JP2014209964A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enabled to improve the convenience by enhancing the ball lending or returning functionality.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: game control means; and put-out control means. On the basis of an operation signal inputted from operation means, the game control means sets a retention period for retaining the ball rending or returning execution, and decides whether or not an operation signal has been input again within the retention period. Here, when the ball lending is executed in the case where it is decided that the operation signal has been again input for the retention period, the game control means performs a control to instruct the put-out control means the payout of the game balls. When the return is executed in the case where it is decided that the operation signal is input again for the retention period, on the other hand, the game control means performs a control to instruct the quit of the put-out of the game balls to the put-out control means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with operation means for performing a ball lending operation or a return operation.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko machine which is a kind of gaming machine, a card-type ball lending control device is used as a ball lending system. In such a gaming machine, when the player has operated the ball lending button provided on the upper ball tray with the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot of the ball lending control device, A predetermined number (for example, 25 for 100 yen) of lending balls is paid out for a certain amount of money (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-279467 A (FIGS. 21, 22, etc.)

  However, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 cannot be canceled in the middle because once a ball lending button is operated, all game balls are paid out. Therefore, it can be said that the convenience of the operation of the ball lending button is not high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving convenience by enhancing the functionality of lending or returning a ball.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 (means 1) includes a symbol display means for displaying a symbol change game for changing a symbol in response to winning of a game ball in the start winning means, Arranged on the machine surface side, an operation means for outputting an operation signal when a player performs a ball lending operation or a return operation during the symbol variation game, a game control means for controlling the gaming machine, and an electric control for the game control means And a payout control means for controlling the payout of the game ball by the ball payout means based on a payout instruction from the game control means, wherein the game control means is provided by the operation means. Based on the input operation signal, a holding period setting means for setting a holding period for holding execution of lending or returning a ball, and an operation for determining whether or not the operation signal is input again within the holding period The game control means, when it is determined that the operation signal is input again within the holding period, the game control means pays out the game ball to the payout control means when executing the ball lending. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation signal has been input again within the holding period, the control for instructing the payout control unit to stop paying out the game ball is performed when it is determined that the operation signal has been input again. The gist of the game machine is characterized in that it is performed.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the operation means is operated once (operation signal is input), the ball lending or return is performed unless the operation means is operated again (operation signal is input again). It will never be. That is, even after the operation means is operated once, the lending or returning of the ball can be canceled, so the functionality of lending or returning the ball is increased, and the convenience of the player is improved. Moreover, the operation determination means can be set to determine that the operation signal is input again only when the operation signal is input in an input mode different from the previous operation signal. In this case, the operation of the operation means twice does not merely confirm the execution of lending or returning the ball, but the player's will can be effectively confirmed based on the operation of the second operation means. .

  The operation means is arranged on the machine front side where the player can reach. Specific places where the operation means are arranged include a front frame, an upper ball tray, a lower ball tray, an operation handle used for launching a game ball, the back side of an ashtray, and the like. Further, as an operation means, a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) that outputs an operation signal only while operating the operation means, for example, an electromagnetic switch (proximity switch) that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand approaches. Switch), for example, a touch sensor that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand touches.

  Further, the operation determination means may determine that the operation signal is input again within the holding period when the operation signal is input in an input mode different from the previous operation signal. As a method of setting the input mode of the operation signal input again during the holding period to an input mode different from the previous operation signal, for example, the operation time of the operating means operated again during the holding period is changed to the previous operation. By setting the operation time longer or shorter than the operation time of the means, the input mode of the operation signal input again during the holding period is changed to an input mode different from the previous operation signal, or the operating means is set before the holding period. The operation mode of the operation signal input again within the holding period by operating the operating means twice within the predetermined period after operating only once within the predetermined period is referred to as the previous operation signal. For example, different input modes may be used.

  The invention according to claim 2 (means 2) is the game control means according to claim 1, wherein the game control means is configured to execute the symbol variation currently being executed when the result of the symbol variation game currently being executed is a hit or reach. The gist of the invention is to include timing determination means for determining the timing at which a game result is derived, and holding period changing means for extending the holding period based on the timing determined by the timing determination means.

  Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the holding period is extended when the result of the currently changing symbol variation game is prefetched and the result of the currently changing symbol variation game is hit or reached. As a result, since the period during which ball lending or return can be canceled becomes longer, ball lending or return can be canceled more reliably, and efficient ball lending or return can be performed for the player.

  The invention according to claim 3 (means 3) is the storage control means according to claim 2, wherein the game control means stores the number of winning game balls to the start winning means as hold information, and the hold information A holding memory information determining unit that determines whether or not the symbol variation game performed based on the symbol variation game includes a winning or reaching game, and the holding period changing unit is performed based on the holding information. Even if it is determined that the symbol variation game includes a winning or reaching game, the gist is to extend the holding period.

  Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 3, the holding period is extended by referring not only to the symbol variation game currently being executed but also the holding information. As a result, since it becomes easier to extend the period during which ball lending or return can be canceled, ball lending or return can be canceled more reliably, and more efficient ball lending or return can be performed for the player. .

  The invention described in claim 4 (means 4) is characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the ball payout means includes payout speed changing means for slowing down the payout speed of the game ball. To do.

  Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, by slowing down the game ball payout speed, the period during which ball lending or return can be canceled is reliably lengthened. Therefore, since it is possible to cancel the ball lending or the return more reliably, the ball lending can be performed more efficiently for the player.

  Here, as the payout speed changing means, a toothed wheel type sprocket that is rotatably supported in the ball path provided in the ball paying means, a protruding state in which the plunger protrudes into the ball path by excitation action, and And a solenoid that can be switched to an immersive state in which the plunger immerses in the solenoid body. And, as a method of slowing down the game ball payout speed by the payout speed changing means, for example, when the payout speed changing means is a sprocket, the interval between sending game balls by the sprocket is lengthened, or the rotation speed of the sprocket is slowed down. To do. Further, when the payout speed changing means is a solenoid, as a method of slowing down the game ball payout speed, the plunger is protruded into the ball passage to increase the interval at which the game ball is launched, or the speed at which the plunger is protruded. For example, you can slow down.

  The invention according to claim 5 (means 5) is the game control means according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the game control means divides the number of game balls paid out in one ball lending into a plurality of prescribed units. The gist of the present invention is to provide ball lending unit changing means for performing payout control and performing control for setting an interval period for each of the plurality of prescribed units.

  Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cancel the ball lending for each specified unit by dividing the number of game balls to be paid out in one ball lending into a plurality of specified units. Moreover, since the interval period is set for each of the plurality of prescribed units, the period during which the ball can be lent is more reliably increased. Therefore, since it is possible to cancel the ball lending or the return more reliably, the ball lending can be performed more efficiently for the player.

  As described in detail above, according to the first to fifth aspects of the invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of improving convenience by enhancing the functionality of lending or returning a ball. In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the ball lending or return can be canceled more reliably, so that the player can efficiently lend or return the ball.

The schematic front view which shows the pachinko machine in this invention. The front view which shows a game board. The block diagram for demonstrating the connection relation of a main control board and another board | substrate. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a ball dispensing apparatus. Fluctuation pattern distribution table. Time chart showing the flow of ball lending. Time chart showing the flow of ball lending. Notification production determination table 1. Notification effect determination table 2. The flowchart which shows the process performed in main CPU of a main control board.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a gaming machine of the present invention is embodied in a pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Schematic configuration of the entire pachinko machine 10 FIG. 1 schematically shows the surface side of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 includes a vertical rectangular outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the machine body. A vertical rectangular middle frame 12 constituting the airframe is assembled to the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and detachable. Further, a front frame 14 is assembled to the front side of the middle frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 14 has a structure in which an upper ball tray 15 is integrally assembled below the window 14a while having a window 14a at the center. On the back side of the front frame 14, glass (not shown) for seeing and protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine is assembled. Further, an upper frame lamp 16a, a left frame lamp 16b, and a right frame lamp 16c are provided on the front surface of the front frame 14. Each of the frame lamps 16a to 16c is a light emitting unit including a light emitter (not shown) (not shown), and is configured by covering the light emitter with a lens member. In these frame lamps 16a to 16c, light emission effects such as lighting (flashing) and light extinction are executed according to various game performance modes (big hit, reach, etc.) of the pachinko machine 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a lower ball tray 18 is integrally assembled with the lower portion of the front frame 14. On the right side of the lower ball tray 18, an operation handle 19 constituting a hitting ball launching device (not shown) is mounted. When the player turns the operation handle 19, the game ball A1 (see FIG. 4) stored in the upper ball tray 15 is launched by the ball striking device and the game board surface 13a of the game board 13 (see FIG. 2). ) Be guided on the top. In the present embodiment, the lower ball tray 18 and the operation handle 19 are integrally assembled to the lower portion of the front frame 14, but the lower ball tray 18 and the operation handle 19 are arranged on the front frame 14 on the front side of the middle frame 12. You may make it assemble | attach below.

