JP2014223249A - Game information provision device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance interest of a player by using game information provision devices capable of communicating information with each other and carrying out a performance by cooperation of a plurality of game information provision devices provided in game machines, respectively.SOLUTION: A controller 56 of a game information provision device 50 is used in a pachinko game machine executing game control which gives a predetermined privilege at a momentum when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and performance control which does not suggest that the privilege has been given. When the controller 56 acquires, from the pachinko machine, information indicating that the privilege has been given, the controller 56 shares the information with another game information provision device 50. Then, when the controller 56 acquires this information from the pachinko game machine or receives the information from another game information provision device 50, the controller 56 performs a suggestion performance which suggests a possibility that the privilege has been given.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game information providing apparatus that is connected to a gaming machine and provides gaming information of the gaming machine.

  A game information providing device is connected to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a revolving type gaming machine (slot machine), and information relating to the gaming machine is provided to the player (for example, Patent Document 1). See). This type of game information providing apparatus usually includes a display device such as a dot matrix type display device or a liquid crystal display device using LEDs (light emitting diodes), and provides information to the player through the display of this display device. The game information providing device is advantageous to a player who has a high probability of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery or information regarding the game history of how many times the jackpot was won in the special symbol lottery, for example. Information about the state of the gaming machine such as whether or not it is in a state is provided.

  Gaming machines cannot exchange information about games between gaming machines by convention. On the other hand, since the game information providing device is an external device connected to the gaming machine, it is allowed to exchange information between the game information providing devices. Therefore, for example, a plurality of game information providing devices can control display on the display device in cooperation.

JP 2007-61354 A

  Generally, a plurality of gaming machines are installed side by side in a game hall (hall). Therefore, if it is possible to perform an effect that is coordinated by a plurality of gaming machines arranged side by side, compared to a single effect by a single gaming machine, the interest of a plurality of players who are playing games on each gaming machine can be enhanced. It can be expected to greatly increase the effect. However, since gaming machines cannot exchange information about games between gaming machines, it is difficult to perform an effect in cooperation between a plurality of gaming machines.

  The present invention enhances the interest of a player by using a game information providing apparatus capable of exchanging information with each other and performing an effect linked by a plurality of game information providing apparatuses provided for each gaming machine. For the purpose.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following game information providing apparatus. This game information providing device
In the gaming machine (100) in which the game control for giving a predetermined privilege to the player is performed when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the production control not implying that the privilege is given in the production is performed. A game information providing device (50) provided correspondingly,
Acquisition means (564) for acquiring information indicating that the privilege has been granted in the gaming machine (100) from the gaming machine (100);
Other game information providing device (50) provided for the gaming machine (100) other than the gaming machine (100) with the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine (100) has been granted Transmitting / receiving means (564) exchanged with
The gaming machine (100) corresponding to the own device based on the information obtained from the gaming machine (100) or the information received from the other gaming information providing device (50). Directing means (56) for performing a suggestive effect suggesting that there is a possibility that the privilege has been granted,
It is characterized by providing.
With such a configuration, when a privilege is granted in one gaming machine, each gaming information providing device corresponding to a plurality of gaming machines may have been granted the privilege in its own gaming machine In order to produce an effect that suggests that there is a game, it is possible to give a sense of expectation to a player who is playing with each game machine and to enhance interest.

More preferably, the effect means (56) starts executing the suggestion effect in synchronization with the other game information providing device (50) having exchanged the information.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to start suggesting effects in synchronization with a plurality of game information providing devices, so it becomes difficult to understand in which gaming machine a privilege has been granted, which can further enhance interest. it can.

More preferably, when the presentation means (56) acquires information indicating that a privilege has been granted from the gaming machine (100) from the gaming machine (100), the presentation means (56) has acquired the information for a certain period of time. Alternatively, the execution of the suggestive effect is started after the dynamically set delay time has elapsed.
By adopting such a configuration, since the suggestion effect is not started immediately after the privilege is granted, it becomes difficult to understand in which gaming machine the privilege is given, and the interest can be further enhanced.

In addition, other game information providing devices that achieve the above-mentioned purpose
In response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, the game control is performed to give a bonus to a player, and the game machine (100) is used to perform a presentation control that does not suggest that the bonus has been granted. A game information providing device (50) provided
Acquisition means (564) for acquiring information indicating that the privilege has been granted in the gaming machine (100) from the gaming machine (100);
Transmission means (564) for transmitting the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine (100) has been granted to a predetermined device;
Receiving means for receiving, from the predetermined device, the information indicating that the privilege has been granted in the gaming machine (100) corresponding to any game information providing device (50) under the management of the predetermined device. (564)
Based on the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine (100) has been granted or the information received from the predetermined device, the gaming machine (100) corresponding to the own device is granted the privilege. Directing means (56) for performing a suggestive effect that suggests that
It is characterized by providing.
With such a configuration, when a privilege is given to one gaming machine under the control of a predetermined device, each gaming information providing device corresponding to a plurality of gaming machines Since an effect suggesting that there is a possibility that the privilege has been given is given, it is possible to give a player a sense of expectation and enhance interest by playing each game machine.

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

  According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the interest of a player by performing an effect in cooperation with a plurality of game information providing devices provided for each gaming machine.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management system for game halls of a game hall (hall) where the game machine and game information provision apparatus in this Embodiment are installed. It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a partial plane enlarged view of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a front view of the game information provision apparatus to which this embodiment is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of an electrical structure of the game information provision apparatus with which this Embodiment is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the presentation control process by the control part of a game information provision apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the game information provision apparatus at the time of receiving the notification signal of a cooperation effect from another game information provision apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of judgment of the execution conditions of cooperation production. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of judgment of the execution conditions of cooperation production.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this embodiment, an example in which a pachinko gaming machine is used as a gaming machine will be described.

