JP2015003189A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent immoderate production of performances and, even when producing a performance based on some sort of reason, appropriately improve the occurrence frequency.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine produces a trigger of a performance in a state where special symbol operation memories are accumulated to a certain extent (A)→(B). Reasons for performance production triggers are an internal transfer to a high-probability state, and a prior determination of a stored jackpot determination random number, and, when both conditions are satisfied, the Pachinko machine executes a specific background change performance ((C)→(mode transfer)). The specific background change performance can be executed when being transferred to an internal provability variation or the like, so that, even when there is no jackpot in the special symbol operation reservations, the Pachinko machine can produce the specific background change performance in the performance.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs an internal lottery relating to a player's profits and internally determines whether or not to win and displays the result in a stop display mode after a symbol change display. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces effects across fluctuations.

  Conventionally, with regard to this type of gaming machine, a lottery result is notified by an effect symbol display device, and when this notification is an aspect that shows sudden probability change or small hit, a pre-effect is performed by operating a covering member. When the pre-production is confirmed and the opening of the grand prize is confirmed, the prior art is known that the operation of the covering member further informs the expected value for sudden probability change over a plurality of consecutive games. (See Patent Document 1).

  According to the above-described prior art, whether or not the player is in a state of probability variation based on the pattern of the dramatic operation by the covering member (for example, facial expression) while continuing to play the game a plurality of times after the pre-production. You can maintain your willingness to continue playing while guessing.

JP 2006-314457 A

  The above-described prior art method notifies the two types of winnings of sudden probability change and small hits in the same symbol form (for example, “0-1-2”), thereby distinguishing both at that stage. It is difficult to determine whether the previous action was a sudden change or a small hit by performing an action effect by the covering member over a plurality of games (for example, 30 times) thereafter. It is intended to make the analogy to the player.

  Such an effect technique is particularly effective when an effect pattern in which the probability variation state is determined is provided. In other words, once the probability fluctuation state is confirmed in the production, it is almost certain (the certainty based on the probabilistic grounds) that the next winning can be obtained at an early stage. . For this reason, if you change your view, even if a production pattern with a low expectation value appears in a production that spans multiple times, a production pattern with a high expectation value will appear after that, and as a result, the next winning will be obtained. It can also be seen as a harbinger of things.

  However, in the prior art method, as a precondition to start the production over multiple times, it is necessary to win a sudden probability change or small hit, so unless you win these wins, the opportunity to make the production appear Can not be provided. In particular, since winning in normal times is not so much stochastically, even if there is an effect that maintains the expectation, it is difficult to generate it at an appropriate (free) frequency. That said, there was no reason (for example, the grounds for winning), and even if there were suddenly appearing multiple times, if there was no winning or high probability status confirmed ahead of it, it was purposely made to appear. There is no meaning, and if a production appears unnecessarily, there is a problem that the reliability (value) of the production itself is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to provide a technique that can appropriately control the frequency of occurrence even when the production is generated on the premise of some basis, rather than merely producing the production simply and freely.

The present invention employs the following solutions.
Solution D1: When a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during a game, the lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for internal lottery, and the lottery element acquisition means is acquired by the lottery element acquisition means when the lottery opportunity occurs. If the internal lottery is executed on condition that the symbol is displayed, the symbol display means for displaying the result of the internal lottery by stopping the symbol display after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the symbol display means When the lottery trigger occurs when the start condition for starting the variable display of symbols is not satisfied, lottery element storage means for storing the lottery elements acquired by the lottery element acquisition means up to a predetermined upper limit number Storage number display means for displaying the number of the lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage means, and the lottery trigger in a state where the start condition is satisfied. If it occurs, the internal lottery is executed using the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition means, and the lottery element storage means at the time of stop display after the symbol display is performed by the symbol display means. When the lottery element is stored, the lottery trigger is generated in a state where the lottery element is consumed and the internal lottery is executed by consuming the stored lottery element and the start condition is not satisfied. Accordingly, when the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit is newly stored in the lottery element storage unit, the new lottery element is used before being consumed by the internal lottery execution unit. When the symbol change display by the destination determination means for determining the result of the internal lottery in advance and the symbol display means, the symbol change display at least within the change time After executing the corresponding variable display effect, the symbol effect executing means for executing the result display effect corresponding to the stop display mode of the symbol by the symbol display means, and when the winning is obtained at least in the internal lottery As a high probability state transition means for shifting to a high probability state in which the probability of winning in the internal lottery is changed higher than usual, and at the time of the variable display effect by at least the symbol effect execution means, the high probability state transition means The common background effect executing means for executing a common background effect using a background image of a common aspect in the case where the state is shifted to the high probability state and the normal case where the state is not shifted to the high probability state, When the high-probability state transition unit has shifted to the high-probability state, or the internal determination result has been determined in advance by the destination determination unit A specific background effect that executes a specific background effect using a background image of a common aspect that discloses that either one of the conditions is satisfied in response to at least one of the conditions being satisfied A gaming machine comprising execution means.

  Solving means D2: In the solving means D1, the common background effect is executed by the common background effect executing means and has already been shifted to the high probability state by the high probability state shifting means, or the previous determination Based on the fact that at least one of the conditions of whether the result of the internal lottery has been determined in advance by the means has been satisfied, the symbol display means by the symbol display means in the subsequent display of any of the conditions. A gaming machine further comprising a warning effect execution means for executing a warning effect of a common aspect for notifying that a symbol may be stopped and displayed in a mode representing winning.

The present invention can also employ the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: The gaming machine according to the present invention has a lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for an internal lottery related to a player's profit when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during the game, and with the occurrence of the lottery opportunity. When the internal lottery is executed on the condition that the lottery element is acquired by the lottery element acquisition means, the symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined variation time, and then the symbol is stopped and displayed. The symbol display means for displaying the result of the internal lottery, and the lottery acquired by the lottery element acquisition means when the start condition for starting the variable display by the symbol display means is not satisfied A lottery element storage means for storing the elements in the order in which they are acquired up to a predetermined upper limit number, and a storage number display for displaying the number of lottery elements stored by the lottery element storage means When a lottery trigger occurs when the start condition for starting the symbol display by the symbol display means is satisfied, an internal lottery is executed using the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit, When lottery elements are stored in the lottery element storage means at the time of stop display after the symbol display is displayed by the display means, the internal lottery is executed by consuming the stored lottery elements in the order of acquisition. The lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit is newly stored in the lottery element storage unit due to the occurrence of the lottery trigger when the start condition by the internal lottery execution unit and the symbol display unit is not satisfied. , A destination determination means for determining in advance the result of the internal lottery using the new lottery element before being consumed by the internal lottery execution means, and a variation of the symbol by the symbol display means At the time of display, after executing the variation display effect corresponding to the symbol variation display at least within the variation time, the symbol effect execution means for executing the result display effect corresponding to the symbol stop display mode by the symbol display means, at least A high-probability state transition means that operates when an internal lottery has been won, and shifts to a high-probability state in which the probability of obtaining the next winning in the internal lottery is more than doubled than usual. And at least a variation display effect by the symbol effect execution means, a background image of a common mode is used in a case where the high probability state transition means has shifted to the high probability state and a normal case in which the high probability state transition has not been performed. The common background effect executing means for executing the used common background effect, and the common background effect is executed by the common background effect executing means, and the state is already in a high probability state transition. When any of the conditions is satisfied on the basis that at least one of the conditions has been satisfied, or whether the result of the internal lottery has been determined in advance by the prior determination means And a prelude effect executing means for executing a predecessor effect in a common manner for notifying that there is a possibility that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in a manner representing winning in the symbol variation display by the subsequent symbol display means.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a lottery element is acquired internally by generating a lottery opportunity during the game, and an internal lottery related to the player's profit is performed using this lottery element. The result is displayed for the first time in the symbol stop display mode after the symbol variation display over a predetermined variation time. Therefore, when playing a game, it is difficult for the player to know the result of winning or not winning until the symbol is stopped and displayed. It is possible to provide interests with various anxieties.

  In order to execute the internal lottery, it is necessary to acquire a lottery element, and in order to acquire a lottery element, a lottery opportunity must be generated as a premise thereof. For this reason, the player plays a game with the initial goal of generating this lottery opportunity. When a lottery trigger occurs when the symbol display has not yet been displayed (stopped), and a lottery element is acquired, an internal lottery is performed using the lottery element, and the symbol variation display is displayed. (However, a lottery element may be stored once as a procedure, but in this case, it is not handled as a hold.)

  It takes a certain amount of time (fluctuation time) from the start of the symbol display to the stop display. Once the symbol display is started, the next display is completed until the stop display is completed. There will be no internal lottery. For this reason, when a lottery trigger occurs during the symbol variation display (or before the stop display is completed), the lottery elements acquired thereby are stored in the order of acquisition, and are temporarily held there. When the symbol start condition is satisfied next time, the lottery elements stored so far are consumed in the order of acquisition, the internal lottery is performed, and the symbol variation display is newly started. At this time, a predetermined upper limit (for example, four per symbol) is provided for the number of memories, and the number of memories does not increase beyond this upper limit. In addition, the current stored number is displayed in real time.

  In addition, when it is an aspect using a some symbol (for example, a 1st symbol and a 2nd symbol), a lottery element is acquired according to a symbol. At this time, the lottery elements may be stored in the order of acquisition for each symbol, or the lottery elements may be stored in the simple acquisition order regardless of the symbol. In addition, in the internal lottery, storage of lottery elements relating to any symbol may be consumed preferentially, or the stored lottery elements may be consumed in the order of acquisition regardless of symbols.

  In this way, it takes a certain amount of time (fluctuation time) to display the symbol variation every time, but if the player plays the game with the initial goal of generating a lottery opportunity during that time, the lottery element will be acquired Since they are stored in order, the internal lottery is performed without interruption. Thereby, continuity is given to each internal lottery, and the game can be advanced with a good tempo. It should be noted that a variable display effect is performed during the variable display of the symbol during this period, and the result of each internal lottery is expressed in an effect by the result display effect.

  However, since the internal lottery is performed by consuming the lottery element, even if the acquired lottery element is stored as being held, the lottery element has the preceding internal lottery. The result is already inherent (inclusive). For this reason, even if it is not yet consumed in the internal lottery, it is possible to determine the result of the internal lottery in advance using the lottery element that is sent to memory. Therefore, even if the player has not yet been able to express it, if the result of the internal lottery is known by prior determination, it is possible to reflect the previous determination result in the production based on that result. is there.

  However, in the present invention, rather than performing a single effect based on such a prior determination result, and when based on the prior determination result and when the transition to a high probability state Thus, the present invention is characterized in that the production is performed in a manner common to each other.

  In other words, when going to a high probability state, the probability that the next winning will be obtained is changed to be higher than twice (for example, about 10 times) higher than usual, so in this case the winning is close (probably guaranteed to some extent) By executing the warning effect in a mode in which the advance notice is given in advance, the player can have a sense of expectation for the next winning. In this case, even if the state is shifted to the high probability state, in the present invention, the common background effect is performed by the background image in the same manner as the case where the state is not shifted to the high probability state. The player is not taught that the appearance (on the surface) has shifted to the high probability state. Therefore, the sign effect is internally shifted to a high probability state, but is effective when a common background effect is performed.

  On the other hand, an internal lottery that consumes the lottery elements related to the preliminary determination if the winning is determined in the preliminary determination of the lottery elements stored during the display of the variation of the symbols even if the state does not actually shift to the high probability state In the symbol variation display for, the winning result is always displayed in the stop display mode. Therefore, in this case as well, the player can have a sense of expectation for the next winning by executing the warning effect in a manner of giving a preliminary announcement of the winning.

As described above, in the present invention, any condition is satisfied on the basis that at least one of the two conditions of (1) transition to a high probability state or (2) prior determination of the internal lottery result is satisfied. Even in the case of being performed, it is assumed that the precursor effect by a common aspect is executed. This makes it possible to express the predecessor (predictor) that the next winning will come during the game with the effect, and to increase the appeal to the player.
In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention can execute an effect that makes a winner feel not only based on the fact that a prior determination has been made, but also when the player makes a transition to a high probability state without realizing it. Therefore, it is possible to change the appearance rate of the production appropriately, thereby suppressing the decrease in interest.

  In particular, in the present invention, two conditions having different properties are used as the grounds for executing the precursor effect, such as (1) transition to the high probability state or (2) prior determination of the internal lottery result. In other words, since the condition (1) above is triggered by an internal lottery before that, it is difficult to satisfy the condition alone, but the condition (2) Therefore, the hurdle is low compared to the condition (1). For this reason, compared with the case where only one of the conditions is judged and the individual effects are executed, the present invention can provide more opportunities for generating the effects, whereby the appearance rate of the sign effects is moderate ( (Optional).

  In addition, by setting the sign effect in common, at the stage where the sign effect is generated, whether the condition that the state is shifted to the high probability state of (1) is satisfied or whether the prior determination of (2) is satisfied. It will be difficult to tell if the condition of being done has been fulfilled, and more and more players can be provided with more and more interesting interests.

  In addition, in the above condition (2), “the result of internal lottery has been determined in advance” is not only determined to be a win, but is determined to be other than a win (non-win) Including. As a result, in the present invention, it is possible to appropriately generate the precursor effect based on the fact that the condition (2) is satisfied without being largely restricted by the winning probability of the internal lottery.

  Solving means 2: In the solving means 1, the sign effect executing means executes the sign effect of the content having continuity across the variable display of a plurality of times continuously executed by the symbol display means, and the lottery element Only when the number of lottery elements stored in the storage means is less than or equal to the upper limit number and greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the condition that the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance by the first determination means is satisfied. As a basis, a prelude effect can be executed.

  For example, even if the condition that the state has been internally shifted to a high probability state is satisfied, it is not clearly known when the next winning will actually be obtained (how many times the winning symbol will be won) Therefore, the sign production in this case expresses the significance of “there is a high possibility of winning with a variation close to a certain extent”. On the other hand, when performing a precursor effect on the condition that the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance using the memory of the lottery element, how many times the lottery element subject to the determination is consumed at the time of change Is already clear from the number of memories at that time. Therefore, the sign production in this case expresses the significance that “there is a high possibility of winning by the previous change by the number of current memories”. At this time, if the number of memories is at least one, it is possible to make a prior determination for this, but if the number of memories is only one, the number of times of performing the warning effect is only one, and the number of warning effects is not so long. I can't make use of my sex.

  Therefore, in the solution means 2, when it is based on the condition that the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance, the sign effect is executed only when the stored number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. Thereby, at least a predetermined number of times, it is possible to make use of the continuation precursor effect, and thereby the appealing power to the player can be maintained.

  Solving means 3: Alternatively, in the solving means 1, the sign effect executing means executes a sign effect of contents having continuity across a plurality of symbol fluctuation displays continuously executed by the symbol display means, and lottery Only when the number of lottery elements stored in the element storage means is less than or equal to the upper limit number and greater than or equal to the predetermined number, has it already been shifted to the high probability state by the high probability state transition means, or by the prior determination means The indication effect may be executed on the basis that at least one of the conditions of whether the result of the internal lottery has been determined in advance is satisfied.

  As described above, if the condition of (1) that the state is shifted to the high probability state is satisfied, regardless of the number of lottery elements stored, the possibility of winning with a variation close to a certain degree It is possible to execute a prelude production that expresses the significance of “high”. However, if the number of memories is not one at the time when the sign production is executed, the player will perceive that the sign production is based on the condition (1) being satisfied. .

  Therefore, in the present invention, even when the condition of (1) is satisfied, by executing the precursor effect only when the number of memories is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the condition that is the basis of the precursor effect is This prevents the player from seeing what is. Thereby, it is possible to maintain a variety of feelings of expectation when the sign production occurs, and thereby to maintain appealing power to the player.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 1 to 3, when the sign effect execution means executes the sign effect on the basis that the condition that the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance by the prior determination means is satisfied, the lottery element Even when it is determined in advance that the result of the internal lottery is not won by the previous determination unit for all the lottery elements stored in the storage unit, it is possible to execute the sign effect.

  In such a mode, even if the stored lottery elements do not include a winning result, a prelude effect can be generated. ) Can generate a precursor effect.

  Solution 5: In Solution 1 to 4, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a special privilege granting unit that grants a special prize bonus to a player when a special prize event corresponding to a special prize occurs during a game, While the specified conditions are not satisfied during the game, the closed state where the occurrence of the special prize event is always disabled is maintained, while the special prize event cannot be generated from the closed state only when the specified condition is satisfied. Special winning event generation means that can make the transition to an open state that disappears, and a winning type defining means that prescribes a plurality of winning types including at least a special winning type and a special winning type as a result of winning in the internal lottery And winning type determination means for determining which of the plurality of winning types defined by the winning type specifying means corresponds to the winning type in the internal lottery execution means. When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the special winning type, the symbol display means stops and displays the symbols in a special winning manner corresponding to the special winning type. If the prescribed condition is satisfied, the winning event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the opened state for a predetermined time during which a special winning event can be easily generated as a special game, or a predetermined number of special events are performed within the predetermined time. Special game execution means for causing the winning event generating means to shift from the closed state to the open state and return to the closed state until the winning event occurs, and the special game executing means for executing the maximum number of times, and the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the win, and In the special winning mode corresponding to the special winning type by the symbol display means by the fact that the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the special winning type When it is displayed in a stopped state, a short-term return to the closed state by shifting the winning event generating means from the closed state to the open state for a short period of time that makes it difficult even if it is impossible to generate a special prize event when the specified conditions are met. High-probability state transition after either the short-term opening / closing operation execution means for executing the opening / closing operation for a minimum number of times less than the maximum number and the special game by the special game execution means or the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means are executed An actuating means for actuating the means, and when the high probability state transition means is actuated by the actuating means after the execution of the special game by the special game executing means, as a result, the symbol display means A first specific effect executing means for executing a specific effect in a mode that expresses that the display has shifted to a high probability state with respect to the display of the variation of the pattern by As a result of the high probability state transition means being actuated by the actuating means after execution of the short term opening / closing operation by the short term opening / closing operation executing means, the high probability state transition means has shifted to the high probability state, or the result of the internal lottery is determined by the prior determination means. When at least one of the conditions determined in advance as winning is satisfied, an effect lottery is performed to determine whether or not a specific effect should be executed each time a symbol change display is performed by the symbol display means Only when winning in this effect lottery is further provided with a second specific effect executing means for executing a specific effect with respect to the symbol variation display by the symbol display means.

