JP2014239947A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a performance from being trivialized by simply seeking for time efficiency and prevent a game process to a win from being monotonous.SOLUTION: The game machine includes operation memories (reservations) 1-4 and, when the operation memory 4 includes a variation pattern of a "super ready-to-win state", produces a super ready-to-win performance once that is a similar type of a super ready-to-win performance to be executed in the variation of the operation memory 4, using the variation times of previous operation memories 1-3. This configuration can simulatively create a precursory super ready-to-win before the super ready-to-win variation so as to improve the freshness of the performance. Further, if the operation memory 4 includes a "win", a jackpot super ready-to-win performance is produced following after a failure super ready-to-win performance to implement such a game property that "the player may have a hope to get a jackpot when super ready-to-wins are continuously executed".

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that obtains a lottery element when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game and executes an internal lottery, and displays a variation display of a symbol after a variation time is determined in advance.

  Conventionally, when a new winning at the start winning opening occurs while the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the newly acquired random number memory (the number of reserved balls) is accumulated and counted, and the stored number reaches the predetermined number. There is known a prior art of a gaming machine that increases the variation time of a symbol when it increases (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this prior art, by changing the fluctuation time to a short time, the number of internal lotteries executed within a certain time can be increased, and the time efficiency can be increased accordingly. For this reason, it is considered that an interesting game can be provided with little dead time especially for a player who can play a game only within a limited time.

  On the other hand, a game that prefetches the success / failure of the jackpot determined random number stored as a holding ball, and as a result, for example, if there is a hit that is determined to be a jackpot determination in the memory of four points ahead, a game in which this is notified to the player in advance There is a prior art of the machine (for example, see Patent Document 2). According to this prior art, since the player can detect in advance that there is a jackpot determination in the holding ball that has not yet started to change, it is considered that the willingness to play can be improved thereby.

JP-A-6-54951 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-265772

  The former prior art (Patent Document 1) is effective to some extent from the viewpoint of improving time efficiency because the symbol variation time is shortened in accordance with an increase in the number of memories (the number of reserved balls). However, if the variation time is shortened, the time available for the production is reduced accordingly, and there is a problem that the production corresponding to the design variation display lacks freshness.

  On the other hand, in the latter prior art (Patent Document 2), if there is a big hit in the memory (holding ball), that fact is notified in advance. You can feel a certain level of security. However, with respect to the change of the reserved ball stored before the memory relating to the jackpot notice, the fluctuation is still executed in sequence using the individually determined change time, so that the game between them is delayed. However, there is still a problem that the production lacks freshness.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that prevents the production from being reduced by simply pursuing only time efficiency and monotonizing the game up to winning.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: In the gaming machine of the present invention, when an internal lottery related to a player's profit is executed during a game, after the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. The symbol display means, the variation pattern defining means for prescribing a plurality of variation patterns with respect to the variation time for displaying the symbols variably by the symbol display means, and the internal lottery when a lottery trigger event occurs during the game A lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for the execution of the lottery element, and any one of a plurality of variation patterns defined by the variation pattern definition means in association with the acquisition of the lottery element by the lottery element acquisition means. When a lottery element is acquired by the fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means for acquiring a fluctuation pattern determination element for determining whether to select, and the lottery element acquisition means Using the lottery element, the lottery result predetermining means for preliminarily judging the internal lottery result before the start condition for starting the symbol variation display by the symbol display means is satisfied, and obtaining the variation pattern determining element When the variation pattern determination element is acquired by the means, the symbol display means determines the variation pattern to be selected from the plurality of variation patterns using the variation pattern determination element, and thereby the symbol display means Fluctuation pattern prior determination means for determining in advance the fluctuation time to be displayed in a variable manner before the start condition is satisfied, and lottery in which prior determination is performed by the lottery result preliminary determination means and the variation pattern preliminary determination means Storage means for sequentially storing elements and variation pattern determining elements in a set state, and when the start condition is satisfied, A lottery execution means for consuming the lottery elements stored in the storage means in the order of storage and executing the internal lottery; and when the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, a set of the lottery elements consumed By selecting any variation pattern from the plurality of variation patterns based on the variation pattern determination element stored in the storage means in a state, a variation time is previously set when the symbol variation display by the symbol display means. When the lottery element is stored in the storage unit together with the variation time determination unit to be determined and the determination result in advance by the variation pattern prior determination unit together with the specific variation pattern determination element corresponding to the specific determination result, The start condition is satisfied before the specific lottery element paired with the specific variation pattern determining element is consumed by the lottery execution means. Each time a plurality of lottery elements stored in the storage means before the specific lottery element are consumed in turn by the lottery execution means, the symbol display means continuously displays the symbol variation over a plurality of times. The specification which performs the variation display effect of the same aspect as the variation display effect performed during the variation display effect of the symbol with the variation pattern determined based on the specific variation pattern determination element for one time using the time to be executed Specific effect executing means for executing the effect.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the lottery trigger occurs before the start condition such as during the symbol variation display or before the stop display is satisfied, and the lottery element and the variation pattern determination element are acquired thereby, In addition to storing the data as a set, the contents are prefetched to determine whether the internal lottery is successful or the variation pattern is appropriate. As a result, if the variation pattern determining element selects a specific variation pattern, the variation time stored for the specific variation pattern determining element and the specific lottery element paired with the specific variation pattern determining element By using this, it is possible to change (extend) the production time corresponding to performing one variation display effect in the same manner as the variation display effect performed during the variation display of the symbol based on the specific variation pattern determining element. . As a result, it is possible to execute a specific effect that enriches the content by using a long variation time until the symbol variation display is performed after consuming a specific lottery element. Gameability can be improved.

  Other solving means: In the solving means 1, the specific effect executing means displays the effect symbol as a one-time variation as the specific effect while the symbol display means continuously executes the symbol variation display for a plurality of times. It is possible to execute an effect of stopping and displaying after having been performed.

  If it is said aspect, it can give a player the impression as if the change display for one time is performed on production using the change time of a plurality of times of design, It is possible to provide a fresh and fully produced production.

  Other solving means: In each of the above-described solving means, the fluctuation pattern defining means includes a normal fluctuation pattern in which at least a fluctuation time is set to a normal length as a plurality of fluctuation patterns, and fluctuations more than the normal fluctuation pattern. A specific reach fluctuation pattern in which the time is set to be twice or more in length, and the specific effect execution means determines whether the prior determination result by the lottery result prior determination means corresponds to winning or the fluctuation If the previous determination result by the pattern prior determination means corresponds to the specific reach variation pattern, the symbol display means displays the variation of the symbol a plurality of times as corresponding to the specific determination result. An effect corresponding to the specific reach variation pattern is executed using the continuously executed time.

  If it is said aspect, in the fluctuation display of the symbol before the fluctuation | variation corresponding to winning or a specific reach fluctuation pattern is performed, the time which the fluctuation display of a symbol will be continuously performed in multiple times by a symbol display means is carried out. An effect corresponding to the specific reach variation pattern can be executed. In this case, after the effect using the time during which the symbol variation display is continuously executed a plurality of times by the symbol display means is finished, the variation display corresponding to the winning or specific reach variation pattern (the effect associated therewith) is continued. Therefore, when the variation display (effect) corresponding to the specific reach variation pattern is continuously generated, it is possible to realize the gameability that can be expected to win.

  Solution 2: The present invention may be a gaming machine having the following independent configuration. That is, according to the present invention, when an internal lottery related to a player's profit is executed during a game, the symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is displayed in a variable manner, With respect to the variation time in which the symbols should be variably displayed by the symbol display means, a variation pattern defining means that preliminarily defines a plurality of variation patterns, and a lottery necessary for executing the internal lottery when an event that becomes a lottery trigger occurs during the game A lottery element acquisition unit for acquiring an element, and a selection of a plurality of variation patterns defined by the variation pattern definition unit in accordance with acquisition of a lottery element by the lottery element acquisition unit When the lottery element is acquired by the fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means for acquiring the fluctuation pattern determination element for the lottery element and the lottery element acquisition means, the lottery is required The result of the internal lottery using the symbol display means is determined in advance by the symbol display means before the start condition for starting the variable display of the symbol is satisfied. When a pattern determining element is acquired, the pattern display means displays the pattern in a variable manner by determining which one of the plurality of variation patterns is selected using the variation pattern determining element. Fluctuation pattern pre-determination means for preliminarily determining the fluctuation time to be performed before the start condition is satisfied, lottery elements and fluctuations for which a prior determination is made by the lottery result pre-determination means and the variation pattern pre-determination means, respectively. Storage means for sequentially storing pattern determining elements in a set state, and when the start condition is satisfied, the storage means The lottery execution means for consuming the stored lottery elements in the order of storage and executing the internal lottery, and when the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, the stored lottery elements are stored in the state of a set with the consumed lottery elements. A variation time in which a variation time is determined in advance when displaying the variation of the symbol by the symbol display means by selecting one of the plurality of variation patterns based on the variation pattern determination element stored in the means If the lottery element is stored in the storage means together with the specific variation pattern determination element corresponding to the specific determination result when the determination result by the determination means and the variation pattern prior determination means is stored in the storage means, the lottery execution means Prior to consumption of a specific lottery element paired with the specific variation pattern determining element by When the other lottery elements are consumed by the lottery execution means, the symbol display is started by the symbol display means, and the symbol fluctuation display is started by the consumption of the specific lottery elements. Within a specific period until it is stopped and displayed, a specific effect is performed in which a variable display effect is performed for one time during a variable display of a symbol with a variable pattern determined based on the specific variable pattern determination element. Specific production execution means.