[Overall configuration of management system for amusement hall]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management system for a game hall (hall) in which a gaming machine and a game information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment are installed.
In the game hall, for example, a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 are installed for each unit called an island, and a game information providing device 50 and a lending device 60 are installed corresponding to each pachinko gaming machine 100. The pachinko gaming machine 100, the game information providing device 50, and the lending device 60 are connected to a management device (hall computer) 70. A player borrows a game ball, which is a game medium, from the lending device 60 and plays a game on the pachinko gaming machine 100.

[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 that win when a game ball enters and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts, A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) upon passing, is provided on the game board 110. In FIG. 2, the gates 124 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111. The left gate 124 is described as 124 </ b> L and the right gate 124 is described as 124 </ b> R. In addition, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 referred to here are winning ports related to winning a game ball that activates a predetermined special symbol display. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port are provided with switches (a first start port switch 211 and a second start port switch 212 described later) that detect the passage of a game ball at the time of winning a prize. ing. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 121 or the 2nd starting port 122, this switch will detect the passage of a gaming ball as an opportunity to operate a special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

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

In the present embodiment, the other prize-winning and lottery items include a special prize winning hole 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if a game ball wins. A normal winning opening 126 that is not to be played is provided on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, there are a game control board that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

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

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display unit 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each constituted by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball while the special symbol or normal symbol fluctuation display operation is being performed (while the fluctuation display for one prize is being performed), the symbol is changing, The symbol variation display operation cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four), and the symbol variable display operation for the winning game ball is suspended until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball is completed. . The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs lights whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation gaming state that is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery fluctuates (probability variation). This is a notification. The other one is whether or not the game state is advantageous to the player who is likely to win the big winning opening 125 or the second starting port 122 by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). Is notified by lighting.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The player can instruct one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and also instructed by operating the center key. It is possible to select an image. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

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

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

  Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is connected to a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various types of information to the management device 70 installed in the game hall (hall). Then, the game control unit 200 sends the information about the number of paid-out prize balls, the information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the management device 70 via the board external information terminal board 250. Send.

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

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

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

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

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to the management device 70 installed in the game hall (hall). Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the management device 70 via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values and is given for determination by the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values, and is given for determination by the normal symbol control unit 237.
When a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol according to the lottery result.

  The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 18 when the special symbol lottery is performed, and the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “ The type of jackpot "and" whether the jackpot is lost or not when the jackpot is not won "are determined. That is, the special symbol lottery unit 231 and the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 are triggered by the fact that the passage of the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 211 or the second start port switch 212 which is a detection means. It functions as a special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the user. Details of the random number table will be described later.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by a combination of the presence / absence of a short-time gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the presence / absence of a probability-changing gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot varies with high probability. In other words, the types of jackpots include jackpots in which both a short-time gaming state and a probability variable gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends, a jackpot in which only a short-time gaming state occurs, a jackpot in which only a probability-changing gaming state occurs, a short-time gaming state, and There can be a jackpot where none of the probable gaming states occur. Hereinafter, when distinguishing these jackpots, they are distinguished by describing as “with time reduction”, “without time reduction”, “with certainty change”, “without certainty change”, etc., based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

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

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

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

The variation pattern selection unit 235 displays the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Select. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. That is, the variation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol variation control unit 233 control the display of the special symbols by the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. It functions as a symbol display control means. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Further, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines whether or not to perform a reach effect. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is the case where there is no winning support when there is a winning support (so-called electric Chu support) to the second starting port 122 by opening the electric tulip 123 which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state. Higher than (when not in short-time gaming state).
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. In the above-described winning support (electricity chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time are increased as compared with the case where there is no winning support. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

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

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

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 6 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 6, random number update processing, switch processing, symbol processing, electric accessory processing, prize ball processing, and output processing are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

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

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

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

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

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

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 7, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

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

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

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 7, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

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

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

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random number value is acquired in step 704, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a command for increasing the number of held G to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705). Then, the process for winning in the gate 124 is finished.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Depending on the hit type, one of the long hit game flag, the short hit game flag, and the small hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a gaming state due to some kind of hitting (a state where the special symbol is selected and stopped), the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation. (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . When the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 and U2 (see FIG. 7) for the undrawn special symbol (steps 803 to 806) . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

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

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (step 816, see FIG. 13).

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

  Thereafter, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 3 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the fluctuation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information (symbol, gaming state, change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

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

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command including the information of the symbol when the change of the special symbol is stopped is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The variation stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 9).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made. (Steps 902 and 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the value set as the jackpot winning value as to whether the jackpot or the jackpot has been won It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 18A).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (whether there is a probability change, whether there is a time reduction, the number of rounds of the jackpot game, etc.) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 7 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 18B). )reference).

  After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

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

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

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 9).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is the same as steps 901 and 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10) (the determination result of step 902 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 of FIG. 7 or in step 610 matches a preset value (FIG. 18C). )reference).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random number using the variation pattern random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 7 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006 ( Step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 9, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 9).
In this stop process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). Note that the operation for turning on the time flag and the setting of the initial value of the number of lotteries J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 16) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 15) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Checks whether or not the probability variation flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1105). The probability variation flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the probability variation gaming state. If both the probability change flag and the previous time reduction flag are ON, the game state has a probability change and a time reduction. If the probability change flag is ON and the time reduction flag is OFF, the probability change has occurred. It is a gaming state with no time savings.

  When the probability change flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the probability variation game state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X is set to 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 16) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 15) described later.

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

  Here, the determination of whether or not a big hit can be made based on the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the big hit determination process (FIG. 10). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the chart of FIG. 18B described later is set, “Yes” is determined in step 1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in step 1109. Since these determinations are substantially the same as the steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. Here, the presence / absence of probability fluctuation is not distinguished in the per unit length. The presence / absence of the probability change is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the game state setting process (FIG. 16) in the special winning opening process (FIG. 15) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish the presence or absence of probability fluctuation.

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

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

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

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 9).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

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

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 17) described later, and it becomes easy to win (assistant) the second starting port 122.