  In this case, the sign effect execution means is a sign effect when the high probability state transition means is shifted to the high probability state as a result of the high probability state transition means being operated by the operation means after execution of the special game by the special game execution means. And the high probability state transition means is moved to the high probability state as a result of the high probability state transition means being actuated by the actuating means after execution of the short term opening / closing operation by the short term opening / closing operation execution means, and The sign production is executed only until the winning in the production lottery by the second specific production execution means.

  According to the above configuration, when winning in the internal lottery, a special game or a short-term opening / closing operation is executed depending on whether the winning type at that time corresponds to a special winning type or a special winning type. Among these, when the special prize event generating means shifts to the open state in accordance with the execution of the special game, the special prize event is easily generated, thereby making it easier for the player to obtain a special prize privilege. Then, by giving a special prize privilege during the special game, the player can be surely recognized that “the benefit of the special game has been enjoyed (to a great extent)”. On the other hand, when a short-time opening / closing operation is executed, the special prize event generating means similarly shifts to the open state a minimum number of times in a short time, but it is extremely difficult to generate a special prize event during that time. The person can hardly get special prizes. Therefore, not only does it not give rise to a solid recognition that the player has enjoyed the benefits of special games even if a short-time opening / closing operation is performed, but before that, “I won the internal lottery” Even make it difficult to recognize.

  The meaning of such “short-term opening and closing operations” is to make the sudden interest of “predicting the winning” by the above-mentioned sign production by shifting to a high-probability state without the player's knowledge (a thrilling sensation) Give). In other words, even if a prelude effect is generated in a situation where it is clear from the beginning that the state has shifted to a high probability state, there is no surprise of “predicting winning”. Therefore, the effect of the precursor effect is effectively exhibited only in a situation where the player has not recognized that the state has shifted to the high probability state.

  Then, if the opportunity to shift to the high probability state is the above-mentioned “special game”, it is clear to the player from the beginning that it has been shifted to the high probability state internally, so this In that case, it is not meaningful to perform a precursor. Therefore, in this case, instead of bothering to generate a prelude effect, by executing a specific effect that expresses the fact that it has shifted to the high probability state from the beginning, it becomes a high probability state that "the next winning is finally near" It is supposed to provide unique interests.

  On the other hand, if the trigger for transitioning to the high probability state is “short-term opening / closing operation”, the behavior during that time is difficult for the player to notice, and the player is informed that the transition to the high probability state has occurred. In this case, it is possible to provide a highly interesting interest such as “a harbinger of winning”. In other words, the “high probability state” probabilistically promises that the next winning will be obtained at an early stage with certainty. it can.

  On the other hand, even when it is determined in advance that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning from the memory of the lottery element, the meaning of “predicting the winning” is expressed by the sign production as in the case of the transition to the high probability state without knowing. Can be provided. In other words, if the winning result is determined in advance, it is already promised that the winning will be expressed in the internal lottery where the target lottery element is consumed. Can provide sudden surprise and excitement to the person.

  In these cases, it is internally known that the winning will be announced over time, but the winning sign was not guaranteed only by the prelude indication on the surface, and the player is still worried that `` maybe it may be a frustration '' A feeling remains. It would be less fun to keep playing with such anxiety, but it would be known to the player if it immediately revealed that the next winning was promised. It is meaningless to perform a difficult “short-term opening / closing operation” to generate a precursor effect, or to generate a precursor effect based on a prior determination.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when it becomes clear that the winning will be announced over time, an effect lottery is separately performed for each change from there, and the specific effect is executed only when it is won. Only trying to perform a prelude direction. As a result, while making full use of the prognostic effects, eventually the specific lottery is generated by winning the production lottery, and the player is informed of the situation that the next winning is promised. Can be wiped away.

  Solution 6: In Solution 5, the winning type defining means can further define a special winning type as a plurality of winning types. In this case, the present invention is a special winning mode corresponding to the special winning type by the symbol display means that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the characteristic winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed, the special prize event generating means is closed from the closed state for a predetermined short time which is difficult even if the special prize event is not impossible as a normal game without any special game or short-term opening / closing operation. A special short-time opening / closing operation is executed for a preset special number of times until the state is returned to the closed state after the transition to the open state, and after that, special operation execution means for maintaining the normal game is further provided. The common background effect executing means executes the common background effect using the background image of the common aspect even after the special short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the special action executing means, and the precursor effect executing means is the common background effect executing means. In the state in which the common background effect is being executed, it has already been transferred to the high probability state by the high probability state transfer means, or the result of the internal lottery has been determined in advance by the prior determination means, or by the special operation execution means Based on the fact that at least one of the conditions for the special short-term opening / closing operation has been fulfilled, the precursor effect is executed for any of the conditions being fulfilled.

  As described above, the special winning type is a type of winning that does not trigger the transition to the “high probability state” even though it is “winning”. Therefore, even if it corresponds to the special win type, the special short-term opening / closing operation thereafter is performed as a normal game (not a special game and not a short-time opening / closing operation at the time of winning). However, since the behavior is almost the same as the short-term opening and closing operation, for a player who has witnessed that a special short-term opening and closing operation is actually executed, whether it is a "short-term opening and closing operation" It is difficult to distinguish whether it is “operation”. Therefore, if the player notices a “special short-term opening and closing operation”, even if the normal game continues, the player is expected to move to a “high probability state” afterwards. Can do. Further, if the prelude effect is executed together with the common background effect after the “special short-term opening / closing operation” is performed, the player can be more and more expected to be in the “high probability state”.

  In addition, since the special winning type is a winning type that does not trigger the transition to the “high probability state”, the rate of occurrence is limited by the winning probability of the internal lottery (the winning probability that activates the transition to the high probability state). There is nothing to do. Therefore, as a result of falling under the special win type, if the predicate effect is generated on the basis that the condition that the special short-term opening / closing operation has been executed is satisfied, it can further contribute to the improvement of the appearance rate of the predecessor effect. it can.

  Solving means 7: In the solving means 5 and 6, the second specific effect executing means is a high probability state transition means as a result of the high probability state transition means being actuated by the actuating means after execution of the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means. The probability of the effect lottery to be executed when at least one of the conditions of whether the state has been shifted to a high probability state or whether the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance by the previous determination means to be a win is satisfied It is good also as changing according to the frequency | count of the fluctuation | variation display of the symbol by a symbol display means, after execution of the precursor effect by an execution means is started. In this solution, the probability of the effect lottery may be gradually increased or may be decreased. In addition, the change in the probability may be changed from rising to decreasing, or from decreasing to increasing.

  For example, even if the number of symbol display changes (the number of internal lottery) gradually increases, if the production lottery is always executed with a fixed probability, depending on the probability setting (setting with a relatively low winning probability) There may also be a situation where the production lottery is not won. In this case, it is difficult for the player to completely dispel the sense of anxiety as described above, because it is impossible to clearly indicate to the player that “the next winning is almost guaranteed”. .

  Therefore, in the present invention, the effect lottery is not executed with a fixed probability at all times, but the probability is changed according to the number of times of variable display, thereby making it easy to generate a specific effect at a timing when the probability becomes high to some extent. . Thereby, it is possible to prevent the specific effect from being executed indefinitely, and to provide an interest by the specific effect after dispelling the player's anxiety.

  Solving means 8: In the solving means 5 to 7, the second specific effect executing means is a high probability state transition means as a result of the high probability state transition means being actuated by the actuating means after execution of the short term opening / closing operation by the short term opening / closing operation executing means. The probability of the effect lottery executed when the condition that the state has been shifted to the high probability state is satisfied, and the number of times the symbol display is changed by the symbol display means after the execution of the precursor effect by the precursor effect execution means is specified. It can also be changed to the maximum value until the number of times is reached. In the present solution, the “maximum value” may include a probability of 100%.

  As described above, whether or not to generate a specific production is determined by production lottery, and even if the situation where the next winning is almost promised is not revealed to the player from the beginning, In order to achieve the initial purpose, it is important to always execute the specific effect at any timing before the number of variable displays (internal lottery) reaches the specific number. For this reason, in the present solution, the probability of the effect lottery is always changed to the maximum value somewhere, so that the possibility that the specific effect is executed at that stage is made highest. In particular, if 100% is set as the maximum value of the probability, even if you do not win the production lottery until then, the production lottery will always be won when it is changed to the maximum value, so the specific production will not be executed indefinitely It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding as it is.

  Solving means 9: In the solving means 5 to 8, the second specific effect executing means is a high probability state transition means as a result of the high probability state transition means being actuated by the actuating means after execution of the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means. If the condition that the state has been shifted to the high probability state is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the specific effect should be executed through the effect lottery until the number of times the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches the specific number. When the number of times of symbol variation display by the symbol display means exceeds the specific number of times, it may be determined that the specific effect should always be executed through the effect lottery.

  In this case as well, even if you do not win the production lottery until the next winning is almost promised and the symbol change display reaches the specific number of times, be sure to Since the specific effect is executed, it is possible to prevent the game from progressing without executing the specific effect.

  Solving means 10: Alternatively, in the solving means 5 to 9, the second specific effect executing means is a high probability state transition as a result of the high probability state transition means being actuated by the actuating means after execution of the short term opening / closing operation by the short term opening / closing operation executing means. When the condition that the state is shifted to the high probability state is satisfied by the means, it is determined whether or not the specific effect should be executed through the effect lottery until the number of times the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches the specific number of times. However, when the number of times of symbol variation display by the symbol display means exceeds the specific number of times, the specific effect may be forcibly executed without performing the effect lottery.

  In this case, in the situation where the next winning is almost promised, it is decided whether or not to execute the specific effect by performing the effect lottery until the symbol change display reaches the specific number of times. Since the specific effect is forcibly executed without performing the effect lottery at that time, it is possible to prevent the game from proceeding without executing the specific effect.

  Solving means 11: In the solving means 5 to 10, when the second specific effect executing means wins the effect lottery and, as a result of executing the specified effect regarding the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, without performing the effect lottery thereafter. The specific performance can also be executed continuously.

  As described above, the specific effect is for representing the situation in which the next winning is almost promised to the player (disclose, teach, notify). There is not much meaning in performing a lottery drawing repeatedly. Therefore, if the specific effect has already been executed, unnecessary specific lottery processing can be avoided by continuing the specific effect until the end, and the processing load required for the effect lottery can be reduced accordingly.

  Solving means 12: In the solving means 5 to 11, the gaming machine of the present invention displays a symbol when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to a special winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the special winning mode by means, the mode of the result display effect executed by the symbol effect executing unit is controlled corresponding to the special winning mode, while the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning Even if the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner other than the special winning mode by the symbol display unit because the winning type determining unit determines that the winning category is not the special winning type, the result display effect mode is not selected. You may further provide the production | presentation control means controlled according to the symbol stopped and displayed sometimes.

  As described above, in the present invention, the variable display effect and the result display effect can be executed in correspondence with the variable display and the stop display of the symbol, respectively. Therefore, the player can know the result of the internal lottery only by visually recognizing the result display effect without having to visually recognize the aspect of the symbol that is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means.

  In addition, if the result of the internal lottery is winning and the winning type at that time is a special winning type that leads to the execution of "special game", then the variable display effect at that time will increase the corresponding expectation It is preferable to use a so-called hit reach variation effect, and the result display effect is performed in a mode that clarifies that the result is a special winning type (corresponding to the special winning mode in the stop display by the symbol display means). By executing such a result display effect, the player can realize that “winning” is realized, and can provide an opportunity for preparing for a “special game” to be started.

  However, even if the result of the internal lottery is winning, if the winning type at that time is a special winning type or a special winning type other than `` special winning type '', the variable display effect at that time will have a special expectation It is not a content to be enhanced (so-called reach variation effect), and the result display effect is a special win type or special win mode in the stop display by the symbol display means that makes it clear that these special win types or special win types It is performed in a manner corresponding to a symbol that is stopped and displayed other than at the time of winning. The mode in this case is, for example, a mode in which a combination of a plurality of effect symbols is not uniform, or a mode in which a combination of effect symbols is not uniform but an arrangement with some regularity (“1”-“3”-“ 5 "etc.).

  In any case, by executing the result display effect in a manner corresponding to the result other than at the time of winning, there is no particular realization that the player is “winned”, and from now on, It is possible to keep the user from being aware that the “operation” or “special short-term opening / closing operation” is executed. In this case, it is difficult for the player to detect “short-term opening / closing operation” and “special short-term opening / closing operation” from the aspect of the variable display effect and the result display effect, and the possibility of subsequently shifting to the “high probability state” Even there is a secret to the player in the production. Therefore, the effect of the precursor effect that occurs after this can be fully exhibited.

  Solving means 13: In the solving means 5 to 12, the gaming machine of the present invention prescribes a plurality of types of variation patterns in advance for setting a variation time at which the symbols should be variably displayed by the symbol display means in correspondence with the result of the internal lottery. Among them, the variation pattern defining means for defining a specific variation pattern as a type in which the length of the variation time is set to be equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and the variation pattern defining means based on the result of the internal lottery You may further provide the fluctuation pattern determination means which selectively determines any one from several types of fluctuation patterns. In this case, the variation pattern determining means, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the special winning type, the specific variation pattern defined by the variation pattern defining means. On the other hand, even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, if the winning type determining means determines that it falls under a special winning type, the specific fluctuation pattern defined by the fluctuation pattern defining means It is preferable to select only different types of variation patterns.

  Generally, when the result of the internal lottery is a win, the variation time of the symbol is often set relatively long. Therefore, if the symbol is variably displayed over a certain period of time, the player will be alone. Will be expected to win. Of course, if you actually win in the internal lottery, it is natural and reasonable to set a certain long variation time, but if you do not want the player to detect that you have won, take a long time. It is not appropriate to display the symbols in a variable manner.

  Therefore, in the present invention, even when winning in the internal lottery, by providing a difference in the pattern variation pattern between the case corresponding to the special winning type and the case other than the special winning type, the “special game” If it falls under a special win type that leads to execution, the player can expect the possibility of winning by setting the fluctuation time to be relatively long, while special that leads to the execution of `` short-term opening and closing operation '' and `` special short-term opening and closing operation '' When the win type or special win type is met, the change time is not set so long, and the change display is finished in a relatively short time. This makes it possible to execute the “short-term opening / closing operation” and the “special short-time opening / closing operation” as inconspicuously as possible without causing the player to be almost conscious of the winning in the internal lottery.

  Solution means 14: In the solution means 1 to 13, the gaming machine according to the present invention is installed in the game area, the ball launching means for driving the game ball toward the game area formed on the game board surface, and flows down in the game area. Game balls that flow in the game area when a predetermined movable piece is in the closed position, and a start winning opening that generates an event that becomes a lottery opportunity when a game ball that randomly enters the game A variable start winning device that makes inflow difficult, while facilitating the inflow of game balls in a state where the movable piece is operated from the closed position toward the open position, and generating an event that becomes a lottery trigger by the inflow; A start gate that is installed in the area and allows a game ball flowing down in the game area to pass at random, and whether or not the movable piece of the variable start prize device is operated when the game ball passes through the start gate Work Operation lottery executing means for executing lottery, movable piece operating means for operating the movable piece of the variable start winning device toward the open position when winning in the operation lottery, and at least a predetermined number for winning to the variable start winning device The prize ball payout device that pays out game balls as prize balls, and when the result of the internal lottery falls into non-winning, the symbol display means shifts to a time reduction state in which the variation time is reduced compared to the normal time. And a time shortening state shifting means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the winning probability of the operation lottery is changed higher than usual.

  In addition, the time shortening state transition means is transferred to the high probability state by the high probability state transition means after the execution of the special game by the special game execution means or to the high probability state by the high probability state transition means. High-probability state transition means after execution of the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means by determining that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and that the winning type determination means corresponds to the special winning type If it falls into one of the cases where the game is shifted to the high probability state, the time is shifted to the reduced time state, while the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning in the normal game not shifted to the high probability state, and the winning High probability state transition means by high probability state transition means after execution of short-term opening / closing operation by short-term opening / closing operation execution means by determining that it corresponds to special winning type by type determining means If it is migrated to not to shift the time shortening state.

  In such a configuration, during the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won with high probability, and winning to the variable start winning device occurs frequently, so lottery triggers occur one after another and the number of lottery elements stored Will be maintained, and when not winning, the symbol variation time will be shortened, contributing to the improvement of time efficiency. In addition, game balls (prize balls) are frequently paid out by winning the variable start winning device, and for the player, the reduction of the game balls that have been fired is compensated for by the award balls. If you win, there is an advantage that you can get the next win without consuming almost any possession. In this way, during the time shortening state, in addition to shortening the fluctuation time of the symbol, the clear behavior of frequent operation of the variable start winning device and accompanying game ball payout is shown, `` High probability state It becomes easier for the player to clearly recognize that the privilege "is granted." On the other hand, if the transition is made only to the “high probability state” and not the “time shortening state”, the change will be an internal change that is difficult to be noticed by the player. The role as an unrecognized privilege can be surely fulfilled.

  Therefore, when a normal game shifts to a “high probability state” through execution of a “short-term opening / closing operation”, the “high probability state” is reliably transferred to the player by not shifting to the time reduction state as described above. Can be kept secret. On the other hand, if the player enters the “high probability state” without knowing it, and then proceeds to the “high probability state” through the execution of the “short-term opening / closing operation”, it will always be in the “high probability state”. If you don't let them know, you may end up buying a player's misery. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the player by shifting to the “time reduction state” and causing a change on the surface.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can suppress a decrease in interest.