  According to the gaming machine having the above-described configuration, when a lottery opportunity occurs before the start conditions such as during the symbol variation display and before the stop display are satisfied, thereby obtaining the lottery element and the variation pattern determination element, In addition to storing them as a set, the contents are prefetched to determine whether the internal lottery is successful or the variation pattern is appropriate. As a result, if the variation pattern determining element selects a specific variation pattern, the variation time selected by the specific variation pattern determining element and the variation time stored earlier are specified periods. By doing so, it is possible to change (extend) the fluctuation time of the production that can be used as a whole. As a result, it is possible to execute a specific effect that enriches the content by using a long variable time as a specific period from the stage before a specific lottery element is consumed and the change display of the symbol is performed. The game can be improved with a fresh taste.

  Other solution means: In the solution means 2, the specific effect executing means produces the specific effect while the symbol display is continuously executed at least twice by the symbol display means within the specific period. It is possible to execute an effect representing the result of the internal lottery performed by consuming the specific lottery element according to the stop display mode after the symbols are variably displayed once.

  If it is said aspect, a more various production | presentation can be implement | achieved by extending the fluctuation time of the production | presentation corresponding to the fluctuation | variation display performed by consuming the specific lottery element used as a favorite at least twice. As a result, the contents of the production can be further enhanced to have a fresh taste, and the gameability can be further improved.

  Other solution means: In the solution means 2 and later, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning, the symbol display means stops and displays the symbol in a special manner corresponding to the winning, so that the result of the internal lottery is won. The specific effect executing means executes a variable display effect that displays the effect symbols in a variable manner corresponding to the symbol change display by the symbol display means, and then stops by the symbol display means. A symbol effect executing means for executing a stop display effect for stopping and displaying the effect symbol in correspondence with the displayed symbol; and during the execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect executing means, corresponding to the symbol of the special mode. Reach state generating means for generating a reach state that partially constitutes a stop display effect that is temporarily stopped and displayed with the symbols in the special mode except for a part of the effect symbols; After generation of the reach state by the reach state generating means wherein in the variable display effect execution by the symbol demonstration execution means, is intended to include the reach demonstration execution means for executing the reach demonstration within the variable time.

  If it is said aspect, while realizing a specific production | present as a reach production, the content of a reach production can be greatly enriched by fully utilizing the fluctuation time utilized for a specific production. In this regard, it is also conceivable to preliminarily define a variation pattern having a certain length for each variation time by the symbol display means, not for production. In this case, it is possible to produce an extremely long variation time for one time even without using the time for the variable display of the symbols to be continuously executed multiple times by the symbol display means as the variation time used for the specific effect. Can be executed, but in this case, a long variation time can be selected suddenly (randomly) by the variation pattern determination factor regardless of the prior determination of a specific lottery factor or variation pattern determination factor. There is sex. In this case, for example, even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, when such a long variation time is selected, the reach effect is unavoidably executed. Production) will increase.

  On the other hand, according to the method of the present invention, the time during which the variable display of the symbols is continuously executed multiple times by the symbol display means due to the acquisition of the specific lottery element is used for the specific effect. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to frequently execute meaningless long reach productions, and a decrease in interest can be suppressed.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the freshness of the production and improve the game performance.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the pre-reading per unit determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a continuation figure showing an example of an effect performed when a normal variation pattern is selected at the time of non-winning. It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the fluctuation | variation display effect performed when a specific fluctuation | variation pattern is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of destination determination effect command reception. This is a synthesis example (1) in the case where a new long fluctuation time is generated by synthesizing the fluctuation time. This is a synthesis example (2) in the case of synthesizing the fluctuation times to generate a new long fluctuation time. This is a synthesis example (3) in the case where a new long fluctuation time is generated by synthesizing the fluctuation time. This is a synthesis example (4) in the case where a new long fluctuation time is generated by synthesizing the fluctuation time. It is a continuation figure showing reach production example (1) performed using a synthetic change time. It is a continuous figure which shows the reach production example (2) performed using the synthetic | combination variation time.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player Based on the number of games, it can be converted into a game value. The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a plastic frame assembly 7 (game machine frame) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure in which wood is combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame assembly 2 uses fasteners such as screws for island facilities (not shown) in the game hall. Are fixed.

  The other glass frame unit 4, tray unit 6, and plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame assembly 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the right edge (left edge in FIG. 2) of the plastic frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, the glass frame unit 4 and the right edge (back side) of the outer frame assembly 2 are each provided with a locking tool (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  A cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of a game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates to open the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 together with the plastic frame assembly 7. It becomes a state. When these are entirely opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the plastic frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board 8 is exposed directly, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the tray unit 6 is exposed. If the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by the plastic frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4. The game board 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7 with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The glass frame unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 in an openable / closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the game board surface.

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape projecting from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side as a whole, and an upper dish 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separately received from the payout unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6b or lower pan 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees). (For example, 125) game balls are lent out. For this reason, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium put in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is taken as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  In addition, an upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the front surface of the tray unit 6 in front of the upper dish 6b in the upper position, and a lower dish ball removal button 6e in the center of the lower dish 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c by sliding the upper plate ball removing lever 6d leftward, for example. Further, the player can, for example, push down the lower dish ball removal button 6e to drop the game balls stored in the lower dish 6c downward and discharge them. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a starting gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, an upper starting winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or the normal winning ports 22, 24, the upper starting winning port 26, and the variable starting winning device during operation. Win 28 (enter a ball). The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, the lower start winning port 28a can be awarded. (Ordinary electric appliance). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown in the figure, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, winning to the lower start winning opening 28a is impossible (a state in which there is no gap through which game balls can flow). ing. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the lower start winning port 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the lower start winning port 28a. Note that the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is basically a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game balls toward the variable start winning device 28, but the game balls are always variable. The inflow does not necessarily flow into the start winning device 28, but the inflow occurs only at random.

  In addition, the above variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and can be awarded to a big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric equipment). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, winning in the big winning opening is always impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, all game balls that have been driven into the game area 8 a including the game balls won in the upper start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are collected to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a special symbol display device 34, a special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and a game state display. A device 38 is provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means). Moreover, the special symbol operation | movement memory lamp 34a can display 0-4 memory numbers by the combination of light extinction of two lamps (LED), lighting, or blinking, for example. For example, when both lamps are off, 0 is stored, when 1 lamp is lit, 1 is displayed, and when the same lamp is flashing, 2 is displayed. When the other lamp is turned on, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when the two lamps are both flashed, 4 stored numbers are displayed. Note that the number of memories may be more than four.

  The special symbol operation memory lamp 34a wins in either case when the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26 or when the game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning opening 28a). The display increases one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of the occurrence, and the display decreases by one each time the change of the special symbol is triggered by the winning. In this embodiment, when the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the upper start winning opening 26 or the variable start winning device is in a state in which the special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). The display does not increase even if a game ball flows into 28 (lower start winning opening 28a). That is, the display number (maximum of 4) of the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a represents the number of winnings (the number of reserved balls) for which the change of the special symbol has not yet started at that time.

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, four LEDs corresponding respectively to the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, the probability variation state display lamp 38c, and the short time state display lamp 38d. In the present embodiment, the big hit type display lamp 38a represents "per 7 rounds", and the big hit type display lamp 38b represents "per 15 rounds".

  In this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the game state display device 38 described above are mounted on one integrated display board 89. It is attached to the game board 8 in a state where

[Other configuration of the game board: see FIG. 1]
The game board 8 is provided with a production unit 40 from the center position to the right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by the three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light using, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. As described above, the game board 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f easily flows into the upper start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. Become. In addition, the production unit 40 may be accompanied by a drive source (eg, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) together with a production movable body (eg, a character figure, decoration, etc.). In addition to the effect using the image by the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect by the light emitter, the movable body for effect can execute the effect accompanied by the operation of the tangible object.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46 and 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit 8 as components for production. In addition, a tray lamp 52 is installed in the tray unit 6, and the tray lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, and the glass frame side lamp 50 are integrally connected on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in appearance. Designed as if it were.

  The various lamps 46 to 52 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like) of built-in LEDs. In addition, a pair of left and right glass frame speakers 54 and a glass frame middle speaker 55 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a saucer speaker 56 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 6 c in the saucer unit 6. Built in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The player operates the effect switching button 45 to switch the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, while the symbol is changing, during the big hit decision display, or during the big hit game It is possible to generate some effects (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, etc.).