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in Step 1301), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1302). If the normal symbol is not changing (No in Step 1302), then the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the number G of unreserved normal symbols (see FIG. 8) is 1 or more (Step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether or not the winner is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 8 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. Determined by.

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

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 12, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4 based on the setting contents in Step 1307 (Step 1308).

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

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

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is started in the stop process (FIG. 12). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in Step 1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then performs the game state setting process by the game progress control unit 236 (Step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag. Thus, the special winning opening process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

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

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

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 16 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) performed by the game progress control unit 236 when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the winning game flag is set to ON in step 1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the game progress control unit 236 first determines the type of the hit (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made, for example, based on the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10). Since these determinations are substantially the same as the steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If the win type is a small win (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a jackpot with no probability change and a short time (No in step 1501, Yes in steps 1502 and 1503), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short time flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. In addition, the game progress control unit 236 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (step 1505), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit with no probability change + no time reduction (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the game progress control unit 236 performs processing without turning on both the time reduction flag and the probability change flag. Exit. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not result in a short-time game state or a probabilistic game state.

  When the winning type is a positive hit with a certain change + short time (No at Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes at Step 1506), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short time flag (Step 1507), and the lottery number J is initial. A value is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. In addition, the game progress control unit 236 sets the probability variation flag to ON (step 1509), and sets an initial value of the number of lotteries X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a time-varying probability changing gaming state. If the lottery is performed 10,000 times in the time-varying probability variation game state, the time-variable probability variation game state ends.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit with a probability change + no time reduction (No in steps 1501, 1502, and 1506), the game progress control unit 236 turns on only the probability change flag (step 1509), An initial value (10000 times) is set (step 1510). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to a probabilistic gaming state in which time is not set. If the lottery in the timeless probability change game state is performed 10,000 times, the timeless probability change game state ends.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 12, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

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

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 11), the normal symbol process (FIG. 14), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number (random number table) used in the present embodiment.
18A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 18B shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 18C shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 18 (a), the jackpot random number is set to two types, that is, a jackpot at normal time when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not change and a jackpot at the time of probability change, and a jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) during normal times, only one winning value is set and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol lottery at the time of probability change, ten winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). In other words, in the example shown in the figure, if the special symbol lottery is performed by winning at the start ports 121 and 122 at the time of the probability change, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed at the normal time. In addition, three winning values are set regardless of whether or not the probability changes, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 18B, five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: normal symbol A, normal symbol B, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B are symbols representing a big hit without any probability change. Among them, the normal symbol A has a long hit (with a short time), and the normal symbol B has a short hit (without a short time). Represent. The probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot with certain probability variation. Of these symbols, the probability variation symbol A represents a long winning (with time reduction), and the probability variation symbol B represents a short winning (without time shortening). The latent pattern is a pattern that represents a jackpot with certainty + short time. Therefore, the probability variation symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is provided separately from the probability variation symbol B in order to make it a condition for performing the probability variation latent effect. The probability variation latency effect will be described later. In the example shown in FIG. 18B, the range of the random number value is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

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

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

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

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

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 18 (b), the probability that the jackpot when winning the first starting port 121 is a jackpot with probability variation + no time reduction (probability variation symbol B, latent probability symbol) is high, There is a high probability that the jackpot when winning at the second start port 122 will be a jackpot with probability variation + short time (probability variation symbol A). In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the reach random number will be described.
Referring to FIG. 18C, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the lottery without the reach effect is performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

Next, the winning random numbers used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 18D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10.

The random number values used for various lotteries start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 6 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 7) and the gate switch process (FIG. 8) and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 9) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 14). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 1009 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 18 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 19A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 19A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the set cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 19B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting operations such as an effect button by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 19B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 7 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is an increase command for the number of holdings (Yes in Step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (Step 1902), and shows the value of the number of holdings after the addition. A number command is set in the RAM 303 (step 1903).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in step 1901), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in step 1903, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. Is determined (step 1904). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (step 811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in Step 1904), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (Step 1905). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in Step 1901 and Step 1904), or when a command is received after the execution selection process in Step 1905 is executed, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change stop command. Is determined (step 1906). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (step 814), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in Step 1906), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (Step 1907). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in Step 1901, Step 1904, and Step 1906), or when the command is received after the execution of the changing effect end process in Step 1907, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (step 1908). This opening command is set in the stopping process shown in FIG. 12 (step 1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in Step 1908), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (Step 1909). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a change start command, change stop command, or opening command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, and step 1908), or if a command is received after the hit effect selection process in step 1909, Control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (step 1910). This ending command is set in the special winning opening process shown in FIG. 15 (step 1413), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
If the received command is an ending command (Yes in Step 1910), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (Step 1911). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

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

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the operation mode set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. This operation mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. In the example shown in FIG. 21, five types of modes from A mode to E mode are set, and mode flag values 0 to 4 are assigned to each mode. The B mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol A, the C mode is a bonus symbol of normal symbol A, the D mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol B and normal symbol B, and the E mode is a jackpot of small probability probability symbol Each win is assigned. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No hit is assigned to the A mode. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (step 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the variation start command and the operation mode determined by the mode flag. Then, a design variation effect pattern (variation effect pattern) is selected based on the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the operation mode (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 21 according to the type of the hit (Step 2204).