(2) Configuration of Game Board 13 The game board 13 shown in FIG. 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape by sticking resin cells on the surface of a wooden board such as a plywood board. The game board 13 may be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape by injection molding of a resin material such as acrylic resin. On the game board surface 13a of the game board 13, an inner rail 33a and an outer rail 33b that divide the game area 32 through which the game ball A1 can flow down are laid in a substantially circular shape. A game ball A1 that is launched when the operation handle 19 is operated passes through a launch path that occurs between the inner rail 33a and the outer rail 33b. Then, the game ball A1 that has been launched by the hitting ball launching apparatus and passed through the launch path enters the game area 32 from the end of the launch path and flows down in the game area 32. Further, a windmill 34 is disposed in the game area 32, and a plurality of game nails 35 are planted in substantially the entire game area 32. The windmill 34 and the game nail 35 change the direction of the game ball A <b> 1 flowing down in the game area 32.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a frame-shaped center accessory 50 having an opening 50a is attached to a substantially central portion of the game board surface 13a. A symbol display device 60 as a “symbol display means” is detachably attached to the back side of the game board 13. The display screen of the symbol display device 60 is visible from the front side of the game board 13 through the opening 50 a of the center accessory 50. In addition, although the symbol display device 60 of this embodiment is a liquid crystal type, it may be a dot matrix type, an electroluminescence element type, a seven segment type, or a drum type symbol display device. In addition, in the symbol display device 60, a game effect (display effect) based on variable display (or image display) is performed. The symbol display device 60 displays an effect symbol variation game in which a plurality of types of effect symbols are varied in three columns in relation to the display effect. The effect design is a design showing 10 numbers from “0” to “9”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a start winning device 51, which is a “start winning means”, is disposed below the center accessory 50 on the game board surface 13 a. In the start winning device 51, a start winning port 51a is formed, and an ordinary electric accessory consisting of a pair of blade members 51b is integrally formed. The pair of blade members 51b are configured to open and close by the exciting action of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid SOL1 (see FIG. 3). Further, in the back of the start winning device 51, a start port switch SE1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for detecting the game ball A1 won in the start winning port 51a is provided. The start port switch SE1 is turned on when the game ball A1 won in the start winning device 51 is detected, and outputs a winning signal. On the other hand, the start port switch SE1 is turned off when the game ball A1 is not detected and does not output a winning signal. When a winning signal is output, a special symbol variation game is performed by the special symbol display device 61, and an effect symbol variation game is performed by the symbol display device 60, and a predetermined number (three in this embodiment). The award ball will be paid out. Note that the start winning device 51 of the present embodiment is an electric device in which the ordinary electric combination is integrally formed, but may be a fixed type that does not have the ordinary electric combination.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a big winning device 52 is arranged below the start winning device 51 on the game board surface 13a so that the game ball A1 flowing down on the game board surface 13a can win. A count switch SE2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for detecting the winning game ball A1 is provided in the back of the big winning device 52. Also, the big prize opening door 52a of the big prize winning device 52 is switched to a closed state where the game ball A1 is not accepted and an open state where the game ball A1 is easy to accept due to the exciting action of the big prize port solenoid SOL2 (see FIG. 3). It is possible. In the present embodiment, the “closed state” of the grand prize opening door 52a means a state in which the big prize opening door 52a is completely closed, and the “open state” of the big prize opening door 52a means the grand prize opening door. 52a is in a fully open state. When the game ball A1 is detected by the count switch SE2, a predetermined number (15 in the present embodiment) of award balls is paid out.

  A gate 53 having a function of detecting the passage of the game ball A1 is provided on the left side of the center accessory 50. Behind the gate 53, a gate switch SE3 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for detecting the passed game ball A1 is provided. It should be noted that when the game ball A1 is detected by the gate switch SE3, a random number is acquired, and based on the result of determining whether or not the acquired random number is a predetermined random value, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid SOL1 is driven. The Since the pair of blade members 51b of the ordinary electric accessory is opened by such determination (hit determination), the game ball A1 can easily win the start winning opening 51a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a special symbol display device 61 having a visible display unit is disposed on the lower right side of the center accessory 50. In the special symbol display device 61, when the game ball A1 wins the start winning device 51, the special symbol display device 61 changes a plurality of special symbols (in this embodiment, ten symbols from “0” to “9”). A symbol variation game is displayed, and as a result of the special symbol variation game, display results of jackpot and lose are displayed. For example, when the result of the special symbol variation game is a big hit, at the end of the special symbol variation game, symbols indicating ten different numbers “0” to “9” are displayed as the special symbols. On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol variation game is lost, at the end of the special symbol variation game, a symbol “-” indicating a loss is displayed as the special symbol.

  Here, the special symbol displayed in the case of a big hit consists of a probability variation symbol and a non-probability variation symbol. The probability variation symbol is a symbol that triggers the start of a probability variation state in which the probability that a jackpot is derived in the special symbol variation game is high. The non-probable variation symbol is a symbol that is in a normal state that does not trigger the probability variation state. The probability variation symbol of this embodiment is a special symbol indicating the numbers “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”. On the other hand, the non-probable variation symbol of this embodiment is a special symbol indicating the numbers “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an effect symbol variation game is performed by the symbol display device 60 in accordance with the special symbol variation game on the special symbol display device 61. Specifically, the effect symbol variation game is started almost simultaneously with the start of the special symbol variation game, and the result of the effect symbol variation game is displayed almost simultaneously with the end of the special symbol variation game (the display result of jackpot or lose) is displayed. It has become so. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol variation game performed on the symbol display device 60 and the special symbol variation game performed on the special symbol display device 61 are referred to as a “variation game”.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a special symbol holding display device C is disposed below the special symbol display device 61. The special symbol hold display device C is composed of a plurality of (four) light emitting means including a first hold lamp, a second hold lamp, a third hold lamp, and a fourth hold lamp. Each holding lamp is turned on when there is a game ball A1 (starting holding ball) stored in response to winning in the starting winning device 51, and is turned off when there is no starting holding ball. Each holding lamp is for indicating the number of winning game balls A1 to the starting winning device 51 (starting holding ball number). For example, when there are three start hold balls, three hold lamps are lit.

  Here, “the number of reserved starting balls” is stored in the range of a predetermined maximum value (4 in the present embodiment), the number of game balls A1 won in the start winning device 51 during the change of the special symbol (effect symbol). It is the value. The number of starting reserved balls is “+1” by winning the game ball A1 to the starting winning device 51, and “−1” by starting the variable game.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the left side of the start winning device 51 on the game board surface 13a, general winning devices 58a to 58c capable of winning a game ball A1 flowing down on the game board surface 13a are arranged. In the back of the general winning devices 58a to 58c, a lower left winning port switch SE4 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the winning game ball A1 is provided. The lower left winning opening switch SE4 is turned on when a game ball A1 won in the general winning devices 58a to 58c is detected, and outputs a winning signal. That is, in the general winning devices 58a to 58c, the winning of the game ball A1 is detected by one lower left winning port switch SE4. Further, on the game board surface 13a, a general winning device 58d capable of winning a game ball A1 flowing down on the game board surface 13a is also arranged on the upper right side of the start winning device 51. In the back of the general winning device 58d, a lower right winning opening switch SE5 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the winning game ball A1 is provided. The lower right winning opening switch SE5 is turned on when the game ball A1 won in the general winning device 58d is detected, and outputs a winning signal. In the general winning devices 58a to 58d, a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of winning balls is paid out in response to winning of the game ball A1. Further, at the lowermost part of the game area 32 (the lower end portion of the inner rail 33a), an out port 57 for collecting the game ball A1 that has not won any of the winning devices 51, 52, 58a to 58d is disposed. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, prize balls to be paid out when the game ball A1 wins the winning devices 51, 52, 58a to 58d are placed on the right side of the out port 57 in the lower side of the game board surface 13a. A remaining number display 71 for displaying the remaining number is provided. The remaining number of prize balls is the total number of prize balls in the unpaid state (the total number of prize balls) out of the prize balls paid out based on the winning of the game ball A1 to the prize winning devices 51, 52, 58a to 58d. ). Therefore, the remaining number of prize balls increases by winning the game ball A1 to the winning devices 51, 52, 58a to 58d, and decreases by paying out the prize balls. The remaining number display 71 of the present embodiment is a 7-segment display capable of displaying a 3-digit number (0 to 999) or a 3-digit alphabet (FFF).

(3) Schematic Configuration of Ball Rental Button 81 and Return Button 82 The upper ball tray 15 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a ball rental button 81 as an “operation means”. The ball lending button 81 is operated during a variable game in order for the player to lend a ball. The ball lending button 81 is turned on when a ball lending operation is performed by the player, and a ball lending operation signal is output to the main CPU 21a (see FIG. 3) of the main control board 21. Further, the ball lending button 81 and the return button 82 are turned off when not operated by the player, and the ball lending operation signal is not output.

  Further, a return button 82 as “operating means” is provided at the right side of the ball lending button 81 in the upper ball tray 15. The return button 82 is operated during a variable game in order for the player to return the game ball A1. The return button 82 is turned on when a return operation is performed by the player, and outputs a return operation signal to the main CPU 21a. Further, the return button 82 is turned off when not being operated by the player, and does not output a return operation signal.

(4) Schematic Configuration of Card Unit Device 100 As shown in FIG. 1, a card unit device 100 (so-called “sand”) for supplying the game ball A1 to the pachinko machine 10 is attached to the left side of the pachinko machine 10. It has been. The card unit device 100 includes a card insertion slot 101 for inserting (mounting) a prepaid card exchangeable with a game ball A1 lent to a player. The card unit device 100 includes a card unit CPU 102, and the card unit CPU 102 is electrically connected to the payout control board 25 (see FIG. 3).