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, external terminal plates 160 and 161, power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 4).

  The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference sign), and the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7. In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to a prize ball case through an upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated. The main controller 70 is also equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Has been implemented. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82, and a count switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, respectively. . Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. The winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87, and are sent to the panel relay terminal plate 87. , Wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying the respective winning detection signals are provided.

  The above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, special symbol display device 34, special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and game state display device 38 are controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. ing. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal board 87.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a big prize opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively. The solenoids 88 and 90 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87 described above.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the plastic frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame assembly 2. The contact point signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is provided. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted. The payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98 is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls.

  In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (stepping motor). The payout device substrate 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. . The payout device substrate 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94), and pays out the designated number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The dispensing device substrate 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the dispensing control device 92 (dispensing control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual payout number and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with the firing control board 108. In addition, a ball feeding solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, launch solenoid 110, and ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Moreover, the launch solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the launch position, and performs the operation of firing game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8 as described above. The game ball is emitted at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute).

  On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  The tray unit 6 is provided with a tray relay terminal plate 118, and each signal from the firing lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the firing stop switch 116 is sent via the tray relay terminal plate 118 to the firing control board 108. Sent to. Further, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the saucer relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. . In addition, a gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the tray relay terminal plate 118, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the same launching is also performed. The drive circuit of the control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 has a built-in CR board 122. The CR board 122 has a switch connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 respectively, and a display of a frequency display unit (for three digits). 7 segment LED). When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted from the CR board 122 to the CR unit via the tray relay terminal plate 118 and the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of valuable media is transmitted from the CR unit to the CR substrate 122 from the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 via the tray relay terminal plate 118. A display circuit (not shown) on the CR substrate 122 drives the display based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and an acoustic driving circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 to emit various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. Or a process of actually outputting sound effects, voices, and the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

  The acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator that includes a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the upper speaker 54 and the lower speaker 56 to perform acoustic output.

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Is done. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 45 to the glass-frame decoration board 136 is given here, when installing said saucer illumination board, the production switch button 45 is connected to the saucer illumination board. Also good. In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board 8 and the display screen through the substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board 8 is visible. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to the backlight of the liquid crystal display 42. Furthermore, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 that is a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 that is a display processor is mounted. Among these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 is integrated with a processor core (not shown). The VRAM 156 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes production control using various lamps 46 to 53 and speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, and production control by image display using the liquid crystal display 42. . The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives the information transmits a specific effect image based on the basic information. Control the display.

  The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 156, and individually handles each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data. To drive.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device.

  A board external terminal board 160 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and a frame external terminal board 161 is installed on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) are external information (special symbol variation) toward the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the panel external terminal plate 160 and the frame external terminal plate 161, respectively. Start status, prize ball payout information, game status information such as during jackpot, probability variation function in operation, and time reduction function in operation can be output. The signals output from the board external terminal board 160 are totaled by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) at a game hall.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery) or conversely clears the backup information, thereby adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 Process. The reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets a vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.

  Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and checking the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of a mask register in order to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value for enabling the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is executed next.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power interruption.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends a command for returning to the effect control device 124 (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a working memory number command, a count counter remaining command, a special game state designation command, etc. ). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state (for example, the display state of special symbols, the internal probability state, The operation memory contents, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. The main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S106: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting the payout of prize balls to the payout control device 92.

  Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing, and performs initial setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue the processing from the program address of the PC register that has been backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in supply voltage). When the power cut-off occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90, and the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76. And save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers including the big hit decision random number are generated on the program. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 7), but the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round in this process. doing. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is the same as another interruption management process (step S202 in FIG. 7). ) To prevent the above).

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 7). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and general-purpose registers B to L) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved in the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot determined random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a regular symbol determined random number, and the like.

  Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, an input state (ON / OFF) of a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and a winning detection signal from the upper starting winning port switch 80, the lower starting winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86. Lead.

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the determination of an event occurring during the game is made based on the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning opening switch 80, and the lower starting winning opening switch 82. Depending on the event that occurred, further processing is executed. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 or the lower starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 has an event that triggers an internal lottery corresponding to a special symbol. Is determined. When the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34 described above, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. To do. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of prize balls is issued. Output.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information (special symbol variation start information, prize ball payout information, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction to the hall computer of the game hall through the board external terminal board 160. Game status information such as that the function is operating is stored in the port output request buffer.

  Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and stored in the port output request buffer. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 stores a frame open state signal indicating the open state of the main body (for example, the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7) of the pachinko machine 1 in the port output request buffer. In the output management process, the main control CPU 72 manages data output other than commands. Specifically, the drive signal and test signal for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 are stored in the port output request buffer.

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Store in port output request buffer.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer corresponding to the other output ports.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of steps S205 to S212 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S215, Step S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 7). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes a special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 7).

[Special symbol memory update processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 8). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that various random numbers are acquired in this special symbol memory update process, and prefetch determination (preliminary determination) of the acquired various random numbers is performed. Hereinafter, the procedure of the special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, four upper limit numbers). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each), and each section can store one big hit decision random number and one big hit symbol random number as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the special symbol has reached the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one operation memory number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value of the operation memory number counter. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 7).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the special symbol from the jackpot determination random number counter area of the RAM 76 (lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by designating the address of the big hit determination random number counter area. The address is specified in two parts, one byte at the upper and lower positions. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76 (lottery element acquisition means). The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the special symbol.

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number from the random number counter area for variation of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the special symbol (variation pattern determination element acquisition means). Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area, and sets these random numbers in the empty section in the area (set state) ) To remember. The order (for example, 1st to 4th) is set in the plurality of sections, and if all the 1st to 4th sections are empty at this stage, each set of random numbers is stored in order from the 1st section. The Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section (storage means). Note that the reading order of the random number storage area is in the FIFO format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a prefetch hit determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 prefetches the jackpot determination random number stored in the random number storage area and determines whether or not it is successful (winning or non-winning) (lottery result predetermination means). In addition, when the result of prefetching corresponds to winning, the main control CPU 72 can prefetch the jackpot symbol random number and determine the type of winning symbol (winning type) in advance. The contents of the prefetching determination process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S37: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a determination result effect command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the contents of the effect command to be output to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) based on the previous determination result performed in the prefetching determination process (step S36). . For example, if the current pre-determination result corresponds to “non-winning”, the main control CPU 72 generates a special figure destination determination effect command indicating “non-winning”. Further, the main control CPU 72 also generates a variation pattern command of “non-winning”. On the other hand, if the previous determination result corresponds to “winning”, the main control CPU 72 generates a special figure destination determination effect command (for example, “B8H”) indicating “at the time of winning” and “winning symbol type”. The main control CPU 72 transfers the generated various commands to the transmission command buffer. In this process, the start opening winning tone control command may be generated together.

  Step S38: The main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern destination determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 pre-reads the variation pattern determination random number stored in the random number storage area as a set (set) with the big hit determination random number, and determines in advance the variation pattern (particularly the variation time) at that time (variation pattern advance Determination means).

  The fluctuation pattern mainly determines the fluctuation time (including the time from the fluctuation start to the final stop) for variably displaying the special symbol, and a plurality of patterns are defined in advance on a data table (not shown). (Variation pattern defining means). The plurality of variation patterns are distinguished from each other by individual variation pattern numbers (for example, 00H to 80H). If the variation pattern is a standard normal variation pattern, the variation time is a normal length (for example, 10 seconds to 20 seconds). Second). On the other hand, if the variation pattern is different from the normal one, the variation time is determined to be longer than the normal time (for example, about 60 seconds to 120 seconds).

  The variation pattern determination random number is for determining which variation pattern (variation pattern number) is selected based on the value. The variation pattern determination random number and the variation pattern number selected by the variation pattern determination random number The correspondence relationship is stored in a table area of the ROM 74, for example, as a variation pattern selection table (not shown). Accordingly, the main control CPU 72 can access the above variation pattern selection table in the variation pattern predetermination process and prefetch which variation pattern (variation pattern number) is selected from the current variation pattern determination random number.

  Step S39: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the content of the variation pattern command to be output to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) based on the previous determination result performed in the above-described change pattern destination determination process (step S38). Set. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern command for the random value acquired this time based on the variation pattern number selected in advance in the variation pattern destination determination process. The main control CPU 72 transfers the generated various commands to the transmission command buffer.

  Note that the variation pattern command is described in, for example, a 2-byte format of MODE value-EVENT value, the “MODE value” of the upper byte represents a major classification attribute as a variation pattern, and the “EVENT value” of the lower byte is Represents the attributes of subcategory. The major classification includes, for example, “normal deviation fluctuation”, “normal deviation reach fluctuation”, “super reach fluctuation”, “big hit reach fluctuation”, and the like, but is not limited thereto. The description format of the variation pattern command is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. For example, the order of “MODE value” and “EVENT value” may be reversed, or the result of some logical operation (for example, logical product) of “MODE value” and “EVENT value” is described as a variation pattern command. It is also possible to use this mode.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8).