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

  If the mode flag is 0 in Step 2205 (Yes in Step 2205), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in Step 2207 (No in Step 2207), or the mode flag is set to 0 in Step 2208 After or after changing the mode flag in step 2204, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM 303, and ends the process during the end of the change effect ( Step 2209). Here, referring to FIG. 21, when the mode flag is changed in step 2204, the operation mode after the end of the change effect is an operation mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in step 2205 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in step 2208, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is the A mode. On the other hand, if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in step 2207, the operation mode so far is continued.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (step 1909) of FIG.
In this winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (step 2301), and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the opening operation obtained from the analysis result. (Step 2302). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a hit effect start command instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2303). This winning effect is also called an opening effect.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (step 1911) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (step 2401), and refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2402). Next, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the content of the ending operation obtained from the analysis result of the ending command (step 2403). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2404).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (step 1912) of FIG.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (step 2501). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in step 2501), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (step 2502) and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (step 2503). On the other hand, if the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in step 2501), it is determined whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (step 2504). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in step 2504), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

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

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

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 19B).
In the process during the end of the variable effect, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the effect button 161 is operated by the player (step 2601). Here, the operation of the effect button 161 means that the effect button 161 is pressed and turned on. Note that when an operation device other than the effect button 161 such as an effect key (cross key) or a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the effect button 161 in the RAM 303 and ends the effect button process (step). 2602).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (step 1813) of FIG. 19B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 310 and Transmit to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Special production]
The internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is controlled by the game control unit 200. Specifically, for example, in the special symbol lottery, the probability-changing gaming state (high probability state) in which the jackpot winning probability has fluctuated with a high probability, and the normal gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability has not fluctuated with a high probability (Low probability state). In addition, there is a short-time gaming state that is a gaming state in which the variation time is shortened in the variation of the special symbol performed in conjunction with the special symbol lottery. Here, since the probability variation gaming state has a high probability of winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery, it can be said that the gaming state is advantageous to the player as compared to the normal gaming state. In addition, the short-time gaming state is called a gaming state that is advantageous to the player as compared to a case where the short-time gaming state is not provided because the winning support (electrical chew support) to the second starting port 122 is performed by opening the electric tulip 123. be able to. In the pachinko gaming machine 100, with the progress of the game, a gaming privilege is given that the game proceeds to a probabilistic gaming state or a short-time gaming state, which is advantageous for the player, triggered by a lottery result of a special symbol lottery. The

  On the other hand, the effect performed using the image display unit 114 or the like is controlled by the effect control unit 300. Usually, the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 changes according to the transition of the game state controlled by the game control unit 200. As a result, the current gaming state is suggested to the player, and the player's mood is felt or a sense of expectation is given. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, there may be a special effect such as hiding the provision of gaming privileges (such as shifting to an advantageous state) as described above. In other words, when this special effect is being performed, the effect does not suggest that a gaming privilege has been granted. In this way, the player's interest is enhanced by giving the player room to infer whether or not a privilege is given. Hereinafter, as an example of such a special effect, a probabilistic latent effect and an extended effect of a short-time gaming state will be described.

[Probability latent production]
The probability variation latent effect that is one of the above special effects will be described.
As described above, the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a probability variation gaming state and a normal gaming state. When the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation game state, the effect control unit 300 performs a probability variation effect prepared as an effect performed in the probability variation game state. Then, when the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the normal game state, a normal effect prepared as an effect performed in the normal game state is performed. Further, the effect control unit 300 performs a probability variation latent effect prepared as an effect that is performed in both the probability variation game state and the normal game state under a certain condition.

  In general, since the probability variation effect is performed in a probability variation game state advantageous to the player, a flashy effect that strikes the player is performed as compared to the normal effect. However, the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 does not necessarily indicate the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 clearly to the player. For example, in the probability variation latency effect, the same effect is performed for a plurality of internal states having different jackpot winning probabilities. In this case, while the probability variation latent effect is being performed, the player cannot determine from the effect whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state. The operation mode of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in which such a probable latent effect is performed is called a latent mode (latent state). That is, in the latent mode, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 may be a probability variation gaming state or a normal gaming state. Here, the probability change game state in the latent mode is particularly referred to as a latent probability change game state, and the normal game state in the latent mode is particularly referred to as a latent normal game state. When the operation mode of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changed to the latent mode and the probability variation latent effect is started, the player can enjoy the game with an expectation that the probability variation gaming state may be entered.

[Condition to start latent mode]
As a specific example in which the latent mode is started, there are a case where the special symbol determined by the special symbol lottery is a latent symbol and a case where a small hit symbol is selected.
The latent pattern is a pattern that represents a big hit (short win) with probability variation + no short time (see FIG. 18B). The law stipulates that the big prize opening 125 must be continuously operated for two rounds or more in the case of a big win. Therefore, in the big hit of the latent probability symbol, the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 becomes a probability-changing gaming state without a short time after the large winning opening 125 is opened by continuous operation of a predetermined number of rounds of two or more rounds.

  The small hit symbol is a symbol representing the small hit. The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds when winning a small hit. Therefore, in the small hit, an operation mode is set in which the special winning opening 125 is opened twice or more within a range in which the accumulated opening time in one operation is within 1.8 seconds. By matching the number of times of opening with the number of rounds in the continuous operation of the jackpot of the latent pattern, it is apparent whether the winning pattern 125 is a big hit or a small jackpot only by the opening operation of the big prize opening 125. become unable. In the case of a small hit, the gaming state at the time of winning a small hit is continued even after the end of the small hit. Therefore, if the game state is neither the probability change game state nor the short time game state at the time of winning the small hit, the game state is maintained.

  In this way, when the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is neither the probability change gaming state nor the short-time gaming state, the special symbol lottery is performed, and when the big winning of the latent probability symbol is won and when the small winning is won, The appearance operation such as opening of the big prize opening 125 is not changed, and the subsequent internal state is different. Therefore, by performing the probability variation latent effect in the effect by the effect control unit 300 in such a situation, even if the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 changes, it can be prevented from being known to the player. Therefore, when the special symbol lottery wins the big win or the small win of the latent symbol, the latent mode is started. According to the mode setting example shown in FIG. 21, the E mode is the latent mode. That is, when the value of the mode flag becomes 4 in steps 2203 and 2204 in FIG. 23, the mode shifts to the latent mode (E mode).

[Extended production of short-time gaming state]
Next, an extended effect in the short-time gaming state, which is another special effect described above, will be described.
The short-time gaming state is given based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. For example, when winning in the normal symbol A or the probability variation symbol A shown in FIG. is there. Here, when winning with the probability variation symbol A, the probability variation gaming state is generated together with the short-time gaming state. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the case where only the normal symbol A is won and only the short-time gaming state occurs will be described below.