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 the process at the time of a start opening prize. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. 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 flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. It is a figure which shows an example of the "big hit time fluctuation pattern selection table address state selection table". It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of 2 round winning during non-probability change. It is a figure which shows an example of the change pattern selection table at the time of 2 round winning selection during 2 rounds after certain change. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of 2 round winning using an effect design and a background image. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of 2 round winning using an effect design and a background image. It is the continuation figure which showed the flow in the case where the opportunity of a precursor production | generation generate | occur | produces on the basis of a previous determination result by the production image. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the example effect of a precursor performed based on either in the hidden probability change mode or the previous determination result at the normal time. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the example of a precursor effect performed on the basis of either in the hidden probability change mode or the previous determination result at the normal time. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the example effect which is performed continuously following the 2nd fluctuation. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the example effect production performed continuously to the 2nd fluctuation. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the example effect production performed continuously to the change of the 3rd time. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the example effect production performed continuously to the change of the 3rd time. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach change production at the time of big hit. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach change production at the time of non-winning (losing). It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the specific background change production performed when the win is included in the previous judgment result in the hidden probability change mode or in normal. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the specific background change effect performed when a win is included in the previous judgment result in the hidden probability changing mode or in normal. It is a figure which shows the various states used as the 1st production | generation generation pattern of a sign production. It is a figure which shows the various states used as the 2nd production | generation generation pattern of a sign production. It is a figure which shows the various states used as the 3rd production | generation generation pattern of a sign production. It is a figure which shows the various states used as the 4th production | generation generation pattern of a sign production. 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 effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of variable winning apparatus operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big hit effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect selection process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | generation pattern selection process at the time of loss. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the prognostic indication effect production | generation selection process. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the procedure of the after-hit sign production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the indication effect execution management process at the time of a prior determination. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the predecessor time indication effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the predetermined time effect production | generation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal background change selection process.

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 launching means). 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. The arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28.

  In addition, the variable winning device 30 (special winning event generating means) operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and a big winning opening (reference number) (No special). 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 (special winning event) to the big 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. The collected game balls join a supply route for an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, A first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are 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 first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and stop state of the special symbol by, for example, 7 segment LEDs (with dots), respectively (symbol display means).

  In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a each display 0 to 4 memory numbers, for example, by combinations of extinguishing, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). (Memory number display means). 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.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed one by one in the sense that the winning occurs when the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26, and the change of the special symbol is triggered by the winning. Each time is started, the display decreases by one. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed one by one in the sense that when a game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port), the fact that a winning has occurred is stored one by one. Every time a special symbol change is started, the display is reduced by one. In any case, the number of display (maximum 4) of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of winning times (winning balls) for which the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started. Number).

  The game state display device 38 includes four LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, and a short time state display lamp 38d.

  In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol described above. The operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are attached to the game board 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89.

[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.

[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 unit 42), for example, while the symbol is changing, during the big hit confirmation 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 equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver (I / O) 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. 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-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, and 35a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the substrate 89 via 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 (special prize bonus). Granting means).

  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 collected by, for example, a hall computer in 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 performs initial setting of the mask register.
Step S104: 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), next, Step S105 is executed.

  Step S105: The main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ends normally 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 S106.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. If the check result is normal (Yes), the backup validity determination flag is reset (for example, “0000H”), and then the main control CPU 72 executes step S107.

  Step S107: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command to the effect control device 124. In response to this, the effect control device 124 restores the effect state (for example, the display mode of the effect symbol, the sound output content, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this processing, based on the backup information, the main control CPU 72 is a game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, special symbol display mode, internal probability state, operation memory content, various flag states, random number update state) Etc.). Then, the backed up PC register value is restored, and the processing is continued from the program address.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S104: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S105: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S106: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S109.

  Step S109: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of the RAM 76. Thereby, even if the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, the contents are deleted.

  Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears the command transmission request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S111: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after reset (command necessary for effect control).

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initialization process, and initializes a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. Then, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S113, Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, for example, a signal input from a power supply monitoring IC that is a peripheral device is referenced to monitor the occurrence of power interruption (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 saves the register, backs up the entire contents of the RAM 76, and stops the processing (NOP). If the power is not shut off, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S115. 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 S115: 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 this embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit decision random number. 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 update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 7), and therefore overlap (conflict) with this. It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in 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.

  Step S118: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the interrupt counter, and determines whether or not the interrupt processing executed so far has exceeded a predetermined number (for example, twice). If the value of the interrupt counter does not exceed the predetermined value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S113. On the other hand, if the value of the interrupt counter exceeds a predetermined value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S119. As a result, at least two timer interrupts are generated during execution of the main loop, and another interrupt management process is executed. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a power interruption in the remaining time when the timer interrupt occurs. A check process (step S114) and an initial value update random number update process (step S115) are executed.

  Step S119, Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command necessary for effect control). The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S121: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, the number of winning balls is instructed to the payout control device 92 based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in another interruption process (step S203 in FIG. 7). A prize ball instruction command is output.

  Step S122, Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process in the main loop. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 described above, and variable prize according to the display result. The operation of the device 30 is controlled.

  In the normal symbol game process, 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. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary symbol big hit decision random number) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in another interrupt management process. Then, the main control CPU 72 reads a random number value in this normal symbol game process, and determines 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. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S124: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the above external information to the hall computer in the game hall through the board external terminal board 160.

  Step S125: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing in the main loop. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a test signal indicating its own internal state (for example, during a big hit, when the probability variation function is activated, when the time shortening function is activated, or when an error is occurring), and this is output to the outside of the main controller 70. Output to. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an output management process. In this process, the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76 is referred to, and the excitation states (ON or OFF) of various solenoids (ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, special winning opening solenoid 90) are output to the output port. To do.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the processes of steps S119 to S126 are incorporated in the main loop is given, but there is a known programming example in which the CPU executes the processes as a timer interrupt process.

[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, jackpot symbol random numbers, ordinary symbol jackpot random numbers, and the like. Among these, the big hit symbol random number and the small big hit symbol random number are updated in order within a range of 0 to 99, for example.

  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 driver (I / O) 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.

  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 performs internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers the occurrence has occurred. 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: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and output from the output port. 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 S206: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 updates the interrupt counter. This counter is referred to in step S118 in the main loop described above.

  Steps S207 and S208: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Processing at start-up winning a prize]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing at the start opening prize. 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 opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. The working memory number counter represents the number of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers (number of sets) 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) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determined random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol does not reach four, the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes), In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7) (memory number display means).

  Step S16: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. 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 first special symbol.

  Step S17: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. In this case, the random value is acquired by designating the address of the RAM 76. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer destination address.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section in the area (lottery element storage). means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. 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.

  Step S20: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol acquired in the previous steps S16 and S17, respectively, thereby producing the production contents. This is for determination (first determination means). The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S22: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process (step S20), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S22 and the start opening winning sound control command to the effect control device 124.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 (step S10: No), or when the first special symbol operating memory number has reached 4 (step S12). : No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is inputted from the lower start winning a prize opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, when the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S28.

  Step S28: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol operation memory number counter represents the jackpot determination random number and the number of jackpot symbol random numbers (the number of sets) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches 4 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than 4 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S30.

  Step S30: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). As in the previous step S14, the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7) based on the counter value added here. .

  Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 (lottery element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S16 described above.

  Step S34: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S17 described above.

  Step S36: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and stores them in a free section in the area as a set (lottery element storage means) ). The storage method is the same as step S18 described above.

  Step S38: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an acquisition effect determination process for the second special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the second special symbol acquired in the previous steps S32 and S34, respectively, thereby producing the production contents. This is for determination (first determination means). The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S40: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process (step S38), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process for the second special symbol. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process.

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the above-described acquisition-time effect determination process. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the above-described start opening winning process (step S20, step S38 in FIG. 8). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (for example, “00H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of loss).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random number to be loaded here is stored in the RAM 76 in the previous start opening winning process (steps S18 and S36 in FIG. 8).

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery 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 returns to the start opening winning time process (FIG. 8). 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 S56.

  Step S56: 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 S58: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a special symbol probability state flag. This state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state is highly probable (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the probability is high (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the probability is low (normally normal), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”).

  Step S60: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H). If the result indicates a high probability (No), the next step Step S62 is executed.

  Step S62: 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 S58 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.

  Thus, when the internal state has a high probability, the next step S64 is executed after rewriting the comparison value. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S60 that the state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S62 and executes the next step S64.

  Step S64: 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). The main control CPU 72 returns to the start opening winning process (FIG. 8). 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 S66.

  Step S66: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit type determination process. This processing is for determining the jackpot type (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number stored in the previous start opening winning process (step S18, step S36 in FIG. 8), the main control CPU 72 executes an operation using the comparison value in the same manner as in the above step S54. From the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “2-round symbol” or “15-round symbol”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol determination value, and proceeds to the next step S68.

  Step S68: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol judgment value stored in the previous step S66 as the lower byte of the special figure destination judgment effect command. As the special symbol determination value, for example, “0AH” is set when it corresponds to “2 round symbols”, and “01H” is set when it corresponds to “15 round symbols”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the start port winning process.

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 10 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 includes the subroutine 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 depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-process (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process has been completed, For example, the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the 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 changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the change 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 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35. 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 first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. Among the winning modes, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops in a special mode (for example, a 15-round jackpot mode), the normal state up to that point is changed to a big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player). An opportunity to migrate 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), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is energized 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), and thereby variable. The 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 reached, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is higher (about 10 times) than usual (high probability state transition means). In addition, when the “time reduction state” is entered, the time reduction function is activated, and the variation time of the special symbol at the time of non-winning is reduced as a whole compared to the normal state (time reduction state transition means). 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. Such transition to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” will be further described later.

[Multiple winning types]
In addition to the 15 round big hit (special winning type), in the present embodiment, two round big hit (special winning type) is provided as a plurality of winning types. If the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in the big round big hit mode in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the short hit big hit gaming state occurs. However, since the 2-round jackpot game ends in an extremely short time compared to the 15-round jackpot game, there is almost no winning in the big winning opening. Instead, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the end of the big hit game (operation means), as a result, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player (high probability state transfer means) .

  In the present embodiment, a small bonus (special winning type) is provided as a winning type other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning 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 special number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins in the big winning opening as in the two-round big winning game. 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. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (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 number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demonstration setting process in 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 S119 in FIG. 6). 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 any of the working memory number counters is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol storage shift processing after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. The shifted random number is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Only when the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in another common storage area. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols.

  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 (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a 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 permits the interrupt and 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 (internal 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, as a more detailed procedure of the jackpot determination process, for example, the procedure (steps S52 to S64 in FIG. 9) mentioned in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process may be applied.

  When the above big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the small hit value in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery). Execution means). The “small hit” here is other than non-winning (out of), but is different from “big hit”. That is, “big hit” generates an opportunity (game milestone) to shift to the above “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, but “small hit” does not generate such an opportunity. However, “small hit” is positioned as satisfying the condition for operating the variable winning device 30 as in the case of “big hit”. Note that the range of the small hit value set at this time may be different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state), or may be the same. In any case, if the read random number value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. As described above, in the present embodiment, as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is defined in advance in the program. Each of them may be written in the ROM 74, read out, and the big hit determination may be performed while comparing with the random value.

  Here, as described above, since the big hit determination random number value is read separately for the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the big hit determination process (internal lottery) is performed for each symbol. For example, if the random number value corresponding to the first special symbol is read in the previous step S2200, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the first special symbol. On the other hand, if the random number value corresponding to the second special symbol is read, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the second special symbol.

  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 S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set in the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine the big hit (for example, 01H is set) or the small hit (for example, 0AH is set) according to the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

  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 first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Specifically, if the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol and the big hit symbol random number have been preferentially shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process, the main control CPU 72 displays the second special symbol display here. Stop symbol number data by the device 36 is set. On the other hand, if the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol is shifted, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data by the first special symbol display device 34 here. 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 S119 in FIG. 6).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for each of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the lighting display of the bar "-"). 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 variation pattern number at the time of detachment for the first special symbol or the second special symbol (variation pattern determining means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or to correspond 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 the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes). The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  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 winning symbol (hit-stopping symbol number) for the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is won in the current internal lottery, based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random value and the type of winning symbol for each 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 winning symbol for each symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number based on the stored content by referring to the special symbol determination table in the symbol determination process for big hit.

[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 is a “15-round non-variable symbol”, and the remaining one is a “two-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”,.

  In addition, for “2-round probability variation design”, for example, “2 round probability variation design A”, “2 round probability variation design B”, “2 round probability variation design C”, etc. Has been.

  Such a fine classification is for diversifying the stop display of the winning symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. For example, even if the same “15 round probability variation symbol” is used, if the “15 round probability variation symbol A” is sub-classified, all seven segments are lit on the first or second special symbol display devices 34 and 35 (for example, “day In the case of “15 round probability variation B”, five segments are lit (for example, “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, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the value. To do. 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 game state flag is the “15 round probability variation symbol” or “2 round probability variation symbol” if the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “15 round probability variation symbol”. As a result, the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. Further, when the current gaming state is already in the probability variation state (when the probability is high), the main control CPU 72 also sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag. The significance of such processing is based on, for example, the following concept. That is, first, when the “two-round probability variation pattern” is met from the normal state, the value (01H) of the time variation function activation flag is not set, but only the value (01H) of the probability variation function activation flag is set. In this case, by not revealing the “high probability state” even in the production, a “hidden probability change state” that is difficult to be recognized by the player. However, in this embodiment, when the “hidden probability change state” has already been applied and the “two-round probability change pattern” is repeated, the “hidden probability change state” is not continued indefinitely, but the time reduction function is activated. The probability variation state is clearly indicated to the player. This prevents the player from continuing the game without being informed of internal information at all, and prevents the player from buying too much misery.

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit 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.

Next, processing for small hits will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit (stop symbol number at small hit) based on the big hit symbol random number. Here, similarly, the relationship between the big winning symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hitting is preliminarily defined in the special symbol determining data table at the small hitting (winning type defining means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is determined using the big hit symbol random number, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

[Winning pattern for small hits]
In the present embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of small hitting is only one type of “twice open small hitting symbol”. However, other types such as “one time opening small hit symbol” and “three times opening small hit symbol” may be prepared. As described above, “small hit” as a result of the internal lottery is not an opportunity for the subsequent state to change to “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, and thus is essential for this type of pachinko machine. A “one-time small hit symbol” can be provided without being bound by the definition of “two rounds (two times open) or more”.

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the value. (Fluctuation pattern determining means) Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern is not selected in the case of a small hit, and the variation time equivalent to the normal variation is determined. This is to make it difficult for the player to notice that a small hit is caused by the fluctuation by generating a normal fluctuation even at the small hit.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the stop symbol number at the time of small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small 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 10: 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 (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 11). 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. The special symbol stop display in-progress process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Big hit fluctuation pattern determination process]
Next, the contents of the big hit hour fluctuation pattern determination process (step S2412 in FIG. 11) performed in the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing will be described. The big hit fluctuation pattern determination process is a process executed when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a win (big hit other than the small hit) as described above, but in this embodiment, the big hit is stopped before that In the symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11), the special symbol depends on whether “15 round symbol (both probable and non-probable)” or “2 round probable symbol” is selected as the winning type (winning symbol). The method for determining the variation pattern is different. Furthermore, for the “two-round probability variation pattern”, the method for determining the variation pattern also differs depending on whether or not the current state is in a high probability state.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big hit hour variation pattern determination process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

[15 round designs (probability or non-probability)]
When either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round non-variability variation symbol” is selected as the winning type at the time of the big hit, the variation pattern is determined by the following procedure.

  Step S2600: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the selected winning type is the “15 round symbol” of the large classification. This determination can be made based on the jackpot stop symbol number, for example. The main control CPU 72 accesses the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, and reads the value of the big hit stop symbol number from the corresponding address. As a result, if it is a value corresponding to either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round uncertain variation symbol” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2601.

  Step S2601: Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the winning type corresponds to “15 round probability variation symbol” in the fine classification. This determination can also be made based on the big hit stop symbol number. At this time, if it is confirmed that the value corresponds to the “15-round probability variation symbol” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2602.

  Step S2602: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (1) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. The table address (1) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “15 rounds probable variation winning”.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the previous step S2601 that the value corresponds to the “15-round uncertain variation” (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2607.

  Step S2607: In this case, the main control CPU 72 acquires the table address (2) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. The table address (2) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “15 rounds uncertain variation winning”.

[Example of selection table by winning symbol and state]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the “selected symbol-by-state selection table / state selection table”, that is, the “big hit time variation pattern selection table address state selection table”. The “successful symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” has a structure in which, for example, a storage area of 5 bytes is stored, and table addresses (1) to (5) are sequentially stored therein. Among these, in the storage area for the first 1 byte, the address of the “15-round probability variation winning variation pattern selection table” is described as the table address (1). In the second storage area, as the table address (2), an address of “a variation pattern selection table at the time of 15 round uncertain variation selection” is described. Similarly, in the third storage area, the address of “variation pattern selection table at the time of two round winning change during 2 rounds is described” is described as the table address (3), and the table address (3) is stored in the fourth storage area. 4) describes the address of the “variable pattern selection table during two-round winning during probability change”, and the last storage area stores “address variation pattern selection table during two-round winning during non-probable variation” as the table address (5). Address is described.

  When executing the previous step S2602, the main control CPU 72 obtains (specifies) the table address (1) stored at the head address in the storage area of the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 72 executes step S2607, the table address (2) stored at the second address is acquired (designated) in the storage area of the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”.

[Refer to Figure 12: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
Step S2604: The main control CPU 72 executes a selection lottery. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number (any one of 0 to 255) from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 compares the value with the comparison value of the “variation pattern selection table”, and the corresponding variation pattern. Select a number. For example, in the “15-round winning variation pattern selection table”, a plurality of types of “big hit reach variation patterns 21 to 20” are defined in advance, and one of these numbers is selected.

  Step S2606: The main control CPU 72 sets the current variation pattern based on the selected number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a variation time (for big hit reach variation) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and transmits a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). Generate. The variation pattern command is a 2-byte command such as “97H01H” described in the format of MODE value−EVENT value, for example. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

[2 rounds]
On the other hand, when “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning type at the time of the big hit, the variation pattern is determined by the following procedure.

  In the previous step S2600, when it is determined that the current winning symbol (big hit stop symbol number) is a major category and does not correspond to the “15 round symbol” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2608.

  Step S2608: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the current internal state is a “high probability state (also referred to as“ probability fluctuation state ”)”. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, if the winning combination corresponds to either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “2 round probability variation symbol”, the winning probability of the internal lottery after the end of the big hit game (main role) It shifts to a high probability state that is changed to about 10 times higher. At this time, if the current internal state is not a high probability state (denoted as “probably changing” in the figure) (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2610.