[Pre-fetching judgment processing]
Next, the prefetching determination process (step S35 in FIG. 9) executed in the previous special symbol memory update process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the prefetching determination process. Hereinafter, the content of the prefetching determination process will be described along with an example procedure.

  Step S52: The main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the random number value for the previous determination. The random number to be loaded here is the one stored in the random number storage area in the special symbol storage update process (step S35 in FIG. 9).

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, the lower limit value or less). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the current internal lottery winning probability in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S80.

  Step S80: The main control CPU 72 sets a deviation determination result value as the current preliminary determination result value. Then, the acquisition effect determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the fluctuation has not yet started. Specifically, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, if the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to “probability variation”, for example, the probability state schedule flag “A0H” is set. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a high probability state is to be set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the jackpot determined random number acquired after the jackpot determined random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, and the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to "non-probable (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a normal (low) probability state is set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit determination random number acquired after this big hit determination random number. If the winning value does not exist in the big hit determination random numbers stored so far, the flag value is reset (00H). The value of the probability state schedule flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example.

  If the probability state schedule flag has not yet been set (step S56: No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S66.

  Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The comparative value for low probability is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the “current probability state flag”. This probability state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state has a high probability (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the current probability state is a high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the current probability state is low (normally), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”). ").

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded current special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high probability (No). Next, step S64 is executed.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is not yet set and the current internal state is high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for high probability and the next step S72 is performed. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value. That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes). Here, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the big hit symbol random number stored as a set with the big hit decision random number in the special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 9), the calculation using the comparison value is performed as in the above step S54. From the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “non-probable variation (normal) symbol” or “probability variation symbol”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

  Step S76: The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents “non-probable change (normal) symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “01H” in the probability state schedule flag. On the other hand, when the special symbol destination determination value represents “probability variation symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “A0H” in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is determined that “flag set has been completed” in step S56.

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the hit determination result value as the current prior determination result value. Then, the acquisition effect determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9).

  The above is the procedure before the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed.

  Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that a value has already been set in the probability state schedule flag (Yes), it next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The main control CPU 72 first sets a low probability (normal time) comparison value in the A register.

  Step S60: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a “probability state schedule flag”. The probability state schedule flag is for setting a probability state in a subsequent determination based on the immediately preceding determination result as described above, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. . If the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result is scheduled to shift to a high probability (probability change), “A0H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag as described above. If the probability state based on is scheduled to return to a low probability (normal), “01H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag.

  Step S62: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high-probability schedule (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high-probability schedule (No Then, step S64 is executed to set a comparative value for high probability.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is already set and the value is a high probability, the next step S72 and subsequent steps after rewriting the comparison value for the high probability. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent a schedule with a high probability but a schedule with a normal (low) probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs a step. S64 is skipped and the subsequent step S72 and subsequent steps are executed.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a prior jackpot determination in consideration of subsequent changes in the internal state based on the previous determination result (normal probability → high probability, high probability → normal probability). In this embodiment, the maximum value of the number of memories is four, and when it is considered that winning is continuously generated within the range of the maximum value in terms of winning probability, such processing is omitted. May be.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 7) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed with reference to the flag one by one. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol display device 34 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the special symbol display device 34. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. When a special symbol stops in a winning mode (for example, a 15-round jackpot mode or a 7-round jackpot mode), the normal game state is changed to a jackpot gaming state (a gaming state in which conditions advantageous to the player are applied). An opportunity occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000). In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 15 times or 7 times), As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win game balls in a concentrated manner, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls. Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the big win is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 15 times, these may be collectively referred to as “15 rounds”.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds and the number of opening / closing operations per round) in the variable winning device management process, every time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round is completed. Increment the value of the round counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag or time reduction function operation flag). When the “high probability state” is entered, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is higher than usual (about 10 times). In addition, when the “time reduction state” is reached, the time reduction function is activated, and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability (for example, about 250/251) as described above. The operating time is shortened from about 4 seconds to about 1 second at the time of operation, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended (for example, from about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds at the time of non-operation). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

  Further, although not provided in the present embodiment, small wins may be provided as winning types other than non-winning. When such a small win is won, a small win game is performed separately from the big win game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. That is, in the previous special symbol stop display process, if the special symbol stops in a small win mode, a small hit game (game in which the variable winning device 30 operates) is executed in the normal state. In such a small winning game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a small number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins a big winning opening. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability change function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so it goes to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state”. The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that).

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the special symbol operation memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the special symbol operation memory number is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 7). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter is larger than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number storage (big hit decision random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the first storage area (address 00H) as described above in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if random number storage is stored in two or more storage areas, the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the first storage area, and then shifts the remaining random number storage one by one to the previous storage area. (-1)

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76, and sets the value after the subtraction to “the working memory number at the start of change”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, for example, the procedure (steps S52, S54, S56, S66, S68, S70, S64, and S72 in FIG. 12) mentioned above is applied as a more detailed procedure of the big hit determination process. May be.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the special symbol display device 34. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S115 in FIG. 5).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the special symbol display device 34, for example, the display pattern of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to display only one segment (center bar “-”). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (fluctuation time determining means). As described above, the variation pattern number distinguishes the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or corresponds to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 1.5 seconds), except when the reach fluctuation is performed. If the state is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is determined based on, for example, “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in step S2250 except when the reach fluctuation is performed. Is done. Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs the following procedure. Run.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of the winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the special symbol determination table in the jackpot stop symbol determination process. Such a process can also be applied to the jackpot symbol type determination process (step S74 in FIG. 10) executed in the preceding look-ahead determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, for example, three types of the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of the big hit are prepared. One of them is a “15-round probability variable symbol”, the other one is a “15-round non-variable symbol”, and the remaining one is a “7-round probability variable symbol”.

  More specifically, there are mainly three types of winning symbols as major classifications, but even if the same “15 round probability variation symbol” is used, for example, “15 round probability variation symbol A”, “15 round probability variation symbol B”, “15 A plurality of winning symbols are defined more finely as in “Round Probability Variation C”, etc., and even in the same “15 Round Non-Probability Variation”, for example, “15 Round Non-Probability Variation A”, “ A plurality of winning symbols are defined more finely, such as “15 round uncertain variable B”, “15 round uncertain variable C”,.

  As for “7-round probability variation symbol”, for example, “7 round probability variation symbol A”, “7 round probability variation symbol B”, “7 round probability variation symbol C”, etc. Has been.

  Such fine classification is for diversifying the stop display of the winning symbol by the special symbol display device 34. For example, in the case of the same “15 round probability variation symbol”, when the subcategory is “15 round probability variation symbol A”, all the seven segments are lit in the special symbol display device 34 (for example, a “day” shape), In the case of “15 round probability variation B”, five segments are lit (for example, a “self” shape). However, if the “15-round probability variable symbol” is the same as the major category, the result (effect) is the same in proceeding with the subsequent game, regardless of which symbol is selected in the minor category. The plurality of types of winning symbols provided for each number of rounds are defined in advance by the special symbol determination table (winning type defining means).

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation time determination means). The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the gaming state flag is the “15 round probability variation symbol” or “7 round probability variation symbol” regardless of whether the winning symbol type (big hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 As a result, the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) as the gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 and sets an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times) as the value of the count-down counter. . On the other hand, when the type of winning symbol (hit stop symbol number at the big hit) determined in the previous step S2410 is “15 round non-probable (normal) symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation function operation flag as the gaming state flag. Reset. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) in the flag area of the RAM 76, and sets a realistic value (for example, 100 times) as the value of the count-down counter. The count-down counter is decremented by 1 every time a special symbol change is executed, and when the counter value becomes 0, the probability change function operation flag is reset. Therefore, the time reduction state after “non (normal) probability variation big hit” ends at the number of fluctuations of 100, whereas the time reduction function after “probability big hit” is substantially maintained until the next big hit. It will be. In other words, it is unlikely that it will be probable that 10000 non-wins will be repeated in a high probability state, and it will not be practical to digest the number of fluctuations as many as 10,000 times within the business hours of the game hall. .

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the special symbol display device 34 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a big hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Figure 11: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). . The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 12) (symbol display means). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

  As described above, when the jackpot internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the special symbol is performed (symbol display means). However, as described above, the special symbol itself is a lighting / flashing display by a 7-segment LED, so that the appealing power is not good. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above.