  Usually, the short-time gaming state is given only for a certain period after the jackpot game ends (while the special symbol lottery is performed a predetermined number of times (100 times in the example shown in FIG. 16)). That is, after the special symbol lottery is performed a predetermined number of times, the normal gaming state without the short-time game is set. Here, it is possible to set a plurality of durations of the short-time gaming state (number of special symbol lotteries). For example, two types of symbols corresponding to the normal symbol A in FIG. 18B are prepared, and are referred to as a normal symbol A-1 and a normal symbol A-2. And, when winning in the normal symbol A-1, the length of the duration of the short-time gaming state (hereinafter simply referred to as the length of the short-time state) is 100 special symbol lottery, and was won in the normal symbol A-2 In this case, the length of the short-time gaming state is 200 special symbol lotteries.

  On the other hand, as an effect in the short time gaming state, different effects are performed in the short time gaming state by the normal symbol A-1 and in the short time gaming state by the normal symbol A-2. The effect performed in the time-short gaming state according to the normal symbol A-1 is referred to as the time-shortening effect 1, and the effect performed in the time-short gaming state according to the normal symbol A-2 is referred to as the time-shortening effect 2. In this way, the player discriminates whether the effect at the time of the short-time game state after the end of the jackpot game is the time-shortage effect 1 or the time-shortage effect 2, so that the length of the short-time game state is the special symbol lottery 100. Or 200 special symbol lottery.

  Here, in the time-short gaming state according to the normal symbol A-2, the same time-shortening effect 1 as in the time-short gaming state according to the normal symbol A-1 is performed with a predetermined probability. If it does in this way, a player will judge that it changed to the time-short game state (namely, length is 100 special symbol lottery) by normal symbol A-1 based on the performed effect. However, in actuality, since the normal symbol A-2 is won, a short game state with a special symbol lottery of 200 times is given. Therefore, even if the special symbol lottery of 100 times, which is the length of the short-time gaming state determined by the player based on the short-time effect 1, is reached, the short-time gaming state is continued without ending. Thereby, the player can recognize as if the length of the short-time gaming state has been extended (added), and can obtain a satisfaction (dealed feeling) that exceeds expectations. At this time, as an effect to be executed after reaching the special symbol lottery 100 times, the time-shortage effect 1 may be continued, or it may be shifted to the time-shortage effect 2 or another special effect is executed. good. Moreover, immediately before reaching the special symbol lottery 100 times (for example, after reaching the special symbol lottery 90 times, etc.), it is suggested that the short-time game is extended or that some privilege is given. Directing may be performed.

  Since the above-mentioned performance (hereinafter referred to as an extended performance) continues the time-saving gaming state beyond the length assumed based on the executed performance (time-saving performance 1), whether the time-saving gaming state has been extended (added). It is a production that looks like this. In this extended production, a bonus that the short-time gaming state of 200 times of the special symbol lottery has been granted by performing the short-time production 1 while actually winning with the normal symbol A-2. Concealed from others.

  In addition, when a short-time gaming state occurs based on the winning in the normal symbol A-2, it is not determined whether or not the extended effect is performed with a simple probability by means of lottery or the like, but the normal symbol is performed in a certain procedure. In response to the winning of A-2, the short time effect 1 (extended effect) may be performed instead of the short time effect 2. For example, if the winning state is a normal symbol A-2 in the special symbol lottery for a specific number of times after the short-time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state occurs, after the normal symbol A-1 has been won more than a specific number of times An opportunity based on the gaming state or the lottery result of the special symbol lottery can be set as in the case of winning in the normal symbol A-2. Thus, if the opportunity to perform an extended effect is set based on the control of the game control unit 200, whether or not the extended effect of the short-time game state has been performed by the effect control unit 300 based only on information obtained from the game control unit 200. It becomes possible to judge whether.

[Configuration of Game Information Providing Device]
FIG. 28 is a front view of the game information providing apparatus 50 to which this exemplary embodiment is applied. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the game information providing device 50.
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the game information providing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit 51, an operation button 52, a call button 53, an electric lamp 54, a speaker 55, and a control unit 56. With.

The display unit 51 is realized by a liquid crystal display device or the like, and is a display unit used to display information (game information) related to the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 or to display an image for production.
The operation button 52 is an operation means for a player or a staff of a game hall (hall) to operate in order to switch the content or display mode of information displayed on the display unit 51.
The call button 53 is used to call a staff of a game hall (hall).
The illumination lamp 54 emits light in a predetermined manner according to the situation such as presentation of game information and effects. Further, the light is emitted when the call button 53 is operated, and may be used to inform the staff of the location of the pachinko gaming machine 100 where the call button 53 is operated.
The speaker 55 outputs a voice message, a song, a sound effect, and the like according to the situation such as presentation of game information and effects.

  The control unit 56 receives signals sent from the pachinko gaming machine 100 and operations of the operation button 52 and the call button 53, and controls display on the display unit 51, emission of the illumination lamp 54, sound output by the speaker 55, and the like. To do. As shown in FIG. 29, the control unit 56 is provided with a CPU 561, a ROM 562, a RAM 563, and an I / F (interface) circuit 564.

The CPU 561 reads a program stored in the ROM 562, performs a predetermined calculation based on the signal sent from the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the operation of the operation button 52 and the call button 53, and obtains a control signal obtained as a calculation result. The data is transmitted to the display unit 51, the illumination lamp 54, and the speaker 55.
The ROM 562 stores programs executed by the CPU 561, presentation tables, data, and the like.
The RAM 563 is used as a working memory that temporarily stores a calculation result or the like by the CPU 561.
The I / F circuit 564 is an interface for receiving data transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 100 and transmitting / receiving data to / from the management device (hall computer) 70 and other game information providing devices 50. . That is, the I / F circuit 564 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information about a game from the pachinko gaming machine 100 and also functions as a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives information to and from the other game information providing device 50.