  The card unit device 100 can execute the reading process and the writing process with the prepaid card mounted. More specifically, the card unit CPU 102 reads the balance of the prepaid card from the prepaid card in the reading process. Then, the card unit CPU 102 outputs the read balance of the prepaid card to the payout control board 25. On the other hand, the card unit CPU 102 writes the remaining amount of the prepaid card, which has decreased with the ball lending operation of the ball lending button 81, in the prepaid card in the writing process.

(5) Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 10 As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control board 21, an overall control board 22, a display control board 23, an audio / lamp control board 24, and a payout control board 25. It has. An overall control board 22 is electrically connected to the main control board 21, and a display control board 23 and an audio / lamp control board 24 are electrically connected to the overall control board 22. The main control board 21 is electrically connected to a payout control board 25 which is a “payout control means”. Further, the card control unit 25 is electrically connected to the card unit device 100 and a ball paying device 26 which is a “ball paying means”. The payout control board 25 controls the payout of the game ball A1 by the ball payout device 26 based on a payout instruction from the main control board 21.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ball payout device 26 takes in the game ball A1 into the ball payout device 26 and pays out the game ball A1 taken into the ball payout device 26 to the upper ball tray 15. The ball passage 91 is provided. A pinwheel type sprocket 93 in which a plurality of ball feeding portions 92 are recessed in the outer peripheral portion is rotatably supported in the ball passage 91. In addition, a ball counting sensor 94 for detecting the game ball A1 paid out by the operation of the sprocket 93 is provided in the ball passage 91.

  Further, the ball dispensing device 26 is provided with a stopper 95 that engages with the ball feeding portion 92 of the sprocket 93, and a spring 96 is connected to the upper end of the stopper 95. The stopper 95 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the biasing force of the spring 96. In addition, the ball dispensing device 26 is provided with a dispensing solenoid 97 that is driven (excited) in response to a control signal from the dispensing control board 25. Therefore, the stopper 95 is switched to the engaged or disengaged state with respect to the ball feeding portion 92 as the stopper 95 swings by excitation or demagnetization of the dispensing solenoid 97. More specifically, when the dispensing solenoid 97 is energized, the stopper 95 is disengaged from the ball feeding portion 92, so that it depends on the weight of the game ball A1 waiting in the state of being fitted in the ball feeding portion 92. The sprocket 93 rotates counterclockwise, and the game ball A1 is paid out. At this time, the ball counting sensor 94 outputs a prize ball payout signal triggered by the detection of the payout game ball A1. When the dispensing solenoid 97 is demagnetized after a predetermined time has elapsed, the stopper 95 is engaged with the sprocket 93 and the rotation of the sprocket 93 is stopped. As a result, the payout of one game ball A1 is completed.

(5-1) Electrical Configuration of Main Control Board 21 As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 21 includes a main CPU 21 a that is a “game control means” that controls the pachinko machine 10. A start port switch SE1, a count switch SE2, a gate switch SE3, a lower left winning port switch SE4, a lower right winning port switch SE5, a ball lending button 81 and a return button 82 are connected to the main CPU 21a. The main CPU 21a is connected with a special symbol display device 61, a remaining number display device 71, a special symbol hold display device C, a normal electric accessory solenoid SOL1, and a special prize opening solenoid SOL2.

  A main ROM (not shown) and a main RAM (not shown) are electrically connected to the main CPU 21a. The main CPU 21a updates the values of various random numbers such as jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, and variation pattern distribution random numbers used in various lotteries related to the special symbol variation game at predetermined intervals. . The main CPU 21a sets the updated value in the random number storage area of the main RAM and rewrites the value before the update. Various timers that are appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko machine 10 are stored (set) in the timer storage area of the main RAM.

  The big hit determination random number is a random number used when determining whether or not the variable game is a big hit (when determining the big hit). The jackpot symbol random number is a random number used when determining a special symbol when the result of the variable game is a jackpot. The reach determination random number is a random number used when determining whether or not to execute the reach effect when the result of the floating game is lost (during reach determination). The variation pattern distribution random number is a random number used when determining the variation pattern for specifying the contents of the effect of the game effect in the variation game.

  The main ROM also stores a variation pattern distribution table (see FIG. 5) in which variation patterns P1 to P5 for special symbol variation games (production symbol variation games) are distributed. In each variation pattern P1 to P5, the symbols in all columns displayed on the symbol display device 60 (effect symbol) start changing (the effect symbol variation game is started) and then the symbols in all columns are stopped (the effect symbol variation game). This is for specifying the time and content of the game effect (display effect, light emission effect, sound effect) until the end of the game. Each variation pattern is classified into a variation pattern P1 for a loss effect, a variation pattern P2, P4 for a loss reach effect, and a variation pattern P3, P5 for a big hit effect. In addition, the fluctuation patterns P1 to P5 are assigned fluctuation pattern distribution random values (100 integers of 0 to 99 in this embodiment). Note that the variation pattern P1 for losing effect indicates a pattern that is a base of losing effect that displays a combination of losing symbols without undergoing reach effect. The variation patterns P2 and P4 for losing reach production are the bases for losing reach production that displays the losing symbol combination (the symbol combination in which the middle symbol stops at a different symbol from the left and right symbols) after reaching the reach. The pattern is shown. The variation patterns P3 and P5 for the jackpot effect are patterns that serve as a base for the jackpot effect that displays the jackpot symbol combination (the symbol symbol combination in which the middle symbol stops at the same symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol) after reaching the reach effect. Show. In addition, the production time (fluctuation time) of the lost production, the lost reach production, and the jackpot production is different for each of the fluctuation patterns P1 to P5. Specifically, the loss effect is executed for 10 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P1, the loss reach effect is executed for 35 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P2, and the jackpot effect is executed for 35 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P3. The lose reach effect is executed for 45 seconds based on P4, and the big hit effect is executed for 45 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P5.

  Further, the fluctuation patterns P2 to P5 for the lost reach effect and the big hit effect are divided into a pattern when a reach effect that is a normal reach is executed and a pattern when a reach effect that is a super reach is executed. Yes. The reach effect that is a normal reach is an effect in which the left symbol and the right symbol are fixedly stopped with the same type of symbols, and after the middle symbol is changed, the fixed symbol is stopped and the symbol combination is derived. In addition, the reach production that becomes the super reach is the special design with the left design and the right design are confirmed and stopped with the same type of design, and after changing the middle design, the design is stopped and the symbol combination is derived. This is the direction to be performed. Note that the appearance rate of super reach is lower than the appearance rate of normal reach. Further, the super reach is a reach with high reliability that the result of the variable game is a big hit compared to the normal reach.

  Next, various processes related to the special symbol variation game executed by the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 (such as jackpot determination, reach determination, jackpot symbol, lose symbol, variation pattern determination, etc.) will be described.

  First, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not a winning signal is input from the start port switch SE1. When it is determined that a winning signal has been input, the main CPU 21a performs control to execute a special symbol variation game. Specifically, the main CPU 21a obtains the value of the big hit symbol random number extracted by random number lottery and updated every predetermined period from the main RAM, and stores the obtained value in the random number storage area of the main RAM ( Remember. Further, the main CPU 21a acquires, from the main RAM, a value of a big hit determination random number extracted by a random number lottery and updated every predetermined period when the start winning condition is satisfied, and the acquired value is a random number of the main RAM. Store (store) in the storage area. Furthermore, the main CPU 21a stores the number of winning game balls A1 (starting holding ball number) to the starting winning device 51 as holding information in the main RAM. That is, the main RAM has a function as “holding storage means”. In addition, in addition to the number of starting reserved balls, the holding information of the present embodiment includes “the contents of the effect of the special symbol variation game performed based on the starting reserved ball” and “special symbol variation performed based on the starting reserved ball” Information such as “game result (hit, lose, reach)” is also included.

  Then, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 uses the jackpot determination random number value stored in the random number storage area of the main RAM and the jackpot determination value stored in the main ROM immediately before the start of the special symbol variation game. In comparison, a jackpot determination (a jackpot lottery) is performed to determine whether or not the special symbol variation game is successful. In the present embodiment, the numbers that can be taken by the jackpot determination random numbers are set to 0 to 599 (total of 600 types of integers). Then, the main CPU 21a uses two jackpot determination values out of the numerical values that can be taken as the jackpot determination random numbers, and determines the jackpot determination by setting the lottery probability of the jackpot to 2/600 (= 1/300).

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the big hit determination random number does not match the big hit determination value), the main CPU 21a determines the loss. Then, the main CPU 21a determines the symbol “−” indicating a loss as a special symbol. Furthermore, the main CPU 21a stores data corresponding to the determined special symbol in the main RAM until the next special symbol variation game is performed.

  The main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 compares the reach determination random number read from the main RAM with the reach determination value stored in the main ROM when the determination result of the big hit determination is lost. Reach determination is made as to whether or not to execute losing reach. In the present embodiment, the numerical values that can be taken by the random numbers for reach determination are 0 to 180 (a total of 181 kinds of integers). The reach determination value is a value determined in advance from numerical values that can be taken by the reach determination random number. When the determination result of reach determination is affirmative (the value of the reach determination random number matches the reach determination value), the main CPU 21a determines the loss reach. If the determination result of reach determination is negative (the reach determination random number value and the reach determination value do not match), the main CPU 21a determines a loss (a loss without a reach).

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the random number for big hit determination matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 determines the big hit. When the jackpot determination is made, the main CPU 21a determines a special symbol indicating any one of “0” to “9” based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number stored in the random number storage area of the main RAM. To do. Then, the main CPU 21a stores data corresponding to the determined special symbol in the main RAM until a process related to the next special symbol variation game is performed.