[Example of winning (normal variation pattern)]
In the following, the normal variation pattern at the time of non-winning (out) will be described as an example. FIG. 13 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect executed when a normal variation pattern is selected at the time of non-winning. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a stop display effect using an effect symbol, and an example of a background image. Among these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the special symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including fixed stop). The stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Also, the background image is an image that becomes a background on the display screen when the effect symbol variation display is performed. Such a background image can be used as a representation of “stage” or “mode” in production. Here, first, before explaining the contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
In FIG. 13, (A): For example, in a stop display state before the special symbol starts to change (a state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the screen in the left, middle, and right directions. Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Among these, for the left effect symbol, a symbol row is arranged in ascending order of “1” to “9”, and for the middle effect symbol and the right effect symbol, the numbers are “9” to “1”. ”Are arranged in descending order.

  A fourth symbol (reference symbol F in the figure) is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, the lower right corner). The fourth symbol F is a “fourth effect symbol” that follows the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the effect symbol. Note that the fourth design F is a simple mark (for example, a “□” figure) with a color, and a variable display can be expressed by changing the display color.

  Although not shown, a marker (an image in a symbolic form) indicating the number of working memories of special symbols is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, lower right). Such a marker represents the number of working memories of a special symbol (the number of displays of the special symbol working memory lamp 34a) according to the number of displays, and the number of displays increases or decreases in conjunction with a change in the number of working memories during a game.

[Variable display production start]
13B: For example, in synchronization with the start of variation of the special symbol, the variation display effect is started by the scroll variation of the three symbol sequences on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect execution means). ). That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the display of the left effect, the middle effect, and the right effect is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Be started. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display). At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. ing.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image (cool evening image) expresses that the stay stage in the production is, for example, the “cool evening stage”. In addition to this, various stages may be provided for production, and a background image with a different landscape or scene may be prepared for each stage. Although not specifically illustrated, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image such as a character or an item on the display screen.

  During the variation display of the effect symbol, the variable display effect is also performed here by changing the display color of the fourth symbol F at the lower right corner position in the display screen (and so on). However, since the fourth symbol F is small and is displayed at a position that is not easily noticeable in the screen, it does not exhibit a special visual appeal to the player.

[Left design stop]
(C) in FIG. 13: For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 13, (D): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol stops changing thereafter. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that after the production symbol representing the number “7” has stopped, the production symbol representing the number “8” is stopped by sliding the design row for one symbol, and the medium production design is excluded. All of them, and that leads to reach. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “3” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the number “8” is now displayed. There is a pattern in which the production design representing the character stops and develops to reach. It should be noted that the stop of the left and right effect symbols for the development of the reach effect is only a temporary stop in the effect process, that is, a temporary stop, and is not necessarily the final winning symbol pattern in the game lottery. . For example, after development to reach production, after the middle production symbol stops at “8” and all production symbols are once aligned at “8-8-8”, all the production symbols of left, middle and right change again However, in some cases, the symbols may be stopped and displayed together with another symbol, for example, “7-7-7”, and the jackpot may be confirmed.

[Stop display effect]
(E) in FIG. 15: The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. If the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner, the stop display effect is similarly performed in the non-winning (missing) manner. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol F is also stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

  As described above, the variation display effect that is executed with the normal variation pattern (normal variation time) at the time of non-winning is not particularly apparent, and has a relatively simple content. This is because the fluctuation time specified by the normal fluctuation pattern is set to be relatively short (for example, about 10 seconds), so that the content of the content that is highly appealing to the player within such a short fluctuation time. Due to the difficulty of performing.

  On the other hand, even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, if a specific variation pattern (reach variation pattern or super reach variation pattern) is selected based on the variation pattern determination random number at that time, the special symbol The fluctuation time is set longer than usual (for example, about 60 seconds to 120 seconds). In this case, although the result is a non-winning result, it is possible to execute an effect (particularly a reach effect) with a show using a long variation time. Hereinafter, examples of such reach effects will be described.

[Example of reach production]
FIG. 14 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of a variation display effect that is executed when a specific variation pattern is selected. Since the variation time in this case is set to be longer than usual, the reach effect can be executed on the effect, thereby increasing the appealing power to the player.

[At the start of fluctuation]
In FIG. 14, (A): The display of the left effect, the middle effect, and the right effect is scrolled in the vertical direction on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol. Production begins. Although illustration is omitted here, it is assumed that, for example, “yukata stage” is displayed on the display screen as the background image. In the lower right corner of the screen, the variation of the fourth symbol F is also displayed as described above.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
In FIG. 14, (B): Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, a pre-reach notice effect using the character image is performed. At this time, the character design image is positioned in front of the effect design that is variably displayed on the screen. For example, the character design image is displayed so as to appear suddenly from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes may be used). Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
(C) in FIG. 14: Further, as a pre-reach notice effect, an effect using a character image different from the previous one is performed. Specifically, another pattern image appears additionally from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to be aligned with the previously displayed pattern image (or another pattern image is displayed superimposed on the front). It is good.) The picture image displayed at this time may be larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. In addition, the aspect by which the effect by sound output that a character expressed with a picture image utters a line (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed. Here, an example is given up to the appearance of the second-stage pattern image. However, in the pre-reach notice effect, for example, the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. It may be an embodiment.

[Multiple production patterns]
Here, an example of an effect pattern using a picture image is shown as a notice effect before the occurrence of reach, but other effect patterns are also prepared. For example, there is an effect pattern in which some object or person passes through the background image, or a character appears on the screen and emits some dialogue. In addition, there is an effect pattern in which the action of the object is changed in conjunction with the operation (pressing) of the effect switching button 45 described above, or another character is given to the character.

  In addition, as an example of the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, an example is given here which is performed at the beginning of the variable display effect. May be used as the “pre-reach notice effect”. For example, at the start of the variable display effect, the display pattern of the effect symbol changes for a moment (the character's facial expression changes, the effect symbol reverses, etc.), or the various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 and the panel lamp 53 are lit. A mode in which a notice effect is performed by blinking may be used.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 14, (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the numeral “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect symbol representing the numeral “8” is stopped at the lower left position.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 14, (E): Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the lower right position of the screen. In general, when three productions of the same type are stopped in the production, the game is “big hit”. Here, only one of the medium production symbols remaining until “big hit” is left. In this way, it is possible to generate a “reach state” during the variable display effect by stopping up to two of the same type of effect symbols (reach state generating means). Further, the occurrence of the “reach state” and the combination of two numbers is referred to as “tempering”. In this example, the reach state of the numbers “7” − “being changed” − “7” is generated on the horizontal line in the upper stage of the screen. The character information “reach!” Is also displayed on the screen, further impressing the player on the occurrence of “reach”. At this time, an image that emphasizes the line that has reached the reach state on one horizontal line may be displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” May be performed. In particular, if it is a big hit as it is, it will be a probability variation big hit, so that not only whether or not the lottery is just a lottery, but also the player can have a tension of “probable big hit or miss”.

  If the reach state is further developed after the reach state has occurred, for example, only the effect symbols corresponding to the number ("7" in this case) that has been tempered (listened) are displayed on the screen, and the rest are not displayed. At this time, the effect design may be displayed in a reduced state at each corner of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 14, (F): When the “reach state” occurs, a notice effect after the occurrence of reach is executed, for example, by displaying the characters “chance !?” on the screen. As a result, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “this reach may be a chance to expect a big hit” is obtained.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 14, (G): Following the announcement effect after the first reach, for example, the image representing the numbers “2” to “7” rotates and moves in a circle on the screen, while “2”. , “3”, “4”..., A reach effect is performed in which numerical images are erased from the screen. This kind of “Number Rotation Reach” is performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” remains without being erased. Is called. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, then the next time the number “6” is erased, it is a “hit”, and the player's feeling of tension increases rapidly.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 14, (H): When the reach effect is approaching, the character image is displayed on the screen in the same way, and the notice effect is generated after the reach that the character emits some dialogue. Second time). At this time, for example, the content of the reach production is a development that “if the number“ 6 ”is erased, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”increases” ”. Accordingly, by causing the character image to appear (cut-in) on the screen at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a great expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 14, (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially synchronously from the end of the change of the special symbol to the stop display. At this time, since the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the off symbol (non-winning mode), the effect display is similarly performed in the off mode. In the example shown in the figure, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately, it has been expressed stellarly that the current change did not result in a “hit”. The fourth symbol F is also stopped and displayed in a mode (white display color) representing non-winning.

  Reach production as described above (super reach production), even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, it is possible to create a presentation place many times in the middle using a relatively long fluctuation time This is an effective technique in production technology. In particular, if the reach effect is executed before the actual occurrence of the big hit, it is possible to realize an effect as if it is a “big hit sign”. However, the reach effect is not always generated arbitrarily, and as a premise thereof, a variation pattern corresponding to the reach effect needs to be selected on the control by the main control CPU 72. For this reason, even if the timing of occurrence of a big win (winning) is known in advance in the pre-reading hit determination process (step S36 in FIG. 9), a reach effect such as “a big hit sign” is intentionally produced. Difficult to perform.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, when the timing of occurrence of a big hit (winning) is determined in advance in the pre-reading hit determination process, the operating memory (memory of the big hit determined random number) held before that is consumed. It is possible to generate a reach effect in a pseudo manner using the fluctuation time. Hereinafter, an example of a control method for that purpose will be described.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of effect control processing executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), an effect symbol management process (step S402), a display output process (step S404), a lamp drive process (step S406), an acoustic drive process (step S408), and an effect random number update process. This includes a subroutine group of (Step S410) and other processing (Step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, the above-mentioned special figure destination determination effect command, the variation pattern command based on the prior determination, the operating memory number command, the start opening winning tone control command, and the demonstration effect command. , Lottery result command, variation pattern command (for confirmation), variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, round number command, error notification command, and the like.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols as described above, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Or

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of operating memories of special symbols, variable effect pattern number, notice effect) Number, mode number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed contents of the effect (acts as various effect executing means).