[Operation of Game Information Providing Device]
The pachinko gaming machine 100 transmits a signal indicating information related to the game as the game progresses. Specifically, for example, the start and stop of the change of special symbols and normal symbols accompanying special symbol lottery and normal symbol lottery, the lottery results of special symbol lottery and normal symbol lottery, transition to the probability variation gaming state and short-time gaming state, A signal including information such as the number of paid-out prize balls is transmitted. The signal output from the pachinko gaming machine 100 to the outside is performed only from the game control unit 200 via the board external information terminal board 250 or from the payout control part 400 via the frame external information terminal board 450, For example, it is not performed from the production control unit 300.

  The control unit 56 of the game information providing device 50 receives these signals transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 100, generates predetermined game information, and causes the display unit 51 to display the game information. Various information can be set as the game information to be displayed. For example, information indicating the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, the number of executions of special symbol lottery and the number of jackpot winnings in a predetermined period, the elapsed time since the transition to a probabilistic gaming state or a short-time gaming state (for example, a special symbol) The number of lottery executions), the number of balls, etc.

  The game information can be displayed in various display modes such as, for example, display of a message with numerical values and characters, and illustration using a graph. In addition, the operation of the operation button 52 can be received, and the display mode can be switched or the information to be displayed can be switched. When displaying the game information or switching the display, the control unit 56 causes the electric lamp 54 to emit light in a predetermined manner or outputs a predetermined sound effect or voice message from the speaker 55 to play the game. Control that draws the attention of the person or the like may be performed.

[Direction by game information providing device]
Further, the game information providing device 50 may perform an effect according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100 based on the status signal received from the pachinko gaming machine 100 or the like. For example, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 generates an advantageous state for the player, such as a jackpot game, a probability variation gaming state, a short-time gaming state, etc., an effect image by the display unit 51 based on the control of the control unit 56 A flashy effect such as scolding a player or the like is performed by displaying a character message, blinking / lighting the illumination lamp 54, and outputting from the speaker 55.

  Here, let us consider a case where the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs the above-described special effect that hides the provision of a gaming privilege from the player. For example, when the probability variation latent effect is performed, the player cannot determine from the effect whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation game state. Therefore, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 in which the probability variation latency effect is performed is in the probability variation gaming state, the benefit of occurrence of the probability variation gaming state is hidden. Further, when the extended effect of the short-time game state is performed, the actual length of the short-time game state is longer than the length assumed by the player based on the effect. Therefore, the privilege of granting a short time game that exceeds the length assumed based on the performance is hidden. Therefore, when such a special effect is performed in the pachinko gaming machine 100, it is conceivable that the game information providing apparatus 50 performs an suggestive effect that suggests a privilege that is actually given.

[Cooperative production using game information provision device]
The game information providing device 50 is provided for each pachinko gaming machine 100, and generates game information relating to the gaming machine provided with the own device as described above and provides it to the player. Here, exchanging information about games between pachinko gaming machines 100 is not permitted by convention, but exchanging information between game information providing devices 50 is allowed. Therefore, information can be exchanged in the plurality of game information providing devices 50, and control can be performed so that the plurality of game information providing devices 50 perform effects in cooperation.

  For example, let us consider a case where a state advantageous to a player occurs in any one of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 arranged side by side or facing each other. In this case, a plurality of game information providing devices 50 respectively provided in the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 cooperate to perform a flashy effect such as scolding the player. In this way, the player's mood of each pachinko gaming machine 100 can be further improved as compared to the case where the production is performed by only one pachinko gaming machine 100 in which an advantageous state has occurred and the gaming information providing device 50. Can be expected to elevate

  Furthermore, the effect control which combined the special effect which conceals grant of the above-mentioned game privilege with respect to a player, and the effect (henceforth cooperation effect) performed in cooperation by the some game information provision apparatus 50 is considered. . For example, it is assumed that one of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 has shifted to the latent probability changing gaming state (the probability changing gaming state in the latent mode). In each of the plurality of game information providing devices 50 provided in each of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 operating in the latent mode, including the pachinko gaming machine 100 that has transitioned to the latent probability changing gaming state, the probability changing gaming state The suggestion production which suggests that it may have become was performed. In this way, any of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 operating in the latent mode is in the probability variation gaming state, but it is not known which pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state. The situation is realized. And since the player recognizes that there is a possibility that the pachinko gaming machine 100 in which he / she is playing is in a probabilistic gaming state, an effect of further enhancing the interest can be expected.

  In addition, it is assumed that any of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 has transitioned to the short-time gaming state with an extended effect. That is, in the example of the extension effect in the short-time game state described above, it is a case where the normal symbol A-2 is won and the short-time effect 1 is started. A plurality of game information providing devices provided in each of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 in which the time-shortening effect 1 is executed in the time-shortening gaming state, including the pachinko gaming machine 100 that has transitioned to the time-shortening gaming state accompanied by the extension effect. In each of 50, the suggestion effect which suggests that a short-time game state may be extended is performed. In this way, one of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 in which the time-saving production 1 is executed in the time-saving gaming state is actually in the time-short gaming state, but any of the pachinko gaming machines 100 is short-timed. A situation is realized in which it is not known whether the game state has been reached. Since the player recognizes that there is a possibility that the pachinko gaming machine 100 in which he / she is playing may be in a short game state for a long time, an effect of further enhancing the interest can be expected.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 100, a transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player, such as a probability variation gaming state or a short-time gaming state, is normally performed through a clear opportunity such as a big win in a special symbol lottery. Therefore, when the suggestion effect is immediately performed by the game information providing device 50 when the game state providing state is changed to the short-time game state with the latent probability changing game state or the extension effect, the game state is changed immediately before the suggestion effect is started. By determining whether or not there is, it is possible to estimate which pachinko gaming machine 100 out of the pachinko gaming machines 100 in which the suggestion effect is performed has actually shifted to the gaming state. Therefore, when performing the suggestion effect by the game information providing device 50, for example, the suggestion effect is started after a certain time (for example, about several tens of seconds to several minutes) has elapsed after the transition of the gaming state. Furthermore, after the game state transitions, the time until the suggestion effect starts may be dynamically changed. In this way, it becomes difficult to know which pachinko gaming machine 100 has started the suggestion effect due to the transition of the gaming state.