[When winning 2 rounds during non-probability]
Step S2610: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (5) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” shown in FIG. The table address (5) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “2 round winning during non-probable change”.

[Example of change pattern selection table for two-round winning during non-probable change]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table for two-round winning during non-probability variation. This selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”. These fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “8” all correspond to non-reach (normal) fluctuation patterns, and no one corresponding to the reach fluctuation pattern is provided here.

  Here, the length of the set variation time differs greatly between the “non-reach (normal) variation pattern” and the “reach variation pattern”. That is, the “non-reach fluctuation pattern” basically corresponds to a short fluctuation time (for example, about 6.0 seconds to 12.0 seconds), whereas the “reach fluctuation pattern” has a long fluctuation more than twice as long. This corresponds to time (for example, about 30 seconds to 120 seconds).

  In any case, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. Select the fluctuation pattern number. For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is “157”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the next comparison value “101” because the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Figure 12: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
In step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes the above-described variation pattern selection lottery. However, as described above, only the “non-reach variation pattern” is provided in the “non-probability variation 2-round winning variation pattern selection table”, so any variation pattern “1” to “8” is selected. Even so, in the next step S2606, the variation time at the time of winning the second round during non-probability change is set to be relatively short. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 sets a variation time (for non-reach variation) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and also transmits a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). Generate. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

[When winning 2 rounds during probability change]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed when winning with 2 round symbols during probability change.

  Step S2608: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current internal state is a high probability state (probably changing) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2611.

  Step S2611: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current internal state corresponds to a “high probability state after winning two rounds”. This determination can be made, for example, based on the values of the above-described gaming state flags (probability variation function operation flag and time reduction function operation flag). That is, if the value (01H) is set only in the probability variation function activation flag and the value (01H) is not set in the time reduction function activation flag, it means “a high probability state after two rounds”. Yes. In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2612.

  Step S2612: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (3) from the “selected symbol / state selection table” shown in FIG. In the table address (3) acquired here, the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “winning in 2 rounds after 2 rounds of certainty change” is described.

[Example of change pattern selection table when winning 2 rounds after 2 rounds]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table at the time of winning two rounds during two rounds. This selection table has “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17”, “18”, “18”, “variation pattern numbers” for the comparison values “101” to “255 (FFH)”. In this structure, “19” and “20” are assigned. These variation pattern numbers “13” to “20” all correspond to the reach variation pattern, and no variation corresponding to the non-reach (normal) variation pattern is provided here.

[Refer to Figure 12: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
Then, in step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern selection lottery based on the above-mentioned “2nd round after 2 round winning pattern variation pattern selection table”. In this case, since only the “reach variation pattern” is provided in the variation pattern selection table, even if any variation pattern “13” to “20” is selected, in the next step S2606, two rounds later The variation time at the time of winning two rounds during probability change is set to be relatively long.

  Similarly, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation time (for reach variation) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). To do. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, if both the value of the probability variation function operation flag (01H) and the value of the time shortening function operation flag (01H) are set in the previous step S2611, it is not “a high probability state after two rounds winning” It means “high probability state” (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2614.

  Step S2614: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (4) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” shown in FIG. The table address (4) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “2 round winning during probability change”.

  Although not shown in particular, the fluctuation pattern selection table during two-round winning during probability change also has a structure in which a “fluctuation pattern number” is assigned to the comparison value. Note that the variation pattern numbers assigned here may be only those corresponding to the reach variation pattern, or those corresponding to the non-reach variation pattern may be provided.

  Similarly, in step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern selection lottery based on the above “variable pattern selection table during two-round winning during probability variation”. If only the “reach variation pattern” is provided in the variation pattern selection table, even if any variation pattern is selected, in the next step S2606, the variation time at the time of winning two rounds during probability variation is set to be relatively long. If there is a pattern corresponding to the non-reach fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time is set to be relatively short.

  Then, the main control CPU 72 sets a variation time (for reach variation or non-reach variation) for the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and also transmits a variation pattern command for transmission to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). Is generated. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

  When steps S2604 and S2606 are executed through the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 11), and the big hit other setting processing and special symbol variation start processing (FIG. 11) as described above. Steps S2413 and S2414) are executed.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 refers to (loads) the value of the stop symbol display timer. The value of the stop symbol display timer is decremented with the passage of time when the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ends.

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the loaded stop symbol display timer. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 10), and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag here.

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management process”.
Step S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the internal status on control to “start of big role (during big hit game)”. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of big hit symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is a large classification and “15 round symbols (probability change or non-probability change)”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “15 rounds”. In the case of “2 round symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “2 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not winning]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the big hit.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), it next executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 next checks whether or not the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and is simply a deviation (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602.

  Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value (01H) of the small hit flag is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter value is set in the probability variation count area or the time-short count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. Here, “number of times cut” is used, but the value of the number of times counter in the case of “high probability state” can be set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. Note that when the time reduction state alone is set instead of the “high probability state”, the count-down counter is set to a standard numerical value (for example, 100 times).

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count-down counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count-down counter value is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variable function operation flag or the time shortening function operation flag is reset, but since the value of the count counter is not zero in the “high probability state” as described above, it is practical. It is the time reduction function activation flag that is reset above. As a result, the time reduction state ends after the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7) included in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

  Among these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are the first special symbol display device 34, the second, as already described. Generate and output drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a. It is processing to do.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. If the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed after this, the probability variation state display lamp 38c is switched off (turned off) even if the probability variation function operation flag is set. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number command. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the big hit symbol designated by the continuous operation number command is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “15 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “15 rounds (15R)”. If the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “2 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 a representing “2 rounds (2R)”.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

  Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the winning opening opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the winning opening opening / closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and has completed the winning opening opening / closing operation process. Then, the special winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the big prize opening / closing operation process and the big prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of continuous operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. . Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the opening time thereof at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a big game, that is, whether or not the big hit flag value (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5204. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5210. Note that this procedure may be rewritten to refer to the value of the small hit flag (however, the logic of Yes / No is reversed).

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current jackpot symbol (winning type) is “2 round symbols”. At this time, if “2 round symbols” is selected in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5206.

  Step S5206: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a shortened two-time release pattern. In the shortened two-time open pattern set here, the number of rounds is “2 rounds”, and the open time per round is a short time (for example, 300 ms) in which winning is difficult. The interval between rounds is set to about 10 ms, for example. Note that the number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is the same as the 15-round symbol (for example, 9), but winnings are rarely generated during such a short-time opening operation (not impossible). Is extremely difficult).

  On the other hand, if “15 round symbols” is selected (step S5204: NO), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5208.

  Step S5208: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets an open pattern of 15 times (15 rounds). In the 15-time open pattern, for example, the open time of the variable winning device 30 in one round is set to 30 seconds, for example, and the maximum number of wins (number) in the meantime is set to 9 for example. The interval between rounds is set to about several seconds, for example.

  Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11). Specifically, if the large category “15 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 15 times. If “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to two. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program ("1" for 2 times, "4" for 5 times).

  Step S5214: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit opening timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5206 or step S5208. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. Specifically, if the 15-time release pattern is set, the main control CPU 72 sets the time for the big hit release timer as a value for a sufficient time (for example, launching) that the winning to the big winning opening easily occurs during one opening. The time when 10 or more game balls are fired by the control board set 174 (preferably about 30 seconds) is set. On the other hand, if the shortened two-time release pattern is set, the main control CPU 72 uses the value of the big-hit release timer as the value of the big-hit release timer for a short time (for example, in which a big winning opening is hardly generated (becomes difficult). A time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than the game ball firing interval by the firing control board set 174) is set.

  Step S5216: The main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5206 or step S5208. The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hits.

  Step S5224: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening / closing operation process, and returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Procedure for small hits]
Step S5210: In the case of small hit (step S5202: No), the main control CPU 72 sets a “small hit release pattern”. In the case of the present embodiment, the “small hit opening pattern” is the same as the “shortened twice opening pattern” mentioned in the previous step S5206, but another opening pattern may be set.

  Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of opening of the special winning opening to, for example, two based on the large winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5210. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S5220: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, as described above, the value of the small hitting opening timer is such that a winning to the big winning opening hardly occurs during one opening (becomes difficult) (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably Is set to be shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the launcher unit).

  Step S5222: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the variable prize-winning device 30 is opened and closed several times at the time of a small hit, and this timer value is also set to the setting of the “shortened twice open pattern”. The same.

  Step S5224: When the above procedure is completed at the time of the small hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening / closing operation process.

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the special winning opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is output. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5214 or step S5220 in FIG. 19) is executed.

  Step S5306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5308. Execute.

  Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 30 (open winning opening) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the opening time.

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (for example, about 9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit (the upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per open (one round during the big hit, once per small hit). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure of the above steps S5302 to S5310.

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. It should be noted that since the value of the release timer is set to a short time in both small hits and two rounds of big hits, the main control CPU 72 normally confirms that the count has reached a predetermined number in step S5310. In most cases, it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has ended.

  Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5216 or step S5222 in FIG. 19). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing process.

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special prize closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5401: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game is a big game (big hit game), and if it is a big game (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5402.

  Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the value of the round number counter is “1” at the stage where the first round ends and the second round is reached.

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1-14) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1-14 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

  Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6) as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

  Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big prize opening / closing operation process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 18). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (2 times or 15 times).

  When the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: YES), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5410.

  Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), it sets the next jump destination to the end process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

[Small hit: Special action execution means]
On the other hand, for small hits, the procedure is as follows.
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not playing a major role (step S5401: No), the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the number-of-releases counter.

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5218 in FIG. 19). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening / closing operation process.
Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 18). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5401 to S5413. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

  When the actual number of times of opening at the small hit reaches the set number of times of opening (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5414.

  Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the end process when the release counter is reset (= 0).

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5503. To do.

  Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. Also, the main control CPU 72 ends the state of being a big player internally here.

Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.
Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 11) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, about 10,000 times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is an upper limit number of times that the variation (internal lottery) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed in a high probability state in subsequent games. However, when a huge number of times such as 10,000 is set as described above, there is almost no chance that the non-winning will continue so far (the winning probability at high probability is, for example, 1/39 to 1/39) The degree of probability) will continue until the next winning. On the other hand, when a substantial upper limit is set in the high probability state, the probability variation number is set to a realistic number (for example, about 10 times) (so-called number cut probability change). If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 11) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time reduction function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, about 100 times). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, a state designation command representing “normal” is generated as the gaming state when the big hit flag is reset or the big game ends. If the high-probability state function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “reduced time”. A state designation command representing “medium” is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

  Step S5516: If the above procedure is passed at the time of big hit or if the game is a small hit game (step S5502: No), the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 10) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Behavior of pachinko machines]
As described above, when the main control CPU 72 executes various processes during the game, the pachinko machine 1 exhibits the following behavior.

(1) At the time of 15 rounds probable big hit or 15 rounds non-probable big win If the internal lottery is other than non-winning and falls under either “15 round probable big hit” or “15 round non-probable big win”, the above variable winning device management In the process (FIG. 18), the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed over 15 consecutive operation times (special game executing means). At this time, the opening time for each time (maximum 30 seconds) is set to be long enough to allow the game ball to flow into the big prize opening, so the behavior during this time is clearly recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Is done. In addition, since the effect during the big hit game different from the normal time is executed, it is possible for the player to realize a clear big hit game.

  Note that the “15-round probability variation big hit” is taught (disclosed) to be a “probability variation symbol” by, for example, a design symbol display mode (for example, odd-numbered symbol alignment). Alternatively, it is taught (disclosed) that a “probable big hit” is made by a promotion effect during the big hit. In addition, after “15 rounds probable big hit”, for example, it is taught (disclosed) that the stage has shifted to a high probability state in production, so that the current internal state is “high probability state” to the player. It can be recognized with certainty.

  Further, it is taught (disclosed) that “15 rounds non-probable variation big hit” is a “non-probable variation symbol” by, for example, a design symbol display mode (for example, even-numbered symbol alignment). In addition, after “15 rounds non-probable big hit”, for example, it is taught (disclosed) that the stage has shifted to a time reduction state on stage, so that the current internal state is “time reduction state” for the player. Can be reliably recognized.

(2) Two-round big hit On the other hand, if it corresponds to “two round big hit”, in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 18), the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is only executed by the shortened two-time opening pattern. Furthermore, since the opening time for each time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period (for example, about 1.5 seconds) as a whole (short-term opening / closing operation executing means). Therefore, the behavior during this period is not easily recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Further, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no (or no) winning ball is obtained, so it is difficult for the player to feel “big hit”. However, even if it is “2 rounds”, it is a “big hit” and after the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given internally. It will be carried out under conditions that are advantageous to the user. For this reason, in the present embodiment, “two rounds big hit” is an opportunity to shift only the internal state to the “high probability state” without making the player aware of the big hit. Therefore, hereinafter, this will be referred to as “hidden probability change” as appropriate. “Hidden probability change” does not actively disclose (teach) the high probability state itself to the player, so if there is no information (for example, disclosure in the production), most players are advantageous to themselves. The game progresses without being aware of the specific state.

(3) Small winning time In the case of “small winning”, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is executed twice in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 18). Moreover, since the opening time per time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period (for example, about 1.5 seconds) as a whole. Therefore, the behavior during this time is also difficult to be clearly recognized especially by the player. Also, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no (or no) winning ball is obtained, so that the player does not feel that “some win has been won”. In addition, since “small hit” does not trigger an internal state change (activate the probability variation function), the internal state does not change even after the variable winning device 30 is activated. Even if the player notices the opening / closing operation of the device 30, it is positioned as a so-called fake winning.

[Directional features]
The above is an overview of various behaviors triggered by winning by the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the case of the big hit of 2 rounds in (2) and the small win in (3), the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed within a short period of time. Although it is difficult for the player to be conscious of “small hit)”, in the present embodiment, processing for making it difficult for the player to feel “winning (small hit)” is also performed in the production.

[Variable display effects]
When two rounds or small hits are obtained, the non-reach fluctuation pattern is selected as the fluctuation pattern of the corresponding first special symbol display device 34 or second special symbol display device 35 at that time. Accordingly, in terms of production, a reach state is not generated in the variation display production using the production symbols, and the variation display production based on the normal (outlier) fluctuation is performed. This makes it possible to give the player an impression as if it was a non-winning change without making the player aware of any wins (small wins). Note that an actual variation display effect example will be described later.

[Result display effect]
In addition, in the result display effect by the effect symbol, the stop display mode of the corresponding first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 at that time is certainly a winning (small hit) mode. On the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a result display effect is performed in a mode other than winning (out of line). Thereby, it is possible to give an impression as if the result of the non-winning is displayed on the stage without making the player aware that some kind of winning (small win) has been obtained. An actual result display effect example will be further described later.

  At this time, the stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 is a symbolic display (for example, “（” character shape, “self” character shape, “L” character shape, “F” In other words, unless the player is paying attention to the display mode of the 7-segment LED, the player hardly notices the winning stop display mode. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to know whether or not the player has won unless the result display effect is based on the effect symbol. On the contrary, this means that the player basically has a tendency to judge the result of the internal lottery from the contents of the performance, and it can be said that the performance plays an important role in proceeding with the game.

[Production example when winning two rounds]
In the following, explanation will be given by taking the case of winning two rounds as an example. FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are continuous diagrams showing an example of an effect executed at the time of two-round winning using an effect symbol and a background image. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a result display effect using an effect symbol. Of these, the variable display effect is performed after the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) starts the variable display and then stops (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. The result 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.

  The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a female character attached, for example, with the numbers “1” to “9”. 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. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen. Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the result display effect employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 23 (A): In synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows 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 variable display effect is started in such a manner that the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. . In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed in the display screen.

[4th design production]
In addition, a fourth symbol (reference symbol Z in the drawing) is displayed at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbol is a “fourth effect symbol” that follows the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronism with the effect symbol. For example, the fourth symbol is simply a simple mark (here, “□” figure) with a color, and a variable display can be expressed by changing the display color. In addition, although the 4th symbol is displayed only in one place here, you may display the separate 4th symbol corresponding to each of a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol.

  As other effects, markers (represented by reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each of these markers indicates the number of working memories, and the number of displays increases or decreases in conjunction with a change in the number of working memories during the game.

[Normal background production]
The example shown in (A) of FIG. 23 is a background image representing a “seaside landscape”. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “normal mode image”. Although not particularly illustrated, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image such as a character or an item on the display screen.

[Left design stop]
(B) in FIG. 23: 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 “2” 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]
(C) in FIG. 23: After the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “5” 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. In addition, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol has increased to 1 because the game ball has won the upper start winning opening 26 during this change, the number of displayed markers M1 has been increased from 0 until then. Increased to one. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the number of working memories related to the first special symbol has increased even in the production (memory number display means).

  Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the production symbol representing the number “1” stops, the production sequence that represents the number “2” stops by sliding the symbol sequence by one symbol, and thereby develops to reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the production symbol representing the number “3” is stopped, the production symbol representing the number “2” is stopped by sliding the design row in the reverse direction by one symbol, and thereby the pattern that develops to reach. Good.

[Result display effect]
(D) in FIG. 23: The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. Normally, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol will be displayed in the same way in the same way. However, here, the two-round winning symbol is displayed in spite of the fact that the winning symbol is stopped. The result display effect is performed in the same (or approximate) manner as the above. That is, in the example shown in the figure, the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, since the combination of the production symbols is “2”-“8”-“5”, the change this time is not conspicuous, and there is no particular difference from the normal “out”. It is expressed in.

  However, the 4th symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, red display color) corresponding to “2 round big hit”. This is to objectively clarify that the result display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. For this reason, when the result of the internal lottery is actually off, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the off.

  In this example, “2 round big hits” is given as an example, but if the result of the internal lottery is “15 rounds probable big hits”, the left, middle and right productions will be the same Is stopped and displayed in a jackpot form composed of a combination of (for example, “7”-“7”-“7”). In this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, green display color) corresponding to “15-round probability variation big hit”. Also, if the result of the internal lottery is “15 rounds uncertain big hit”, the left, middle and right effect symbols are the same kind of combination (for example, “4”-“4”-“4”) after reaching the reach. It is stopped and displayed in the form of jackpot that is configured. In this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, blue display color) corresponding to “15 rounds non-probable big hit”.