  Further, the main CPU 21a determines whether the special symbol is a probability variation symbol or a non-probability variation symbol based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number stored in the random number storage area of the main RAM. In the present embodiment, if the value of the jackpot symbol random number is “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, or “9”, the special symbol is determined to be a probability variation symbol, and the jackpot symbol If the value of the design random number is “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, or “8”, it is determined that the special symbol is a non-probable variation. When the special symbol is determined to be a probable variation symbol, the probability variation state is given in the special symbol variation game started after the end of the jackpot gaming state in which the big winning device 52 is in an open state. Yes. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol is a non-probable variation symbol, the main CPU 21a gives the normal gaming state in the special symbol variation game started after the end of the big hit gaming state.

  Then, when the probability variation state is given in the special symbol variation game, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 uses the 20 jackpot determination values from the numbers that can be taken as the random numbers for the jackpot determination, and the lottery probability of the jackpot Is determined to be 20/600 (= 1/30). That is, the number of jackpot determination values in the probability variation state is 10 times that in the probability variation state. The probability variation state may be continued until the next jackpot gaming state is started, or until the symbol variation display is executed a plurality of times (for example, 10,000 times). It may be continued for a while.

  Further, the main CPU 21a determines a variation pattern based on the determination results of jackpot determination and reach determination. Specifically, when the big hit is determined in the big hit determination, the main CPU 21a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the main RAM, and based on the value, the big hit effect stored in the variation pattern distribution table. The variation pattern P3 or P5 for use is determined. When the lose reach is determined in the reach determination, the main CPU 21a determines the change pattern P2 or P4 for the lose reach effect from the change pattern assignment table based on the value of the change pattern assignment random number read from the main RAM. When the loss is determined in the reach determination, the main CPU 21a determines the variation pattern P1 for the loss effect from the variation pattern distribution table based on the value of the variation pattern distribution random number read from the main RAM.

  Further, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 performs control to display the special symbol on the special symbol display device 61. More specifically, when the main CPU 21a determines the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 21a sets (stores) the variation time associated with each variation pattern as a special symbol timer in the timer storage area of the main RAM, and the special symbol display device 61. To start changing the special symbol.

  The main CPU 21a first designates a variation pattern and generates a variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of symbol variation, and sets (stores in a main RAM) a control command. The control command set here is output in the next command output process. Next, the main CPU 21a sets a special symbol designating command for designating a special symbol as a control command (stored in the main RAM). The control command set here is output in the next command output process. Further, the main CPU 21a subtracts the special symbol timer set at the start of fluctuation every interrupt (4 ms). When the special symbol timer reaches 0 ms, the main CPU 21a sets (outputs) a symbol stop command that instructs the stop of the special symbol and the effect symbol as a control command. When the ball lending operation signal is input from the ball lending button 81, the main CPU 21 a outputs the input ball lending operation signal to the overall control CPU 22 a of the overall control board 22. Similarly, when a return operation signal is input from the return button 82, the main CPU 21a outputs the input return operation signal to the overall control CPU 22a. Further, the main CPU 21 a outputs a ball lending operation signal or a return operation signal to the card unit device 100.

  Further, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 performs a ball lending operation by the player (input of a ball lending operation signal from the ball lending button 81) or a return operation by the player (input of a return operation signal from the return button 82). ) As an opportunity, it is determined whether or not the input timing of the ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal is during the demonstration effect, not during the variable game. The “demonstration effect” is a standby effect that is performed when the player does not operate the operation handle 19 for a certain period of time, or when the winning of the game ball A1 is not detected for a predetermined time by the various switches SE1 to SE5. It is. When it is determined that the input timing of the ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal is not in the demonstration effect, the main CPU 21a determines that the variation pattern determined based on the determination result of the jackpot determination and reach determination is the variation patterns P2 to P5. It is determined whether it is either.

  When the determined variation pattern is not one of the variation patterns P2 to P5 but the variation pattern P1, that is, when it is not a variation pattern in which a notification effect described later is executed, the main CPU 21a Based on the input ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal, a holding period (first reception period) in which execution of lending or returning the ball is suspended is set (stored) in the timer storage area of the main RAM. The main CPU 21a also sets (stores) the first reception period in the timer storage area of the main RAM even when the input timing of the ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal is during the demonstration effect. That is, the main CPU 21a has a function as “holding period setting means”. In addition, the 1st reception period of this embodiment is set to 5 second before subtraction.

  Then, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 subtracts the set first reception period for each interrupt (4 ms). Further, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal is input again within the first reception period (until the first reception period reaches 0 ms). That is, the main CPU 21 a has a function as “operation determination means”. When it is determined that the ball lending operation signal is input again within the first reception period, the main CPU 21a determines execution of the ball lending and performs control (lending) for instructing the payout control board 25 to pay out the game ball A1. Control to output a sphere control signal). That is, the operation of the ball lending button 81 is effective only when the ball lending operation signal is input again within the first reception period. Then, the payout control board 25 outputs a drive control signal to the ball payout device 26 in response to the input of the lending ball control signal, and starts paying out the game ball A1 (rental ball) by the ball payout device 26. Further, the main CPU 21a performs control to divide and pay out the number of game balls paid out in one ball lending into five prescribed units T1 (see FIG. 6). More specifically, the main CPU 21a outputs a lending ball control signal 25 times to the payout control board 25 in one prescribed unit T1. Along with this, a drive control signal is output 25 times from the payout control board 25 to the ball payout device 26, so 25 balls (100 yen worth of 4 balls) are supplied to the ball payout device 26. The specified unit processing to be paid out is executed. Since the prescribed unit process is performed five times, as a result, 125 game balls A1 (500 yen for a four-circle ball) are paid out.

  The main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 executes the return when the determined variation pattern is the variation pattern P1 and it is determined that the return operation signal is input again within the first reception period. And control to instruct the payout control board 25 to stop paying out the game ball A1 (control to output a return control signal). That is, the operation of the return button 82 is effective only when the return operation signal is input again within the first reception period. Then, the payout control board 25 outputs a drive control signal to the ball payout device 26 in response to the input of the return control signal, and stops paying out the game ball A1 by the ball payout device 26.

  On the other hand, when the determined variation pattern is any one of the variation patterns P2 to P5, that is, when the notification pattern is a variation pattern, the main CPU 21a receives the input ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal. Based on the above, the first reception period (5 seconds) is set (stored) in the timer storage area of the main RAM.

  Then, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 displays the current variation game currently being executed when the result is a big hit or reach (that is, when the determined variation pattern is one of the variation patterns P2 to P5). The timing at which the result of the running variable game is derived is determined. That is, the main CPU 21a has a function as “timing determination means”. Specifically, when the determined variation pattern is one of the variation patterns P2 to P5, the main CPU 21a confirms the variation time specified by the variation pattern, and uses the confirmed variation time as a result of the variation game. Is the timing at which is derived. More specifically, when the determined variation pattern is the variation pattern P2 or P3, the variation time is 35 seconds (see FIG. 5), so the main CPU 21a varies the timing at which the result of the variation game is derived. It is determined that 35 seconds after the game is started. Further, when the determined variation pattern is the variation pattern P4 or P5, the variation time is 45 seconds (see FIG. 5), so the main CPU 21a determines the timing at which the variation game results are derived from the variation game. It is determined 45 seconds after the start.

  Then, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 extends the holding period based on the determined timing. That is, the main CPU 21a has a function as “holding period changing means”. More specifically, when it is determined that the timing is 35 seconds later (in the case of the fluctuation pattern P2 or P3), the main CPU 21a changes the holding period from the first reception period (5 seconds) to the second reception period (30 seconds). Extend. When it is determined that the timing is 45 seconds later (when the variation pattern is P4 or P5), the main CPU 21a extends the suspension period from the first reception period (5 seconds) to the second reception period (40 seconds). .

  Then, the main CPU 21a subtracts the set second reception period for each interrupt (4 ms). Further, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the ball lending operation signal or the return operation signal is input again within the second reception period (until the second reception period reaches 0 ms). When it is determined that the ball lending operation signal is input again within the second reception period, the main CPU 21a determines execution of the ball lending and performs control (lending) for instructing the payout control board 25 to pay out the game ball A1. Control to output a sphere control signal). On the other hand, when it is determined that the return operation signal is input again within the second reception period, the main CPU 21a determines execution of the return, and instructs the payout control board 25 to stop paying out the game ball A1. (Control to output a return control signal).

  When the holding period is extended, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 performs control to divide and pay out the number of game balls to be paid out in one ball lending into five prescribed units T2 (see FIG. 7). Further, the main CPU 21a performs control to set an interval period T3 (see FIG. 7) between a plurality of specified units T2. That is, the main CPU 21a has a function as “ball lending unit changing means”.

  More specifically, the main CPU 21a outputs a lending ball control signal to the payout control board 25 25 times in one specified unit T2, thereby giving the ball payout device 26 25 balls (100 yen for a 4-circle ball). Minute unit) of the game ball A1 is executed. When the prescribed unit process ends, the main CPU 21a sets (stores) the interval period T3 (5 seconds in this embodiment) in the timer storage area of the main RAM, and sets the set interval period T3 for each interrupt (4 ms). Subtract. Further, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not a return operation signal is input within the interval period T3 (until the interval period T3 reaches 0 ms). When it is determined that the return operation signal is not input within the interval period T3, the main CPU 21a performs control to execute the next specified unit process (control to output the lending ball control signal to the payout control board 25 25 times). )I do. That is, the specified unit processing after the next time can be canceled only when a return operation signal is input within the interval period T3. Since the prescribed unit process can be repeated up to five times, when the prescribed unit process is performed five times, 125 game balls A1 (500 yen for a four-circle sphere) are paid out. It comes to be.