[Direction control]
The effect control in the game information providing device 50 will be described.
When the control unit 56 of the game information providing device 50 receives a signal from the pachinko gaming machine 100, the control unit 56 executes a predetermined effect based on the received signal. For example, the ROM 562 of the control unit 56 stores a table in which types of received signals are associated with effects to be executed, data for effects (effect images to be displayed on the display unit 51, light emission patterns of the illumination lamps 54, and the like). Data) is stored. Then, based on the signal received from the pachinko gaming machine 100 via the I / F circuit 564, the CPU 561 determines and executes an effect to be executed with reference to the table held in the ROM 562. However, when performing an effect (cooperation effect) in cooperation with another game information providing device 50, it is necessary to notify the other game information providing device 50 that the effect is to be performed.

30 to 33 are flowcharts showing an outline of the effect control process performed by the control unit 56 of the game information providing device 50.
As shown in FIG. 30, when receiving a game-related signal from the pachinko gaming machine 100 (step 2901), the control unit 56 determines an effect to be executed based on the received signal (step 2902). If the determined effect is not a coordinated effect performed in cooperation with another game information providing device 50 (No in step 2903), the control unit 56 controls the display unit 51, the illumination lamp 54, and the like, and step 2902 The effect determined in (2) is executed.

  On the other hand, when the effect determined in step 2902 is a cooperative effect (Yes in step 2903), the control unit 56 generates a signal (hereinafter referred to as a notification signal) for notifying the type of effect to be executed, and other games. The information is transmitted to the information providing apparatus 50 (step 2904). And the display part 51, the illumination lamp 54 grade | etc., Are controlled, and the production determined at step 2902 is performed (step 2905). In other words, the control unit 56 functions as an effect control means (effect means) for controlling an effect performed in the game information providing device 50, and information exchange means for exchanging information with another game information providing device 50. Also works. In the case of executing a collaborative effect, as described above, it is desirable to start the effect after a lapse of a fixed time or a dynamically set delay time.

  Here, the transmission destination of the notification signal in step 2904 may be limited according to the type of cooperation effect to be executed. For example, only the game information providing device 50 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 located on both the left and right sides of the pachinko gaming machine 100 to which the own device is connected, or the gaming information providing device 50 of the pachinko gaming machines 100 side by side on one island are used. be able to. Moreover, all the game information providing devices 50 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 that are in a position facing the pachinko gaming machine 100 together with the side-by-side pachinko gaming machines 100 on one island may be used as the transmission destination of the notification signal. The information on the transmission destination may be set at an appropriate timing such as when the game information providing device 50 is installed in the game hall (hall) together with the pachinko gaming machine 100 and stored in the storage means of the game information providing device 50. However, it may be managed by the management device (hall computer) 70 of the game hall (hall) and inquired of the management device 70 when the game information providing device 50 transmits a notification signal.

FIG. 31 shows the operation of the game information providing apparatus 50 when a notification signal for cooperation effects is received from another game information providing apparatus 50.
When the control unit 56 of the game information providing device 50 receives the notification signal of the cooperation effect from the other game information providing device 50 (step 3001), the cooperation effect notified by the effect and the notification signal being executed by the interrupt process. Are compared (step 3002). For example, the priority of the effect is set in advance, and information on the priority for each set effect is stored in the ROM 562.

  If the priority of the effect being executed is high (Yes in step 3003), the effect is continuously executed (step 3004). On the other hand, when the priority of the cooperation effect notified by the notification signal is high (No in step 3003), the control unit 56 next determines the execution condition of the cooperation effect (step 3005). Execution conditions can be set for each type of linkage effect.

  If it is possible to execute the notified cooperation effect based on the execution condition (Yes in step 3006), the operation is switched to the cooperation effect and executed (step 3007). On the other hand, if the execution condition of the cooperation effect is not satisfied (No in step 3006), the effect that has been executed up to that time is continuously executed without switching the effect (step 3004).

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determination of the execution condition of the cooperation effect performed in relation to the latent probability changing game state.
The plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 installed in the game hall (hall) are in various states according to the progress of each game. However, the probability variation latent effect is performed in the pachinko gaming machine 100 only when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is operating in the latent mode.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32, when the linkage effect related to the notification signal received from the other game information providing device 50 is based on the occurrence of the latent probability changing game state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (step 3101), notification is made. The control unit 56 of the game information providing apparatus 50 that has received the signal determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 corresponding to the own apparatus is operating in the latent mode (step 3102). Then, the suggestion effect is executed when operating in the latent mode (step 3103).

  It should be noted that, in the cooperative performance of the game information providing device 50 based on the latent probability changing game state, after the specific pachinko gaming machine 100 (the pachinko gaming machine 100 corresponding to the gaming information providing device 50 that transmitted the notification signal) has shifted to the latent mode. It is desirable to start the suggestion effect after a lapse of a fixed time or a dynamically set delay time. Therefore, for example, control is performed such that the game information providing device 50 that has transmitted the notification signal and the game information providing device 50 that has decided to perform the cooperation effect are synchronized, and the suggestion effect is started simultaneously after the delay time has elapsed. May be performed.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determination of execution conditions for a cooperative performance performed in association with an extended performance in the short-time gaming state.
The effect executed in the pachinko gaming machine 100 in the extended effect in the short-time game state is the same as the effect in the short-time game state with a short duration (in the above example, the short-time effect 1). Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 100 capable of executing the cooperation effect (suggesting effect) related to the extended effect of the short-time game state in the game information providing device 50 is limited to the pachinko game machine 100 that is in the short-time game state with a short duration. It is done.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33, when the linkage effect related to the notification signal received from the other game information providing device 50 corresponds to the extended effect of the short-time gaming state (step 3201), the notification signal is received. The control unit 56 of the game information providing device 50 determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 corresponding to the own device is in a short game state when the duration is short (step 3202). Then, when the duration is short, the suggestion effect is executed (step 3203).