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53 based on the control signal.

  Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the effect control CPU 126 sends the effect contents (for example, BGM, sound data, etc. during the variable display effect, during the reach effect, during the mode transition effect, during the jackpot effect) to the sound drive circuit 134. Instruct. Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for a normal background change lottery.

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, when there is a movable body for presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the movable body driving IC. Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body is operated by a driving source such as a solenoid or a stepping motor, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently. These drive sources such as solenoids and stepping motors can be connected to, for example, the panel illumination board 138 in FIG.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, a process executed when a special figure destination determination effect command and a variation pattern command are received from the main control CPU 72 in the command reception process (step S400) will be described.

[Processing at the time of receiving the first judgment effect command]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process at the time of receiving a destination determination effect command. When the effect control CPU 126 receives the special figure destination determination effect command and the variation pattern command from the main control CPU 72 in the previous command reception process, the effect control CPU 126 further executes a subroutine call to perform the process for receiving the destination determination effect command.

  Step S600: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the special figure destination determination effect command is a hit (winning). As a result, if the command corresponds to the win (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S602.

  On the other hand, if the special figure destination determination effect command is not hit in step S600 (step S600: No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S606.

  Step S606: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the received variation pattern command is other than super reach (specific long variation time: about 120 seconds). That is, the effect control CPU 126 refers to, for example, a fluctuation pattern data table (not shown) stored in the ROM 128 and confirms whether or not the current fluctuation pattern command is other than that corresponding to super reach. As a result, if it corresponds to other than the super reach (for example, “normal fluctuation”) (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 ends the process of receiving the pre-determination effect command here and returns to the command receiving process.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the variation pattern command corresponds to super reach (step S606: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S602. Accordingly, the effect control CPU 126 determines that the special figure destination determination effect command received from the main control CPU 72 is a win, or the variation pattern command corresponds to super reach, step S602. Execute.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current number of working memories is less than a predetermined value (N). For example, the following two methods can be used for setting the predetermined value. That is, (1) two (N = 2) can be employed as the predetermined value, or (2) one (N = 1) can be employed as the predetermined value. Which one to employ can be determined as appropriate. The difference between the cases (1) and (2) will be described later.

  In any case, the effect control CPU 126 confirms the current working memory number based on the working memory number command received from the main control CPU 72, and if the value is equal to or greater than the set predetermined value (step S602: No). Next, step S604 is executed.

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 newly sets a variation time corresponding to one symbol variation display by combining a plurality of variation times. In the following description, the combination of a plurality of variation times and the new variation time corresponding to one symbol variation display is referred to as “combination of variation times (generation of composition variation time)”. Hereinafter, the process in this case will be described.

[Composition example of fluctuation time]
FIG. 17 to FIG. 20 are diagrams schematically illustrating processing in which the effect control CPU 126 newly generates a variation time in the above-described step S604. Of these, FIG. 17 shows a synthesis example (1) in which a long fluctuation time is generated by synthesizing the fluctuation time of “out” stored before “win”. FIG. 18 shows a synthesis example (2) in which a long variation time is generated by synthesizing the variation time of “hit” and the variation time of “loss” stored before this time. FIG. 19 is a synthesis example (3) in the case where a long fluctuation time is generated by synthesizing the fluctuation time of “out” stored before “super reach”. FIG. 20 shows a synthesis example (4) in the case where a new long fluctuation time is generated by synthesizing the fluctuation time of “Super Reach” and the fluctuation time of “out of” stored previously. Hereinafter, each of the synthesis examples (1) to (4) will be described.

[Synthesis Example (1)]
(A) in FIG. 17: For example, it is assumed that the current special figure destination determination effect command corresponds to “win”, and this time corresponds to the fourth working memory (hold). Further, at this time point, it is assumed that the special figure destination determination effect command corresponds to “out” for all three operation memories (holding) received before this time. For special figure destination determination effect commands (operation memories 1 to 3) before “winning”, the variation time is designated as “5 seconds”, “20 seconds”, and “10 seconds” by the variation pattern commands to be set respectively. Has been.

  In FIG. 17, (B): In this case, the effect control CPU 126 sums up the respective fluctuation times for the three action memories (hold) before the “hit” special figure destination determination effect command, and combines them into one. Then, “35 seconds” is newly generated as the variation time (step S604 in FIG. 16).

  In this state, when the special symbol start conditions are satisfied, the main control CPU 72 consumes the operating memories (holding) 1 to 3 in turn, and the special symbol variation display is “5 seconds” and “20 seconds”, respectively. , In this order, in the present embodiment, using the variation time obtained by synthesizing the variation times of these three special symbols, the production is simulated one time. A variable display effect (for example, the reach effect in FIG. 14) is executed. Thus, it is possible to generate an intentional reach effect before the actual “winning” fluctuation occurs. Even if the fluctuation times are combined, the success or failure in the fluctuation effects executed for these is only “out of place”.

[Synthesis Example (2)]
Next, the synthesis example (2) will be described.
18A: Similarly, here, it is assumed that the special figure destination determination effect command of this time corresponds to “win” and this time corresponds to the fourth operation memory (hold). The variation time specified by the variation pattern command paired with the “hit” special figure destination determination effect command received this time is, for example, “45 seconds”. At this time, the special figure destination determination effect command corresponds to “out of” for all three operation memories (holding) received before this time. Similarly, for special figure destination determination effect commands (operation memories 1 to 3) before “winning”, the variation times are “5 seconds”, “20 seconds”, and “10 seconds” depending on the variation pattern commands to be set respectively. Is specified.

  In FIG. 18B, in the synthesis example (2), the effect control CPU 126 has the fluctuation time “45 seconds” corresponding to the “win” operation memory (hold) 4 and the three previous operation memories (hold). All the fluctuation times corresponding to are summed up into one, and a new fluctuation time of “80 seconds” is generated therefrom (step S604 in FIG. 16).

  In this state, when the special symbol start conditions are satisfied, the main control CPU 72 consumes the operating memories (holding) 1 to 3 in turn, and the special symbol variation display is “5 seconds” and “20 seconds”, respectively. Are executed in the order of “10 seconds”, and a hit fluctuation occurs at the timing when the working memory (holding) 4 is finally consumed, and in this embodiment, in this embodiment, the first three times are performed. By using the fluctuation time obtained by combining the deviation fluctuation time and the fourth hit fluctuation time, a fluctuation display effect (reach effect at the time of a big hit) is executed in a pseudo manner on the effect. As a result, it is possible to intentionally extend the variation time of “win” on the production and execute the reach production with more enhanced contents. In addition, when the action memory 4 of “hit” and the variation time are combined, the success or failure in the variation effect executed during this time is “hit” even though the previous action memories 1 to 3 are “out of”. can do.

[Synthesis Example (3)]
Next, synthesis example (3) will be described.
In FIG. 19, (A): For example, this special figure destination determination effect command corresponds to “out of”, but the variation pattern command paired with this designates “super reach (variation time 45 seconds)” as the reach type. Assume that this time corresponds to the fourth working memory (hold). At this time, for the three action memories (holding) received before this time, the special figure destination determination effect command corresponds to “out of” and the reach type for the variation pattern command paired with these Assume that “No reach (other than super reach)” is specified. Further, regarding the operation memories 1 to 3, it is assumed that the variation time is designated as “10 seconds” by the variation pattern command.

  In FIG. 19, (B): In this case, the effect control CPU 126 adds up the respective fluctuation times of the three operation memories 1 to 3 before the operation memory 4 of “Super Reach”, and collects them into one. A new variation time of “30 seconds” is generated (step S604 in FIG. 16).

  In this state, each time the special symbol start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 consumes the working memories (holding) 1 to 3 in order, and the special symbol variation display is executed in order of “10 seconds”. However, in the present embodiment, using the variation time obtained by synthesizing the variation times of these three special symbols, the variation display effect for one time (for example, the reach of FIG. 14) is simulated. Production). As a result, it is possible to generate an intentional reach effect even before the “super reach” fluctuation actually occurs. Even if the fluctuation times are combined, the success or failure in the fluctuation effects executed for these is only “out of place”.