  Further, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 determines whether or not a special symbol variation game executed based on the hold information stored in the main RAM includes a big hit or a reach game (prefetch determination). To do. That is, the main CPU 21a has a function as “holding storage information determination means”. More specifically, when the game ball A1 wins the start winning device 51, the main CPU 21a performs a big hit determination based on information corresponding to the winning game ball A1 (start hold ball). If the determination result of the jackpot determination is affirmative, the main CPU 21a determines that a special symbol variation game executed based on the hold information includes a bonus game, and the overall control CPU 22a of the overall control board 22 Output a first hold information signal. On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot determination is negative, the main CPU 21a performs a reach determination based on information corresponding to the winning game ball A1 (starting hold ball). If the determination result of the reach determination is affirmative, the main CPU 21a determines that a special symbol variation game that is performed based on the hold information includes a reach, and the first control over the overall control CPU 22a. A hold information signal is output. On the other hand, when the determination result of the reach determination is negative, the main CPU 21a determines that neither a big hit nor a reach is included in the special symbol variation game executed based on the hold information, and the overall control CPU 22a In response to the second hold information signal.

  Further, the main CPU 21a shown in FIG. 3 also holds the hold in the currently executed variable game even when it is determined that the special symbol variable game executed based on the hold information includes a big hit or reach. Extend the period. More specifically, when a special symbol variation game executed based on the hold information includes a big win, the main CPU 21a changes the hold period from the first reception period (5 seconds) to the second reception period (30 seconds). ). If the special symbol variation game executed based on the hold information does not include a big win, but includes a reach, the main CPU 21a sets the hold period to the first reception period (5 seconds). ) To the second reception period (25 seconds).

  Further, the main CPU 21a controls the payout control board 25 to slow down the payout speed of the game ball A1 when extending the holding period. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 21a performs control to increase the output interval of the lending ball control signal to the payout control board 25. Along with this, the interval at which the drive control signal is output to the ball dispensing device 26 (the dispensing solenoid 97) becomes longer, so that the operation interval of the dispensing solenoid 97, that is, the interval at which the game ball A1 is sent by the sprocket 93 becomes longer. Become. That is, the sprocket 93 has a function as “dispensing speed changing means”.

(5-2) Electrical Configuration of Overall Control Board 22 The overall control board 22 shown in FIG. 3 includes an overall control CPU 22a that is a “game control means”, and the overall control CPU 22a includes an overall ROM (not shown). And a general RAM (not shown) are electrically connected. The overall control CPU 22a updates the values of various random numbers used for determining the game effect at predetermined intervals. Then, the overall control CPU 22a rewrites the value before update by setting the updated value in the setting area of the overall RAM. For example, in the random number storage area of the general RAM, a random number for a left symbol, a random number for a middle symbol, a random number for a right symbol, and the like are stored. Various timers that are appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko machine 10 are stored (set) in the timer storage area of the overall RAM.

  The general ROM stores a notification effect determination table 1 (see FIG. 8) to which notification effect patterns SP0 to SP3 for notification effects executed based on the variation pattern are distributed. Each notification effect pattern SP0 to SP3 is associated with a plurality of notification effects having different notification contents. Specifically, in the notification effect determination table 1 of the present embodiment, the notification effect pattern SP1 without notification effect, the notification effect pattern SP1 used for the notification effect for confirming that the ball lending device 26 performs ball lending, In addition, notification effect patterns SP2 and SP3 used for the notification effect suggesting that the player should not perform the ball lending operation are distributed. The notification effect pattern SP1 notifies the player that ball lending is permitted by displaying a character (confirmation message) “Is it okay to lend a ball?” On the symbol display device 60. The pattern used as the base of an alerting effect is shown. The notification effect pattern SP2 is a base of the notification effect that notifies the player that the ball lending should be suspended by displaying the character (confirmation message) “Do not give up yet” on the symbol display device 60. The pattern is shown. The notification effect pattern SP3 includes a notification effect base that notifies the player that the ball lending should be suspended by displaying a character (confirmation message) “may be a big hit” on the symbol display device 60. Shows the pattern. Note that the notification effect based on the notification effect pattern SP2 is an effect having a higher reliability than the notification effect based on the notification effect pattern SP1, and the notification effect based on the notification effect pattern SP3 is a notification based on the notification effect pattern SP2. It is a highly reliable performance that is a big hit rather than a performance.

  Further, in the notification effect determination table 1 shown in FIG. 8, the numbers that can be taken by the notification effect pattern distribution random numbers are set to 0 to 99 (all 100 integers), and each value of the notification effect pattern distribution random numbers is set. It is associated with the notification effect patterns SP0 to SP3. That is, when the variation pattern determined by the main CPU 21a is the variation pattern P1, the notification effect pattern SP0 is associated with 100 notification effect pattern distribution random values (0 to 99), and the notification effect pattern SP1. ~ SP3 are each associated with 0 values of the random numbers for distribution of the notification effect pattern. Further, in the case of the variation pattern P2, 30 notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (0 to 29) are associated with the notification effect pattern SP0, and 50 notification effect pattern patterns are assigned to the notification effect pattern SP1. Random numbers for distribution (30 to 79) are associated, 14 notification effect pattern distribution random values (80 to 93) are associated with notification effect pattern SP2, and 6 in notification effect pattern SP3. Relative values (94 to 99) of notification effect pattern distribution random numbers are associated with each other. Furthermore, in the case of the variation pattern P3, the notification effect pattern SP0 is associated with ten notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (0 to 9), and the notification effect pattern SP1 is associated with 20 notification effect pattern changes. The random number values for distribution (10 to 29) are associated, the notification effect pattern SP2 is associated with 40 notification effect pattern distribution random number values (30 to 69), and the notification effect pattern SP3 is 30. The value (70-99) of the random numbers for notification effect pattern distribution is matched. In the case of the variation pattern P4, 30 notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (0 to 29) are associated with the notification effect pattern SP0, and 40 notification effect pattern changes are associated with the notification effect pattern SP1. The random number values for distribution (30 to 69) are associated, the notification effect pattern SP2 is associated with 20 notification effect pattern distribution random values (70 to 89), and the notification effect pattern SP3 is 10 in number. The numbers (90 to 99) of random numbers for distribution of notification effect patterns are associated with each other. In the case of the variation pattern P5, the notification effect pattern SP0 is associated with six notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (0 to 5), and the notification effect pattern SP1 has 14 notification effect pattern changes. The random number values for distribution (6 to 19) are associated with each other, the notification effect pattern SP2 is associated with 30 notification effect pattern distribution random values (20 to 49), and the notification effect pattern SP3 is 50. The value (50-99) of the random number for notification effect pattern distribution is matched. Note that the distribution of the random numbers for distribution of the notification effect pattern is not limited to that of the present embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Incidentally, when a variation pattern designation command is input, the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3 stores the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command in the overall RAM. When the special symbol designation command is input, the overall control CPU 22a stores the special symbol designated by the special symbol designation command in the overall RAM.

  Furthermore, the overall control CPU 22a generates an effect symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 60 at the end of the effect symbol variation game, based on the special symbol and the variation pattern stored in the overall RAM. . For example, if the special symbol stored in the overall RAM is any one of “0” to “9” and the variation patterns stored in the overall RAM are variation patterns P3 and P5 for jackpot presentation, The control CPU 22a determines the big hit. In this case, the overall control CPU 22a generates an effect symbol (effect symbol left, middle, right) that is finally stopped by the symbol display device 60 so that all columns are of the same type. More specifically, the overall control CPU 22a generates an effect symbol left, an effect symbol in the effect symbol, and an effect symbol right (each effect symbol is of the same type) based on the special symbol. For example, if the special symbol is “1”, the effect symbol is “1”, and if the special symbol is “2”, the effect symbol is “2”. The generated effect symbols (effect symbol left, middle, and right) are derived as a final combination to the symbol display device 60. Then, the overall control CPU 22a stores data corresponding to the generated effect symbol left, the effect symbol, and the effect symbol right in the overall RAM.

  When the special symbol stored in the overall RAM is “−” and the variation patterns stored in the overall RAM are the variation patterns P2 and P4 for the lost reach production, the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. Determining losing reach. In this case, the overall control CPU 22a determines the effect symbols left, middle, and right so that the left column and the right column are the same type of symbols, and the middle column is a different type of symbols from the left and right columns. Specifically, the effect symbol left and the effect symbol right (both effect symbols are of the same type) are generated on the basis of the random number value for the lost symbol. Then, an effect symbol is generated based on the value of the random symbol for the lose symbol. Then, the overall control CPU 22a stores data corresponding to the generated effect symbol left, the effect symbol, and the effect symbol right in the overall RAM. In the present embodiment, the numbers that can be taken by random numbers for the left symbol for lost, the random number for right for lost, and the random number for middle for lost are 10 integers from 0 to 9, and one numerical value corresponds to each type of symbol. It is attached.