  It should be noted that a specific pachinko gaming machine 100 (the pachinko gaming machine 100 corresponding to the gaming information providing apparatus 50 that has transmitted the notification signal) is used in the cooperative presentation of the gaming information providing apparatus 50 performed in association with the extended presentation of the short-time gaming state. It is desirable to start the suggestion effect after a lapse of a fixed time or a dynamically set delay time after shifting to the short-time game state with an extension effect. Therefore, for example, control is performed such that the game information providing device 50 that has transmitted the notification signal and the game information providing device 50 that has decided to perform the cooperation effect are synchronized, and the suggestion effect is started simultaneously after the delay time has elapsed. May be performed.

  As described above, the execution condition is set according to the type of the cooperation effect to be executed, and it is determined that it is appropriate to perform the cooperation effect by determining whether or not the cooperation effect is appropriate. Cooperation effects can be performed only in the game information providing device 50 in the pachinko gaming machine 100. Therefore, since the content suggested by the collaboration effect has a sense of reality, the player's interest can be further enhanced.

[Synchronization of game information providing device]
As described above, when performing the suggestion effect as the cooperation effect by the plurality of game information providing devices 50, there is a case where control for synchronizing the game information providing devices 50 is performed. Various means can be taken as means for achieving synchronization. For example, at the timing when the game information providing apparatus 50 that transmitted the notification signal of the suggestion effect starts the suggestion effect, a signal for establishing synchronization may be transmitted to the other game information providing device 50 again. The notification signal itself may be transmitted at the timing when the game information providing device 50 starts the suggestion effect. In the former case, when the suggestion effect is started, the control unit 56 of the game information providing device 50 allows the pachinko gaming machine 100 to perform a suggestion effect by the game information providing device 50 (the above-described latent mode and time reduction). It may be determined again whether the game state.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides the apparatus which functions as a server which performs synchronous control instead of transmitting the signal for the game information provision apparatus 50 which transmitted the notification signal of the suggestion effect as a cooperation effect to synchronize. In this case, the notification signal for performing the suggestion effect is transmitted to the server device for synchronization control together with each game information providing device 50. Then, after this server device receives the notification signal, a signal for starting a suggestion effect is sent from this server device to each game information providing device 50 after a lapse of a fixed time or a dynamically set delay time. Broadcast all at once. Thereby, the suggestion effect is started in the game information providing apparatus 50 that has received the notification signal of the suggestion effect and determines that the suggestion effect is to be performed (No in step 3003 in FIG. 31).

  Further, instead of the signal for starting the suggestion effect as the cooperation effect, the notification signal itself of the suggestion effect may be transmitted from the server device to each game information providing device 50. In this case, the notification signal of the suggestion effect transmitted from the game information providing device 50 is transmitted to the server device for synchronization control, not the other game information providing device 50. Then, after the server device receives the notification signal, the server device simultaneously distributes the notification signal of the suggestive effect from the server device to each game information providing device 50 after a lapse of a fixed time or a dynamically set delay time. . Thereby, in each game information provision apparatus 50, the process shown in FIG. 31 is performed.

  When the synchronization of the game information providing device 50 is controlled by the server device for synchronization control, the function as this server device can be provided in the management device (hall computer) 70, for example. In addition, a specific game information providing device 50 among the plurality of game information providing devices 50 may have the function of a server device for synchronization control.

  As described above, if the server device for synchronous control transmits the notification signal of the suggestion effect as the cooperation effect, the notification signal is not required to be transmitted from any of the game information providing devices 50. The server device can also transmit a notification signal. That is, when some pachinko gaming machines 100 are in a gaming state (the above-described latent mode or short-time gaming state) in which a suggestion effect can be performed by the game information providing device 50, the probability variation latent effect is actually started. Even if there is no pachinko gaming machine 100 or a pachinko gaming machine 100 that is in a short-time gaming state with an extended production, the server device independently delivers a notification signal of the suggested production and suggests to the game information providing device 50 It is also possible to produce an effect (a so-called “gase effect”).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine, 114 ... Image display part, 200 ... Game control part, 300 ... Production control part, 310 ... Image / sound control part, 320 ... Lamp control part

Claims (4)

In response to satisfying a predetermined condition, game control for giving a predetermined privilege to a player is performed, and corresponding to a gaming machine in which production control is performed that does not suggest that the privilege is granted in the production A game information providing device provided,
Obtaining means for obtaining from the gaming machine information indicating that the privilege has been granted in the gaming machine;
A transmission / reception means for exchanging the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine has been granted with another gaming information providing device provided corresponding to a gaming machine other than the gaming machine;
Based on the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine has been granted or the information received from the other gaming information providing device, the gaming machine corresponding to the own device may have been given the privilege Directing means for suggesting that there is,
A game information providing apparatus comprising:   The game information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the effect means starts execution of the suggestive effect in synchronization with the other game information providing apparatus that exchanges the information.   When the direction means obtains information indicating that a privilege has been granted in the gaming machine from the gaming machine, after obtaining the information, after a lapse of a fixed time or a dynamically set delay time, The game information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of the suggestion effect is started. Triggered by satisfying a predetermined condition, game control for giving a privilege to a player is performed, and a game machine for which production control that does not suggest that the privilege is given in the production is performed. A game information providing device,
Obtaining means for obtaining from the gaming machine information indicating that the privilege has been granted in the gaming machine;
Transmitting means for transmitting the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine has been granted to a predetermined device;
Receiving means for receiving, from the predetermined device, the information indicating that the privilege has been granted in the gaming machine corresponding to any game information providing device under the management of the predetermined device;
Based on the information indicating that the privilege acquired from the gaming machine has been granted or the information received from the predetermined device, the gaming machine corresponding to the own device may have been given the privilege. Directing means to suggest suggestion,
A game information providing apparatus comprising:

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