[Synthesis Example (4)]
Next, synthesis example (4) will be described.
In FIG. 20, (A): Similarly, the special figure destination determination effect command of this time corresponds to “out of”, but the variation pattern command paired therewith is “super reach (variation time)” as the reach type. 45 seconds) ”, and this time corresponds to the fourth working memory (hold). At this time, for all three operation memories (holds) received before this time, the special figure destination determination effect command corresponds to “out of”, and the variation pattern command in combination with these is the reach type. Assume a case in which “no reach (other than super reach)” is specified. Further, regarding the operation memories 1 to 3, it is assumed that the variation time is designated as “10 seconds” by the variation pattern command.

  In FIG. 20, (B): In the synthesis example (4), the effect control CPU 126 has a fluctuation time “40 seconds” corresponding to the operation memory (hold) 4 of “super reach” and three operation memories (hold) before this. ) All the variation times corresponding to 1 to 3 are added together and combined into one, and from that, “70 seconds” is newly generated as the variation time (step S604 in FIG. 16).

  In this state, each time the special symbol start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 consumes the working memories (holding) 1 to 3 in order, and the special symbol variation display is executed in order of “10 seconds”. Finally, the working memory (holding) 4 is consumed and the special symbol is changed according to the change pattern (change time) of the super reach. Using the fluctuation time obtained by combining the deviation time (no reach) fluctuation time and the fourth "super reach" fluctuation time, a one-time fluctuation display effect (super reach effect) is executed on the effect. To do. As a result, it is possible to intentionally extend the fluctuation time of “super reach” in the production, and execute the reach production with more enhanced contents.

[Setting of predetermined value (N)]
In addition, with respect to the above synthesis examples (1) and (3), two or more at the stage before receiving the special pattern destination determination effect command corresponding to “win” or the variation pattern command designating “super reach” There must be a working memory (hold). Therefore, when the synthesis examples (1) and (3) are applied, (1) two (N = 2) are adopted as the predetermined value in the above-described processing at the time of reception of the preceding determination effect command.

  On the other hand, with respect to the synthesis examples (2) and (4), at least one operation memory is stored before the special pattern destination determination effect command corresponding to “win” or the variation pattern command designating “super reach” is received. (Pending) should just exist. Therefore, when the synthesis examples (2) and (4) are applied, (1) two (N = 2) can be adopted as the predetermined value in the above-described processing at the time of receiving the preceding determination effect command, and (2) One (N = 1) may be employed as the predetermined value.

[Example of Reach Production Using Synthetic Variation Time (1)]
FIG. 21 is a continuous diagram showing a reach effect example (1) executed using the combined variation time. Since the following reach production example (1) has contents corresponding to “out of”, it can be applied to the above synthesis examples (1), (3), and (4). A case (combining examples (1) and (3)) in which three fluctuation times are combined will be described.

[Variable display effects]
FIG. 21A: For example, the left effect symbol on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is substantially synchronized with the start of the variation of the special symbol (first variation) executed when the working memory 1 is consumed. The variable display effect is started in such a manner that the row of effect symbols and right effect symbols scrolls in the vertical direction. Although not shown here, it is assumed that, for example, “Evening Cool Stage” is selected as the background image (stage effect). Similarly, the variation display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow, and the variation display (first time) is performed by the fourth symbol F at the lower right corner of the screen.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 21: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character's picture image (picture card) is performed. At this point, the actual special symbol variation time is almost over to the end, and when a regular variation is performed for each variation, it is time ( Difficult as a schedule).

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
(C) in FIG. 21: As a second stage advance notice effect before the occurrence of reach, an effect using a picture image of a character different from the previous one is performed. At this stage, the variation display of the effect symbol is continued, but the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the operation memory 1 ends here, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 34. Therefore, although the variable display effect by the effect symbol is continued, the fourth symbol F is stopped and displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 21, (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this time, the effect design representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect design representing the number “8” is stopped at the lower left position. At this timing, the next operation memory 2 is consumed in the control by the main control CPU 72, and the special symbol variation display (variation second time) is started. Thereby, the 4th symbol F is also started to display the fluctuation again.

[Generation of pseudo reach conditions]
In FIG. 21, (E): Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. At the upper position (upper line), the combination of the numbers “7”-“being changed”-“7” is partially displayed and a reach state occurs.

  On the other hand, the actual special symbol variation time (second variation time) is almost at the end of this period, and if a regular variation is performed once, a reach state is generated at this timing. Is difficult in terms of time (as a production schedule). Therefore, the reach state in this case is a pseudo-occurrence within the combined fluctuation time.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 21, (F): When the “reach state” occurs for a while, “character notice” occurs as the notice effect after the reach occurrence (first time) as described above. This effect pattern is to display, for example, characters “Good feeling !?” on the screen. As described above, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation for winning by executing such a notice effect (first time) after the occurrence of reach. At this stage, the variation display of the effect symbol is continued, but at this time, the variation time (second time) of the special symbol corresponding to the operation memory 2 is ended, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 34. Has been. Therefore, although the variable display effect by the effect symbol is continued, the fourth symbol F is stopped and displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen (second time).

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 21, (G): Following the advance notice effect after the occurrence of reach (first time), for example, the “numerical rotation reach effect” is performed as described above. At this time, the mode in which the character erases the number on the screen may be displayed together. At this timing, the next working memory 3 is consumed in the control by the main control CPU 72, and the special symbol variation display (the third variation) is started. Thereby, the 4th symbol F is also started to display the fluctuation again.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 21, (H): When the reach production is almost full, the image of the character suddenly splits on the screen (cuts in) and is displayed, and the character that the character emits some dialogue After the occurrence, a notice effect (second time) is performed. Also, at this point, the actual special symbol change time (third time) is almost over to the end, and if a normal change is made once for each change, a notice effect will be generated after the reach occurs at this timing. Is difficult in time.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 21, (I): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display (third time) accompanying the consumption of the working memory 3. At this time, for the three working memories 1 to 3 in which the fluctuation times are combined, the result of the internal lottery is non-winning (the special figure destination determination effect command is “out”), and the special change is also made in the third fluctuation. The symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “off”. Therefore, also in the reach effect using the combined variation time, a stop display effect is finally performed in which the effect symbol is in the “out of” mode (symbol effect executing means). In the example shown in the figure, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately, it has been expressed stellarly that the current change did not result in a “hit”.

  According to the above-described reach effect example (1), it is possible to realize an effect with content that cannot be expressed at all by the effect linked to each normal fluctuation. Further, in the variation of the special symbol to be executed next, the variation of the hit occurs due to the consumption of the working memory 4 that actually corresponds to the “hit”. Therefore, the above reach effect example (1) has a significance as a “predictive effect of winning” performed before the next hit fluctuation, and thereby gives a fresh surprise to the player and maintains the interest. be able to.

  In addition, following the reach production example (1), in the next fluctuation, the “super reach production at the time of hit” actually occurs and becomes a big hit as it is. In this embodiment, when “super reach occurs continuously, You can get a new game that you can expect to win.

[Example of reach production using composite variable time (2)]
Next, FIG. 22 is a continuous diagram showing a reach effect example (2) that is executed using the synthesized variation time. In addition, since the following reach production example (2) is the content corresponding to “winning”, it can be applied to the above synthesis example (2).

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 22, (A): Here again, the left effect symbol on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the variation of the special symbol (first variation) executed when the working memory 1 is consumed, The variable display effect is started such that the middle effect symbol and the right effect symbol are scrolled in the vertical direction.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
In FIG. 22, (B): As in the previous reach effect example (1), the first stage pre-reach notice effect is performed at a relatively early stage of the variable display effect (before the reach state occurs). In this case, the characters displayed on the picture cards are different from those in the non-winning example, and there is no noticeable difference. However, the special symbol corresponding to the operation memory 1 ends the variation time, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display device 34 in a non-winning manner. Accordingly, the fourth symbol F is also stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, obviously, the variation time is insufficient, and therefore, when a normal variation is performed once for each variation, it is not possible to generate the pre-reach notice effect at this timing.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 22, (C): A second stage advance notice effect is generated in a manner different from the previous reach effect (1). Specifically, in this effect pattern, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed. In this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued, but here, the next operation memory 2 is consumed and the variation display (second time) is started. Therefore, the variable display (second time) is also started for the fourth symbol F.

[Stop of left design]
(D) in FIG. 22: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this time, the effect design representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect design representing the number “8” is stopped at the lower left position. Further, at this timing, the variable display corresponding to the operation memory 2 is ended in the control by the main control CPU 72, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display device 34 in a non-winning manner. Accordingly, the fourth symbol F is also stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
(E) in FIG. 22: Following the left effect symbol, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. On the diagonal line (on two diagonal lines), two types of reach states of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” and “8” — “being changed” — “8” have occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes two diagonal lines that are in a reach state on a diagonal line is displayed together. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed. Furthermore, in this example, since there are two candidates for the medium effect symbol, “7” and “8” (so-called double reach and double template), it is a highly anticipated reach state. Also, in this case, if the number “7” is aligned, it is a probability variation jackpot, and if the number “8” is aligned, it is a non-probable variation jackpot. It is possible to make players feel various tensions.