  When the special symbol stored in the overall RAM is “−” and the variation pattern stored in the overall RAM is the variation pattern P1 for the lost effect, the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3 determines the loss. To do. In this case, the overall control CPU 22a generates the effect symbols left, middle, and right so that all the columns do not become the same type of symbols (that is, do not become a jackpot symbol combination). Further, the overall control CPU 22a generates the effect symbols left, middle, and right so as not to be a reach symbol combination. Then, the overall control CPU 22a stores data corresponding to the generated effect symbol left, the effect symbol, and the effect symbol right in the overall RAM.

  When determining the effect symbol, the overall control CPU 22a sets (stores) the variation time associated with the variation pattern stored in the overall RAM as the effect symbol timer in the timer storage area of the overall RAM. Further, the overall control CPU 22a uses, as control commands, a change pattern designation command for designating a change pattern stored in the overall RAM as a control command, and the voice / lamp control of the voice / lamp control board 24. Output to the CPU 24a. As a result, the specific contents of the game effects executed by the display control board 23 and the sound / lamp control board 24 are comprehensively controlled by the overall control board 22.

  Further, the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3 outputs an effect symbol left designation command for designating the effect symbol left of the effect symbol to the display control CPU 23a as a control command. Similarly, the overall control CPU 22a outputs to the display control CPU 23a, as control commands, an effect symbol right designation command that designates the effect symbol right of the effect symbol and an effect symbol middle designation command that designates the effect symbol of the effect symbol. . Further, the overall control CPU 22a subtracts the effect symbol timer set at the start of the change every interrupt (4 ms). Thereafter, when the effect symbol timer reaches 0 ms, the overall control CPU 22a outputs the symbol stop command input from the main CPU 21a to the display control CPU 23a and the voice / lamp control CPU 24a as a control command.

  Further, when the ball lending operation signal is input from the main CPU 21a, the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3 distributes the variation pattern stored in the overall RAM and the notification effect pattern distribution also stored in the overall RAM. Based on the value of the random number, any one of the notification effect patterns SP0 to SP3 is determined from the notification effect determination table 1 (see FIG. 8). That is, the overall control CPU 22a selects and executes one notification effect from a plurality of notification effects having different notification contents based on the ball lending operation signal.

  More specifically, when the variation pattern P1 for loss effect is stored in the overall RAM, the overall control CPU 22a performs no notification effect regardless of the value of the random number for distribution of the notification effect pattern stored in the overall RAM. The notification effect pattern SP0 is determined. On the other hand, when any of the variation patterns P2 to P5 is stored in the overall RAM, the overall control CPU 22a sets the notification effect patterns SP0 to SP3 based on the notification effect pattern distribution random numbers stored in the overall RAM. Determine one of them. That is, the overall control CPU 22a performs control to display on the symbol display device 60 a confirmation message indicating that the player confirms the execution of the ball lending when the holding period is extended and the notification effect is executed.

  Also, the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3 causes the notification effect to be executed in the currently running variable game even when the first hold information signal or the second hold information signal is input from the main CPU 21a. Yes. More specifically, the control ROM stores a notification effect determination table 2 (see FIG. 9) in which notification effect patterns SP0, SP2 and SP3 for notification effects executed based on the hold information are distributed. In the present embodiment, the notification effect patterns SP0, SP2, SP3 assigned to the notification effect determination table 2 are the same as the notification effect patterns SP0, SP2, SP3 assigned to the notification effect determination table 1. For this reason, the notification effects executed based on the respective notification effect patterns are also the same. When the first hold information signal is input from the main CPU 21a, the overall control CPU 22a receives the notification effect pattern from the notification effect determination table 2 based on the value of the notification effect pattern distribution random number stored in the overall RAM. Determine SP2 or SP3. On the other hand, when the second hold information signal is input from the main CPU 21a, the overall control CPU 22a receives the notification effect pattern from the notification effect determination table 2 based on the value of the notification effect pattern distribution random number stored in the overall RAM. One of SP0, SP2, and SP3 is determined. In the present embodiment, when the first hold information signal is input, the notification effect pattern SP0 is associated with 0 notification effect pattern distribution random numbers, and the notification effect pattern SP2 has 40 values. The notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (0 to 39) are associated, and the notification effect pattern SP3 is associated with 60 notification effect pattern distribution random values (40 to 99). In addition, when the second hold information signal is input, 84 notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (0 to 83) are associated with the notification effect pattern SP0, and ten notification effect pattern SP2 is set with ten. The notification effect pattern distribution random numbers (84 to 93) are associated, and the notification effect pattern SP3 is associated with six notification effect pattern distribution random values (94 to 99).

  Thereafter, the overall control CPU 22a outputs a notification effect pattern designation command for designating the selected notification effect pattern to the display control CPU 23a of the display control board 23 and the voice / lamp control CPU 24a of the voice / lamp control board 24.

(5-3) Electrical Configuration of Display Control Board 23 As shown in FIG. 3, the display control board 23 includes a display control CPU 23a which is a “game control means”, and the display control CPU 23a includes a display ROM ( A display RAM (not shown) and a display RAM (not shown) are connected. The display RAM temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The display ROM stores a plurality of types of display effect data used when the effect symbol variation game is performed. The display effect data is information for the display control CPU 23a to control the display content (symbol fluctuation or the like) of the symbol display device 60, that is, information for instructing the symbol display device 60 to execute the display effect. Furthermore, the display ROM stores notification effect display effect data used when the notification effect is executed. The display effect data for notification effect is information for the display control CPU 23a to instruct the symbol display device 60 to execute the notification effect.

  When a variation pattern designation command is input from the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3, the display control CPU 23a stores the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command in the display RAM. Further, when an effect symbol left designation command is input from the overall control CPU 22a, the display control CPU 23a stores the effect symbol left designated by the command in the display RAM. Similarly, when an effect symbol right designation command is input from the overall control CPU 22a, the display control CPU 23a stores the effect symbol right designated by the command in the display RAM, and when the effect symbol designation command is input, The effect design specified by the command is stored in the display RAM.

  After that, when a symbol stop command is input from the overall control CPU 22a, the display control CPU 23a causes the symbol display device 60 to display the symbol effect on the symbol display device 60 based on the effect symbols left, right, and center that are input at the start of variation and stored in the display RAM. The instruction to stop is. Thereby, the designated effect symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 60.

  When the variation pattern designation command is input, the display control CPU 23a shown in FIG. 3 sets (generates) any one of a plurality of types of display effect data stored in the display ROM, and sets it. Display effect data is stored in a storage area of the display RAM. Thereby, the display control CPU 23a comes to perform display control based on the variation pattern designation command and the display effect data. More specifically, the display control CPU 23a converts display effect data stored in the display RAM into a symbol signal and outputs the symbol signal to the symbol display device 60. As a result, the symbol display device 60 can perform a predetermined display (such as an effect symbol variation game) based on the symbol signal.

  When the notification effect pattern designation command is input, the display control CPU 23a sets (generates) any one of the notification effect display effect data stored in the display ROM, and sets the notification effect display. The effect data is stored in the storage area of the display RAM. Accordingly, the display control CPU 23a performs display control based on the notification effect pattern designation command and the notification effect display effect data. More specifically, the display control CPU 23a converts the display effect data for notification effect stored in the display RAM into a notification effect signal and outputs the notification effect signal to the symbol display device 60. As a result, the symbol display device 60 can execute a predetermined display (notification effect) based on the notification effect signal.

(5-4) Electrical Configuration of Voice / Ramp Control Board 24 As shown in FIG. 3, the voice / lamp control board 24 includes a voice / lamp control CPU 24a which is a “game control means”. A sound / lamp ROM (not shown) and a sound / lamp RAM (not shown) are connected to the lamp control CPU 24a. In the sound / lamp RAM, various types of information that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10 are temporarily stored (set).

  The voice / lamp ROM stores a plurality of types of light emission effect data and a plurality of types of sound effect data used when the effect symbol variation game is performed. The light effect data is information for the sound / lamp control CPU 24a to control the light emission output mode of the frame lamps 16a to 16c. The voice effect data is information for the voice / lamp control CPU 24a to control the voice output mode (sound effect type, language voice type, voice output time, etc.) of the speaker 17 (see FIG. 3). . The speaker 17 is for outputting various sounds and performing sound effects. Furthermore, the effect data for notification effect used when the notification effect is executed is stored in the voice / lamp ROM. The effect data for notification effect is information for the voice / lamp control CPU 24a to instruct the frame lamps 16a to 16c and the speaker 17 to execute the notification effect.

  When a fluctuation pattern designation command is input from the overall control CPU 22a shown in FIG. 3, the voice / lamp control CPU 24a stores the fluctuation pattern designated by the fluctuation pattern designation command in the voice / lamp RAM. ing. Thereafter, when a symbol stop command is input from the overall control CPU 22a, the sound / lamp control CPU 24a instructs to stop the light emission of the frame lamps 16a to 16c and to stop the sound output of the speaker 17.

  When a change pattern designation command is input, the sound / lamp control CPU 24a sets (generates) any one of a plurality of types of light emission effect data stored in the sound / lamp ROM, and sets the set light emission. The effect data is stored in the storage area of the voice / lamp RAM. Thereby, the voice / lamp control CPU 24a performs the light emission control based on the light emission effect data corresponding to the variation pattern designation command. More specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 24a converts the light emission effect data stored in the sound / lamp RAM into a light emission control signal and outputs it to the frame lamps 16a to 16c. As a result, the frame lamps 16a to 16c can perform a predetermined light emission operation (lighting, blinking, etc.) based on the light emission control signal.