[Direction during 2 rounds of big hit]
As described above, since the two-round big hit game is completed in a short time, no special effects are executed during this period. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the result display effect shown in (D) of FIG. After that, the state shifts to the high probability state internally on the control by the main control CPU 72, but shifts to the “hidden probability change mode” on the control by the effect control CPU 126.

[Example of production in hidden probability change mode]
Next, FIG. 24 is a continuous diagram showing an example (part) of an effect during the hidden probability change mode that shifts after a two-round big hit game (short-term opening / closing operation) from the normal state.

  (E) in FIG. 24: Even in the hidden probability changing mode, the variable display effect may be executed with the normal mode image (the background image having the same mode as that in the normal mode) as described above (common background effect execution). means). “There may be cases” means that the normal mode image is not always displayed during the hidden probability change mode, and the production is performed with the normal mode image as long as a certain condition (winning in the production lottery) is not satisfied. Meaning. As the effect symbol starts to change, the fourth symbol also starts to change. In addition, since the number of working memories has decreased by one with the start of the change of the first special symbol, the number of displayed markers M1 has decreased from one to zero for production. As a result, it is possible to express effectively that the stored internal lottery element is consumed and the next internal lottery is performed.

  In FIG. 24 (F): When the result of the internal lottery is out of order during the hidden probability changing mode, when a certain amount of time elapses in the same manner as described above, the left effect design stops first. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “4” is stopped at the middle position of the screen.

  After this, although not shown in particular, for example, as shown in FIG. 23C, the right effect design stops changing after the left effect design. Next, as shown in FIG. 23D, the medium effect symbol stops changing and a result display effect is performed.

[Characteristics in hidden probability change mode]
Even if it is not clarified in the production, the state is shifted to the high probability state internally in the control by the main control CPU 72 as described above during the hidden probability changing mode. For this reason, in reality, conditions that are more advantageous than usual for players (approx. 10 times higher probability than usual) are applied to each internal lottery, and the next winning can be obtained relatively early in terms of probability. Is almost promised.

  In the present embodiment, utilizing such characteristics in the hidden probability change mode, executing the “prediction effect” in a mode for notifying that there is a possibility that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in a mode representing winning in the subsequent variation of the symbol. So, the player will be surprised and entertained as if a sudden “pre-winning” has occurred.

[Production characteristics based on the judgment result]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the internal lottery result is obtained in advance through the acquisition determination process (FIG. 9) before proceeding to the jackpot determination process (step S2300 in FIG. 11) during the special symbol change pre-process. It can not be overlooked that the previous determination result is notified in advance to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) as a special figure destination determination effect command. This means that when the number of working memories is accumulated to some extent, this can be reflected in the effect based on the stored determination result of the big hit determination random number.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, taking advantage of the characteristic that the result of the previous determination can be reflected in the production, when there is one or more working memories, the symbol may be stopped and displayed in a manner representing winning in the subsequent symbol variation. The “predictive effect” in the form of notifying the fact is executed, and the player is provided with surprises and interests as if the “winning premonition” suddenly occurred.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the “prediction effect” in this case is made common to the “prediction effect” based on the “hidden probability change mode”, thereby improving the appearance rate of the “prediction effect” in total. Yes. More specific description will be given below.

[Observation of precursors based on the result of the previous judgment]
FIG. 25 is a continuous diagram showing the flow in the effect image when the trigger of the precursor effect occurs based on the previous determination result.

[Variation display start]
In FIG. 25, (i): First, it is assumed that the internal state is normal. For example, the change display effect by the effect design is also started on the liquid crystal display 42 by the start of the change display of the first special symbol. At this stage, the number of working memories of the first special symbol is 3, and the number of stored memories is displayed in an effect by the marker M1 (three heart marks). Further, the above-described normal mode image is displayed as a background image.

[Left effect symbol stop and working memory increase]
In FIG. 25 (ii): In this example, a new winning to the upper start winning opening 26 occurs during the variable display, and the number of operating memories of the first special symbol increases from three to four. The increase in the number of memories at this time is displayed in an effect by increasing the number of displays of the marker M1 (the fourth additional display of the heart mark). Up to this point, for example, the left effect symbol has stopped.

[Occurrence of precursor production]
However, a special drawing destination determination effect command is newly notified to the effect control device 124 (the effect control CPU 126) here because the winning at the upper start winning award 26 has occurred. In this example, on the basis of the fact that the previous determination result has been performed, a trigger effect is generated internally in the effect control separately from the hidden probability change mode. Here, the trigger of the precursor effect is generated at the fourth working memory number, but the trigger of the precursor effect based on the previous determination result is not always generated at the fourth operating memory number. It may occur in the first to third.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 25 (iii): The maximum number of operating memories is 4 for each symbol, and even if a winning to the upper start winning opening 26 occurs again, the big hit determination random number is not stored as a pending treatment. , The number of working memories does not increase to 4 or more (however, a prize ball is paid out). Also, for example, the right effect design has stopped so far.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 25 (iv): Subsequently, the middle effect symbol is stopped following the right effect symbol, and a result display effect is performed according to the non-winning mode. At this stage, the fourth symbol (reference symbol Z) is also displayed in a non-winning manner.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the case where the hidden probability variation mode is used as a basis, an opportunity for a precursor effect can be generated based on the previous determination result. And even when the trigger effect of the warning effect occurs on any basis, the warning effect is executed in a manner common to each other. Hereinafter, an example of the sign effect will be described.

[When a prelude conversation production occurs (first game)]
FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of a precursor effect example executed on the basis of either the hidden probability changing mode or the previous determination result at the normal time. In the present embodiment, it is highly likely that the next winning will be obtained for the player in the hidden probability change mode or in the situation where the number of working memories has been accumulated to some extent during normal times. Is a stunning expression. Hereinafter, the flow of the precursor effect will be described.

[Variable display production start]
FIG. 26 (A): First, the variable display effect is started by scrolling the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as described above. In this example, a normal mode image is displayed as a background image. At this time, for example, assuming that there are four working memories so far, an effect that only one previous (oldest) memory number display is consumed in the marker M1 is performed.

  In FIG. 26B, when the number of operating memories is consumed and reduced to 3, the display of the three remaining memory numbers in the marker M1 is shifted to the left by one frame on the screen. Done. Thereby, it is expressed stellar that the change of the symbol is performed in the order of storage.

[Occurrence of precursor conversation production]
In FIG. 26 (C): In the initial stage of the variable display effect, a character appears on the display screen, and an effect of giving some dialogue as a precursor conversation effect is performed. In this example, a state in which the character C1 that appears at the upper left position of the display screen emits a speech P1 with an unexpected content such as “something? Note that sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the line P1 as character information on the display screen.

[When the left effect is stopped]
(D) in FIG. 27: After that, for example, the image of the character C1 is reduced and displayed to some extent in the upper left of the display screen, and the image of the dialogue P1 generated at that time also remains reduced. In this state, the left effect design stops as the variable display effect progresses.

(When the right design symbol is stopped)
(E) in FIG. 27: Even if the right effect design is stopped next time, the image of the character C1 and the image of the dialogue P1 are continuously displayed. In this way, by continuing to display the image of the character C1 and the image of the dialogue P1, the player can be reminded of the continuity of performance such as “the conversation is still going on”.

[When displaying results]
(F) in FIG. 27: Even if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a result display effect (non-winning), the image of the character C1 and the image of the dialogue P1 remain displayed. As a result, the player can be reminded that “the effect is taken over by the next change (continuous effect)”. In addition, the player can have a sense of expectation that “something will happen in the next change” by recalling the production across the change.

[When the prelude conversation production continues (2nd game)]
FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the precursor effect example executed continuously after the second fluctuation.

[Variable display production start (second time)]
(G) in FIG. 28: Even when the next variation display effect is started, the image of the character C1 and the image of the dialogue P1 that have appeared in the previous variation are continuously displayed. As a result, it is possible to clearly appeal to the player that the production (predictive conversation production) has continued over the second fluctuation. Then, in this state, the three symbol sequences are scrolled again, and the second variation display effect is started from the occurrence of the predictive conversation effect. In addition, here, an effect that only one previous (oldest) memory number display is consumed at the current stage in the marker M1 is performed together (memory number 3 → 2).

  In FIG. 28 (H): Similarly, when one operating memory is consumed and reduced to two, the two remaining memory numbers displayed in the marker M1 are shifted to the left by one frame on the screen. Production is performed. At this stage, for example, the previous dialogue P1 image is erased, but the character C1 image is still displayed. As a result, an imagination such as "Is there any other dialogue?"

[Continuation of prelude conversation production]
(I) in FIG. 28: In the initial stage of the variable display effect of this time (second game), another character C2 appears on the display screen, and the effect of emitting the line P2 with the content responding to the previous line P1 is performed. Is called. In this example, the previous character C1 continues to be displayed and another character C2 responds to it, and the dialogue P2 with a continuous content such as “Eh? The state of radiating is expressed in a stunning manner. In this case as well, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue P2 as character information on the display screen.

[When the left effect is stopped]
In FIG. 29 (J): After that, for example, the image of another character C2 is reduced and displayed to some extent in the upper right of the display screen, and the image of the dialogue P2 emitted at that time also remains reduced. . In this state, the left effect design stops as the variable display effect progresses. Note that the image of the character C1 that first appears is also continuously displayed on the upper left of the display screen. As a result, it is possible to give a clear impression to the player that “the conversation between the two people continues over two fluctuations”.

(When the right design symbol is stopped)
In FIG. 29 (K): Even if the right effect design stops next, the images of the two characters C1 and C2 and the image of the dialogue P2 issued this time are still displayed. As described above, by continuously displaying the images of the characters C1 and C2 and the image of the dialogue P2, it is possible to remind the player of the continuity of the performance such as “the conversation may still continue”.

[When displaying results]
In FIG. 29 (L): Even if the first special symbol is stopped and the result display effect (non-winning) is performed, the images of the characters C1 and C2 and the current dialogue P2 are still displayed. Will remain. As a result, it is possible to clearly give an impression to the player that “the production is still taken over for the next change (continuous production)”. Then, the player can have a sense of expectation that “the next change will happen”.

[When the prelude conversation production continues (third game)]
FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the precursor effect example executed continuously after the third fluctuation.

[Variable display production start (third time)]
In FIG. 30, (M): Even if the third variable display effect is started from the start of the prelude conversation effect (the first occurrence is the occurrence), the two characters C1 and C2 that have appeared due to the change up to the previous time are still displayed. The image and the previous dialogue P2 image are continuously displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to clearly appeal to the player that the production (predictive conversation production) continues over the third fluctuation. In this state, the three symbol rows are scrolled again, and the third variation display effect is started. Here, an effect is also performed in which only one previous (oldest) memory number display is consumed at the current stage in the marker M1 (memory number 2 → 1). Here, in particular, an example in which the number of working memories thereafter has not increased is given. However, when a prize is awarded to the upper start prize opening 26 or a prize is given to the lower start prize opening 28a, The effect that the working memory number of minutes increases is performed.

  In FIG. 30, (N): Similarly, when the number of operating memories is consumed and reduced to one, the display of one remaining memory number in the marker M1 is shifted to the left by one frame on the screen. Is done. At this stage, for example, the image of the previous dialogue P2 is erased, but the images of the two characters C1 and C2 are still displayed. As a result, it is possible to inspire the imagination such as “Is there still another dialogue?”

[Continuation of prelude conversation production]
In FIG. 30, (O): In the initial stage of the variable display effect of this time (third game), the first character C1 is enlarged again, and the effect of emitting the next dialogue P3 with the content responding to the previous dialogue P2 is produced. Done. In this example, the state in which the first character C1 utters a dialogue P3 with a continuous content such as “This is really!” In a fashion that develops conversation is expressed in a stunning manner. As a result, it is possible to raise a strong interest of “what is it?” To the player.

  In this example, the image of the second character C2 is not displayed, but may be displayed continuously. Further, the image of the character C1 may change to another person. In this case as well, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with displaying the dialogue P2 as character information on the display screen.

[When the left effect is stopped]
In FIG. 31, (P): Subsequently, the image of the second character C2 is also displayed in an enlarged manner, and an effect of uttering the next dialogue P4 in a fashion that responds to the first character C1 is performed. In this example, the second character C2 utters a dialogue P4 with an implied content such as “Is it OK to expect?”. As a result, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation such as “Is it possible to expect something?”. Here, although hidden behind the image of the character C1, the left effect symbol is stopped with the passage of time.

(When the right design symbol is stopped)
In FIG. 31, (Q): After that, the images of the two characters C1 and C2 are reduced and displayed at the top of the display screen, and the image of the dialogue P4 that is emitted later is also reduced and displayed. Become. Thereby, it is possible to give a clear impression to the player that “the conversation between the two people is still continuing over three fluctuations”.

  Next, even if the right performance symbol is stopped, the images of the two characters C1 and C2 and the image of the dialogue P4 issued later are continuously displayed. In this way, by continuing to display the images of the characters C1 and C2 and the image of the dialogue P4, the player is more strongly reminded of the continuity of performance such as “the conversation will continue next time”. be able to.

[When displaying results]
In FIG. 31, (R): The first special symbol is stopped and the result display effect (non-winning) is performed, but the images of the characters C1 and C2 and the current dialogue P4 are still displayed. Will remain. As a result, it is possible to give a clearer impression to the player that “the effect is still taken over for the next change (continuous effect)”. Then, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation that “the next change will finally happen”. In particular, in this example, the remaining number of working memories is also one, so it can give a reasonable expectation even in game control such as “Maybe it will be a hit by the next fluctuation”. it can.

  The above is an example of a prelude production (a prelude conversation production) over a plurality of fluctuations, but as long as the player had a sense of expectation during the preproduction (FIGS. 25 to 31), It is necessary to express some conclusion (winning or non-winning) to some extent. Therefore, an example of a change display effect executed at the time of change after the sign effect (for example, the fourth time) will be described below. In this case, the sign conversation effect is once discontinued and only the variable display effect is performed.

[Reaching variation at jackpot]
FIG. 32 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach variation effects at the time of big hit. Here, an example is given of a pattern in which a big success is achieved by the next change (fourth time) after the aura conversation effect having been repeated up to three times. In FIG. 32, each effect symbol is simplified and shown only as a number.

  In FIG. 32 (A): For example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, from the top) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started by scrolling down. Although illustration is omitted here, it is assumed that, for example, “normal stage image” is selected as the background image.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
FIG. 32B: Next, in the relatively initial stage of the variable display effect (before the reach state occurs), the first stage 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)]
In FIG. 32 (C): Further, as a pre-reach notice effect, an effect using a character's picture image different from the previous one is performed. Specifically, 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. Here, an example is given until the second-stage design image appears. However, in the second aspect of the pre-reach notice effect, for example, the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage design images appear one after another. Each time it is displayed, the size may be enlarged.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 32 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect design representing the number “7” is stopped at the middle left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 32 (E): Next to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the effect design representing the number “7” has stopped at the middle right position, the reach state of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” is displayed on the horizontal line of the screen. It has occurred. 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”.

  When a reach effect pattern is further developed after the reach state occurs, only the effect symbols corresponding to the tempered number (here, “7”) are displayed on the screen, and the others 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. 32, (F): After a reach state has occurred, for a while, for example, a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed in which images representing “floral 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 effect after the visually lively reach notice occurs, the player can have a greater expectation that this notice can be expected to be a big hit.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 32 (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 performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” remains without being erased to the end. If the number “6” is erased and “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “probable big hit”, but the number “7” is also erased and “8” or later (“9” can be omitted) Is good ”means that it is“ out of ”, while the number“ 6 ”remains without being erased. 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, the possibility of a “probable big hit” will increase. Tension is also increased at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 32 (H): When the reach production is approaching the end of the game, the image of the character is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split (cut in), and the character emits some dialogue. A notice effect (second time) is performed after the occurrence of reach (or a content of smiling silently). 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” ”. 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”.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 32 (I): For example, the last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, the first special symbol (here, the first special symbol is explained, but the second special symbol may be used) corresponds to the winning type at that time. Since it is stopped and displayed in the mode, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the winning type (winning symbol). In the example shown in the figure, the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation” symbol, so that the player is informed that the odd symbol “7” is “probable variation big hit” by stopping display in the center of the screen. A result display effect is performed. In addition to this, even in the case of “probable big hit”, even numbered effect symbols are stopped and displayed from the stage of reach, and the odd numbered effect symbols are stopped and displayed by re-variation and promoted to “probable change”. There is a case where an effect such as promotion to “probable change” is performed during the game.

[Outward reach fluctuation production]
Next, FIG. 33 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach variation effects at the time of non-winning (out). The example mentioned above was a variation effect at the time of the big hit, but here, as an example, a pattern that results in non-winning (out of the game) in the next variation (fourth) after a continuous speech production up to three times Cite. Also in FIG. 33, each effect design is simplified and shown only by numbers.

  In FIG. 33 (A): Similarly, for example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started as if scrolling. Although not shown here, it is assumed that, for example, “normal stage image” is selected as the background image by “stage effect”.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
In FIG. 33 (B): Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, a pre-reach notice effect using the character image is performed. Here, only the characters in the pattern image are different, and basically the same as in the case of the big hit hour reach variation effect described above.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 33 (C): Further, an effect using a character's picture image different from the previous is performed as a pre-reach notice effect. Specifically, another pattern image appears additionally from the left end of the screen, and the two image images are displayed side by side on the screen by shifting the position of the previously displayed pattern image to the right side. This is a mode of production.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 33 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. In this example, 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.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
33 (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 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. At this time, an image that emphasizes two diagonal lines that are in a reach state on a diagonal line may be displayed together on the screen. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” May be 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.

  When the reach state is further developed after the reach state occurs, 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. 33 (F): When the “reach state” occurs, for a while, for example, images indicating “heart marks” form a group on the screen and pass diagonally on the screen. ) Is performed. At the same time, an effect of outputting sound such as “chance” from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 may be performed.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 33 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” form a three-dimensional line on the screen in the same manner as the reach effect at the time of the big hit. An effect is produced in which the numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. In this effect, if either of the numbers “7” or “8” remains without being erased to the end, the player can be suggested (implicit) or reminded of a “hit”. 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.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 33 (H): When the reach effect is approaching, the character image is displayed on the screen in the same way, and a notice effect is generated after the reach that the character emits some dialogue. Second time). At this time, the content of the production is a large development of “7”-“7”-“7” big hit if the number “6” is deleted ”. Therefore, by causing the character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”. In the present embodiment, the degree of expectation for winning differs according to the size of the character image (large cut-in, small cut-in) at this time. In this example, the cut-in is smaller than the effect at the time of the big hit. (Small cut-in) Therefore, it is suggested that the degree of expectation per hit differs.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 33 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, a result display effect is also performed in a manner of deviation in the effect symbol (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”.