  On the other hand, at this timing, the next working memory 3 is consumed, and the special symbol variation display (third time) has already been started. Therefore, when a normal effect is performed for each fluctuation, it is difficult in terms of time to generate a large reach state so far at this timing.

  In addition, since the reach effect example (2) corresponds to “winning”, the reach effect at the time of winning is executed after the occurrence of the reach state (however, the winning result is not yet expressed at this point). In the reach effect example (2), only the effect symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers (here, “7” and “8”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 22, (F): In the reach effect example (1) described above, characters such as “Good feeling !?” are only displayed on the screen, but in this reach effect example (2), the reach state is reached. After a while, for example, a notice effect after the occurrence of reach (first time) is performed in which images representing “flower patterns” form a group and pass diagonally on the screen. In this case, since the image of the “flower pattern group” is suddenly displayed on the screen, this can increase the visual appeal to the player. By executing such a notice presentation effect after the visually lively reach notice occurrence, an effect of giving the player a greater expectation can be obtained. At this stage, the variation display of the effect symbol is continued, but at this time, the variation time (third time) of the special symbol corresponding to the operation memory 3 is ended, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 34. Has been. Therefore, although the variable display effect by the effect symbol is continued, the fourth symbol F is stopped and displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen (third time).

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 22, (G): Following the announcement effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also intended to suggest (imply) or remind the player that the number “7” or “8” is a “hit” if it remains unerased to the end. Done in If the number “6” is erased and “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “probable big hit”, but if the number “7” is also erased and “8” remains in front of the screen, “normal (non- "Probable change" is a big hit, and the number "8" is also erased, and when "9" finally remains, it means "out of place". Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, the next time the number “6” is finally erased, then “probable big hit” or “normal (non-probable big) big hit” is possible. Because of the increased nature, the player's tension will increase at once.

  On the other hand, at this timing, the next operation memory 4 (win) is consumed in the control by the main control CPU 72, and the special symbol variation display (the fourth variation) is started. Thereby, the 4th symbol F is also started to display the fluctuation again. As a result, even in the control by the actual main control CPU 72, the hit variation of the special symbol is started.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 22 (H): When the reach production is nearing the end of the game, the content that the character's image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a large copy and the character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be that of smiling). Compared to the reach effect example (1) described above, the effect example (2) is different in that the character image to be cut-in is enlarged as a whole (so-called “large cut-in”). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 6 ”is erased, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”increases” ”. In addition, even if the number “7” is deleted in the subsequent reach production, there is still a possibility of an uncertain change big hit of “8”-“8”-“8”. Therefore, by causing a large character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a great sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”. At this point, the actual special symbol variation time (fourth) is almost over, but the production so far has been performed effectively using the synthesized variation time. It shows excitement appropriate for “reach production”.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 22, (I): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display (fourth) accompanying the consumption of the working memory 4 (per hit). At this time, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a “winning” manner in the fourth variation. Therefore, also in the reach effect using the synthesized variable time, a stop display effect is finally performed in which the effect symbol is “winning” (symbol effect executing means). In the example shown in the figure, the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation” symbol, so that the production symbol representing the odd number “7” is stopped and displayed in the center of the screen, indicating that the game is “probable large bonus”. Production to teach the person. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “non-probable variation”, the player can be identified as “ordinary (non-probable variation) big hit” by stopping and displaying the production symbol representing the even number “8” in the center of the screen. An effect is taught. In addition to this, even in the case of “probable big hit”, even numbered production symbols are stopped and displayed, and odd-numbered production symbols are stopped and displayed by re-variation and promoted to “probability”. There is a case where an effect such as promotion to “probability” is performed. Further, the fourth symbol F is stopped (for example, displayed in red) in a manner corresponding to winning.

  According to the reach effect example (2) described above, it is possible to realize an effect with a sufficient viewing space while further increasing the fluctuation time at the time of hitting. Of course, even if the variation time is one time, a variation pattern in which a correspondingly long variation time is designated is selected at the time of hitting, but in this embodiment, the variation time can be further increased to realize a sufficient effect. it can. As a result, the player can be satisfied with the big hit.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the synthesis examples (1) to (4) of the variation time shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 can be applied to the case where the number of working memories is 3 or less. In particular, the synthesis examples (2) and (4) are applicable if the number of working memories is at least two, and four working memories are not necessarily required. Further, the various fluctuation times shown in the synthesis examples (1) to (4) may be other seconds.

  Furthermore, the images given in various production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize port 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize port 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 34a Special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 47 Fluctuation start switch 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (2)

When the internal lottery related to the player's profit is executed during the game, the symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is variably displayed;
A variation pattern defining means for prescribing a plurality of variation patterns with respect to a variation time for displaying the symbol variably by the symbol display means;
Lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for execution of the internal lottery when an event that becomes a lottery trigger occurs during a game;
Accompanying the acquisition of the lottery element by the lottery element acquisition means, the fluctuation for acquiring the fluctuation pattern determining element for determining which of the plurality of fluctuation patterns defined by the fluctuation pattern defining means is to be selected. Pattern determining element acquisition means;
When the lottery element is acquired by the lottery element acquisition means, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance using the lottery element before the start condition for starting the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display means is satisfied. A lottery result prior judging means to perform,
When the variation pattern determination element is acquired by the variation pattern determination element acquisition unit, by determining which variation pattern is selected from the plurality of variation patterns using the variation pattern determination element, Fluctuation pattern prior determination means for determining in advance before the start condition is satisfied, the variation time for the symbol display means to variably display the symbol;
Storage means for sequentially storing a lottery element and a variation pattern determination element that have been determined in advance by the lottery result prior determination means and the variation pattern prior determination means, respectively, in a set;
When the start condition is satisfied, lottery execution means for consuming the lottery elements stored in the storage means in order of storage and executing the internal lottery;
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution unit, any one of the plurality of variation patterns is selected based on the variation pattern determination factor stored in the storage unit in a paired state with the consumed lottery component. A variation time determining means for determining a variation time in advance when displaying the variation of the symbol by the symbol display means,
When a lottery element is paired and stored in the storage unit together with a specific variation pattern determination element corresponding to a specific determination result as a result of a prior determination by the variation pattern prior determination unit, the specific variation pattern determination element and Before the specific lottery element to be paired is consumed by the lottery execution means, a plurality of lottery elements stored in the storage means before the specific lottery element are executed by the lottery each time the start condition is satisfied. A variation pattern determined on the basis of the specific variation pattern determining element by using the time that the variation display of the symbols is continuously executed a plurality of times by the symbol display means by being consumed in order by the means. A game including specific effect execution means for executing a specific effect for performing a variable display effect in the same manner as the variable display effect performed during the variable display of the symbol . When the internal lottery related to the player's profit is executed during the game, the symbol display means for displaying the symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is variably displayed;
A variation pattern defining means for prescribing a plurality of variation patterns with respect to a variation time for displaying the symbol variably by the symbol display means;
Lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for execution of the internal lottery when an event that becomes a lottery trigger occurs during a game;
Accompanying the acquisition of the lottery element by the lottery element acquisition means, the fluctuation for acquiring the fluctuation pattern determining element for determining which of the plurality of fluctuation patterns defined by the fluctuation pattern defining means is to be selected. Pattern determining element acquisition means;
When the lottery element is acquired by the lottery element acquisition means, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance using the lottery element before the start condition for starting the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display means is satisfied. A lottery result prior judging means to perform,
When the variation pattern determination element is acquired by the variation pattern determination element acquisition unit, by determining which variation pattern is selected from the plurality of variation patterns using the variation pattern determination element, Fluctuation pattern prior determination means for determining in advance before the start condition is satisfied, the variation time for the symbol display means to variably display the symbol;
Storage means for sequentially storing a lottery element and a variation pattern determination element that have been determined in advance by the lottery result prior determination means and the variation pattern prior determination means, respectively, in a set;
When the start condition is satisfied, lottery execution means for consuming the lottery elements stored in the storage means in order of storage and executing the internal lottery;
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution unit, any one of the plurality of variation patterns is selected based on the variation pattern determination factor stored in the storage unit in a paired state with the consumed lottery component. A variation time determining means for determining a variation time in advance when displaying the variation of the symbol by the symbol display means,
When a lottery element is stored in the storage unit together with a specific variation pattern determination element corresponding to a specific determination result, the specific determination result by the lottery execution unit Prior to the consumption of the specific lottery element paired with the variation pattern determining element, the symbol display means causes the symbol display means to save the symbol of the other lottery element stored before the specific lottery element. Based on the specific variation pattern determination element within a specific period from the time when the variable display is started to when the specific lottery element is consumed until the variable display of the symbol is started and then stopped. A gaming machine comprising: a specific effect executing means for executing a specific effect for performing the variable display effect performed once during the variable display of the symbol with the determined change pattern.

Images