  When a change pattern designation command is input, the voice / lamp control CPU 24a shown in FIG. 3 sets (generates) any one of a plurality of types of voice effect data stored in the voice / lamp ROM. Thus, the set audio production data is stored in the storage area of the audio / lamp RAM. Thereby, the voice / lamp control CPU 24a performs voice control based on the voice effect data corresponding to the variation pattern designation command. More specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 24 a converts sound effect data stored in the sound / lamp RAM into a sound signal and outputs the sound signal to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 can perform a predetermined output operation (sound output) based on the audio signal.

  When the notification effect pattern designation command is input, the voice / lamp control CPU 24a sets (generates) any one of the notification effect production data stored in the voice / lamp ROM, and sets the notification. The production data for production is stored in the storage area of the voice / lamp RAM. As a result, the sound / lamp control CPU 24a performs light emission control and sound control based on the notification effect pattern designation command and the notification effect production data. More specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 24a converts the effect data for notification effect stored in the sound / lamp RAM into a light emission control signal and a sound signal, and outputs them to the frame lamps 16a to 16c and the speaker 17. As a result, the frame lamps 16a to 16c and the speaker 17 can execute a predetermined output operation (notification effect) based on the light emission control signal and the audio signal.

  Next, processing performed by the main CPU 21a of the main control board 21 will be described. A program for performing this process is executed in the main CPU 21a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  In step S <b> 10 shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 21 a determines whether or not a ball lending operation signal is input from the ball lending button 81. When the ball lending operation signal is not input (step S10: N), the main CPU 21a performs the process of step S10 again. On the other hand, when a ball lending operation signal is input (step S10: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S15.

  In step S15, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the input timing of the ball lending operation signal is during the demonstration effect. When the input timing of the ball lending operation signal is in the demonstration effect (step S15: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S30. On the other hand, when the input timing of the ball lending operation signal is not in the demonstration effect (step S15: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S20.

  In step S20, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the variation pattern determined based on the determination results of the jackpot determination and reach determination is any of the variation patterns P2 to P5 in which the notification effect is executed. When it is determined that the variation pattern is not one of the variation patterns P2 to P5 but the variation pattern P1 (step S20: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S30. In step S30, the main CPU 21a sets the holding period (first reception period) determined based on the variation pattern in the main RAM, and proceeds to the process of step S31. In step S31, the main CPU 21a subtracts the first reception period stored in the main RAM, and proceeds to the process of step S32.

  In step S32, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the first reception period stored in the main RAM has become 0 ms. When it is determined that the first reception period has reached 0 ms (step S32: Y), the main CPU 21a ends the process here. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first reception period is not 0 ms (step S32: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S33.

  In step S33, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not a ball lending operation signal is input from the ball lending button 81. When the ball lending operation signal is not input (step S33: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S31 again. On the other hand, when a ball lending operation signal is input (step S33: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S34. In step S <b> 34, the main CPU 21 a outputs a lending ball control signal to the payout control board 25. Then, the payout control board 25 outputs a drive control signal to the ball payout device 26 in response to the input of the lending ball control signal, and the ball payout device 26 starts paying out all (125 balls) game balls A1. Let Thereafter, the main CPU 21a ends the process here.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation pattern is one of the variation patterns P2 to P5 (step S20: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S40. In step S40, the main CPU 21a sets a holding period (first reception time) determined based on the variation pattern in the main RAM. Next, the main CPU 21a determines the timing at which the result of the currently running variable game is derived, and extends the holding period based on the determined timing. More specifically, when it is determined that the timing is 35 seconds later (in the case of the fluctuation pattern P2 or P3), the main CPU 21a changes the holding period from the first reception period (5 seconds) to the second reception period (30 seconds). Extend. When it is determined that the timing is 45 seconds later (when the variation pattern is P4 or P5), the main CPU 21a extends the suspension period from the first reception period (5 seconds) to the second reception period (40 seconds). . Then, the main CPU 21a sets the extended holding period (second reception period) in the main RAM, and proceeds to the process of step S50. In step S50, the main CPU 21a subtracts the second reception period stored in the main RAM, and proceeds to the process of step S60.

  In step S60, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the second reception period stored in the main RAM has become 0 ms. When it is determined that the second reception period has reached 0 ms (step S60: Y), the main CPU 21a ends the process here. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second reception period is not 0 ms (step S60: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S70.

  In step S <b> 70, the main CPU 21 a determines whether or not a ball lending operation signal is input from the ball lending button 81. When the ball lending operation signal is not input (step S70: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S50 again. On the other hand, when a ball lending operation signal is input (step S70: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S80 (specified unit process). In step S80, the main CPU 21a outputs a lending ball control signal to the payout control board 25. Then, the payout control board 25 outputs a drive control signal to the ball payout device 26 in response to the input of the lending ball control signal. Start paying out A1. Thereafter, the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S90. In step S90, the main CPU 21a stores “1” in the main RAM as a number flag indicating the number of executions of the specified unit process, and proceeds to the process of step S100. In step S100, the main CPU 21a sets an interval period T3 (see FIG. 7) in the main RAM, and proceeds to the process of step S110. In step S110, the main CPU 21a subtracts the interval period T3 stored in the main RAM, and proceeds to the process of step S120.

  In step S120, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the interval period T3 stored in the main RAM has become 0 ms. When it is determined that the interval period T3 has become 0 ms (step S120: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interval period T3 is not 0 ms (step S120: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S130.

  In step S130, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not a return operation signal is input from the return button 82. When the return operation signal is not input (step S130: N), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S90 again. On the other hand, when a return operation signal is input (step S130: Y), the main CPU 21a ends the process here.

  In step S140, the main CPU 21a increments the number flag stored in the main RAM by “+1”, and proceeds to the process of step S150. In step S150, the main CPU 21a determines whether or not the number of executions of the specified unit process performed in step S80 has reached five. When the number of executions of the prescribed unit process has not reached five (step S150: N), the main CPU 21a shifts again to the process of step S80 (specified unit process). Note that the processes in steps S80 to S150 are repeatedly executed until the number of executions of the prescribed unit process reaches five. When the number of executions of the prescribed unit process reaches 5 (step S150: Y), the main CPU 21a proceeds to the process of step S160. In step S160, the main CPU 21a clears the number-of-times flag stored in the main RAM (changes it to “0”), and ends the processing here.

  Next, a method for lending a ball using the ball lending button 81 will be described.

  In the case of lending a ball, the player operates the ball lending button 81 during the variable game. Here, if the changing game is played based on the changing pattern P1 for the lost effect, if the player operates the ball lending button 81 again within the first reception period (5 seconds in the present embodiment), The operation of the lending button 81 becomes effective, and the game ball A1 (lending ball) is paid out by the ball payout device 26. That is, when a lose effect is performed in the variable game of the present embodiment, the notification effect is not executed.

  On the other hand, when the changing game is played based on the change patterns P2 and P4 for the lose reach effect and the change patterns P3 and P5 for the jackpot effect, the notification effect is issued before the game ball A1 is paid out. Executed. More specifically, when the floating game is played based on the variation patterns P2 and P4 for the losing reach production, a notification is displayed on the symbol display device 60 that "Is it okay to lend a ball?" It is most likely that the production will be executed. In this case, it is notified by the notification effect that the player is allowed to lend a ball. Then, if the player who sees the notification effect operates the ball lending button 81 again within the second reception period (30 seconds or 40 seconds in the present embodiment), the operation of the ball lending button 81 becomes effective. The payout device 26 pays out the game ball A1.

  Further, when the changing game is played based on the changing pattern P3 for the big hit effect, there is a high possibility that the notification effect for displaying the characters “Don't give up yet” on the symbol display device 60 is executed. Furthermore, when the variable game is played based on the variation pattern P5 for the big hit effect, there is a high possibility that the notification effect for displaying the characters “may be a big hit” on the symbol display device 60 is executed. In these cases, the notification effect informs the player that ball lending should be suspended. At this time, the player expects that “the result of the variable game is a big hit?”. If the player stops the operation of the ball lending button 81 and operates the ball lending button 81 by watching the notification effect, the payout of the game ball A1 is stopped. In this case, it is possible to avoid the risk that the player feels lost due to a big hit immediately after lending a ball. If the player dares to operate the ball lending button 81 again despite seeing the notification effect, the operation of the ball lending button 81 becomes effective and the game ball A1 is paid out. Become.

  If the operation of the ball lending button 81 becomes valid when the variable game is played based on the change patterns P2 to P5, the game ball A1 is paid out in a state of being divided into five prescribed units T2. (See FIG. 7). More specifically, first, the first prescribed unit process is executed in the first prescribed unit T2, and 25 game balls A1 are paid out by the ball payout device 26. Then, the interval period T3 is set after the end of the specified unit process, and after the interval period T3 has elapsed, the second specified unit process is executed in the second specified unit T2. If the return button 82 is operated within the interval period T3, the second and subsequent prescribed unit processing is stopped, and the payout of the game ball A1 is stopped. Thereafter, the third to fifth prescribed unit processes and the setting of the third interval period T3 are repeatedly executed unless the return button 82 is operated within the interval period T3. When the prescribed unit process in the prescribed unit T2 for the fifth time is finished, the payout of all (125 balls) game balls A1 is finished.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, even if the ball lending button 81 is operated once (ball lending operation signal is input), unless the ball lending button 81 is operated again (ball lending operation signal is input again). Will not be lent or returned. That is, even after the ball lending button 81 is operated once, the ball lending can be canceled, so the functionality of the ball lending is enhanced and the convenience of the player is improved.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the control for extending the holding period for holding off the ball lending is performed by referring to not only the symbol variation game currently being executed but also the holding information. For this reason, while giving the player the expectation that the result of the symbol variation game to be played in the future based on the hold information will be a big hit, the risk that it will be disadvantageous for the player because it cannot be canceled is surely reduced Can be made.