  In this way, by performing reach fluctuation production through a prelude production (a prelude conversation production) over a plurality of fluctuations, it is possible to achieve a complete conclusion (a prelude or a prelude of a gusset) with respect to the prelude production (a prelude conversation production) It is possible to produce effects until they are shown. However, it is not clear whether or not the winning effect is still made during subsequent sign productions (FIGS. 25 to 31) and whether or not the current internal state is a high probability state.

  Therefore, for example, when the sign production is generated based on the hidden probability change mode, if the player performs only the sign production continuously (for example, 10 or more fluctuations), the player eventually gets used to the sign production, This may result in a loss of expectation and confidence in the sign production. Of course, if the predecessor effect is generated based on the fact that the pre-judgment is included, the winning result will be displayed at the time of the fourth change at the longest. Until this is reached, it is not clear what happens after that.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the precursor effect is generated based on the hidden probability variation mode, or when the precursor effect is generated based on the fact that the previous determination result includes a win, the effect lottery was performed for both. Above, it is decided to perform a specific background change effect. In other words, the specific background change effect is a state of probability fluctuation by changing the background image from the “normal mode image” to the “specific mode image” so far, or the win is included in the result of the previous determination. It is an effect that clearly discloses (teaches) that any one of the conditions is satisfied.

[Specific background change production]
FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of a specific background change effect that is executed when a win is included in the previous determination result in the hidden probability changing mode or in normal. In the present embodiment, by executing the specific background change effect, it is clearly taught (disclosed) to the player that “there is a high possibility of winning in a subsequent change”. It is assumed that the specific background change effect is performed when winning in the effect lottery before the start of the change as described above. Hereinafter, the flow in the case of executing the specific background change effect will be described.

[Variable display production start]
34A: First, as described above, the variable display effect is started when the three symbol rows scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. FIG. At this point, the background image is not particularly changed, and the normal mode image is continuously displayed.

(Door closing effect)
In FIG. 34B, at the initial stage of the variable display effect, a door (here, 襖) appears from both the left and right sides of the display screen, and an effect (door closing effect) that is tightly closed at the center of the screen is performed. Due to the occurrence of such a door closing effect, the player can be focused on the display screen.

(Door opening production)
In FIG. 34 (C): Following the door closing effect, an effect (door opening effect) is performed in which the doors (襖) are opened to the left and right sides of the display screen. Such a door opening effect can attract the player's interest in the change of the background image ahead.

[Specific background change production]
In FIG. 35 (D): Following the door opening effect, an effect (specific background change effect) of changing to a specific background image is executed during the change display of the effect symbol. In this example, the characters “Festival mode confirmation” are displayed in a large size on the display screen, and a state in which images of items related to the festival, fireworks, and the like are displayed in a stunning manner.

[Change production after specific background change]
In FIG. 35 (E): As a specific background image, for example, an image of a female character wearing yukata is displayed on the display screen. Such a background image is different from the “normal mode image” described above, and can visually appeal to the player that the mode has been changed to another mode. In the present embodiment, this background image is referred to as a “specific mode image”. In the lower part of the display screen, for example, the character information “Festival Mode” is scrolling horizontally, and it is visually appealed that the current mode is “Festival Mode” = “Specific Mode”. Yes.

[Significance of specific mode images]
Here, in the present embodiment, when the specific background change effect (specific effect) using the above-mentioned “specific mode image” is executed, the significance of either (1) or (2) below is clarified thereby. Become.

(1) The current internal state is a probability fluctuation state (certain change confirmation).
(2) The winning result is included in the jackpot determination random number (lottery element) stored at the present time (first determination winning determination).

  The significance of the above (1) almost promises that the next winning will be obtained early in the future, so it has a meaning as an encouraging (reliable) production for the player. On the other hand, the significance of (2) above is to ensure that the next winning can be achieved within the current working memory range, so it is also a reassuring (reassuring) effect for the player. have. And in this embodiment, by expressing the significance of these (1) and (2) by the specific background change effect of the common aspect, the appearance rate of not only the precursor effect but also the specific background change effect is improved. be able to.

  The above is a description of the flow of the precursor effect and the specific background change effect on the display screen based on the hidden probability change mode or the previous determination result, but in the present embodiment, the precursor effect and the identification are specified with a plurality of patterns described below. By generating the background change effect, the appearance rate of the sign effect and the specific background change effect is specifically improved.

[First production occurrence pattern]
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating various states serving as a first effect occurrence pattern of a sign effect. In FIG. 36, the vertical axis indicates various states and control values, and the horizontal axis indicates the number of fluctuations of the special symbol. In addition, the base point on the horizontal axis (“↑” in the figure) is the time when the trigger effect of the precursor effect by the previous determination result occurs.

[Special drawing memory]
In FIG. 36, (A): The trigger effect is generated when there is at least one working memory number that is reserved in a normal game. In this example, it is assumed that the trigger effect of the warning effect occurs at the time when the maximum number (4) of working memories is accumulated for the first special symbol.

[First judgment result]
In FIG. 36, (B): the previous determination result is already known for all jackpot determination random numbers stored at that time. In this example, the first determination results for the first to third working memories are out of place (non-winning), but the first determination result for the fourth working memory corresponds to the winning. Therefore, in this case, the trigger for starting the lottery of the specific background change effect is also generated along with the occurrence of the precursor effect.

[Variation pattern]
36 (C): The working memory includes a big hit symbol random number as a set together with the big hit determination random number, and also includes a variation pattern determination random number acquired together. Therefore, all the variation patterns (variation times) stored at that time are also known in advance. In this example, the variation pattern for the first to third working memories is a normal (non-reach) variation pattern, but the variation pattern for the fourth working memory is a jackpot reach variation pattern.

[Predictive conversation production]
In FIG. 36 (D): When a precursor effect is generated based on the fact that a win is included in the previous determination result, the precursor conversation effect is executed across a maximum of three variations. The reason for “maximum 3 times” is that the 4th working memory (the 4th fluctuation) is the hit fluctuation, and therefore, the predictive conversation effect is not performed and the big hit reach fluctuation effect is performed. The precursor conversation effect is also ended when the specific background change effect is won among the three fluctuations. In this example, it is shown that the prelude conversation production has continued over the longest three fluctuations.

[Specific background transition probability]
In FIG. 36, (E): The specific background change effect is executed when an effect lottery is performed for each change, and this is won. In this example, the probability of the effect lottery (specific background transition probability) from the time of occurrence of the event to the first to second variation is 20%, and the probability of the third to fourth variation is 40%.

  As described above, in the first effect generation pattern, since the determination is made in advance for the operation memory and the winning result is included in the previous determination result, not only the precursor effect (predictor conversation effect) The trigger for the specific background change effect will also occur.

[Second performance generation pattern]
Next, FIG. 37 is a diagram showing various states that become the second effect occurrence pattern of the sign effect. Also in FIG. 37, the base point on the horizontal axis (“↑” in the figure) is the time when the trigger effect of the precursor effect by the previous determination result occurs.

[Special drawing memory]
In FIG. 37, (A): Similarly, the trigger effect of the warning effect occurs when there is one or more pending operation memory numbers in the normal game. Also in this example, it is assumed that a trigger effect is generated when the maximum number (four) of working memories is accumulated for the first special symbol.

[First judgment result]
FIG. 37 (B): With regard to the previous determination result, in this example, the previous determination result is out of place (non-winning) for all of the first to fourth working memories. Therefore, in this case, only the trigger effect is generated, and the trigger for starting the lottery for the specific background change effect is not generated.

[Variation pattern]
FIG. 37 (C): In this example, the fluctuation pattern for the first to third working memories is a normal (non-reach) fluctuation pattern, but the fluctuation pattern for the fourth working memory is out of place. It is a reach fluctuation pattern.

[Predictive conversation production]
In FIG. 37 (D): Even if the pre-judgment result does not include a win, the sign of the pre-stage production trigger occurs based on the fact that the pre-judgment has been made. Conversation production is executed. In this example, since the fourth working memory (the fourth variation) is out of reach, the reach conversation effect is not performed there, and the conclusion of the precursor conversation effect is decided. Moreover, in this embodiment, when winning is not included in the previous determination result, the number of continuations of the prelude conversation effect is determined by lottery. The longest continuous number of times is one less than the number of working memories at that time. In this example, it is shown that the sign conversation production has continued over three fluctuations.

[Specific background transition probability]
In FIG. 37 (E): When the previous determination result does not include a win, the sign production itself has a meaning as a so-called “gase sign production”. On the other hand, since the “specific background change effect” has the significance of guaranteeing the next winning as described above, it is not appropriate to perform the “specific background change effect” with the second effect occurrence pattern. Therefore, in this example, the specific background transition probability is always 0% until the fourth change, including during the prelude conversation production.

  As described above, the second effect occurrence pattern is based on the fact that the operation memory has been determined in advance, but since the previous determination result does not include a win, the sign effect (the sign conversation effect) Only the trigger occurs, and the trigger for the specific background change effect does not occur.

[Third production pattern]
Next, FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating various states that become the third effect occurrence pattern of the sign effect. This third effect generation pattern is an example in the case of generating a trigger effect based on the “hidden probability change mode”. Therefore, in FIG. 38, the base point on the horizontal axis (“↑” in the figure) is after the end of the second round big hit (at the end of the second round).

[Special drawing memory]
In FIG. 38 (A): When the “hidden probability change mode” is triggered by the production, there is no particular restriction on the number of working memories. However, if the number of working memories is 0 at the time when the precursor effect is actually generated, the player who has the observation power will know that the precursor effect has not occurred on the basis of the previous determination result. In order to prevent this, the number of working memories may be one or more (may be 2 to 4 or more). If there is a working memory, the previous determination result is not won (missed).

[Internal state]
In FIG. 38 (B): The internal state in the “hidden probability change mode” after the end of two rounds of big hit is a high probability state.

[Predictive conversation production]
In FIG. 38 (C): when a precursor effect is generated on the basis of the transition to the “hidden probability change mode”, in this embodiment, the precursor conversation effect is executed over a maximum of eight variations. The reason for “up to 8 times” is that if the prelude conversation production is continued for too long, it tends to cause the player to feel uneasy as described above, so the prelude conversation production is terminated at an appropriate place. . For this reason, in the present embodiment, the “specific background change effect” is always performed at the ninth change from the start of the sign conversation effect, and the player is instructed (disclosed) that the internal state is the “high probability state”. . The precursor conversation effect is also ended when the specific background change effect is won for up to eight fluctuations. Here, “8 times” is taken as an example of the longest number of fluctuations, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to appropriately select how to set the longest number of fluctuations.

[Specific background transition probability]
In FIG. 38 (D): The specific background change effect is executed when an effect lottery is performed for each change, and this is won. In this example, the probability of the effect lottery (specific background transition probability) from the time of occurrence of the event to the first to second variation is 20%, and the probability of the third to fourth variation is 40%. Thereafter, the probability increases by 20% for every two fluctuations, and the probability reaches 100% at the ninth fluctuation. Thus, as described above, the “background change effect” can be executed without fail at the ninth fluctuation after starting the precursor conversation effect.

  As described above, since the third production occurrence pattern is based on the transition to the “hidden probability change mode”, the trigger production of the sign production (prediction conversation production) and the specific background change production occurs.

[Fourth production pattern]
FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating various states serving as the fourth effect occurrence pattern of the sign effect. This fourth effect generation pattern is an example in the case where the trigger of the precursor effect is generated on the basis of “small hit”. Therefore, in FIG. 39, the base point on the horizontal axis (“↑” in the figure) is after the end of the small hit (when the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed twice).

[Special drawing memory]
In FIG. 39A, there is no particular restriction on the number of working memories even when “small hit” is the trigger for production. However, in the same way, if the number of working memories is 0 at the time when the precursor effect is actually generated, the player who has the observation power may not have generated the precursor effect based on the previous determination result. In order to prevent this, the number of working memories may be one or more (may be 2 to 4 or more). If there is a working memory, the previous determination result is not won (missed).

[Internal state]
In FIG. 39 (B): “Small hit” itself does not trigger the change of the internal state, and is played as a normal game. Therefore, even after “Small hit”, the internal state is a normal (low probability) state.

[Predictive conversation production]
In FIG. 39, (C): When an indication effect is generated on the basis of “small hit”, an indication conversation effect is executed across a maximum of eight fluctuations in the present embodiment. Again, the maximum number of 8 times is that if the prelude conversation production is continued for too long, the player tends to feel anxious as described above, so the prelude conversation production ends at an appropriate point. It is. Here, “8 times” is taken as an example of the longest number of fluctuations, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to appropriately select how to set the longest number of fluctuations.

[Specific background transition probability]
In FIG. 39 (D): When the sign conversation effect is performed after “small hit”, the effect itself has a meaning as a so-called “gase sign effect”. For this reason, it is not appropriate to perform the “specific background change effect” even after “small hit”. Therefore, in this example, the specific background transition probability is always 0% until the eighth fluctuation, including during the prelude conversation production.

  As described above, since the fourth effect occurrence pattern is based on “small hit”, only the trigger effect (predictor conversation effect) occurs, and the trigger for the specific background change effect does not occur.

[Summary of improving the appearance rate of production]
Thus, in the present embodiment, by providing the first to fourth effect generation patterns, it is possible to improve the appearance rate of the sign effect and the specific background change effect. Specifically, each performance pattern contributes to the following improvement in appearance rate.

(1) First effect occurrence pattern: Improvement in appearance rate of precursor effect and specific background change effect (2) Second effect occurrence pattern: Improvement in appearance rate of precursor effect (3) Third effect occurrence pattern ... Improve the appearance rate of precursor effect and specific background change effect (4) Fourth effect occurrence pattern ... Improve the appearance rate of precursor effect

  In particular, with regard to the warning effect (the warning conversation effect), all of the first to fourth effect generation patterns contribute to the improvement of the appearance rate. For this reason, compared with the case where only any one of the effect generation patterns is used as an opportunity for generating the effect, it is possible to make the sign effect appear more frequently, thereby maintaining the player's motivation moderately and for a long time. It is possible to continue to suppress a decrease in game motivation.

[Production control processing]
Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described.
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect control process 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 effects commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a special figure-specific operation memory number command, a start opening winning tone control command, a demonstration effect command, a lottery result command, and a variation pattern. There are a command, a change start command, a stop symbol command, a symbol stop command, a state designation command, a round number command, an 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 result display effect using the effect symbols, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  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 working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , Change 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 numbers include, for example, a random number used for the advance notice selection, a normal background change lottery, a lottery related to the precursor effect, and a random number used for the specific background shift lottery (effect lottery). Note that the lottery regarding the sign effect and the specific background shift lottery will be described later.

  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, the contents of the effect symbol management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-progress process (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 10) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The control information on the contents (button effect) is instructed to the display control CPU 146.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the result display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the result display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the result display effect. As a result, the result display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (execution of the symbol effect) means). However, in the present embodiment, as described above, the result display effect is executed in a manner similar to or close to that of the loss at least at the time of winning two rounds from normal time or at the time of a small hit.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit. For example, in the case of a big hit of 15 rounds, the production control CPU 126 selects a special production pattern during the 15 round big hit as the production contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and this is selected for the production display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). Instruct. In addition, when the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern in accordance with the progress status of the game during the 15 round big hit (for example, the progress status of the round), these are appropriately instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). To do. Thereby, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a special effect image is displayed during the big round of 15 rounds, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.

  Or when it corresponds to "2 round jackpot", production control CPU126 performs control which performs said normal fluctuation production (for example, production example of FIG. 23). Also, in the case of “small hit”, the effect control CPU 126 performs control to execute the same effect as the normal variation effect (for example, the effect example of FIG. 23). The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S600: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the command for demonstration effect is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S602.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 40). To do.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604.

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S606. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on the variation pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the current variation pattern command falls under the normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier (however, the non-reach variation pattern at the time of 2 round big hits is excluded). ).

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (missing) (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command at the time of small hit is left, in this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S608. Whether or not the current variation is a big hit can also be confirmed based on the variation pattern command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a big hit variation (including a non-reach variation pattern at the time of two round big hits), it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit.

  Step S608: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance in pairs with the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect pattern selection table (not shown) and selects the effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. Can do.

  When the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule (change time, reach type and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, stop display The mode and the like are determined. Note that the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the “combination of symbols at the time of a small hit”.

  Although the above procedure corresponds to “small hit”, if it corresponds to 15 round big hit or 2 round big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The types of effect symbols determined here include those that constitute the “ordinary gap at the time of two rounds of big hit” in addition to those that constitute the above “hit combination”. In addition, the usual gap at the time of the big round 2 may be a combination of regular numbers such as “1-2-3” and “3-5-7” (so-called chance win). Further, in the big hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. In other words, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), it next executes step S612.

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes an off-effect effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern command (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. Note that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control CPU 126 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of detachment is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) , Reach type and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“8”).

  When any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the notice effect selected here is different from the sign effect (prediction conversation effect) and the background change effect. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or for notifying that there is a possibility that it will eventually be a big hit. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address).

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing when the variable winning device is activated. As described above, the variable winning device operating process is selected as the jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 10) is selected in the main control CPU 72, but even in that case, the winning type is selected. The processing is further branched depending on whether it corresponds to “small hit” or “big hit”.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current state is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the big hit state designation command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that a big hit is being made (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S800. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the big hit is not being made (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S900. The big hit effect selection process (step S800) will be further described with reference to another flowchart.

[Big hit effect selection process]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the big hit effect selection process. In this big hit effect selection process, the contents of the effect accompanying the operation of the variable winning device 30 are selected according to the type of the big hit of 2 rounds or 15 rounds. This is for generating a sign effect (a sign conversation effect) or a specific background change effect. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S801: First, the effect control CPU 126 initializes (resets) all flags and counters related to the sign effect or effect lottery. The flag and counter will be further described later.

