among the synchronized performance execution bases 101 to 105, the game machine in the probability variation latent state displays an effect different from the game stand not in the probability variation latent state, that is, a special version image that is not normally displayed. It is also possible to adopt a production example.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment described above will be described. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration and function as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the common configuration, and the description and illustration of the common configuration and function are used. May be omitted. Various modifications described above for the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. Also, a part of the configuration or control of the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment, and the part of the configuration or control of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. It is also possible to apply to the embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the contents of the synchronization effect input setting process according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 29 for explaining the first embodiment.
In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 37, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronized effect execution unit 10 firstly includes the number information that is information for specifying the number of synchronized effect execution stands through input by operating the effect button 161 and the effect key 162. Is acquired (step 3701). That is, it is determined how many synchronized effects are executed on the game machines A1 to An and B1 to Bn installed in the island facilities S and T. The number information here is not for each column as in the case of the first embodiment (see step 2904), and whether it is a one-row arrangement or a two-row arrangement, It refers to information for specifying the number of units.
The number information is an example of installed number information.

In other words, unlike the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 29), the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) obtains information for determining whether or not the synchronization effect execution bases are arranged in two rows, and The flag processing (see steps 2901 to 2903) is not performed.
The CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) does not acquire information (own position information) that identifies its own position (see step 2905) in the row arrangement of a plurality of synchronized performance execution stands. Moreover, CPU301 (refer FIG. 27) is the information (position information of a reference | standard stand) which specifies which synchronous production | presentation execution stand is made into a reference | standard stand among the several synchronous production | presentation execution stand arranged in island facilities S and T. ) Is not acquired (see step 2906).
In the second embodiment, this is not the automatic setting of the effect elements based on the arrangement information and the position information as in the first embodiment, but the effect elements are manually set for each of the synchronous effect execution stands. It is caused by doing.

CPU301 (refer FIG. 27) will acquire the number information of a synchronous production execution stand (refer step 3701), and will determine the number of production elements etc. based on the acquired number information next (step 3702). More specifically, the same value as the number based on the acquired number information is set as the number of effect elements, and the effect elements corresponding to the number are extracted from the data stored in the ROM 302 (see FIG. 27). From the plurality of effect elements extracted as described above, the effect elements that the user is in charge of are assigned.
The plurality of extracted effect elements can be referred to as effect element groups, and each effect element can be referred to as an allocation target (distribution target).

Then, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) acquires information for specifying the effect element that the CPU 301 is in charge of from the effect element group through input by operating the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 (step 3703).
The charge information, which is information acquired in this way, is held in the RAM 305 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronous effect execution unit 10 by the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) (step 3704).
In the second embodiment, as described above, in order to obtain only the number information and to manually set the allocation of effect elements, the creation of the table as in the first embodiment and the created table Storage (see steps 2907 and 2908) is omitted.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the input setting process for synchronous effect, and corresponds to FIGS. 30 and 31 for explaining the first embodiment.
FIG. 38 (a) is displayed on the image display unit 114 in the scene of step 3701 (see FIG. 37) in the input setting process for synchronous effect, and FIG. 30 (1) in the case of the first embodiment. This corresponds to b), (c) or (a) of FIG.
That is, as shown in FIG. 38 (a), the characters “the number of game machines that execute the synchronization effect” are displayed in the question area 21 of the image display unit 114, and the number icon 41a is displayed in the option area 22. In addition, a display area 41b for confirming the input content and an icon 41c for instructing “next” are displayed.
The content of the display area 41b input by the icon 41a is acquired by the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) as the number information.

(B) of FIG. 38 is displayed on the image display unit 114 in the scene of step 3703 (see FIG. 37) in the input setting process for synchronized effect, and more specifically, the display area 41b (in FIG. 38). (A) is a display when “8” is input as an example. That is, there is a character “8 members” in the question area 21 shown in FIG. 5B, and “8” is reflected as the number information (see step 3702).
More specifically, in the question area 21 of the image display unit 114, the characters “What is allocated to itself among the 8 members” are displayed, and the option area 22 is used to identify each of the 8 members. The icons 42a “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, and “H” are displayed. Each of “A” to “H” is all or part of members constituting a real or virtual singer group.
In addition, in the option area 22, an icon 42 b of “End” is displayed for instructing to finish the input setting process for synchronous effect upon completion of input.

  In this case, the operation key 162 (see FIG. 27) is operated to select any of “A” to “H” of the icon 42a and the effect button 161 (see FIG. 27) is operated to input. Perform the operation. Therefore, the production key 162 and the production button 161 (see FIG. 27) are operated with care not to overlap the members “A” to “H” assigned to each of the eight synchronized production execution bases. In other words, it is possible to prevent duplication or omission of allocation by pre-determining the allocation to the eight synchronized rendering execution tables before executing the synchronized rendering input setting process.

FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the allocation of members to each of the synchronized performance execution bases 101 to 108, and corresponds to FIG. 36 for explaining the first embodiment.
In the example of allocation shown in FIG. 39, the members “A” to “H” are allocated in the arrangement order of the eight synchronized effect execution bases 101 to 108. In addition, in the same figure, illustration of the synchronous production execution stand 104-107 is abbreviate | omitted, and the abbreviate | omitted part is represented with the dashed-dotted line.
The member “A” is allocated to the synchronization effect execution stand 101 located at the left end in the group of synchronization effect execution stands, and the member “B” is assigned to the synchronization effect execution stand 102 located right next to the synchronization effect execution stand 101. Allocated. Further, the member “C” is allocated to the synchronization effect execution stand 103 located on the right side of the synchronization effect execution stand 102, and the member “H” is assigned to the synchronization effect execution stand 108 positioned at the right end of the synchronization effect execution stand group. "Is allocated.
In addition, the setting which allocates "A"-"H" at random regardless of the arrangement | sequence order of the synchronous production execution stand 101-108 is also considered.

More specifically, each of the synchronized performance execution bases 101 to 108 outputs the music of the singer group simultaneously from the speakers 156 after shifting to the synchronized performance mode. Then, the singing voice sung by the member “A” solo in the music is output from the speaker 156 of the synchronization effect execution base 101, but is not output from any of the speakers 156 of the other synchronization effect execution bases 102 to 108.
Similarly, the singing voice sung by the member “B” solo is output from the speaker 156 of the synchronization effect execution base 102, but is not output from any of the speakers 156 of the other synchronization effect execution bases 101, 103 to 108.
In this way, the solo part of each member in the music is output as sound from only one synchronized effect execution table to which the members are assigned, and thus a synchronized effect in which the multiple synchronized effect execution tables 101 to 108 synchronize with each other. Executed.

More specifically, the number specified by the number information can be assumed in advance, and data relating to the solo portion corresponding to such an assumed number is stored in the ROM 302 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronization effect execution unit 10. . For example, the solo portions of the members “A” to “H” when the number information is “8” are determined in advance, and the pitch of the sound and the timing data of the sound output are stored in each synchronization effect execution stand. Stored in the ROM 302.
Then, the same number information (for example, “8”) is input to each of the synchronized performance execution stands (see (a) in FIG. 38 or step 3701 in FIG. 37), and the number specified by the number information thus obtained The same number of members are determined or specified as the production element group (see step 3702). This production element group includes a plurality of allocation targets (for example, members “A” to “H”) (see FIG. 38B), and any one of the allocation targets is allocated to itself (in FIG. 37). Step 3703).
Therefore, the CPU 301 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronized performance execution unit 10 determines the pitch of the sound to be output and the time to output the sound based on the acquired number information. Note that the information on the determined pitch and output time is stored in the RAM 305 (see FIG. 27) of the synchronized performance execution unit 10.

  As described above, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, information necessary for execution of the synchronous effect is acquired by input instead of communication, and the information is obtained by the island facilities S and T. The number information that is information for specifying the number of the synchronized production execution stands is acquired. And since the production | presentation element regarding a sound is performed based on the acquired number information, it becomes possible to prevent complication of control about a synchronous production.

Here, the pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine and an example of itself. The effect control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of effect control means.
The RTC 304 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 27) is an example of a providing unit, and the CPU 301 (see FIG. 3 or 27) of the effect control unit 300 is an example of a determining unit. The synchronized effect is an example of a specific effect.
The effect button 161, the effect key 162, and the CPU 301 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 27) are examples of input operation means. Island facilities S and T (refer to Drawing 28) are examples of island facilities.
The information acquired in step 2904 (see FIG. 29) is an example of installed number information, and the information acquired in step 3701 (see FIG. 37) is an example of installed number information.
The RAM 305 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 27) is an example of a storage unit, and the battery 306 (see FIG. 27) is an example of a backup power source.

100 ... Pachinko machine (game machine)
161 ... Production button (part of input operation means)
162 ... Production key (part of input operation means)
300 ... Production control unit (production control means)
301 ... CPU (decision means, part of input operation means)
304 ... RTC (providing means)
305 ... RAM (storage means)
306 ... Battery (backup power supply)
S, T ... Island equipment (island equipment)

Claims (2)

A gaming machine that controls the production according to the control of the game,
Providing means for providing time information;
Effect control means for controlling a specific effect in which it is determined whether or not execution is permitted based on time information provided by the providing means;
An input operation means for performing an input operation to input the number of installed machines indicating the number of gaming machines that are installed in an island facility and have a function of enabling execution of the specific effect;
Determining means for determining the pitch and output timing of the sound to be output in the specific effect by the effect control means based on the installed number information of the input operation means;
A gaming machine comprising:   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing installed number information supplied with electric power from a backup power source and input by the input operation means.

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