  In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.

  In the above embodiment, after setting the holding period based on the ball lending operation signal input from the ball lending button 81, the ball lending operation signal from the ball lending button 81 is input again within the holding period. As a result, the game ball A1 is paid out by the ball payout device 26. More specifically, when a ball lending operation signal is input in the same input mode as the previous ball lending operation signal, it is determined that the ball lending operation signal is input again within the holding period, and the game ball A1 is paid out. It was like that.

  However, when a ball lending operation signal is input in an input mode different from the previous ball lending operation signal, it is determined that the ball lending operation signal is input again within the holding period, and the game ball A1 is paid out. May be. For example, when the second ball lending button 81 is operated for a longer time than the first ball lending button 81, it is determined that the ball lending operation signal is input again within the holding period, and the game ball A1 may be paid out. In this case, the second operation of the ball lending button 81 not only confirms the execution of the ball lending, but also effectively confirms the player's will based on the second operation of the ball lending button 81. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, not only when the input timing of the ball lending operation signal is not during the demonstration production (that is, when the floating game is being executed) but also when the input timing of the ball lending operation signal is during the demonstration production. Even so, the holding period (first reception period) is set. However, the holding period may not be set when the input timing of the ball lending operation signal is being demonstrated.

  In the above embodiment, when the game that is a big hit or reach is included in the variable game performed based on the hold information, the hold period in the currently running variable game is extended. You may change the aspect which extends a period. For example, when a game that becomes a big hit or reach is included in the variable game performed based on the hold information, the hold period in all of the variable game that is a big hit or reach and the variable game executed in the previous stage May be extended. Specifically, the results of the jackpot determination and reach determination based on the hold information corresponding to the first to third start hold balls are all lost (variation pattern P1), and the hold corresponding to the fourth start hold ball is held. When the results of the jackpot determination and reach determination based on the information are the jackpot (variation pattern P3), and the start holding balls are digested in the order of the first to fourth pieces, the holding information corresponding to all the starting hold balls The holding period in the variable game performed based on the first game may be extended from the first reception period (for example, 5 seconds) to the period until the variable game ends (second reception period). In this way, the ball lending operation and the return operation can be performed until all the start holding balls are digested (until the last big hit or reach variable game is completed).

  In the above embodiment, the holding period is extended when the result of the currently running floating game results in a big hit or reach, but the result of the currently running floating game becomes a loss or small hit. Even in this case, the holding period may be extended. Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the game which becomes a big hit or reach was included in the variable game performed based on hold information, the hold period was extended, but it is performed based on hold information. Even if the result of the variable game is a loss or a small hit, the holding period may be extended.

  In the above embodiment, when the interval period T3 is set between the prescribed units T2 (see FIG. 7), the return button 82 is operated (the return operation signal is input) during the interval period T3. Then, the control to stop the specified unit processing after the next time is performed. That is, the specified unit processing after the next time can be canceled only when the return operation signal is input again within the interval period T3. However, when the ball lending operation signal is input within the interval period T3, control for executing the next specified unit process may be performed. That is, the specified unit processing after the next time may be executed only when the ball lending operation signal is input again within the interval period T3.

  In the above embodiment, when the holding period is set, control is performed to display on the symbol display device 60 a confirmation message indicating that the player confirms the execution of ball lending. However, when a holding period is set, control for outputting a confirmation message from the speaker 17 may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the symbol display device 60 has a function as “display means” for displaying a confirmation message. However, a display means different from the symbol display device 60 has a function as “display means”. You may have.

  In the above embodiment, the big hit determination and the reach determination are performed based on the game ball (starting hold ball) included in the hold information, and the determination result of the big hit determination and the reach determination is confirmed to be performed based on the hold information. It is determined whether or not the special symbol variation game includes a big hit or a reach. However, by confirming the type of variation pattern included in the hold information, it may be determined whether or not the special symbol variation game executed based on the hold information includes a big hit or reach.

  In the above embodiment, any one of the variation patterns P1 to P5 is determined from the variation pattern distribution table (see FIG. 5), but the variation pattern may be determined by other methods. For example, the fluctuation patterns P1, P2, and P4 that cause the loss may be determined from the loss table, and the fluctuation patterns P3 and P5 that may become the big hit may be determined from the big hit table. In the lose table, more variation pattern distribution random numbers are distributed to the variation pattern P2 that is the normal reach than the variation pattern P4 that is the super reach. On the other hand, in the big hit table, more variation pattern distribution random numbers are distributed to the variation pattern P5 that is a super reach than the variation pattern P3 that is a normal reach. Therefore, the reliability that becomes a big hit in the case of super reach is greater than the reliability that becomes a big hit in the case of normal reach. In addition, when the variation pattern P1 that does not become reach is assigned the largest number of variation pattern distribution random numbers in the loss table, the variation pattern distribution random number value is not assigned in the big hit table, so that the reach is not reached. The reliability that becomes a big hit of is 0%. That is, it is possible to set the reliability that the result of the variation game is a big hit based on the ratio of the variation pattern distribution random numbers distributed to the loss table and the variation pattern distribution random numbers distributed to the big hit table. In addition, the variation time of the reach effect that is a normal reach executed based on the variation patterns P2 and P3 is 35 seconds, and the variation time of the reach effect that is a super reach performed based on the variation patterns P4 and P5 is Both are 45 seconds. As a result, it is not possible to determine whether or not the result of a variable game will be a big hit during the execution of a reach production that is a normal reach or a reach production that is a super reach. It can be set.

  In the above embodiment, the main control board 21 and the payout control board 25 may communicate with each other. In addition, the card unit device 100 is electrically connected to the payout control board 25, but may be electrically connected to the main control board 21.

  The ball lending button 81 and the return button 82 of the above embodiment are connected to the main CPU 21a of the main control board 21. However, when the main control board 21 and the payout control board 25 communicate with each other, the ball lending button 81 and the return button 82 may be connected to the payout control board 25 or to the card unit CPU 102 of the card unit device 100. It may be connected.

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In any one of the above means 1 to 5, when the holding period is set, the display means displays a confirmation message indicating that the player confirms the execution of lending or returning a ball. A gaming machine comprising display control means for performing.

  (2) In any one of the above-described means 1 to 5, the operation determination means is configured to output the operation signal within the holding period when the operation signal is input in an input mode different from the previous operation signal. A game machine characterized by determining that is input again.

  (3) In any one of the above means 1 to 5, the game control means is electrically connected to the main control means having functions as the holding period setting means and the operation determination means, and the main control means. A sub-control means.

10. Pachinko machine 21a as a gaming machine. Main CPU as game control means, hold period setting means, operation determination means, timing determination means, hold period change means, hold storage information determination means and ball lending unit change means.
22a ... Overall control CPU as game control means
23a ... Display control CPU as game control means
24a: Voice / lamp control CPU as game control means
25 ... Dispensing control board 26 as payout control means ... Ball payout device 51 as ball payout means ... Start winning device 60 as start winning means ... Symbol display device 81 as symbol display means ... Ball lending button 82 as operation means ... Return button 93 as operating means ... Sprocket A1 as payout speed changing means ... Game ball T2 ... Prescribed unit T3 ... Interval period

Claims (5)

A symbol display means for displaying a symbol change game for changing a symbol in response to winning of a game ball in the start winning means;
An operation means that is arranged on the machine surface side and outputs an operation signal when a player performs a ball lending operation or a return operation during the symbol variation game,
Game control means for controlling the gaming machine;
A gaming machine electrically connected to the game control means, and comprising a payout control means for controlling payout of the game ball by the ball payout means based on a payout instruction from the game control means,
The game control means includes
Based on the operation signal input from the operation means, a holding period setting means for setting a holding period for holding the ball lending or return execution,
Operation determining means for determining whether or not the operation signal is input again within the holding period,
The game control means includes
When it is determined that the operation signal is input again within the holding period, when performing ball lending, control is performed to instruct the payout control means to pay out the game ball,
When it is determined that the operation signal is input again within the holding period, when the return is executed, the game is controlled to instruct the payout control means to stop paying out the game ball. Machine. The game control means includes
Timing determination means for determining a timing at which a result of the symbol variation game currently being executed is derived when a result of the symbol variation game currently being executed is a hit or reach;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a holding period changing unit that extends the holding period based on the timing determined by the timing determining unit. The game control means includes
Hold storage means for storing the number of winning game balls to the start winning means as hold information;
A holding storage information determining means for determining whether or not the symbol variation game performed based on the holding information includes a winning or reaching game;
The holding period changing means extends the holding period even when it is determined that the symbol variation game performed based on the holding information includes a hit or reach game. The gaming machine according to claim 2.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ball payout means includes payout speed changing means for slowing down the payout speed of the game ball.   The game control means performs control to divide and pay out the number of game balls to be paid out in one ball lending into a plurality of specified units, and to perform control to set an interval period for each of the plurality of specified units. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising lending unit changing means.

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