  Step S802: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current big hit is a two-round big hit. This confirmation can be performed based on a stop symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, for example. That is, when the stop symbol command is a two-round jackpot symbol (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S804.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current two-round big hit is due to winning that is being probable. This confirmation can be performed based on the state designation command. As a result, if it is confirmed that the current two round big hit is not a winning winning change (the winning is a normal winning) (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S806.

[Pseudo normal variation effect selection processing]
Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 executes a pseudo normal variation effect selection process. In this process, an effect (for example, (D) in FIG. 23) having a mode that is the same as or close to the mode of the result display effect selected at the time of losing is selected as the content of the effect during the big round.

[Hidden probability change mode designation]
Step S808: Next, the production control CPU 126 designates the “hidden probability change mode” on the production. Specifically, the value (01H) is set in (1) a precursor flag and (2) a specific background flag as flags for production. The effect control CPU 126 sets (9) “9” as the background change count value. When these (1) precursor flag, (2) specific background flag, and (3) background change count value are set, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the process when the variable winning device is activated. As a result, during the subsequent hidden probability change mode, the above-mentioned precursor effect (predictor conversation effect) or specific background change effect is selected. Note that the processing in step S808 corresponds to the above-described third effect occurrence pattern.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S804 that the current two round jackpot is due to a winning winning change (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S810.

[Processing to select the stage for opening the grand prize opening twice]
Step S810: The effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening twice opening effect selection process. In this process, for example, the above “chance winning item” is selected as the contents of the effect during the big hit of two rounds.

[Probability mode specification]
Step S812: Next, the effect control CPU 126 designates the “probability change mode” on the effect. Specifically, the value (01H) is set only for the specific background flag (2) as a production flag, and “1” is set as the background change count value (3). When these (2) specific background flag and (3) background change count value are set, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the process when the variable winning device is activated.

  The above is an example of the procedure in the case of 2 rounds of big hit, but the following procedure is executed in the case of 15 rounds of big hit.

[15 rounds big hit]
Step S814: When it is confirmed in the previous step S802 that it is not a big hit for two rounds (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes a winning prize opening 15 times effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect contents during the 15 round big hit.

  Step S816: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current winning type is “15 rounds probable big hit”. This confirmation can be performed based on the stop symbol command. As a result, if it is confirmed that the current big hit type corresponds to probability variation (15-round probability variation symbol) (Yes), the production control CPU 126 proceeds to step S812 and designates “probability variation mode” on the production as described above. To do. The contents of the processing are the same as described above.

  When either of the “hidden probability change mode” or “probability change mode” is designated through the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the process when the variable winning device is activated. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the current big hit type is not a probability change but corresponds to a non-probability change (15-round non-probability pattern) (step S816: No), the effect control CPU 126 particularly “in the hidden probability change mode” in the effect Return to the process when the variable winning device is activated without specifying any of the “probability change mode” or “probability change mode”. Although not particularly illustrated, in this case, the “time reduction mode” may be designated in the production.

[Direction selection process for small hits]
Next, FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the small hit effect selection process. As described above, “small hit” does not trigger the subsequent change of the internal state, and therefore, “probability change mode” or “hidden probability change mode” is not designated here. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, by generating a precursor effect with “small hit” as an opportunity, an effect (a precursor conversation effect) similar to that in the hidden probability changing mode is generated even during normal operation. .

  Step S902: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a value (other than 0) has already been set in any of the above (1) precursor flag, (2) specific background flag, and (3) background change counter. As a result, if any value is not set (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S904.

  Step S904: The effect control CPU 126 executes a pseudo normal variation effect selection process. The content of the processing here is the same as that performed in the big hit effect selection processing described above (step S806 in FIG. 44).

  Step S906: The production control CPU 126 sets a value (01H) in the precursor flag (1) and sets “9” in the background change count value (3). As a result, even in the case of a small hit, it becomes possible to select the sign effect in the subsequent effects. However, since the value is not set in the specific background flag (2), the specific background change effect is not selected in response to the small hit. Note that such processing in step S906 corresponds to the above-described fourth effect occurrence pattern.

  Apart from the above procedure, if the value has already been set in the flag or counter in the first step S902 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S908.

  Step S908: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, the above “chance winning item” as the effect content at the time of the small hit.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the variable winning device operating process (FIG. 43).

[Summary of processing]
In the big hit effect selection process (FIG. 44) and the small hit effect selection process (FIG. 45), the effect control CPU 126 performs (1) a precursor flag, (2) a specific background flag, and (3) a background change according to various conditions. Each count value is set, but when these are summarized, the following contents are clarified according to conditions.

[After 2 round big hits during non-probability]
When two rounds are hit during non-probability change (mainly normal), the “hidden probability change mode” is designated. In this case, various values are as follows.

(1) precursor flag = 1
(2) Specific background flag = 1
(3) Background change count value = 9

[After 2 round big hits during probability change, after 15 rounds big hit big hit]
When two rounds are hit during the probability change, the “probability change mode” is designated. In addition, the “probability change mode” is always designated after 15 rounds probable big hit. In these cases, the various values are as follows.

(1) precursor flag = 0 (reset state)
(2) Specific background flag = 1
(3) Background change count value = 1

[After 15 rounds non-probable big hit]
In the case of a 15-round non-probable big hit, the mode is not designated again. However, since the flags and counters are initialized in the first step S801 of the big hit effect selection process (FIG. 44), for example, when the “hidden probability change mode” or “probability change mode” has been designated before, This mode specification is reset (initialized).

[After small hits in the initial state]
Also, no mode is specified when a small hit is made in the initial state in which neither the flag nor the counter is set. In this case, various values are as follows.

(1) precursor flag = 1
(2) Specific background flag = 0 (initial state)
(3) Background change count value = 9

  In any case, by setting a value in the flag or the counter, a precursor effect (FIGS. 26 to 31) is selected in the subsequent normal variation effects, or a specific background change effect (FIGS. 34 and 35) is selected. Or be selected.

  However, up to this point, when the value is set in the flag or counter using “after 2 rounds big hit”, “after 15 rounds big hit”, or “after small hits” as the stage for triggering the production (third and fourth production occurrence patterns) It is processing. In the present embodiment, processing for setting a value in a flag or a counter is also performed separately in each normal variation effect using the predetermination (so-called prefetching) as an effect generation trigger (first and second effect generation pattern) as described above. ing. Therefore, in the following, the process of selecting the precursor effect or the specific background change effect in the normal variation of “in hidden concealment change mode” or “after small hit” will be described, and in addition, in the normal variation display effect, the sign of Processing in the case of setting conditions for selecting an effect or a specific background change effect will also be described.

[Direction pattern selection process at the time of loss]
FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the off-stage effect pattern selection process (step S612 in FIG. 42). The off-direction production pattern selection process is basically executed when the result of the internal lottery is not won, depending on whether or not the current internal state is a high probability state (probably changing). In addition, depending on whether or not the warning sign (01H) after the small hit is set, the effect content selection method differs. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S250: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current internal state is a high probability state (probably changing). This confirmation can be performed based on the state designation command. In addition, when the transition to the high probability state is made after “2nd round probability change” or “15th round probability change”, “hidden probability change mode” or “probability change mode” has already been specified in the previous big hit effect selection process (FIG. 44). Therefore, it can also be confirmed here whether or not the probability change is in progress based on the value of the specific background flag. As a result, if it is confirmed that the current internal state is being changed (Yes), the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S252.

[Probably changing]
Step S252: If the probability change is in progress, the effect control CPU 126 executes a probable change sign effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a pattern of a precursor effect (predictor conversation effect) or a specific background change effect from the current flag or counter value. The details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S254: The effect control CPU 126 selects the current deviation variation effect pattern. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a variation effect pattern lottery table (not shown), and selects a deviation variation effect pattern number based on the effect random number.

〔Normal time〕
Next, a normal procedure will be described.
Step S256: When it is confirmed in the previous step S250 that there is no certain change (No), the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not a value is set in the precursor flag. As described above, when a small hit is made at normal time, the sign flag (= 01H) is set (Yes), so the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S258.

  Step S258: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes the after-hit sign effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a pattern of a precursor effect (a precursor conversation effect) from the current flag and counter values. The details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart.

  On the other hand, if it is not after the normal small hit (within 9 fluctuations), since the value (01H) is not particularly set in the precursor flag (step S256: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S260.

  Step S259: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a pre-determination sign effect execution management process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 further sets the conditions relating to the precursor effect (predictor conversation effect) and the specific background change effect from the preceding determination effect command and the operation memory number command. The details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S254: Similarly, during normal times, the effect control CPU 126 selects the current deviation variation effect pattern. When the above procedure is executed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol fluctuation pre-process (FIG. 42).

[Predictive change indication processing when certain changes occur]
FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for predictive effect selection processing at the time of probability change. As described above, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the pattern of the precursor effect or the specific background change effect during the probability change. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S349: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the specific background effect has already been executed, that is, whether or not the specific background change effect has been executed. If the specific background change effect has not been executed yet at this time (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S350.

  Step S350: Next, the effect control CPU 126 executes a background change table selection process. This process is for selecting a background change table to be used in the effect lottery in the current variation based on the value of the background change counter in (3). Although not particularly illustrated, for example, five background change tables 1 to 5 are prepared in advance, and any one of the table numbers 1 to 5 corresponding to the value of the background change counter at that time is selected.

(1) When the value of the background change counter is “8” or more In this case, the background change table 1 is selected. In this table 1, for example, the transition probability of the specific background change effect (the winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 20%. This selection corresponds to the first and second fluctuations in the above-described third effect occurrence pattern (see FIG. 38).

(2) When the value of the background change counter is “7” or “6” In this case, the background change table 2 is selected. In this table 2, for example, the transition probability of the specific background change effect (the winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 40%. This selection corresponds to the third to fourth fluctuations in the above-described third effect occurrence pattern (see FIG. 38).

(3) When the value of the background change counter is “5” or “4” In this case, the background change table 3 is selected. In this table 3, for example, the transition probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 60%. This selection corresponds to the fifth to sixth fluctuations in the above-described third effect occurrence pattern (see FIG. 38).

(4) When the value of the background change counter is “3” or “2” In this case, the background change table 4 is selected. In this table 4, for example, the transition probability of the specific background change effect (the winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 80%. This selection corresponds to the seventh to eighth fluctuations in the third effect occurrence pattern described above (see FIG. 38).

(5) When the value of the background change counter is “1” or less In this case, the background change table 5 is selected. In this table 5, for example, the transition probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 100%. This selection corresponds to the ninth change in the above-described third effect occurrence pattern (see FIG. 38).

  However, the above selection is made only in the “hidden probability change mode”. Since the background change count value is set to “1” from the beginning in “probable change mode” (step S812 in FIG. 44), 100% is always selected as the transition probability of the background change effect in step S350. become. As a result, in the “probability change mode”, the specific background change effect is executed from the beginning, whereby an obvious high probability state can be taught to the player (processing as the first specific effect executing means). In this case, the “specific mode image” ((E) in FIG. 35) may be displayed from the start of the change.

  Step S352: When any background change table number (winning probability corresponding to the value of the background change counter) is selected in the previous background change table selection process, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the selected background change table. Then, the specific background shift lottery is executed from the random number for production at that time.

  Step S354: If the winning lottery has been won (Yes), the production control CPU 126 proceeds to step S356.

  Step S356: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 resets all the values of (1) the precursor flag, (2) the specific background flag, and (3) the background change counter.

  Step S358: The effect control CPU 126 selects a specific background change pattern. The specific background change pattern selected here is for designating the content of the specific background change effect (FIGS. 34 and 35) (processing as second specific effect execution means).

  On the other hand, when it is not won in the above-mentioned transition lottery (step S354: No), the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S360.

  Step S360: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a sign effect lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a precursor conversation effect table (not shown), and executes a predecessor effect lottery based on a random number value for the effect at that time (for example, a high probability of about 254/256).

  Step S362: When the winning effect lottery in step S360 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S366.

  Step S366: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  On the other hand, when the winning effect lottery of step S360 is won (step S362: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S364.

  Step S364: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the sign conversation effect pattern number as the sign effect pattern. For example, the production control CPU 126 refers to a prelude conversation production pattern lottery table (not shown) and selects a prelude conversation production pattern number based on the production random number at that time.

  Step S366: Similarly in this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the off-effect effect pattern selection process. The various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

  Further, when the specific background effect has already been executed by the winning of the specific background transition lottery so far (step S349: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 selects the off-time effect pattern without executing the procedure after step S350. Return to processing. This prevents the specific background transition lottery from being performed repeatedly after the execution of the specific background change effect or the precursor effect lottery is performed, thereby reducing the load of the effect process.

[Benefit indication processing after small hits]
Next, FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the after-hit / earning effect selection process. In this process, a normal background change pattern is selected, or a sign effect pattern is selected by performing a sign effect lottery. However, the specific background change effect is not selected at all in the after-hit / forehead effect selection process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S450: The effect control CPU 126 executes a normal background change lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a normal background change lottery table (not shown) and executes the normal background change lottery based on the random number value for the effect at that time (for example, a probability of about 1/100).

  Step S452: Especially when the winning lottery in step S450 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S456 as it is. On the other hand, when winning in the effect lottery in step S450 (step S452: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S454.

  Step S454: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the normal background change pattern. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a normal background change pattern lottery table (not shown), and selects a normal background change pattern number based on a random number for effects. Although not particularly illustrated, the normal background change pattern is selected from “normal mode images” other than the “specific mode image” (for example, mountain landscape, lake landscape, etc.).

  Step S456: Next, the effect control CPU 126 executes a sign effect lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a prelude conversation effect table (not shown) and executes a prelude conversation effect lottery based on a random number value for the effect at that time (for example, a high probability of about 254/256).

  Step S458: Especially when the winning effect lottery in Step S456 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to Step S462.

  Step S462: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  On the other hand, when winning in the effect lottery in step S456 (step S458: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S460.

  Step S460: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the sign conversation effect pattern number as the sign effect pattern. The contents of the process are the same as those already described (step S364 in FIG. 47).

  Step S462: Similarly in this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  Step S464: As a result of the subtraction, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the value of the background change counter has become zero. If the background change count value is not yet 0 (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect pattern selection process at the time of loss. The various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

  On the other hand, if the value of the background change counter is 0 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S466.

  Step S466: Here, the production control CPU 126 initializes and resets the precursor flag (even if it is already 0, the background change count value may be reset together). Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the off-time effect pattern selection process. Similarly, the various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

  The above is the content of the processing executed after small hits during probability change or normal (within 9 fluctuations), and through the processing so far, the production trigger corresponding to the third and fourth production generation patterns is generated. Can be made.

  And in this embodiment, since the 1st, 2nd production | generation effect generation pattern is provided also at the time of a prior determination, an effect opportunity can be generated also at the normal time through the following processes. Hereinafter, the process at the time of the previous determination will be described.

[Precursor effect execution management process at the time of the first judgment]
FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the pre-determination sign effect execution management process. This process is executed in normal time except within 9 fluctuations after small hits. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S260: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the destination determination flag (= 01H) is set. If the destination determination flag is not set (No), the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S261.

  Step S261: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not an effect with the specific background (“specific mode image”) is being executed. If the effect (specific effect) by the specific background image has not been executed yet (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S262.

  Step S262: Here, the production control CPU 126 acquires the number of working memories for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The number of operating memories for each symbol can be acquired based on the above-mentioned operating memory number for each special symbol command.

  Step S263: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the number of operation memories for each special figure is N (for example, 3) or more. For example, when the number of working memories for the first special symbol is accumulated up to 3 or 4 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S264.

  Step S264: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a pre-determination sign effect lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a predictor conversation effect table (not shown) and executes the pre-determination predictor conversation effect lottery based on the effect random number at that time (for example, a probability of about 1/10 to 1/6) May be.)

  Step S266: When the winning is effected in the effect lottery in Step S264 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to Step S268.

  Step S268: Here, the effect control CPU 126 initializes the flag and counter values relating to the sign effect at the time of the previous determination.

  Step S270: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the result of the previous determination regarding the working memory that is the target of performing the precursor effect at the time of the previous determination corresponds to winning. The “target operation memory” here corresponds to the latest special figure destination determination effect command in the number of memories acquired in the previous step S262. At this time, if the latest special figure destination determination effect command indicates winning (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S272.

  Step S272: Here, the production control CPU 126 designates the “predetermined sign mode” on the production. Specifically, (1) a value (01H) is set in the destination determination flag as a production flag. Further, the effect control CPU 126 sets (2) a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the stored number as the precursor effect count maximum value. For example, when the number of memories acquired in the previous step S262 is four, the effect control CPU 126 sets (2) the predecessor effect count maximum value to 3 (= 4-1). Then, the effect control CPU 126 sets (9) “9” as the background change count value. As a result, in the subsequent precursor determination precursor mode, the precursor effect (predictor conversation effect) or the specific background change effect is selected. Note that the process of step S272 corresponds to the first effect occurrence pattern described above.

  On the other hand, if the latest special figure destination determination effect command does not represent winning in the previous step S270 (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S276.

  Step S276: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 first draws the number of effects. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect number lottery table (not shown) and selects the effect number (1 to 3 times) based on the effect random number at that time. Note that the maximum number of times that can be selected as the number of performances is again one less than the maximum number of working memories (= 3 times). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the precursor effect at the time of the previous determination from being executed more than three times.

  Step S278: Then, the effect control CPU 126 designates the “pseudo destination determination sign mode” on the effect. Specifically, (1) a value (01H) is set in the destination determination flag as a production flag. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 sets the number of times selected in the previous step S278 as (2) the maximum sign effect count value. However, the background change count value is not always set here. Thereby, in the subsequent pseudo destination determination precursor mode, the precursor effect (predictor conversation effect) is selected, but the specific background change effect is never selected. Note that the processing in step S278 corresponds to the above-described second effect occurrence pattern.

  Step S274: When the above procedure is executed, the effect control CPU 126 executes a pre-determination sign effect selection process. This process is for selecting a precursor conversation effect pattern or a specific background change effect based on the above (1) destination determination flag, (2) maximum predecessor effect count value, and (3) background change count value. is there.

  If the (1) destination determination flag has already been set (step S260: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S274 as it is. In addition, even if the above-described (1) destination determination flag is reset (step S260: No), if the effect based on the specific background is already being executed (step S261: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S274. .

  In addition, even if the above (1) destination determination flag is not set (step S260: No) and the specific background change effect is not executed (step S261: No), the number of working memories is If it is less than N (step S263: No), or even if the number of working memories is N or more (step S263: Yes), if it is not won in the first determination effect lottery (step S266: No) The effect control CPU 126 executes the predetermined indication effect selection process in step S274. A specific processing procedure will be described with reference to another flowchart.

[Precursor effect selection processing at the time of the first judgment]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a pre-determination sign effect selection process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along this example of a procedure.

  Step S280: First, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the (1) destination determination flag is set. As a result, if (1) the value (01H) is set in the destination determination flag (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S281.

  Step S281: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether (3) background change count value (> 0) is set.

[When winning is included in the first judgment result]
First, the procedure in the case where a win is included in the previous determination result will be described. In this case, (1) the destination determination flag and (3) the background change count value are set (step S280: Yes, step S281: Yes) in the precursor determination execution execution management process (step S272 in FIG. 49). ). Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S282.

  Step S282: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes background change table selection processing. The contents of this process are the same as those already described (step S350 in FIG. 47).

  Step S284: The effect control CPU 126 executes a specific background shift lottery. The contents of this process are the same as those already described (step S352 in FIG. 47).

  Step S286: If the winning lottery has been won (Yes), the production control CPU 126 proceeds to step S288.

  Step S288: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 resets all the values of (1) the destination determination flag, (2) the predecessor effect count maximum value, and (3) the background change counter.

  Step S290: The effect control CPU 126 selects a specific background change pattern. The specific background change pattern selected here is for designating the content of the specific background change effect (FIGS. 34 and 35), and the content has already been described (step S358 in FIG. 47). It is the same.

  On the other hand, when the winning lottery is not won (step S286: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S292.

  Step S292: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a pre-determination sign effect pattern selection process. Note that the details of the specific processing will be described later using still another flowchart.

  Step S294: The effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the background change count value.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect pattern selection process at the time of losing (predetermined sign effect execution management process). Note that the pattern number selected in the procedure so far is instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

[When winning is not included in the first judgment result]
Next, a procedure in the case where the winning determination is not included in the previous determination result will be described. In this case, in the preceding determination precursor effect execution management process (step S278 in FIG. 49), (1) the destination determination lag is set, but (3) the background change count value is not set (step S280: Yes, step S281: No). Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 executes steps S292 and S294 as it is without executing steps S282 to S290.

  In this case as well, when the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect pattern selection process at the time of losing (predetermined sign effect execution management process). Note that the pattern number selected in the procedure so far is instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

[When there is no production opportunity]
In addition, when the stage trigger by the previous determination does not occur during normal time, (1) the previous determination flag is not set (step S280: No). Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 executes only step S296.

  Step S296: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes normal background change selection processing. Note that the details of the specific processing will be described later using another flowchart.

[Precursor effect pattern selection processing at the time of the first judgment]
FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a pre-determination sign effect pattern selection process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

[At the time of sign production (first game)]
Step S382: First, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current sign effect count value is “0”. As a result, if the count value is “0” (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S384. The sign effect count value is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 130, for example, and is reset together with the initialization of the sign determination effect execution management process (step S268 in FIG. 49).

  Step S384: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects “prediction effect pattern 1”. The “predictive effect pattern 1” selected here corresponds to, for example, an effect (FIGS. 26 and 27) executed when the predictive conversation effect occurs (first game).

  Step S392: The effect control CPU 126 adds 1 (increments) the sign effect count value.

  Step S394: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the incremented precursor effect count value has reached the above-mentioned (2) precursor effect count maximum value. If the sign effect count value has not yet reached (2) the sign effect count maximum value (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the previous effect sign effect selection process. The pattern number selected in the procedure so far is instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

[At the time of predation production (second game)]
In the second variation, the indication effect count value is “1” after the previous increment (step S382: No), and the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S386.

  Step S386: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the indication effect count value is “1”. As a result, if the count value is “1” (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S388.

  Step S388: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects “prediction effect pattern 2”. The “predictive effect pattern 2” selected here corresponds to, for example, an effect (FIGS. 28 and 29) executed when the predictive conversation effect is continued (second game).

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 126 adds 1 to the precursor effect count value in step S392, and checks in step S394 whether or not the precursor effect count value has reached the maximum value. If the maximum value has not yet been reached (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the previous determination sign effect selection process. Similarly, the pattern number selected in the procedure so far is instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

[When the warning sign continues (3rd game)]
The subsequent effect count value increases to “2” by the subsequent change. In this case, since the indication effect count value is neither “0” nor “1” (step S382: No, step S386: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S390.

  Step S390: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects “prediction effect pattern 3”. The “predictive effect pattern 3” selected here corresponds to, for example, an effect (FIGS. 30 and 31) executed when the predictive conversation effect is continued (third game).

  After that, similarly, the effect control CPU 126 adds 1 to the precursor effect count value in step S392, and confirms whether or not the predictor effect count value has reached the maximum value in step S394. When the variation reaches the third time, the precursor effect count value becomes “3” and reaches the maximum value “3” at this time (Yes), so the effect control CPU 126 executes step S396. Note that the pattern number selected in the procedure so far is instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

  Step S396: Here, the effect control CPU 126 initializes the sign effect count value together with the above (1) destination determination flag, (2) maximum sign effect count value, and (3) background change count value.

[When subject changes]
Then, after the occurrence of the precursor effect by the previous determination, for example, in the fourth change (at the time of the target change), the (1) destination determination flag has already been reset. Not performed (step S280 in FIG. 50: No).

  Thus, the predictive conversation effect is not selected when the target changes, and the jackpot reach change effect (FIG. 32) or the outlier reach change effect (FIG. 33) is executed. As a result, a tentative settlement can be seen in the precursor effect by the previous determination.

  Here, the target variation is set to the fourth time (the number of working memories at the time of occurrence of the trigger is four). However, if the target variation is the third time, the maximum predecessor effect count value is “2”, and step S388 is executed. After that, the sign effect count value increases to “2” and reaches the maximum value (step S394: Yes), so step S390 is not executed in the preceding determination sign effect pattern selection process. Similarly, if the change of the target is the second time, since the maximum predecessor effect count value is “1”, neither step S388 nor step S390 is executed.

[Normal processing]
Note that, when the above-described (1) destination determination flag is not set at normal time, normal background change selection processing (step S296 in FIG. 50) is executed.

[Normal background change selection processing]
FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the normal background change selection process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S303: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the specific background effect is already being executed, that is, whether or not the specific background change effect has been executed. If the specific background change effect has not yet been executed at this time (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S304.

  Step S304: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a normal background change lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a normal background lottery table (not shown) and executes a normal background change lottery based on the random number value for the effect at that time (for example, a probability of about 1/100).

  Step S306: In particular, when the winning lottery in step S304 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the pre-determination sign effect selecting process. Thereafter, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect pattern selection process at the time of detachment, and selects a deviation variation effect pattern (step S254 in FIG. 46).

  On the other hand, when winning in the effect lottery in step S304 (step S306: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S310.

  Step S310: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the normal background change pattern. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a normal background change pattern lottery table (not shown) and selects a normal background change pattern number based on the effect random number at that time. Various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40).

  If the specific background effect has already been executed even during normal operation (step S303: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 performs the preceding determination time sign effect selection process without executing the above steps S304 and S306. Return. This is because, for example, when a predecessor effect is generated during the normal determination, and the winning is performed in a specific background transition lottery after that (variation 1 to 3 times), a specific background change effect is executed. In this case, step S04 is performed. , S306 is avoided. This prevents an unnatural situation (effect bug) in which a specific background screen shifts (falls) to a normal background screen after occurrence of a precursor effect by the previous determination.

[Summary of production contents]
Through the various processes relating to the above effects, the following game characteristics are realized in the present embodiment.

〔Normal time〕
When the number of working memories increases to a certain degree at normal times, a predetermined sign indication lottery is performed thereby (step S264 in FIG. 49). And if this is won, “predetermined sign mode” is designated in the production (steps S272 and S278 in FIG. 49). These are the triggers for generating the prelude conversation production, and the prelude conversation production is continued for up to 3 fluctuations from there, so that the player seems to have suddenly noticed something. Can be provided.

[When winning results are included]
At this time, if the winning result is included in the previous determination result, the background change count value is further set (step S272 in FIG. 49), whereby the specific background shift lottery is also performed (in FIG. 50). Step S284). And if this is won, a specific background change effect (FIGS. 34 and 35) is actually executed. In this case, (1) First, the player is reminded of the winner's prelude by the prelude conversation effect, and (2) The subsequent specific background change effect clearly teaches that “the winner is waiting” ( It can be disclosed), and by the flow of production from (1) to (2) above, the player will be thrilled at the beginning, and at the end, a certain sense of security will be given, and the sense of achievement at the time of winning Can be connected.

  On the other hand, even if it is not won in the specific background shift lottery, the “big hit reach fluctuation effect” is generated at the fourth fluctuation after the previous conversation effect lasts three times at the longest. In this case, (1) First of all, the player is reminded of the winner's harbinger by the prelude conversation production, and (2) is finally taught (disclosed) through the reach presentation that “winning” is finally achieved. Therefore, the flow of the production from (1) to (2) above can lead to a sense of accomplishment at the time of final winning while initially making the player throbbing.

[When winning results are not included]
If the winner is not included in the first determination result, the specific background change effect will not be executed, but in the same way as when the winner result is included, a precursor conversation effect can be generated. In spite of the normal time, it is possible to provide unexpected interest. In addition, in this case, since the number of working memories is one or more, it will be a trigger for the occurrence of a prelude conversation effect, so if you look at the game over a long period of time, the appearance rate of the prelude conversation effect can be improved accordingly, It is possible to moderately prevent boredom.

  Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the player learns that the number of working memories increases to a certain degree and the sign conversation effect is likely to occur, this is the upper start winning opening 26 and the lower start winning opening. It works as an incentive to win a lot of prizes in 28a, and will stop the decline of game motivation.

[In hidden probability change mode]
In addition, if the “2 round big hit” is won from the normal, the win is not clearly shown to the player in the production, and the behavior during the big win ends without being clearly appealed in the production, and then in the production. “Hidden probability change mode” is designated (step S808 in FIG. 44).

  In this case, designation of the “hidden probability change mode” is a trigger for generating a sign effect, and a sign effect lottery is performed (step S360 in FIG. 47). And by winning with a high probability, the prelude conversation production will continue for up to 8 fluctuations from there, so it seems as if something suddenly occurred to the player Can provide interest.

  Furthermore, since the background change count value is set by designating the “hidden probability change mode” (step S808 in FIG. 44), the specific background shift lottery is also performed (step S352 in FIG. 47). And if this is won, a specific background change effect (FIGS. 34 and 35) is actually executed. In this case, (1) First, the player will be reminded of the winner's prelude by the prelude conversation production, and (2) the winning of the winning is actually awaiting (in this case, “Confirming the change in probability” ")" Can be clearly taught (disclosed), so the flow of production from (1) to (2) above makes the player throbbing at first, but at the end a certain sense of security By giving you a sense of accomplishment at the next winning.

  On the other hand, if the precursor conversation effect lasts 8 times at the longest, the specific background transition probability reaches 100% at the next fluctuation 9th time, so that the specific background change effect can be surely generated. In this case, (1) First, the player is reminded of the winner's prelude by the prelude conversation production, and (2) the specific background change production is executed after a certain number of fluctuations. Can be clearly instructed (disclosed) ”(in this case,“ determined during probability change ”)”. Therefore, here too, the flow of production from (1) to (2) above will lead to a sense of accomplishment at the next winning by giving the player a sense of security at the beginning while making the player throbbing at the beginning. be able to.

  In addition, even if you win in the internal lottery before the specific background change effect is executed in the “hidden probability change mode”, the final signing conversation effect until the beginning, It can lead to a sense of achievement at the time of winning.

[After small hits]
When a small hit is made during normal times, a specific background change effect is not executed, but since a provocative conversation effect can be generated here as well, it is also an unexpected interest even though it is normal. Can be provided to the player. Further, in this case, as in the “in hidden concealment change mode”, the sign conversation production may continue for a maximum of 8 fluctuations, so that the player can be given a feeling of tension that is long. For this reason, over a long period of time, it is possible to prevent the player from getting bored and stop the decline in the game motivation.

[Effects of common effects]
Further, in the present embodiment, for all of the first to fourth effect generation patterns, the sign conversation effect is executed in a common mode. Also, the first effect occurrence pattern (when winning is included in the previous determination result) and the third effect occurrence pattern (designation of the hidden probability variation mode) share the same specific background change effect.

  For this reason, for example, when comparing FIG. 36 and FIG. 38, the sign conversation effect is executed in a common manner from the time when each effect occurs until the third change. Furthermore, since the specific background transition probabilities similarly change according to the number of changes during the first to fourth changes, the occurrence frequency of the specific background change effect is also the same.

  Therefore, after winning a prelude conversation effect during a game, if winning up to around the fourth change, whether or not a specific background change effect has been performed in the middle, it is due to winning of the previous determination result It can be difficult to determine whether it was a thing or a win in the hidden probability change mode. Thereby, various guess materials can be given to the player, and thereby, the curiosity for the game can be stimulated, and further exploration for the production contents can be strengthened.

  In addition, after the occurrence of the prelude conversation production, if the prelude conversation production continues until the fourth change, the possibility of “winning the previous determination result” disappears at that stage, but it is still possible to be in “hidden probability change mode” Sex remains. For this reason, if the prelude conversation production lasts for a long time, the player's interest can be shifted to whether or not the “specific background change production” will occur by the ninth time of the change. Sex can be maintained.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since it is possible to generate a prelude effect using the first determination (winning or non-winning) and small hits without depending on only “two round winning” in the internal lottery, As a result, surprising and surprising performances can be executed with a high frequency, and the decline in game willingness can be suppressed for a long time.

  In addition, if a player who has a winning experience (a big hit) after the occurrence of a predictive conversation effect in the past, even if it appears to be normal at first glance, Can give the player a feeling that the jackpot is close by experience.

  Furthermore, since the aura conversation production is a mode that continues across multiple fluctuations, even if the working memory is interrupted in the middle, the fluctuation during the aura conversation production continues to be expected compared to the normal fluctuation. High fluctuation. Therefore, it is possible to give the player an incentive to quickly identify the next effect so as to start the next change early, and to keep the motivation for the game high.

  As a result, if the predictive conversation effect is developed and then the reach variation effect is developed, it may be due to “winning of the first judgment result” or “winning in the hidden probability change mode” to some extent. Since it can be connected to a grounded expectation, it is possible to make the player feel the significance of a higher value reach production as compared to the reach fluctuation production that occurs in normal times. As a result, even if it is a reach production that is not very reliable in terms of content (so-called normal reach), if it occurs following a prelude conversation production, it can find a sense of expectation more than usual. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the decline in gaming motivation.

  In this way, in this embodiment, by improving the appearance rate (occurrence frequency) of predictive conversation effects, it is possible to maintain a sense of expectation that is easily interrupted for each change, and thus start changing one after another. By giving the player the incentive to make it possible to find out the significance of the path to winning that will be awaited ahead, without ending up with a mere digestive change, even if the change is out of place.

[Other Embodiments]
In one embodiment, the transition probability of the specific background change effect is 20 when the background change count value changes by two (every two fluctuations) when the previous determination result includes a win or during the hidden probability change mode. However, it is not limited to such a correspondence. For example, when the background change count value changes by 1 (every change), the transition probability may be increased by 10% or may be decreased along the way. The transition probability may be changed randomly.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment, the logic that the specific background change effect is always executed by setting the selection probability of the background change table to 100% is taken as an example, but when the background change count value becomes “1”, for example, A logic that forcibly selects a specific background change effect in the probable change sign effect selection process of FIG. 47 may be adopted without executing the effect lottery.

  In addition, the images given in the various effects 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 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol Display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (2)

Lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element required for internal lottery when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the internal lottery is executed on the condition that the lottery element has been acquired by the lottery element acquisition means in association with the occurrence of the lottery opportunity, the symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined variation time, and then the symbol is stopped and displayed. A symbol display means for displaying the result of the internal lottery,
When the lottery trigger occurs when the start condition for starting the symbol variation display by the symbol display means is not satisfied, the lottery elements acquired by the lottery element acquisition means are stored up to a predetermined upper limit number. Lottery element storage means;
Storage number display means for displaying the number of lottery elements stored in the lottery element storage means;
When the lottery trigger occurs when the start condition is satisfied, the internal lottery is executed using the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit, and the symbol display is performed by the symbol display unit. Internal lottery execution means for consuming the lottery element and executing the internal lottery when the lottery element is stored by the lottery element storage means at the time of stop display after
The internal lottery execution is performed when the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit is newly stored in the lottery element storage unit due to the occurrence of the lottery opportunity when the start condition is not satisfied. A destination determination means for determining in advance the result of the internal lottery using the new lottery element before being consumed by the means;
At the time of symbol variation display by the symbol display means, after executing a variation display effect corresponding to the symbol variation display within at least the variation time, a result display effect corresponding to the symbol stop display mode by the symbol display means A design effect execution means for executing
High probability state transition means for transitioning to a high probability state in which the probability of winning in the internal lottery is changed to be higher than normal, with the opportunity that at least the internal lottery has been won,
At least in the case of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means, a common mode is present when the high probability state transition means is shifted to the high probability state and when the normal probability is not shifted to the high probability state. A common background effect executing means for executing a common background effect using a background image;
At least one of the conditions when the high-probability state transition means has shifted to the high-probability state or when the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance by the destination determination means is satisfied. Accordingly, a gaming machine comprising: a specific background effect executing means for executing a specific background effect using a background image of a common aspect that discloses that any one of the conditions is satisfied. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
In the state where the common background effect is executed by the common background effect execution means, the high probability state transfer means has already shifted to the high probability state, or the result of the internal lottery is preliminarily determined by the destination determination means. Based on the fact that at least one of the two conditions is satisfied, the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner that represents winning in the symbol variation display by the symbol display means after that. A game machine further comprising a warning effect execution means for executing a warning effect of a common mode for notifying that there is a possibility of being executed.

Images